Sierra Nevada Indigenous Birding Experience
An 8-day immersive journey through Colombia's most biodiverse mountain range with expert indigenous guides
Tour Overview
Experience the world's highest coastal mountain range through the eyes of those who know it best - the indigenous Kogi and Wayuu peoples who have called these mountains home for centuries. This carefully crafted 8-day itinerary takes you from misty cloud forests to coastal scrublands, with expert local guides revealing both the incredible biodiversity and rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most important endemism centers in the world. With over 600 bird species, including 19 endemics found nowhere else on Earth, this mountain range offers unparalleled birding opportunities in a variety of ecosystems.
Highlights
- Search for 19 endemic bird species with expert local guides
- Experience meaningful cultural exchange with Kogi and Wayuu communities
- Explore five distinct ecosystems from cloud forest to coastal scrubland
- Support indigenous-led conservation initiatives
- Small group size (maximum 4 participants) for minimal impact
Read About This Experience
Explore our detailed blog post about this exact itinerary, written by our lead guide Martin Melendro:
Read: Guardians of the Sky - Birding with the Kogi and Wayuu →Day by Day Itinerary
El Dorado Cloud Forest Immersion
Our expedition begins with three full days in the misty cloud forests of El Dorado Reserve, where David's intimate knowledge of the endemic species proves invaluable. The extended stay allows us to explore different trail systems at various times of day, maximizing our chances with the region's most elusive endemics.
Day 1: Arrival and introduction to cloud forest birding
Day 2: Full day exploring remote trails for endemic species
Day 3: Flexible day for photography and return visits
Minca Transitional Zone Deep Dive
Our two days in Minca allow for thorough exploration of the transitional zone between cloud forest and dry forest. This ecological gradient creates unique birding opportunities as species from different elevations overlap in this remarkable area.
Day 4: Higher elevation trails exploring cloud forest and mid-elevation species
Day 5: Lower elevation trails and different habitat types
Tayrona National Park & Kogi Cultural Exchange
Two full days with Dagoberto in Tayrona's diverse habitats provide unparalleled access to this complex ecosystem. The extended time allows for both intensive birding and meaningful cultural exchange with the Kogi people.
Day 6: Coastal forests and specialized avifauna
Day 7: Inland valleys, higher elevations, and Kogi cultural exchange
Riohacha - Cardinal Guajiro Finale
Our final day brings us to the coastal scrublands around Riohacha, where Yeferson's ancestral knowledge of the Wayuu territory proves essential for finding the endemic Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinal Guajiro).
Morning search for the Vermilion Cardinal in Wayuu territory
Cultural exchange with Wayuu community
Departure or extension options
Target Species
Endemic Species
- • Santa Marta Parakeet (Pyrrhura viridicata)
- • Santa Marta Warbler (Myiothlypis basilica)
- • Santa Marta Woodstar (Chaetocercus astreans)
- • Santa Marta Antpitta (Grallaria bangsi)
- • White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata)
- • Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus)
Near-Endemic Species
- • Blue-naped Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia cyanea)
- • Golden-winged Sparrow (Arremon schlegeli)
- • Black-fronted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus atrifrons)
- • Rosy Thrush-Tanager (Rhodinocichla rosea)
- • Black-backed Antshrike (Thamnophilus melanonotus)
Highlight Species
- • Blue-billed Curassow (Crax alberti)
- • Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
- • Green Honeycreeper (Chlorophanes spiza)
- • Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
- • Masked Trogon (Trogon personatus)
Accommodations
El Dorado Lodge
Days 1-3: Cloud forest eco-lodge
Minca Eco-Hotel
Days 4-5: Boutique hotel in transitional forest
Tayrona Eco-Lodge
Days 6-7: Sustainable lodge near national park
Riohacha Boutique Hotel
Day 8: Comfortable hotel in coastal town