Colombia | Birding the Santa Marta Highlands and the Atlantic Coast
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About this trip
Notable as the highest coastal mountain range in the world, Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is famed for its high levels of biodiversity, with more than a quarter of the country’s avian endemics found here. On this 9-day journey with Eric Moore, begin at sea level in the wetlands, mangroves, and dry forest reserves of the Atlantic coast before ascending up into the Santa Marta Mountains, including the birding hotspots of El Dorado Natural Reserve and the San Lorenzo Ridge. Spend several days exploring lowland foothills and coffee plantations as well as high-elevation cloud forests and dry forests. During your journey, you’ll also meet members of the local Indigenous community and learn about conservation efforts to use birding as a sustainable development resource in the region.
BACK-TO-BACK ADVENTURE: Extend your Colombia birding experience by pairing this trip with Birding the Central Andes with Eric Moore, Jan. 12-20, 2027.
Highlights
- Seek out some of the 20-plus endemic species that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, such as the Santa Marta Parakeet, White-tailed Starfrontlet, Rusty-headed Spinetail, Brown-rumped Tapaculo, Yellow crowned Redstart, Santa Marta Warbler, and White-tipped Quetzal.
- Observe the large population of American Flamingos and other shorebirds at Los Flamencos Sanctuary, an important coastal wetland and dry forest reserve.
- Visit the mangrove habitats in the birding hotspot known as KM 4 in Salamanca National Park, where possible sightings include the Russet-throated Puffbird, Stripe-backed Wren, Caribbean Hornero, and Turquoise-winged Parrotlet.
- Bird the sandy trails of La Guajira Peninsula, a very arid coastal landscape whose sub-xerophytic conditions support a unique diversity of avian species.
- Meet members of the region’s Indigenous Wayúu community and learn about their history and culture.
Meet your host
Eric Moore
Eric’s interest in wild birds began as a young boy growing up in New England. At age six, Eric moved to Tucson where his love of wild birds took flight. He joined the Tucson Audubon Society when he was only 13 years old and was blessed to have wonderful mentors as he birded throughout southeastern Arizona.
After Eric moved from Tucson to Prescott in 1991, he eventually followed his dream to combine his love of birds with his retail career experience and opened Jay’s Bird Barn in 2003 in Prescott. In 2023 Eric moved his business to a new location and rebranded—Jay’s Bird Barn is now called The Lookout. The Lookout is a backyard, wild bird and nature gift store and an optics store where we sell both Vortex and Swarovski binoculars, spotting scopes and optics accessories.
Eric has birded in Europe, Africa, South and Central America, Mexico, and islands in the Caribbean as well as 44 states.
Activity Level 3: Moderate
Participants should be able to ascend or descend 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 3 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 3 or more hours at a time.
$3,795
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $505
What makes us different
Wildlife up-close
Support local communities
Scopes
Flight arrangements
Sustainable travel
Service anytime
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryBarranquilla
Riohacha
Riohacha
Santa Marta
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Barranquilla
Depart
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,795
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $505
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Full time expert birding guide for duration of program
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Water refill station during transfers
- Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Items of personal nature
Pricing Details
A deposit of $350 per person is required to reserve your place on the program. Reservations received after the final payment deadline must be accompanied by full payment. Should you need to cancel your reservation, the following fees will apply: 120 days or more before departure: $100 per person cancellation fee. 119-96 days before departure: $350 per person cancellation fee (full deposit). 95 days or fewer before departure: 100% of the total program cost is non-refundable. In most cases, any applicable refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $505
Final payment due date: September 30, 2026
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport with at least one blank page to enter Colombia. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without prior notice, it is strongly recommended that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure date.
A Colombian visa is not required for tourist stays of 90 days or less. Travelers entering Colombia are sometimes asked to present evidence of return or onward travel, usually in the form of a plane ticket.
A Migración Colombia Check-Mig immigration form must be completed within 72 hours of your flight to Colombia and at least 1 hour prior to boarding. You will be required to enter the address of your accommodation (to be provided in your pre-departure documents) and your flight number. The form can be found at https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en. You will receive a confirmation email that you will need to present upon arrival in Colombia. (You may also be asked to show this confirmation before boarding your flight in the U.S.)
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Colombian Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health & Safety
Please consult your physician for guidance on medical issues. Holbrook Travel is not authorized to provide medical information and the following advice should be confirmed with your doctor.
Immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine, before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Colombia (unless you are arriving from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, in which case yellow fever vaccine is required). According to the CDC, yellow fever is a risk in much of Colombia. While not required for entry into the country, the CDC does recommend the yellow fever vaccine for most travelers.
Additionally, the CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Colombia.
Please visit cdc.gov/travel or consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
Malaria
The CDC warns that travelers to Colombia may be at risk for exposure to malaria, especially at elevations below 5,600 feet. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.
Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.
Other Insect-borne Illnesses
Other insect-borne illnesses are known to occur in Colombia, including dengue fever, leishmaniasis, Zika virus, and others. Travelers to Colombia should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above.
After spending time outdoors, especially in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.
As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Altitude sickness
Upon arrival at locations of high elevation (above 5,000 feet), shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms.
Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Liability Waivers
Please note you may be asked locally to sign liability waivers in order to participate in certain activities. If you would like to receive a copy of any required waiver in advance, please contact Holbrook Travel.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in the New Headings Gear Store. Use code HolbrookGuest10 for a 10% discount on your purchase.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Colombia. Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
This itinerary visits a variety of habitats and elevations, from sea level up to over 9,000 feet. Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day and at varying elevations. At higher elevations, warm clothing is recommended. Temperatures can be cool, especially at night and early in the morning. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.
For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green.
- A combination of short- and long-sleeved shirts that can be worn in layers, including lightweight long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
- Shorts
- Long pants – Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection, and warmer pants for higher elevations
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Jacket, fleece, or sweater/sweatshirt
- Bathing suit – for the beach, plus some hotels have pools
- Socks – Bring extra pairs.
- Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals for the beach and around the hotel. You may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes for the beach.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of your fellow travelers).
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – While small bars or liquid soap are usually provided, washcloths are not standard in all accommodations. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed, as it may not be available at all roadside stops
Your local guide will carry a basic first aid kit. However, you may also wish to pack a small medical kit for personal use. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel to treat sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, COVID-19 self-test kit, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable) – Packing medications in the original bottles/packaging with pharmacy labeling is recommended.
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Entertainment (e.g. music, a deck of cards, reading material and a portable bright light to read by) for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Money belt
- Chargers for electronics
- Dry bags for electronics
Questions?
Contact Jill Hays at 877-846-6296 or jill@holbrooktravel.com.
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