Short Trips colombia caribbean coast birding tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 6 days

Birding Along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia

During this short birding tour to the Caribbean Coast, we will have the opportunity to see an amazing concentration of endemic bird species in the spectacular Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, as well as a great variety of shorebirds and aquatic birds that are found in the mangroves and lagoons of Isla Salamanca. You will have the chance to spot Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (Lepidopyga lilliae), Chestnut Piculet (Picumnus cinnamomeus), Bicolored Conebill (Conirostrum bicolor), White-tailed Starfrontlet (Coeligena phalerata), Santa Marta Sabrewing (Campylopterus phainopeplus) and Santa Marta Woodstar (Chaetocercus astreans).This tour will be enhanced by the opportunity to visit the historic cities of Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta.

EXPERIENCE TYPE Birding, Eco-Tourism & Local Traditions

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Essential Information

Accommodation

Tour Highlights

Natural Parks and Reserves

El Dorado Bird Reserve

This reserve protects some 1,729 acres of cloud forest between 900 and 2,599 meters above sea level and was created to protect part of this important area of endemism called Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, which is part of the buffer zone of Sierra de Santa Marta National Park.

Target species: Santa Marta Brush-Finch, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Tapaculo, Santa Marta Woodstar, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Santa Marta Bush-Tytant, Santa Marta Sabrewing, Santa Marta Wood-Wren, Santa Marta Screech-Owl, White-lored Warbler, White-rumped Hawk, Coppery Emerald, Streak-capped Spinetail and White-tipped Quetzal.

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Isla Salamanca National Park

This protected area is the only one in the country that belongs to the management category of "Park Way," since the highway that connects the cities of Barranquilla and Santa Marta cross the park through its length. Several wetlands, lagoons and mangroves cover the area, providing a home for several species of fauna and flora associated with this habitat.

Target species: Bronzed Cowbird, Carib Grackle, Chestnut Piculet, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Golden-green Woodpecker, Northern Scrub-Flycatcher, Black-crested Antshrike, and Yellow-hooded Blackbird.

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Culture Activities

City Tour in Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is one of Latin America's most fascinating, romantic, and beautiful colonial cities. Located on the Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of history, colourful streets and great people, making it a fairy tale city of romance.

Cartagena is a city of contrast between the old town, the urban area, the beach and the local Afro-Colombian communities that usually live in the coastal zone and have fishing traditions in the sea and in the wetlands that connect sea life with the continental ecosystems. These communities love dancing, playing the drums, eating seafood and playing football on the beach.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Arrive in Santa Marta. Transfer to El Dorado

Arrive in Santa Marta before 3pm. Your tour guide will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to El Dorado Nature Reserve. This reserve, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is known as the reserve with the highest concentration of endemic birds in South America. It covers 1,729 acres of cloud forest between 2,952 and 8,530 feet above sea level. It is home to more than 400 bird species, among them the White-tailed Startfrontlet, Santa Marta Sabrewing, Santa Marta Woodstar, and Santa Marta Antpitta.

Overnight: El Dorado Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner

DAY 2 Birding in El Dorado Nature Reserve

We will start the day birding at La Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, a small mountain ridge separated from the main Santa Marta mountain by a deep valley. Its highest point is 2,700 metres, which is high enough to find most of the endemic bird species in the area, such as the Santa Marta brush-finch, Santa Marta mountain-tanager, and Santa Marta parakeet, among others. We will spend the morning there and then come back to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will keep birding along other trails in the reserve.

Overnight: El Dorado Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Birding in El Dorado Nature Reserve

Today, we will carry on birding at El Dorado along other trails of the reserve.

Overnight: El Dorado Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 Isla Salamanca and Transfer to Cartagena

Early in the morning, we will have the last chance to birdwatch at El Dorado before embarking on our journey to Cartagena. En route to Cartagena, we’ll visit Isla Salamanca, a natural park renowned for its extensive wetlands, lagoons and mangroves. At Isla Salamanca, we’ll seek out local bird species such as the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, Chestnut Piculet, and Bicolored Conebill. After exploring the park, we will continue towards Cartagena.

Upon arrival in Cartagena, we will go to the hotel.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 Birding in La Boquilla and City Tour in Cartagena

Early in morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe across the mangroves in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, we will be able to see native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem.

Then, we will have a city tour that covers the Convento de la Popa, the Castillo de San Felipe, and the old city. The old city is surrounded by impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect it against enemies and looters.

The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies. It was built at the end of the XVI century to defend the city. Its construction began on September 8 of, 1614, after the attack of the legendary Sir Francis Drake by order of King Philip III. It is the most preserved and complete fortification in South America and one of the best-walled cities in the world. It is a World Cultural Heritage Site and an invaluable treasure that has resisted the attacks of invaders, time and nature.

The old city is Cartagena's historic heart and soul. We will walk its cobbled streets, visiting and passing by the main historical sites.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 End of the tour

At the time requested, we will transfer you to the airport for your international flight back home.

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Essential Information

What's Included

Airports pick up and drop off
5 nights' accommodation
Private ground transport
Meals as defined in the itinerary
Birding and local tour guides fluent in English
Entry tickets to all natural parks and reserves mentioned in the itinerary
Daily insurance during the activities

What's Not Included

International / Domestic flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips and other discretionary expenses
Early check-in or late checkout
Travel Insurance

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question or whish to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Accommodation

Cartagena

Hotel Alfiz

Hotel Alfiz in Cartagena, Colombia, is housed in a restored 17th-century colonial mansion. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated, reflecting different periods of Cartagena’s history. Guests can enjoy the cozy library, refreshing plunge pool, and delightful courtyard garden. The hotel’s central location allows easy exploration of Cartagena’s vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and lively dining and shopping scenes. Hotel Alfiz is an ideal retreat for those seeking an authentic and intimate stay.

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El Dorado Nature Reserve

El Dorado Lodge

Named after the legendary city of gold, El Dorado is the Holy Grail for birding in Colombia. EL Dorado Nature Reserve includes ten rooms and five Kogihabs, offering wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and its legendary sunsets over the Caribbean Sea.

Visitors can also enjoy unlimited water, coffee, and fruits. There are also several trails, sitting areas, and an observation tower.

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Amazing tour company

I have traveled throughout the world and worked with many tour companies. Uncover Colombia is the most organized, detailed and responsive tour company I have worked with. Every guide that was provided is an amazing and enthusiastic person. Accommodations were incredible. Overall , nothing can top it ! USE UNCOVER COLOMBIA and you won't be disappointed.

– Richard, January 2026

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Uncover Colombia put together an itinerary for us based on our love of nature, scenery, and hiking, and our desire to see some of the best the country has to offer. We loved their suggestions and we have felt looked after every step of the way - hotel bookings, transfers, internal flights, guides...

– Ellie, January 2026

Amazing

Beatriz was a wonderful tour guide for visiting Guatape city from Medellin. She went out of her way to help me find shoes before we officially started our tour because my shoes got ruined in the rain the day before and I had nothing proper to wear. She has a clear love for the city she grew up in and that personal connection to it made the tour and information she shared more genuine and meaningful.

– Rahma, January 2026

Colombia travel

We traveled three weeks across Colombia – from Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Medellín, the Pacific coast of Nuquí, the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, and finally Cartagena. In one word: exceptionally well organized. Excellent guides, seamless transfers, and an organization where everything worked exactly as planned.

– Damjan, December 2025

What about it? Look no further!

We have travelled to just under 80 countries around the world, often on our own, sometimes, when the country had some problems, relying on an agency; something we decided to do for Colombia as well. I must say that UncoverColombia is absolutely among the best tour operators I have ever met. The organization is immaculate, precise and very accurate...

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A professional tour operator

Uncover Colombia did a great job in arranging accommodation, transport which included 4 domestic flights and meals. Most importantly, they have assigned tourist guides who are professional, friendly and passionate. They are sometimes funny and always helpful.

– S L, August 2025

Blown Away

Every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could. The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an interesting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla...

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive...

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...

– Daniela, July 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2024

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable...

– Gary, July 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.

– Mates, July 2024

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All our tours are private and can be customised. Just complete our tailor-made tour form or give us a call. We’re flexible and happy to design the most suitable Colombia tour for you!

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Short Trips colombia caribbean coast birding tour

Birding Along the Caribbean Coast of Colombia

Natural Parks and Reserves

El Dorado Bird Reserve

Isla Salamanca National Park

Culture Activities

City Tour in Cartagena

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Santa Marta. Transfer to El Dorado

DAY 2 Birding in El Dorado Nature Reserve

DAY 3 Birding in El Dorado Nature Reserve

DAY 4 Isla Salamanca and Transfer to Cartagena

DAY 5 Birding in La Boquilla and City Tour in Cartagena

DAY 6 End of the tour

What's Included

What's Not Included

How to Book

Cartagena

Hotel Alfiz

El Dorado Nature Reserve

El Dorado Lodge

Amazing tour company

Bespoke tour of the highlights of Colombia with a focus on nature

Amazing

Colombia travel

What about it? Look no further!

A professional tour operator

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Want to know more?

get in touch