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Sierra Nevada Two-Day Endemic Birding Expedition

A two-day private birding expedition from Minca through lowland forest, El Campano and the high-elevation San Lorenzo Ridge and Cerro Kennedy.

  • Colombia Show on map
  • 2 days
  • Price on request
  • Dates on request
  • Private tour
  • Pace: moderate
  • Language: Spanish
  • City: Minca
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Sierra Nevada Two-Day Endemic Birding Expedition
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About this tour

Explore the remarkable elevation range of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta over two focused days, moving from the bird-rich foothills around Minca to mid-elevation forest and the cool cloud forest of the San Lorenzo Ridge. The route is designed for dedicated birders and photographers seeking endemic and range-restricted species while making the most of the strongest activity periods at each elevation.

The first day combines lowland birding, El Campano and a first high-elevation session before an overnight stay in the mountains. The second morning begins before sunrise for another concentrated search along the ridge and around Cerro Kennedy, followed by a return to Minca around midday. Four-wheel-drive transport connects the main birding stops, while the walks themselves are mostly on easy trails and rural paths.

Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Colombia.

Birds you can spot

Brown-rumped Tapaculo
Brown-rumped Tapaculo
Scytalopus latebricola
target
Golden-breasted Fruiteater
Golden-breasted Fruiteater
Pipreola aureopectus
target
Keel-billed Toucan
Keel-billed Toucan
Ramphastos sulfuratus
target
Military Macaw
Military Macaw
Ara militaris
target
Rusty-headed Spinetail
Rusty-headed Spinetail
Synallaxis fuscorufa
target
Santa Marta Antpitta
Santa Marta Antpitta
Grallaria bangsi
target
Santa Marta Brushfinch
Santa Marta Brushfinch
Atlapetes melanocephalus
target
Santa Marta Bush Tyrant
Santa Marta Bush Tyrant
Myiotheretes pernix
target
Santa Marta Mountain Tanager
Santa Marta Mountain Tanager
Anisognathus melanogenys
target
Santa Marta Parakeet
Santa Marta Parakeet
Pyrrhura viridicata
target
Santa Marta Warbler
Santa Marta Warbler
Myiothlypis basilica
target
White-tailed Starfrontlet
White-tailed Starfrontlet
Coeligena phalerata
target
White-tipped Quetzal
White-tipped Quetzal
Pharomachrus fulgidus
target
Yellow-crowned Whitestart
Yellow-crowned Whitestart
Myioborus flavivertex
target

Itinerary

Day 1
Minca lowlands, El Campano and the high ridge
Minca
Foothill trails, rural roads and high-elevation cloud forest Approximately 350-2,900 m
Meals: B L D
Begin with early birding on productive lowland trails before breakfast in Minca. Continue by four-wheel-drive vehicle to El Campano for mid-elevation specialties, then climb after lunch toward the San Lorenzo Ridge and Cerro Kennedy for a first high-altitude session and sunset views. After dinner, an optional nocturnal search may be possible when conditions are suitable.
Accommodation: Mountain accommodation arranged by Minca Birding
Confirmed with the final itinerary One night of simple mountain accommodation is included between the two birding days.
Day 2
Sunrise birding on San Lorenzo Ridge
Cerro Kennedy and San Lorenzo Ridge
05:00 - Around midday
Cloud-forest roads and trails Approximately 1,600-2,880 m
Meals: B L
Depart before dawn for sunrise and bird the ridge during the strongest morning hours, including productive areas around La Y and the surroundings of El Dorado. The route remains outside the reserve trails unless the final itinerary explicitly states otherwise. Return toward Minca around midday.
Accommodation: Mountain accommodation arranged by Minca Birding
Confirmed with the final itinerary One night of simple mountain accommodation is included between the two birding days.

Locations & map

  • Minca - Magdalena Colombia (Tropical foothill climate; conditions vary with elevation and season.)
  • El Campano mid-elevation route - Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Colombia (Mild coffee-growing climate, commonly around 20-25 C.)
  • Cerro Kennedy and San Lorenzo Ridge - Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Colombia (Cool high-elevation conditions at dawn, warming during descent.)

2 stops in itinerary order. Select a marker for its name.

Availability & pricing

Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round by arrangement; sightings and access depend on current conditions

Price: Price on request

Included

  • Private four-wheel-drive transport throughout the route
  • Professional bilingual birding guide
  • Travel insurance
  • One night of accommodation
  • Two breakfasts
  • Two lunches
  • One dinner

Not included

  • Personal expenses and any item not expressly confirmed in the final itinerary

Transport & stays

  • Private 4x4 vehicle Off-road transport is used between Minca, El Campano and the high-elevation birding areas. | Meet: Minca | Pickup: Minca hotel pickup; other pickup arrangements confirmed after inquiry

Accommodations

  • Mountain accommodation arranged by Minca Birding (days 1-2) Confirmed with the final itinerary

Policies & FAQ

Why is a four-wheel-drive vehicle used?

The mountain roads to El Campano, Cerro Kennedy and the San Lorenzo Ridge include unpaved sections where a suitable vehicle and experienced local driver are important.

Are the walks difficult?

Most birding is on easy trails and rural paths, but the programme includes early starts, high elevation and a full field schedule.

Does the itinerary enter El Dorado Reserve?

The published programme focuses on productive routes around the reserve rather than trails inside it. Any change is confirmed in the final itinerary.

Send inquiry

Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.

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