Birding Colombia

Trip highlights

• Explore the Caribbean coast. Bird the coastal wetland and mangrove habitats of Salamanca National Park and Los Flamencos Sanctuary in search of russet-throated puffbird, bicolored conebill, and vermilion cardinal.

• Visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains. The highest coastal mountain range in the world is home to more than a quarter of the country’s endemic species, including Santa Marta antpitta, Santa Marta woodstar, and Santa Marta warbler.

• Meet the indigenous Wayúu people. Learn about their culture, represented in their weaving, ceramics, vegetation, and gastronomy.

• Hike the cloud forest. Enjoy several days of birding at El Dorado Lodge, the ProAves Foundation’s flagship lodge. Learn about their role in establishing the Cerulean Warbler Conservation Corridor and ProAves Reserve.

• Travel with a small group. The maximum number of travelers is 12. We think the small-group atmosphere allows you to get closer to your guide, each other, and, most importantly, nature.

Activity Level 2: Easy-Moderate

Participants should be able to walk at least 2 to 3 hours over some uneven and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty and should be able to ascend or descend 50 stairs consecutively. Physical activities typically last for at least 2 to 3 hours at a time.

Health & Safety

There are no vaccinations required for entry into Colombia. A note about 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. Additionally, 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.