El Dorado Bird Reserve

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the crown jewel of Colombian birding. Nearly 20 endemic species inhabit the mountain and all of them can be found in the El Dorado Bird Reserve that protects 1800 acres of subtropical and montane forest.

Los Flamencos Sanctuary

Los Flamencos Sanctuary is an important coastal wetland and dry forest reserve created to protect a large population of the American Flamingo. The reserve is best accessed through the small town of Camarones. The flamingos and numerous other waders, herons, ibis, gulls and terns can be found in large saltwater lagoons. In addition, the xerophytic scrub vegetation of the area is very productive for all of the Guajira specialties restricted to NE Colombia and NW Venezuela. A telescope is recommended.

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park (NP) is conveniently located close to Santa Marta and famous for its world-class beaches and rich indigenous history, with several archeological sites within the park. It protects a range of habitats from dry scrub to humid tropical forest, which are excellent for Neotropical migrants and a range of interesting resident species. It is one of Colombia?s most popular tourism destinations.

Isla de Salamanca

: Isla de Salamanca is a Colombian National Park protecting mangrove habitats and adjacent coastal scrub. The construction of the coastal highway between Santa Marta and Barranquilla altered water-flow in the large Cienaga Grande, resulting in the degradation of large segments of mangroves. Thankfully, many mangroves remain, including at the most-visited sector of the park, the visitor center at Los Cocos. The boardwalk trail at Los Cocos is in need of maintenance at this time. THIS GENERAL AREA CAN BE DANGEROUS FROM THIEVES. WE RECOMMEND VISITORS NOT TO LEAVE VEHICLES.

Isla San Andres

sla San Andres is a small Caribbean island located off the coast of Nicaragua - but still Colombian territory. Along with sandy beaches, coral reefs and crystalline waters, the island is home to substantial numbers of Neotropical migrants, two endemic species and several endemic subspecies.

Minca

This pleasant town full of shade coffee farms and waterfalls is just 30 minutes above Santa Marta city, and is full of wonderful birds! Makes a great stop on the way up to Santa Marta Mtn, but the Minca area warrants a full day of exploration