Compare Colombia - Northern Endemics of Santa Marta and Perija 2021 by Rockjumper Birding vs Caribbean Colombia by Culture Trip
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 12 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,995 | $ 2,069 |
| Price Per Day | $ 416 | $ 259 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | Seven breakfasts, five lunches, four dinners |
| Description |
Colombia has more bird species than any other country; a staggering 1 900 species occur within the confines of this incredible nation, of which 89 are endemic! Our endemics-laden tour of Northern Colombia takes us to the Santa Marta Mountains and the Guajira Peninsula on the northern coast of Colombia, as well as the recently explored Perija range on the Venezuelan border. The Santa Marta massif is an isolated mountain range and its snow-capped peaks are the highest coastal mountains in the world. It is also one of the most endemic-rich regions of South America, hosting nearly 50 endemics and regional specialities plus numerous endemic subspecies (several of which, upon further taxonomic review, are likely to be elevated to full species status in the future). We spend time at both low and high elevations of the Perija Range, birding near Valledupar before basing ourselves at the Chamicero Reserve. Purchased in 2014 after the discovery of good forest tracts on accessible land for the entire suite of Sierra de Perija endemics, including the yet-to-be-described Perija Tapaculo and another 35 subspecies that need further research. The local forms of Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Emerald Toucanet, Rufous Spinetail and Rufous Antpitta are all proposed splits that require more conclusive documentation. |
From pristine beaches to snow-capped mountains, discover the majestic landscapes of Colombia’s Caribbean coast on this eight-day adventure. Wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s walled city, sample authentic street food and canoe through mangroves in La Boquilla before taking a day trip to the tropical Rosario Islands. Your journey continues north towards the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where you’ll trek to deserted beaches in Tayrona National Park and try river tubing on the Río Don Diego. Cap off your trip with a farewell dinner in Palomino. |
DAY 1
Arrive in Cartagena
Touch down at Rafael Núñez International Airport or arrive after our From Bogota to Medellín: Traverse the Colombian Andes trip. Make your way to the hotel in Cartagena where our Local Insider will greet you at 7pm. They will accompany the group throughout the trip. Before dinner, explore the colorful colonial buildings and cobbled alleys of the Old Town. In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner at La Vitrola restaurant. Expect a convivial ambience and live music. Afterwards, venture out for a rum on the rocks at one of Cartagena’s vibrant array of bars.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Welcome dinner
DAY 2
Canoe through mangroves and join a street food tour
This morning, you’ll visit the nearby fishing village of La Boquilla and explore the surrounding mangroves by canoe. Learn about the environmental importance of this ecosystem as you drift through the natural labyrinth before returning to Cartagena. In the afternoon, join a guided stroll through the historic walled city before hopping onto a street food tour. Here you’ll have the chance to sample local delicacies such as arepas (fried corn patties) and ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice), followed by a rum-tasting session.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Mangrove canoe tour
- Cartagena orientation walk
- Street food tour
- Rum tasting
DAY 3
Visit the first free African town in the Americas
Today, you’ll visit San Basilio de Palenque – one of the most historically important settlements in Colombia. It was here that Benkos Biohó led a rebellion of enslaved Africans against the Spanish during the 16th century, forming an army of escapees who eventually established the first free African town in the Americas. You’ll learn about the fascinating heritage of the town, including the unique local language, and enjoy a traditional lunch in the company of the residents. Later on, back in Cartagena, get on your dancing shoes and take a lesson in champeta – a style of dance integral to the city culture.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- San Basilio de Palenque visit
- Champeta dance lesson
DAY 4
Swim off the Rosario Islands
Wave goodbye to the mainland temporarily as you take a boat trip to explore the Rosario Islands – an archipelago of 27 islands within a national park about 62mi (100km) southwest of Cartagena. Here, you’ll find alluring Caribbean beaches without the crowds, and calm, clear waters teeming with marine life and coral reefs. Swim, snorkel and relax on the pristine white sands of this tropical haven (bring your own mask and fins). Return to Cartagena and spend the evening at leisure.
ACCOMMODATION
- Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Rosario Islands trip
DAY 5
Explore the Magdalena River by boat on the way to Palomino
Ready to hit the road? After breakfast, you’ll depart from Cartagena and travel nearly 300km (186mi) up the coast towards the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Snow-capped peaks, exceeding 5,700m (18,700ft) above sea level, sit just inland from the Caribbean Sea. En route, you’ll stop for a boat ride along the Magdalena River, just outside the Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca, followed by lunch. If you’re lucky, you might spot an elusive river turtle. Continue to the hotel, near the laid-back beach town of Palomino, where you’ll spend the next three nights.
ACCOMMODATION
- Playa La Roca Ecohotel
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Magdalena River boat ride
DAY 6
Trek through the jungle in Tayrona National Park
There aren’t many places where tropical rainforest and palm-fringed beaches sit against the backdrop of snowy mountains, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Tayrona National Park – a short drive from Palomino. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys and iguanas as you hike through the jungle. A small population of jaguars also live here, although you’re unlikely to encounter one. You’ll stop halfway at Cabo San Juan for lunch – the beach is primed for a swim – before finishing back in Cañaveral. Spend the evening as you wish back at the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
- Playa La Roca Ecohotel
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Tayrona National Park trek
DAY 7
Go river tubing on the Río Don Diego
Kick start the final full day of your trip by following in the footsteps of indigenous tribes in Tayronaka, learning about their ancient civilization as you visit several significant archaeological sites. After a guided hike, you’ll have the opportunity to try river tubing on the Río Don Diego; appreciate the rich biodiversity as you gently drift towards the sea. Return to Palomino and spend the afternoon as you please – perhaps relaxing by the beach with a cold refajo (a Colombian cocktail made with lager and soda). Come nightfall, wrap up your adventure with a farewell dinner at the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
- Playa La Roca Ecohotel
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
- Tayronaka visit and hike
- River tubing
DAY 8
Depart from Palomino
The time has come to pack your bags and bid farewell to your fellow travelers as your Colombian experience comes to an end. Check out at midday and head to Simón Bolívar International Airport to catch your flight home – or choose to extend your stay.
