In January 2026, Delaware Nature Society partnered with Hillstar Nature to lead two back-to-back Eco-trips to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth: Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains, Caribbean Coast, and nearby La Guajira Desert scrublands.
Much of our time was spent in the Santa Marta Mountains, an isolated coastal range crowned by the glaciated Pico Cristóbal Colón at almost 19,000 feet—the highest coastal mountain range on the planet. From peak to sea is just 26 miles, creating dramatic transitions in habitat and an extraordinary concentration of endemic wildlife. Many bird species occur nowhere else on Earth, some confined to narrow elevation bands. Among them are endangered species such as the Santa Marta Parakeet and Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant.
We explored elevations up to 8,500 feet, reaching the cloud forests of San Lorenzo Ridge via rugged four-wheel-drive roads and pre-dawn departures. For many, this was the highlight of the trip: rare bird sightings amid palm-studded cloud forest, breathtaking views, and warm cups of café endémico as Cristóbal Colón loomed in the distance.
At sea level, we enjoyed the mangroves, lagoons, and beaches of the Caribbean coast in tranquil, summer-like weather. In Barranquilla, Colombia’s fourth-largest city, we walked part of the new boardwalk at Ciénaga de Mallorquín Ecopark, winding through mangroves with sweeping views of wetlands and bays. When complete, the 10-kilometer boardwalk will be among the finest wetland walks anywhere—and all of us agreed it already ranks as the best we’ve experienced.
Just hours from the lush mountains, we entered the stark desert landscapes formed in the Santa Martas’ rain shadow. Thick scrub with scattered cacti felt reminiscent of the American Southwest, yet supported a distinct avifauna including Vermilion Cardinal, Tocuyo Sparrow, and Orinocan Saltator.
In a single week, our groups experienced bustling cities, cloud forests, Caribbean shores, and desert scrublands, recording nearly 300 bird species – including some of the rarest and most localized in the world. Deep thanks go to George Armistead of Hillstar Nature and our outstanding Colombian guide, Roger Rodríguez Ardila, whose expertise and enthusiasm made this unforgettable journey both successful and joyful.
Participate in one of Delnature’s upcoming Eco-Tours!
- Spring in Spain: Birding and Nature – April 28 to May11 led by Sally O’Byrne
- New Zealand Eco-tour – October 22 to November 11 led by Sally O’Byrne
- Ecuador: Birding the Chocó-Andes – December 1 to 10 led by Judy Montgomery