Bird Watching Tour
Bird Watching
Minca and Tagua
Description of the experience
Discover the impressive diversity of birds in Minca, a privileged destination for birdwatchers in Santa Marta.
This tour takes you through the lush landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, home to a wide variety of bird species. Accompanied by local guides, you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Ideal for beginners and experienced birders, the tour offers an educational and exciting experience in one of the best birding locations in Colombia. Prepare to be amazed by the colors and songs of the birds in this unique natural environment.
How to get there
To get to Minca, a small town in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Santa Marta, Colombia, you can follow several methods depending on your starting point. Here is a basic guide:
From Simon Bolivar International Airport (Santa Marta):
If you arrive by plane, you will land at the Simón Bolívar International Airport, located about 30 minutes from Santa Marta.
From the airport, you can take a cab or private transport service directly to Minca.
From Santa Marta:
If you are already in Santa Marta, you have several options to get to Minca:
Cab: You can take a cab from anywhere in Santa Marta. It is a convenient and direct option, but more expensive.
Public transportation: Minibuses or “colectivos” to Minca leave regularly from the “Mercado Público” in Santa Marta. They are an economical and popular choice among travelers.
Organized tours: Many travel agencies in Santa Marta offer tours to Minca that include round trip transportation.
From other cities in Colombia:
If you are traveling from another Colombian city, you must first arrive in Santa Marta, either by air or by land (bus).
Once in Santa Marta, follow the instructions above to get to Minca.
Itinerary of the experience
- Prepare your birding equipment (binoculars, camera, bird guide, snacks, water).
- Dress appropriately for hiking and variable weather conditions.
- Arrive in Minca, ideally by pre-arranged transportation.
- Meet with your local guide and receive a brief orientation on local bird species and sighting routes.
- Start your tour through the trails of Minca, observing and photographing birds.
- Take advantage of the guide’s expertise to learn about local species and their habitats.
- Take a short break to hydrate and have a snack.
- Continue with the second sighting session in a different location, looking for species that were not seen in the first session.
- Conclude the tour and return to the starting point.
- Share experiences and photos with the guide and other participants.
- Return to your lodging or departure point in Santa Marta.
What is included
- Local guide
- Binoculars
- Information material.
- Daily insurance
- Breakfast
Recommendations
The best dates to do a bird watching tour in Minca, near Santa Marta, depend mainly on the weather and migratory bird seasons. Here are some considerations:
Weather:
Minca has a tropical mountain climate, with cooler temperatures and a more humid environment than on the coast. The dry season, which generally runs from December to March, is ideal for bird watching, as there is less rain and roads are more accessible.
Migratory bird season:
Between September and November, as well as from March to May, migratory birds can be observed along with local species. These periods are especially exciting for birders.
Tourist season:
High season in and around Santa Marta is from December to March. During these months, the area can be busier, but also offers drier and sunnier weather.
The low season, which runs from April to November, offers fewer crowds and can be a good option if you prefer a quieter experience, although with a higher probability of rain.
What to bring
- Appropriate clothing.
- Camera.
- Water bottle.
- Hydration and food.
- Sun protection.
- Insect repellent.
