Itineraries around the Northern Colombia Birding Trail vary, but there are five main birding zones:
1 Sitting in the foothills of Santa Marta, Los Besotes Eco Park was Colombia’s first Important Bird Area. Glaucous tanager is a target species.
2 The Perijá Mountains is one of Colombia's least explored regions. Endemics include the Perijá tapaculo, described in 2015, and Perijá metaltail.
3 Los Flamencos comprises both coastal wetland and dry forest. The vermillion cardinal is a colourful spot, as are flocks of American flamingos.
4 The sandy beaches of Tayrona National Park make it popular with tourists. The blue-billed curassow inhabits the forested slopes inland.
5 The Santa Marta Mountains are packed with birds. Endemics include the Santa Marta mountain tanager and Santa Marta parakeet.