Abstract The Lisama field located in the middle Magdalena basin is well known as one of the high pressure areas drilled in Colombia by ECOPETROL (NOC). Densities up to 21.0 ppg are often reached and side tracks due to hole instability are common in the area, sometimes as many as three (3) per well, making plans in days and costs difficult to control. The use of real time tools such as Pressure While Drilling (PWD) on the Lisama No 167 well demonstrated that only monitoring the fluid density at surface is not enough to keep the hole open and stable. Monitoring with PWD demonstrates that real annulus pressure involves all kind of parameters affecting the mud density including temperature, solids content and compressibility, so that the real pressure and the Equivalent Mud Weight (EMW) can be determined at any point of the wellbore. In this directional well, the challenge for the service company is to use an MWD system that works with high-density fluid conditions. Conventional systems have an operational limit of 18.0 ppg, so an electromagnetic telemetry system was chosen. Through continuous ECD monitoring and EMW management, combined with a good drilling plan plus the use of electromagnetic telemetry systems, it was possible to keep the wellbore under control and reduce operational time to 60% below the offset wells drilled in that area. The Lisama No. 167 well reaches expected densities around 21.0 ppg, enough to keep pore pressure under control and drill to the final depth of 7390 ft without problems. The successful combination of PWD tool plus electromagnetic telemetry made it possible to identify the events requiring improved hole cleaning, increased mud weight and optimized drilling parameters. It also facilitated decisions regarding circulating, tripping or casing point selection.