Colombia wildlife

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Start planning your wildlife tour in Colombia

With millions of hectares of dense rainforest, remote mountain ranges, and diverse Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Colombia is an ecological paradise. These varied landscapes are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from big cats and jungle birds to humpback whales.

What makes Colombia's wildlife unique?

One of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombia's wildlife includes an incredible range of species, many of which exist only in this part of the world. The country has over 1,900 species of birds, with spectacular bird watching opportunities from the grassland plains of the Llanos, to the lofty Andes Mountains. Meanwhile, the lush rainforests of the Amazon and the Pacific Coast offer the chance to see unique indigenous species such as the cotton-top tamarin monkey.

The best places for wildlife tours in Colombia

Colombia's wildlife is fascinating and unique and can be found across the entirety of its stunning landscapes, from the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean to the deepest Amazon Jungle.

Discover the wildlife of the Amazon

The Calanoa Reserve in southern Colombia is not only home to indigenous tribes, but also a breathtaking range of jungle life, including pink dolphins which can be seen swimming along the Amazon river.

Explore underwater life on Colombia's Caribbean coast

Fascinating wildlife in Colombia not only lives above the surface but underwater as well. There are excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling on the country's northern Caribbean coast, where you can get up close to mesmerizing coral reefs and schools of technicolor fish.

Birdwatching in Santa Marta

One of the best places to see Colombia's many bird species is in the Sanctuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos. Here, birdwatchers will be able to spot many rare birds, as well as migratory flamingos which gather mainly in December and January.

Whale watching in Choco

Along Colombia's Pacific coast, particularly in the province of Choco, humpback whales can be spotted between July and November as part of their annual migration.

See turtles on two coasts

Choco is also a great place to see turtles of various kinds. The province has two coasts: the Pacific side hosts arrivals of Green and Hawksbill turtles, while the Caribbean coast of Choco sees flotillas of Leatherback turtles, the world's largest sea turtle.

What's the best time of year for a wildlife tour in Colombia

The best time to take a wildlife tour of Colombia is during the dry season, which runs from December to March when conditions are warm and mostly dry. The wet season, on the other hand, means torrential rain and parts of the rainforest become completely impassable. 

At all times of the year, conditions in the jungle can be challenging, so it is recommended to hire an experienced guide. Evaneos connects travelers with an expert local guide, who'll help you safely explore the most remote corners of Colombia and discover the country's abundant and amazing wildlife.

When to go in Colombia?

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Being close to the Equator, the climate of Colombia is rather uniform. The dry season lasts from December to March and should be preferred to avoid visiting Colombia in the rain. The wet season lasts from April to November, with very heavy rainfall. You should adapt your trip to these variations, as well as to the differences between the different regions: a tropical, and therefore very wet, climate in Amazonia, a harsher climate in the mountains and semi-desert in the Guajira. You should also avoid the weeks between mid-December and mid-January throughout country: they are very crowded with Colombian holidaymakers.
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