Animals of Colombia: Where To Find Them
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What are the most incredible animals of Colombia? Can you easily spot them during your next trip to this fantastic country?
Since 2015, I’ve experienced some truly unforgettable moments with wild creatures. Let’s explore Colombia’s fascinating wildlife together and uncover the top places to witness it.
We are on a quest across Colombia to discover the top local agencies to establish a trustworthy network of experts and gather unique, valuable insights for each destination. Our aim? To make you fall in love with Colombia effortlessly.
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Easy-to-observe Colombian animals
Which of Colombia’s animals will you see on your next adventure?
Howler monkey – Alouatta seniculus
The Colombian alarm clock.
Also known as the Colombian red howler, this New World primate is the largest of the howler monkeys. Males (50-70 cm excluding the tail) are slightly bigger than females (45-55 cm excluding the tail). Its fur ranges from brown to dark red with a golden or bright orange belly, depending on age and habitat. It has a black, hairless face surrounded by fur, a flat nose, a wide jaw adorned with a thick beard (darker in males), and a strong neck.
Its very long tail (50 to 75 cm), hairless on the underside of the tip, helps it grip branches more effectively. By one-month-old, the young use their tails to cling to their mother.
The Colombian red howler is mainly threatened by deforestation, but the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists it as of least concern.
A diurnal animal, more active in the morning, the howler monkey lives in the canopy of Colombia’s dry and humid tropical forests. Its diet mainly consists of leaves, though it occasionally eats fruits, seeds, flowers, and even small animals.
I’ve seen many of them in Meta around Maracaibo. You’ll also encounter them near Cartagena if you explore the dry tropical forest or while tubing down the Rio Don Diego in Palomino (on the Caribbean East Coast).
You’ll find red howlers in groups of several individuals (mostly females and young, alongside adults). Polygynous, the males are particularly attentive to their young ones.
Their faces are incredibly expressive. The males have the unique habit of howling at dawn, and their roars can be heard within a 5 km radius. Trust me, you won’t need an alarm clock! Afterward, they travel in groups, searching for a new feeding area.
They usually stay up high and strongly dislike rain. You’ll hear them howl, even more, huddled under leaves when it rains.
In the evening, each group howls before sleeping to signal their position to other clans. This helps avoid food competition and reduces the risk of territorial conflicts.
© Olinto
Capybara – Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
A friendly giant guinea pig.
The Capybara is the world’s largest living rodent.
Its body is stout and barrel-shaped, with short legs—those in the back being slightly longer than the front. It has a compact head featuring a broad, flat snout, small almond-shaped eyes, and rounded ears positioned toward the top. Its fur is coarse, reddish-brown on the back, transitioning to yellowish-brown on the belly, and lacks a tail.
Adult capybaras usually range from 1.05 to 1.35 meters long and weigh between 35 and 65 kg. Females are larger than males.
The Capybara is quite common in eastern Colombia, especially in the Los Llanos region. Many of them can be found in the nature reserves of Casanare.
I saw them easily during safaris in Los Llanos, either early in the morning or at dusk, when they gathered in sometimes large groups around drying ponds.
If you ride with the Llaneros (Los Llanos cowboys), they’ll probably point out their tracks in the damp soil—four toes on the front feet and three on the back.
Capybaras are social creatures that live in groups of 10 to 30, led by a dominant male. The adults look after the young. Skilled swimmers, they reside near marshes and bodies of water, feeding on a herbivorous diet of aquatic plants, leaves, bark, fruits, reeds, and grass.
In places where they’re hunted for their meat, Capybaras tend to shift to a nocturnal lifestyle. But in the protected Casanare nature reserves, they sleep during the day and become active in the early morning and late afternoon. They’re less shy here, so you can observe them fairly closely.
I find them super cute and very expressive. They’ll stay perfectly still, knowing you’re watching them, but if you get too close, they’ll suddenly dash off, sprinting at full speed into the water.
© Tomplanmytrip
Tarantula – Megaphobema robustum
Like in your worst nightmares.
Several species of tarantulas can be found in Colombia, including Megaphobema robustum, also known as the Colombian giant tarantula or the Colombian red-legged tarantula, which is endemic to the region.
Its back is black with pale orange hues, and the posterior section is also black, covered with orange hairs (setae). Most of its legs, except for the black femur, are bright orange and covered in orange hairs. It can have a leg span of 15 to 20 cm.
A tarantula’s lifespan is 10 to 30 years for females!
You’ll find it in the Amazonian tropical rainforest, usually near tree trunks. Being a nocturnal terrestrial creature, you’re more likely to see it at nightfall when it comes out of its hiding place and starts moving about. If you decide to spend a night in the Amazon jungle, your guide will almost certainly show you one during a nighttime exploration.
I found myself face to face with this furry lady just before heading to bed in a forest cabin in the Amazon—terrifying! I can tell you, I was absolutely petrified.
The tarantula is quite a shy animal, so there’s little chance it will attack you—it’s more likely to run away. Deaf and very nearsighted, it navigates through its hypersensitive hairs that detect vibrations. Its diet comprises crickets, large insects, small lizards, and rodents.
It can lunge forward or spin around to scare off its attacker if it feels threatened.
If you find one in your accommodation, call your guide for help—or if you’re feeling brave, guide it outside without harming it, using whatever you can find. It’ll go along with it.
And a tip for spending the night in the jungle: put your boots on two sticks near your hammock before you sleep—that way, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises in the morning. 😉
© Tomplanmytrip
Amazon river dolphin – Inia geoffrensis
A totem animal of Colombia.
The Amazon River dolphin, also known as the pink river dolphin or Boto, is the largest freshwater dolphin in the world. Males can grow up to 2.5 meters long and weigh as much as 185 kg. Its sturdy but flexible body, large melon-shaped head, and long beak give it a unique look.
Born dark gray, Amazon dolphins turn pink as they mature, due to the abrasion of their skin caused by the water. Males tend to be more pink, often due to scars from mating battles. Color variations (solid pink, speckled) depend on water temperature, clarity, and geographic region.
The IUCN classifies it as endangered. It faces threats from poaching and mercury contamination linked to illegal gold mining.
This freshwater dolphin is endemic to the river networks and lakes of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, in eastern Colombia. It prefers slow-moving waterways.
In the Amazon, you can spot them year-round while traveling by boat on the Amazon River. During the high-water season, it leaves deep waters for the maze of streams in the flooded forest. It’s very easy to observe them in Lake Tarapoto, just 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Nariño. To see them in the dry season, head toward the mouth of the Rio Loretoyacu, where it flows into the Amazon.
I’ve also seen pink dolphins in Puerto Lopez in Meta (western Los Llanos), and I swam with them near San Jose del Guaviare, on the edge of the Amazon. Lake Damas del Nare in the central Guaviare region is also home to a very friendly and playful group of dolphins.
Amazon river dolphins rely on an echolocation organ for navigation and have good underwater and above vision. They surface to breathe every 30 to 110 seconds, or up to 4 minutes.
Unlike marine dolphins, the Boto has a flexible neck, allowing its head to rotate 90°, and its large fins allow for circular movements and help it navigate flooded forests with ease.
Curious and playful, they often approach humans. To attract them, cut the engine, tap the boat’s hull, and splash water—they’ll come closer!
According to Amazonian folklore, the Boto can transform into a handsome young man to charm local girls. In Puerto Nariño, a large pink statue celebrates this legendary dolphin.
© Tomplanmytrip
Caiman – Melanosuchus & co
A quiet hunter, master of camouflage.
In Colombia, there are mainly three species of caimans:
Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus): a medium-sized species (females around 1.40 meters, males around 1.80 meters), with a brown, green, or yellowish-gray back and a light-colored belly. Its name comes from the bony ridge between its eyes, resembling a pair of glasses.
Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger): the largest American crocodilian, measuring between 4 to 5 meters, and the top predator of the Amazon. Its dark skin helps with camouflage for nighttime hunting and likely aids in heat absorption. It has a short, narrow snout and a bony ridge above its large eyes, which are adapted for night vision.
Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus): the smallest of the caimans, reaching up to 1.50 meters, and harmless to humans. Juveniles are brown and darken with age, featuring a speckled brown lower jaw, a domed skull, and a short, upturned snout.
You can spot black caimans in the Amazon at night near the shores of lakes and rivers. They’re easy to spot thanks to the reflection of their eyes under the beam of a headlamp. I was lucky enough to see a young caiman up close, briefly captured by my guide during a nighttime outing near the Marasha ecolodge (he released it, of course!).
Also nocturnal, the Cuvier’s dwarf caiman lives in the Orinoco and Amazon basins, preferring humid or flooded wooded areas and fast-flowing waters.
The spectacled caiman is the most widespread crocodilian in the New World. It’s found in wetlands such as grasslands, rivers, and calm water bodies with floating vegetation that dry up seasonally. I’ve often seen them in Los Llanos and around La Macarena in Meta.
All three caiman species hunt at night. The black caiman is the most fearsome, a generalist predator that consumes almost anything within its territory, including smaller caimans like the Cuvier’s dwarf caiman. Unlike the others, it often hunts on land, using its keen hearing and vision.
The Cuvier’s dwarf caiman feeds on smaller prey that it can swallow whole. It plays an important ecological role by controlling piranha populations. This species tolerates cold waters and can travel long distances to find temporary pools.
The spectacled caiman’s diet varies with the seasons. It feeds on crustaceans, fish, mollusks, insects, reptiles, and even small mammals and plants. It enjoys basking in the mud beside ponds in Los Llanos.
© Tomplanmytrip
Humpback whale – Megaptera novaeangliae
A giant of the seas, both a crooner and an acrobat.
The humpback whale is a species of baleen whale (plates that act as a filter for feeding). Adults can reach 14 to 17 meters in length and weigh up to 40 tons. Its body is massive, with a black back, a black and white belly, a slender rostrum, and long, pale pectoral fins.
It gets its name from the shape of its short dorsal fin and the hump it forms when diving. It is also recognizable by the tubercles on its head.
Heavily hunted by the whaling industry, the humpback whale was nearly extinct. Today, the IUCN classifies it as a species of least concern, and its population is increasing.
Humpback whales inhabit oceans and seas worldwide. They stay near the surface, enjoying both shallow coastal waters and the open ocean.
They feed on krill (shrimp) and small fish in Arctic waters, then migrate to tropical and subtropical waters to breed and give birth (typically one calf).
I had the opportunity to see them along Colombia’s Pacific coast from July to October. Come between July and August to witness their spectacular breaching during mating season—the show is breathtaking and unforgettable. You’ll come close to them on a small boat with very few other tourists.
Some tour guides carry a hydrophone to capture the haunting melodies of whales. I had the chance to hear them firsthand underwater when I went spearfishing with a local—it was truly incredible.
In some places, you can even spot them from your ecolodge!
A great migrator, living alone or in small, temporary groups, the humpback whale is quite the chatterbox. 😉
They communicate with each other through loud cries, as well as visual signals like tail slaps, rapid movements, and impressive jumps. I find their acrobatics particularly fascinating given their size. It’s both a display of power and incredible grace.
The humpback whale is a true diva—or rather, a tenor! 😉 Males produce songs that can be heard for miles, lasting between 4 to 33 minutes, which they repeat. It’s thought these songs are related to reproduction. However, the males seem to have only one tune in their playlist.
© Tomplanmytrip
Andean Cock of the rock – Rupicola peruvianus
A bird very proud of its beautiful plumage.
The male Andean cock-of-the-rock is a medium-sized bird (30 cm) easily recognizable by the impressive crest on its head, shaped like a disk made of bright orange plumage, framed by two round eyes. This striking color extends down its chest like a shield, contrasting with the deep black of its wings and tail. A few feathers on its back are gray-white. The females, on the other hand, have duller brown plumage and a much less prominent crest.
I find it has a proud, slightly comical look—almost “punk,” especially when viewed in profile.
The Andean cock-of-the-rock is classified as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though its population is declining.
This beautiful bird lives in the cloud forests of the Andes in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It prefers the humid areas of forested environments, often in ravines and along wooded streams in mountainous regions (between 500 and 2,400 meters). It builds its nest on rocky surfaces.
Rather shy, the Andean cock-of-the-rock is discreet and not always easy to spot in the wild. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one near San José del Guaviare.
I had the chance to observe some stunning specimens up close in Jardín, in the department of Antioquia, at the Reserva Natural Jardín de Rocas, just outside the village.
The Andean cock-of-the-rocks I observed stood upright, with their chests puffed out, perched amid the foliage about 4 to 6 meters above the ground, gripping the branch with their well-developed yellow-orange talons. They are quite skilled at flying through the undergrowth.
It’s not a songbird. Instead, it makes calls when frightened, and especially during mating season, which features courtship dances to attract females and duels between males, marked by beak clacking and hoarse cries. Outside the breeding season, it’s a solitary creature.
Primarily frugivorous, the Andean cock-of-the-rock plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal and germination.
© Tomplanmytrip
Keel Billed Toucan – Ramphastos sulfuratus
A playful bird with the colors of the rainbow.
Belonging to the toucan family native to Latin America and averaging 50 cm in length, the keel-billed toucan is absolutely stunning!
Its plumage is mostly black, with cheeks of a bright yellow that extends down its chest, bordered by a thin red line. Its rump is red, and its legs are a striking turquoise blue. What truly sets it apart is its large, banana-shaped beak in the colors of the rainbow—a true wonder! Made of a spongy material, it’s much lighter than it appears. Both males and females sport the same vibrant beak.
The keel-billed toucan is classified as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, with populations in decline.
The keel-billed toucan is found from southern Mexico to Venezuela and Colombia. It lives in tropical and subtropical jungles, mangroves, and lowland rainforests (up to 1,900 meters). Its diet is varied and includes fruits, insects, and lizards.
In Colombia, keel-billed toucans are found in the Caribbean region, specifically in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Guajira Peninsula. They are diurnal animals.
Personally, I’ve observed toucans in the dry tropical forest behind Rincón del Mar on the Caribbean coast, and I’ve been woken up by their calls deep in the Amazon jungle.
Keel-billed toucans are very sociable and live in groups of six to twelve. They spend their days in the canopy, using their opposable-toed feet to jump easily from branch to branch. In flight, they spread their wings wide and stretch their large beaks forward as if pulling their bodies along.
These playful birds engage in “beak duels” or toss fruits to one another, as if playing catch. Their calls sound like frog croaks.
At night, they gather in tree hollows. Several birds can share the same cavity, arranging themselves in a unique way to conserve space.
Keel-billed toucans can sometimes be a bit aggressive toward other frugivorous birds, defending their territory.
© Tomplanmytrip
Scarlet Macaw – Ara macao
A colorful chatterbox.
The Scarlet Macaw is a large parrot native to Central and South America. It averages 85 cm in length, with half of that being its long tail feathers. It can live up to an impressive 80 years.
Its plumage is incredibly colorful, dominated by scarlet, with beautiful touches of light, dark blue, and yellow. Its cheeks and beak are white. There is little difference between males and females. The only way to tell adults (with light yellow eyes) apart from juveniles (with darker eyes) is by their eye color.
Due to threats to its habitat, the Scarlet Macaw is listed as of least concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is declining.
The Scarlet Macaw inhabits humid and dry tropical forests and mangroves across the Americas, from eastern Mexico to the Amazon. It is most commonly found in lowland areas (0 to 500 meters).
You can observe it in Los Llanos and the Amazon.
I’ve often seen them in reserves or ecolodges, like in Marasha in the Amazon, where a female has made her home for several years. These are often birds rescued from the illegal bird trade.
The Scarlet Macaw has been in captivity worldwide for centuries, especially in the Americas. In some regions, reintroduction initiatives are helping to ensure its survival.
The Scarlet Macaw is a diurnal bird you’ll often spot in pairs or flocks at dusk as they gather to sleep in tree cavities.
These birds are expressive, both in their body language and vocalizations. They are also very agile with their feet (especially the left one), which they use to handle food or grasp objects.
Scarlet Macaws are monogamous and faithful. The female I encountered in Marasha arrived with her mate, who suddenly disappeared. Since then, she has lived alone.
They can be a bit aggressive at times. One of them nipped my ankle in Puerto Nariño, and another seemed to take great pleasure in swooping near Aleja’s head in a Casanare reserve—just imagine her fright! 😉
© Tomplanmytrip
Crested oropendola – Psarocolius decumanus
A clever nest architect.
The Crested Oropendola, is a tropical bird from the Americas. Adult males have predominantly black plumage, a chestnut-brown rump, a bright yellow tail, and two dark central feathers. They also have a long, narrow crest that is hard to spot, a long pale yellowish-white beak, and striking blue eyes. Females are similar in appearance but smaller, duller, and lack the crest.
Males average 46 cm in length, while females measure around 37 cm.
The Crested Oropendola is considered of least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
It is widely distributed from southern Central America to northern Argentina. In Colombia, it is found mainly in the lowlands east of the Andes, though it can be seen at elevations up to 2,600 meters. It inhabits forest edges and clearings.
I saw some near the village of Jardín (Antioquia), and during a trek in the surrounding forest, I observed their distinctive nests hanging from trees above an impressive waterfall.
I also spotted them in San Martin (Amazon) and witnessed two of them fight over a twig to add to their hanging nest in the trees.
The Oropendola, nicknamed “mochilero” (from mochila – backpack), earned this name thanks to its distinctive nest design, which wards off predators. Picture a gourd-shaped pouch, skillfully woven from plant fibers and suspended from the top branches, hanging in the open air. Some nests can reach up to 125 cm in length. A colonial bird, these nests are typically clustered close together.
The mochilero produces a variety of sounds, from raspy yelps and sharp trills to noises resembling water drops.
You might encounter it alone or in small groups, feeding on large insects, fruits, seeds, and occasionally nectar in the treetops. This highly mobile bird often moves seasonally.
Andean Motmot – Momotus aequatorialis
A mountain dweller with little fear.
The Andean Motmot, or Highland Motmot (also called Barrenquero), is a colorful bird in the passerine family.
It measures 46 to 48 cm long, with a robust black beak and a long tail that ends in deep blue “rackets.” Its plumage is mostly green, except for a black cap on its head bordered by a crown of varying blue shades. It has a black mask outlined in blue, along with a black spot or stripe on its chest.
Currently, the Andean Motmot is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though its population is in decline.
The Andean Motmot’s habitat stretches along the Andes from northern Colombia to northwestern Bolivia. In Colombia, it can be found throughout the country’s three Andean ranges, from north to south, at elevations between 1500 and 3100 meters. It’s easy to spot around the coffee region.
A sedentary bird, the Andean Motmot prefers humid mountain forests, especially near streams. You may also find it at the forest edges, in pastures, plantations, and secondary forests.
The Andean Motmot often stays very still, making it easy to observe when it’s not hidden by dense vegetation. It’s believed to nest in tunnels dug into riverbanks, like other motmot species, though this has yet to be confirmed by observation.
I don’t find it shy at all. In Jardín (Antioquia), one would often hang out with us, drawn by the fruit in the garden of the cabin we rented.
Its call, a repetitive “boop-oop” sound, is rather monotone.
© Tomplanmytrip
Trickier to Spot Animals of Colombia
Patience and a little luck will go a long way 😉
Sloth – Bradypus variegatus & Choloepus didactylus
The slowest mammal in the world.
In Colombia, there are two species of sloths: the brown-throated sloth, a three-toed sloth measuring between 32 and 80 cm, and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, also known as the unau, which measures between 60 and 80 cm.
Both have coarse fur, ranging from gray-brown to beige. Linnaeus’s sloth has slightly longer, more bristly fur.
Their heads are round and flat, with an upturned nose, large eyes, and small ears. Their fur hosts microscopic algae, giving it a greenish tint in the rainy season, which turns yellow in the dry season. It also shelters fungi and various insects, turning the sloth into a living ecosystem!
The sloth is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Both species share a similar range across northern South America, with Linnaeus’s sloth also extending northward into Central America and along Brazil’s Atlantic coast.
Sloths prefer the canopy of tropical forests.
Even though they spend much of their time still, sloths are tricky to spot. They stay up in the trees, with their fur acting as effective camouflage.
Thanks to my Ticuna guide in the Amazon, I saw several sloths in the jungle, including a mother with her young clinging to her fur. I also spotted some in Rincón del Mar on the Caribbean coast, and a few on Isla Fuerte, an island on the western Caribbean coast.
These masters of slowness are solitary creatures, spending 15 to 20 hours a day asleep. Most of the time, they hang upside down, clinging to branches with their long claws, and moving occasionally at a speed of just 3 meters per minute!
Nocturnal by nature, they become a bit more active in the evening to feed, but they rarely leave their individual territory, which extends no more than 40 meters from their tree.
On the ground, they’re rather clumsy and rarely venture down—usually only once a week to defecate. However, thanks to their long arms, they are surprisingly good swimmers.
© Tomplanmytrip
Cotton-Top Tamarin – Saguinus oedipus
A remarkable acrobat.
The cotton-top tamarin is a small primate that measures between 30 and 40 cm. It owes its name to the crown of long white fur surrounding its face and extending down to its neck, making it resemble a tiny lion.
It has a tail much longer than its body, which it uses for balance as it moves through the trees. Its black face is covered in a very fine down, with bat-like pointed ears and close-set eyes framed by white eyebrows. Its back is brown, while its belly and legs are whitish-yellow, and its rump and inner thighs show a reddish-orange color.
The cotton-top tamarin is among the most endangered primates in South America and is classified as such by the IUCN.
The cotton-top tamarin is endemic to northwestern Colombia.
It mainly inhabits secondary forests and tropical forest edges, occasionally venturing into humid tropical forests, moist woodlands, and dry thorny savannas.
You might spot one if you go on a guided tour in the dry tropical forest near Cartagena.
For a sure chance to see them, try Parque Centenario in Cartagena, where a colony has settled. These tamarins there are used to people and aren’t afraid to sneak food when they get the chance
The cotton-top tamarin is highly active, living in groups of 3 to 9, occasionally more. Always watchful, it assigns guard shifts and fluffs up its mane to alert the group if danger is near.
It spends nearly all of its life in trees and is impressively agile. It races along branches and leaps using all four limbs, reaching jumps of up to 3 meters with its long tail acting as a stabilizer. Its tail isn’t prehensile, so it wraps it in a spiral between its legs to keep it out of the way while moving. It’s an exceptional climber, often resembling a squirrel.
The cotton-top tamarin’s natural curiosity can sometimes make it vulnerable.
© Tomplanmytrip
Green Anaconda – Eunectes murinus
A fearsome predator with a strong, muscular body.
The green anaconda is a species of boa native to South America. It’s the heaviest and one of the longest snakes in the world, reaching up to 8.45 meters in length and weighing 220 kg.
With an olive-green, muscular body covered in large black spots, it has a thick neck and a head that tapers off, highlighted by yellow-orange stripes along the sides. Its eyes and nostrils, located on top of its head, let it observe and breathe while staying submerged in water.
Its jaws are not fused, allowing it to swallow prey larger than its head.
The green anaconda is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The green anaconda lives in the tropical plains of Latin America, mostly in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins and across the extensive eastern plains of Venezuela and Colombia.
As a nocturnal and semi-aquatic animal, the anaconda favors plains, tropical forests, savannas, and shallow freshwater areas.
In Colombia, you might spot it in the Amazon region and Los Llanos, especially in Casanare, between January and March during the dry season. It loves to hide in the mud and warm up under the morning sun.
The anaconda is solitary and, like all boas, non-venomous. Instead, it kills by constriction, using its immense strength to suffocate prey such as rodents, birds, pigs, goats, capybaras, caimans, and even other snakes. It swallows its catch whole and remains inactive for extended periods to digest.
With its size making it more adept in water than on land, the anaconda spends much of its time submerged and can hold its breath for 10 to 20 minutes. It tends to be passive in the heat of the day, becoming active at dusk to hunt. It’s a fierce predator.
Young anacondas position themselves on branches, dropping down to catch and constrict their prey. Older individuals patrol riverbanks or swim semi-submerged, capturing prey from below and dragging it underwater.
In short, it suffocates or drowns its prey!
Giant Anteater – Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Several animals in one body.
The giant anteater is a mammal native to Central and South America. Measuring between 182 and 217 cm in length, it is the largest member of the anteater family.
Its gray-brown body is covered in a thick coat that ends in a bushy tail with exceptionally long fur, making it appear even larger. Broad black stripes, bordered in white, stretch from its throat to its shoulders. Its forelimbs, covered in white fur, extend into long claws.
The most remarkable feature is its head. Extremely elongated, it ends in a tubular snout resembling an elephant’s trunk, with a tiny mouth at the tip. Although males are slightly larger and more muscular, it’s hard to tell them apart from females.
The giant anteater’s range extends through Central and South America, from Belize and Guatemala to northern Argentina.
This species occupies diverse habitats: dry and humid tropical forests, savannas, open grasslands, flooded plains, and highland forests.
In Colombia, Casanare in Los Llanos is the top spot to observe it. While normally active during the day, it can shift to nighttime activity depending on the weather or nearby human activity. To maximize your chances, aim for early morning or late in the day.
This strange land animal is also an impressive swimmer and insect-eater, feeding primarily on ants and termites that it uncovers in trunks or digs out with its claws. It captures its meal with a long, sticky tongue.
To shield its front claws, it walks on its knuckles, much like gorillas, while its back legs, with shorter claws, rest on the soles. When it walks, it has a bear-like waddle.
Solitary and territorial, it roams over long distances. If two anteaters encounter each other, they might rise on their hind legs to spar, using their forearms to grapple and balancing with their tails, resembling kangaroos.
Female anteaters carry their young on their backs, who grunt if they slip off.
With its one-of-a-kind look and behaviors, the giant anteater holds a unique place in pre-Columbian legends and traditional tales.
© Tomplanmytrip
Andean condor – Vultur gryphus
A majestic and tireless glider.
The Andean condor, part of the New World vulture family, is the largest “land” bird in flight and the largest bird of prey on Earth, with a wingspan reaching 274 to 320 cm. It can live for over 50 years.
As an adult, it has black plumage, a white feathered collar around its neck, and broad white bands on its wings. Its bare head and neck are red, with a flattened top. Males have a dark red crest and loose skin around their necks. Its beak is hooked, and its blunt talons are adapted for walking.
Females are smaller, and juveniles display a brownish-gray plumage with a brown collar and black head.
The Andean condor is a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List.
The Andean condor follows the Andes mountain range throughout South America, from Colombia (including the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) to the far south in Tierra del Fuego.
It favors open, non-forested highlands where it can easily locate carcasses from the sky. Occasionally, condors are also spotted over plains, deserts, and above southern beech forests.
In Colombia, I had the chance to see them in the Los Nevados páramo in the central Andes and in Puracé National Park in Cauca to the southwest. Every day around 10:00 a.m., park rangers feed them meat—a spectacular sight!
The Andean condor is a scavenger, mainly consuming large carcasses like those of cattle, which allows it to eat its fill and then go days without food. It may also steal eggs or hunt small animals. Active during daylight, it spends much of its time gliding and sunbathing with wings spread wide.
Their social structure is hierarchical, with adult males at the top. The Andean condor forms a lifelong pair bond, wooing its mate through intricate dances and vocal displays. They nest on hard-to-reach ledges, with two chicks that remain with their parents for nearly two years.
Colombia has made the Andean condor its national symbol, and it plays a significant role in Andean folklore and mythology.
Jaguar – Panthera onca
A stealthy and patient predator.
With the look of an oversized housecat, the jaguar is the largest feline in the Americas and the third-largest in the world. It also holds the title of top predator in South America.
Its body is compact, muscular, and low to the ground, with a broad head and exceptionally powerful jaws. It boasts a stunning yellow or tawny coat with distinct black spots on its head and neck and rosette-shaped patterns along its sides and back.
Males measure between 140 and 185 cm, while females are smaller. Jaguars living in forests tend to be smaller as well, likely an adaptation to the scarcity of large prey, and their coats are typically darker.
The jaguar is classified as near-threatened on the IUCN Red List, with its population showing a downward trend.
The jaguar’s range is extensive, stretching from New Mexico and southern Arizona all the way to northeastern Brazil and northern Argentina.
While it prefers the dense, humid tropical rainforests of the lowlands, it can also inhabit coastal forests, savannas, and swamps. Jaguars are typically found near rivers, streams, and wetlands.
If you’re traveling to Colombia and hoping to spot one, I recommend visiting the Hato La Aurora Reserve in the Casanare department, in Los Llanos. During the dry season (December to March), jaguars might been seen near water sources at dawn and dusk.
The adult jaguar, a solitary and territorial animal, can share its range with females but never with other males! A formidable hunter, it is an excellent swimmer, using its powerful jaws to carry heavy prey through water. It’s also skilled at climbing trees.
Its hunting technique is ambush-based, attacking with a single, fatal move—a crushing bite to the skull. The Indigenous word “yajuar” even translates to “one who kills with a single bound.”
Jaguars hunt medium-sized animals like deer, capybaras, and tapirs. In the water, they target fish, turtles, and young caimans. To communicate, they roar, growl, and purr like cats, while cubs produce mews and soft cries.
As a totem animal for Indigenous peoples, the jaguar held deep significance in Aztec and Mayan cultures.
Spectacled bear – Tremarctos ornatus
A big cuddly Teddy bear.
The Spectacled bear or Andean bear, native to the Andes in western South America, is the only surviving bear species on the continent.
Though it occasionally eats small animals (only about 5% of its diet), making it the largest terrestrial carnivore in South America, it primarily consumes plants, including the unique frailejones of the páramos.
This bear is medium-sized, with males about a third larger than females, weighing between 100 and 175 kg. Its coat ranges from dark black to brown and even reddish. It’s named for the light beige or reddish markings around its eyes, which extend down to its chest.
Currently, the Andean bear is classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
The spectacled bear is found only in the Andes and its foothills.
It can be found at various altitudes (up to 4,750 m) and in diverse habitats, such as cloud forests, high-altitude grasslands, dry forests, and shrub deserts, although it has a strong preference for humid to very humid forests.
Being an arboreal creature, it’s hard to spot, often retreating to trees when it senses danger. Your best chance to see one is in the páramos. Chingaza National Park in Cundinamarca is the most renowned site for sightings, with a stable population in the area. If no bears are visible, your guide might show you tracks on the ground or claw marks on trees.
The spectacled bear doesn’t hibernate, leading a twilight and nighttime lifestyle and resting under plant cover during the day, particularly in dry environments. In Andean cloud forests, though, it’s active by day.
Its claws make it an excellent climber, able to reach heights of up to 15 meters and even stay aloft for days in a branch nest, stocked with food.
Solitary, each bear has a feeding range that changes with the wet and dry seasons. Still, it’s quite sociable with other bears, readily sharing feeding areas when food is plentiful. This “cuddly bear,” however, won’t hesitate to defend itself if it feels threatened—females, especially, are very protective of their young.
© Juan Clavijo
Colombia is a megadiverse country
A country is recognized as a megadiverse if it meets two criteria: it must have at least 5,000 endemic plant species and include marine ecosystems within its borders. A species is considered endemic when found only in a specific, limited geographic area.
Colombia was one of the first countries recognized as a megadiverse by primatologist Russell Alan Mittermeier, the concept’s founder.
Colombia is considered the country with the highest biodiversity per square kilometer. According to the 2023 report from the Biodiversity Information System (SIB), Colombia ranks as the fourth most biodiverse country globally, with around 10% of the world’s species. It boasts the greatest diversity of bird species (over 20% of all known species), as well as orchids and butterflies.
This exceptional biodiversity stems from its various ecosystems, ranging from snow-capped mountains and tropical jungles to deserts. Factors such as climate conditions, temperature, humidity, and sunlight also contribute to this richness.
In October 2024, the city of Cali (Valle del Cauca department) hosted COP 16, the global biodiversity summit.
TOM’S TIP
Exploring Colombia’s national parks in every natural region is the top way to uncover its astonishing fauna and flora.
Wildlife Across Colombia’s Regions
There is a variety of animals to see in each region.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast is a true biodiversity haven, with long beaches bordered by dense tropical rainforest, threaded with rivers and mangroves. The Serranía del Baudó is the only highland, and islands like Isla Gorgona offer exceptional flora and fauna.
This region is very rainy, even in the “dry” season, so your explorations often depend on the weather.
The Pacific coast will thrill bird watchers (around 800 bird species), herpetologists (frogs, including several venomous species and turtles), and whale enthusiasts (humpback whales and whale sharks).
Some animals are easy to spot here:
- Humpback whale.
- Several species of sea turtles.
- Numerous hummingbirds (Mitchell’s Hummingbird – Calliphlox mitchellii).
- The Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons), known for its ability to run on water.
Others are more elusive:
- The Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja), the largest and most powerful raptor of the rainforest.
- The Baudó Oropendola (Psarocolius cassini), endemic to the Sierra region.
Among the more common endemic species, you’ll find:
- The Golden Poison Frog or Colombian Kokoï (Phyllobates terribilis).
- The Blue Anole (Anolis gorgonae), a stunning blue lizard native to Isla Gorgona.
Caribbean coast
The Colombian Caribbean coast (Eastern and Western sides) boasts a wide variety of ecosystems: dry tropical forests (Tayrona Park), humid forests (Trigana), coral islands (Rosario Archipelago), desert (La Guajira), mangroves (Isla Tintipán, Rincon del Mar, La Boquilla), and mountains (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta). This rich natural diversity supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species.
The climate is generally warm year-round, with a rainy season (April to October) that can make trekking difficult or even impossible, especially in September and October in La Guajira. It’s a popular tourist region, so try to avoid peak season if you can.
Among the Colombian wildlife you can easily spot are:
- Howler monkeys.
- Numerous birds (cormorants, falcons, kingfishers) in the mangroves and marshes of Ciénaga Grande and around Mompox.
- Toucans (in the Sierra Nevada and Rincón del Mar).
- Sea turtles (along the western coast).
- Many species of fish.
More elusive Colombian animals include:
- Sloths.
- The Cotton-top tamarin, endemic to the region.
- The Golden Metaltail, a rare, endemic hummingbird found in La Macuira Park in La Guajira.
Los Llanos
With vast floodplains and several natural reserves, Los Llanos is, in my opinion, the perfect region for wildlife watching in Colombia.
The best time for a safari is during the dry season (December to March) as animals gather around the few remaining water sources in the savanna. It’s very hot here, so early morning or late afternoon is ideal for spotting animals as they gather at watering holes to drink. Many are also nocturnal.
Among the Colombian animals you’ll have no trouble spotting are:
- Capybaras.
- Caimans.
- Deers.
- Numerous birds, including several migratory species (around the Alta Gracia lagoon).
- Various monkeys (howler, spider, woolly, and titi monkey).
You’ll need a bit more luck to spot:
- Giant anteaters.
- Otters.
- Anacondas.
It’s even harder to catch a glimpse of jaguars.
Andean region
The Colombian Andes region offers breathtaking landscapes: páramos (a unique ecosystem), canyons (Chicamocha), deserts (Tatacoa), lakes (Laguna de Tota), rainforests, and cloud forests. Numerous national parks feature trails for exploring the region’s rich flora and fauna.
With a wide range of climates and significant temperature changes, it’s worth planning carefully if you’re heading out for an adventure. Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May, September-October) if you plan to explore the páramos.
Some of the Colombian wildlife you can easily spot in the Andes region includes:
- The Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- The Crested oropendola.
- The Andean motmot.
- Many other bird species, such as tanagers, hummingbirds, and warblers.
Other species are more challenging to find:
- The Andean condor – endemic to the Andes mountains.
- The Spectacled bear, also endemic.
- The Stubel’s hummingbird, critically endangered.
Plant lovers will also be captivated by endemic species like the frailejón and the majestic wax palms of the Cocora Valley and Toche (near Salento).
The Amazon
A lush jungle crisscrossed by the vast Amazon River, expansive plains, and unique rock formations make the Amazon a paradise for nature lovers.
If you’re planning an adventure in this region, prepare for a hot, humid climate, plenty of mosquitoes—especially in the rainy season—and often basic accommodations.
Life in the Amazon follows the rhythm of the river. I recommend visiting during the low-water season (August to October) to increase your chances of seeing wildlife.
Some Colombian animals are fairly easy to spot in the Amazon:
- Numerous insect species: tarantulas and other spiders like the banana spider, grasshoppers, and giant stick insects.
- Several species of tiny frogs.
- Toucans.
- Macaws.
- Endemic monkeys like the Saimiri, Tamarin, and Churuco.
- Pink river dolphins, endemic to the Amazon River.
- Fish like the famous piranha and the pirarucu, the largest freshwater fish and endemic to the Amazon.
- The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), a fascinating bird.
- Caimans.
Some animals are harder to encounter:
- Two-toed sloth.
- Anaconda.
- Harpy eagle.
- The elusive jaguar.
If you’re a plant lover, you’ll be thrilled by iconic species like the majestic Ceiba tree and the giant water lily, both of which are easy to admire in the Amazon.
Important Animal Families in Colombia
The most common animals in Colombia.
Birds of Colombia
Around 2,020 bird species inhabit Colombia’s jungles, mountains, and plains, representing over 20% of the world’s bird species. This makes it the richest country in terms of bird species globally and an ideal destination for birdwatching.
Colombia is home to 85 endemic species and 100 threatened species. Additionally, it’s a critical stop on the American continent for migratory species traveling from north to south.
Among the most iconic species, the Andean condor stands out. With dozens of species, hummingbirds are also highly represented in Colombia, with some endemics like the Black-backed Thornbill, Buffy Helmetcrest, and Blue-bearded Helmetcrest, all of which are threatened or endangered.
Other well-known or emblematic species include:
- The Motmot or Barranquero.
- The Harpy eagle.
- The Quetzal – 13 endemic species.
- The Cacique or Oropendola (also called Mochilero).
- Toucans – several species.
- The Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- Tanagers (small songbirds) – Colombia hosts several species, such as the Black-and-gold Tanager and Gold-ringed Tanager, both endemic and vulnerable.
Mammals of Colombia
With 450 recorded species, mammals are well represented among the animals of Colombia, placing the country in the top quarter globally for the number of terrestrial mammal species. The diversity of often hard-to-reach ecosystems suggests that this number may grow as exploration and discovery continue.
Some of the most well-known or iconic mammals include:
- Monkeys – Colombia is home to several monkey species, such as the Cotton-top tamarin, the Black-headed spider monkey (a threatened species), the Red howler monkey, the Woolly monkey or Churuco, the Titi monkey, and the Pygmy marmoset (the smallest primate in the world).
- The giant anteater.
- The giant otter – a threatened species.
- The capybara.
- The spectacled bear.
- The jaguar.
Among marine mammals are the humpback whale and the pink river dolphin (the boto).
Other mammals, though less known, are also present:
- The white-tailed deer.
- The mountain tapir – a threatened species.
- The tamandua, a relative of the anteater family.
Reptiles of Colombia
With over 580 identified species, Colombia ranks as the sixth most reptile-rich country in the world.
The most represented groups include:
- Caimans, such as the Black caiman, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, and the Spectacled caiman.
- Turtles (33 species), with 15 endangered species and 3 endemic ones. The most well-known include the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the impressive leatherback turtle.
- Over 230 lizard species, including iguanas, various anole species such as the blue anole, and several basilisk species, including the green basilisk.
- Around 300 snake species, including the famous green anaconda, as well as the Boa imperator and Boa constrictor.
Amphibians of Colombia
Among Colombia’s most prominent animal groups are amphibians, with over 750 recorded species.
There are two very interesting groups:
Glass frogs (or Fleischmann’s glass frogs), typically no larger than 25 mm, are usually a lemon-green color. They’re named for their translucent abdominal skin, which reveals their bones, intestines, and heart. This transparency, which changes with their surroundings, makes them nearly invisible—a valuable survival camouflage compared to “opaque” frogs. Among the glass frogs in Colombia are Burrowes’ Giant Glass Frog, a threatened species, and the Spiny Cochran Frog.
The other well-represented amphibian group in Colombia is poison frogs, which store venom in skin glands. The most famous is the Golden Poison Frog or Kokoï of Colombia, endemic to Colombia’s Pacific coast and known as the world’s most toxic frog. Indigenous tribes would coat their blowgun darts with its secretions.
Butterflies of Colombia
With nearly 3,700 identified species, Colombia hosts the largest butterfly species in the world. It’s estimated that 20% of the planet’s butterflies are found here, with over 200 species being endemic.
Some of the most remarkable species include:
- The Blue Morpho, a huge butterfly (with a wingspan of around 120 mm) whose wing tops are a brilliant metallic blue. Highly prized by collectors in the 20th century.
- The Monarch, another large butterfly, recognizable by its orange wings veined with black patterns. This migratory species forms impressive gatherings during migration.
- The Caligo, also known as the “owl butterfly” due to the large, round eye-like spots on the underside of its wings, which resemble an owl’s eyes.
Favorite experiences in Colombia
Directly contact the best local agencies for these tours
La Guajira : Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas & Macuira park 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Enjoy 4 days of adventure in the La Guajira desert, with a mix of classic and new destinations.
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Cartagena: Rent a boat to explore the Rosario Islands 1d
Colombia
1 Day
3 places
A tailor-made boat trip to enjoy the Rosario Islands: Find the most stunning islands and either dodge the tourists or party with them.
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Santa Marta : The Lost City [Ciudad Perdida] trek 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Discover the magic of the Ciudad Perdida and its importance for the indigenous communities.
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Leticia: the Amazon from a jungle ecolodge, comfort option 5d
Colombia
5 Days
1 place
Stay in the world's largest forest and discover its wonders and diversity.
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The Cerros de Mavecure and Its Unforgettable Landscapes 5d
Colombia
5 Days
2 places
Imagine three massive hills rising from the ground in the middle of a vast jungle plain.
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Yopal : Safari in los Llanos from a nature reserve 4d
Colombia
4 Days
3 places
Gallop at full speed across the vast plains of the Llanos, discovering an admirable natural habitat.
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Caño Cristales: discover the famous rainbow river - group option 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Imagine the spectacle of a multicolored river winding through unique landscapes.
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Los Nevados: Santa Isabel glacier ascent 3D
Colombia
3 Days
1 place
The perfect combo of high and medium-altitude mountains plus the discovery of numerous ecosystems.
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Guachalito: Whale watching and peaceful ecolodge 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Picture yourself observing the whales' ballet from an ecolodge on a secluded beach.
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