Colombia: A Biodiversity Paradise
Colombia not only boasts exceptional coffee, abundant fruits, and a vibrant music culture, but it is also recognized as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its diverse habitats – ranging from oceans, rainforests, and wetlands to grasslands and high-altitude mountains – create a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Engaging in salsa dancing and enjoying local spirits are delightful experiences, yet, discovering Colombia’s diverse fauna can significantly enrich your travel experience without the burden of a hangover.
Birdwatching
There is no other country in the world that surpasses Colombia in terms of the variety of bird species. With over 1900 species, it has become a birdwatching hotspot, presenting ample opportunities to admire these magnificent creatures.
Strategically located high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, overlooking the Caribbean coast, the renowned ProAves El Dorado Bird Reserve offers visitors the chance to spot 20% of Colombia’s endemic birds, including the national bird, the Andean Condor. Another must-visit is the Río Blanco Nature Reserve, only thirty minutes from Manizales, where birdwatchers can easily track the typically reticent Antpitta species.
To enhance your birdwatching experience, consider hiring a local guide, which increases your chances of spotting and identifying various species. Birding Santa Marta offers day trips along the northern coast, particularly during the migratory season for flamingos at the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos. Furthermore, Andes Eco Tours presents several options around Bogotá catering to all experience levels of birdwatchers.
Whale Watching
Colombia’s Pacific coast offers exhilarating possibilities for adventurers, blending lush jungles with remote beaches. Importantly, this coast serves as a sanctuary for migrating humpback whales escaping the frigid waters of the Antarctic. Annually, between June and October, up to 3,000 humpback whales travel along Colombia’s western shore to give birth and nurture their young in the warm waters.
Key locations for whale watching include Bahía Solano, El Valle, and Nuquí in Chocó, as well as Bahía Málaga near Buenaventura. The town of El Valle serves as an excellent base to organize expeditions to Utría National Park, where land-based whale watching is possible. For whale-watching opportunities, consider staying at The Humpback Turtle hostel in El Valle, or choose El Cantil Ecolodge Hotel in Nuquí, where you can marvel at whales while enjoying a meal.
As Chocó has no inland road access, flights are the best option. Both Satena Airlines and Antioquia Air provide flights to Quibdo, Nuquí, and Bahía Solano from major cities.
Marine Life
Colombia has an expansive coastline and two oceans caressing the northern and western shores, resulting in an underwater realm of incredible treasures. The wild Pacific coast is home to Isla Malpelo, recognized as one of the premier shark diving sites globally. Advanced divers can navigate challenging currents to swim alongside hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, whale sharks, and rays. Alternatively, the biodiverse Isla Gorgona invites snorkelers and divers to experience a plethora of marine life, including humpback whales. For diving adventures, check out Colombia Dive Adventures, operating at both Malpelo and Gorgona.
In contrast, the Caribbean waters are warm and tranquil – ideal for snorkelers and divers of all skill levels. The Archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia is part of the third-largest barrier reef in the world and the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, teeming with diverse marine life including dolphins, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Witness an astonishing natural event by visiting Providencia during the rainy season (April to July), when thousands of black crabs migrate from the mountains to lay their eggs on the beach. A month later, the baby crabs make the reverse journey, guided by their parents.
Colombian Safari
As the Andes conclude in northeast Colombia, a vast savanna known as Los Llanos emerges, stretching eastward into Venezuela. This once guerrilla territory offers varied species inhabiting forests, rivers, and endless prairies, earning it the nickname ‘the Colombian safari.’
A highlight of this region is the Hato La Aurora Nature Reserve, accessible via a rugged 6-hour 4×4 journey northeast of Yopal, the capital of Casanare department. Here, visitors may encounter capybaras, caimans, giant anteaters, and a multitude of bird species, along with the occasional puma or jaguar, creating an unforgettable experience amidst stunning sunsets and star-filled skies.
Travelers can fly directly from Bogotá to Yopal with EasyFly, Latam, or Avianca. For traversing to Hato La Aurora, local agency Aventur Eco Tours offers multi-day tours and day trips from Yopal for wildlife observation, on foot, horseback, or by canoe.
Encountering Pink Dolphins
Located in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, Amazon river dolphins exhibit a fascinating transformation from dark grey at birth to vibrant pink as they mature. Local folklore suggests these dolphins possess the ability to morph into attractive fishermen at night to charm unsuspecting young women.
For the best chances to see these enchanting creatures, visit Leticia, an ideal starting point for exploring the Amazon jungle. The highly recommended Amazon Jungle Trips tour company specializes in multi-day excursions to the Reserva Natural Zacambú, a tranquil lodge situated along the Yavarí River, where sightings of dolphins, birds, monkeys, and caimans abound.
Alternatively, travelers can fly to San José del Guaviare, the capital of Guaviare province, gradually emerging as an ecotourism hotspot. Just 70 km from the city lies Damas del Nare Lake, a tropical haven abundant with dolphins and diverse fauna. Local tour operator Guaviare Biodiverso.travel facilitates excursions to this remote paradise.
