Colombia Wildlife Tour

Your Colombia wildlife tour begins upon arrival in Bogota, where you’ll be met by our driver. We can arrange your international flights, or you can book your own. If you arrive in the early afternoon or later, you’ll go directly to your hotel to check in.

For earlier arrivals, we can arrange early check-in or a private city tour. Regardless of your flight schedule, we’ll ensure a seamless arrival.

Welcome to Bogotá, the vibrant heart of Colombia. This city, nestled in the Andean highlands, blends history, culture, and modern sophistication. Explore landscapes from Monserrate’s greenery to La Candelaria’s historic streets.

Bogotá is also a center of artistic expression, with museums, street art, and lively nightlife.

This afternoon you’ll have an opportunity to explore on your own, book an optional activity, or relax at the hotel after traveling. Let your planner know if you’d like to pre-arrange an activity and add Colombia wildlife tour itinerary.

Lodging: HAB Bogota or similar
Flights: International Flights Can Be Arranged

Experience the vibrant city of Bogota with a five-hour walking tour led by your Bogotano host. This private guided tour will immerse you in the city’s culture, history, and traditions, starting in the historical center at Monserrate. From this mountaintop church, you’ll gain an appreciation of Bogota’s vastness and diversity.

Next, you’ll head to La Candelaria, where your host will share both the official and unofficial history of Colombia. As you explore, you’ll have the chance to try typical snacks and coca tea while visiting one of the oldest and most traditional handicraft markets downtown.

This tour will leave you with a deep understanding of Bogota’s culture and a taste of its local flavors. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own, book an optional activity, or simply relax at the hotel.

Lodging: HAB Bogota
Select Meals: Breakfast

This morning you’ll be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your short flight from Bogota to Yopal. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at Yopal airport, have breakfast, and head to El Encanto de Guanapalo Natural Reserve, in the Casanare, arriving in time for lunch at the lodge.

This is a land of vast plains and untamed wilderness in Colombia’s Orinoco region. Known as the “Land of Cowboys,” Casanare showcases the rich culture of the llanos, where cowboy life thrives amidst stunning natural beauty. Explore grasslands and forests, home to wildlife like capybaras, jaguars, and colorful birds.

Experience horseback riding with local llaneros, and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant music and dance, including joropo rhythms and colorful festivals. Whether on a wildlife safari, sampling llanero cuisine, or soaking in breathtaking vistas, Casanare promises an unforgettable stop on your Colombia wildlife tour.

Upon reaching the lodge, enjoy refreshments and settle into a hammock or explore the surroundings until lunch. In the afternoon, explore the savannah and forest edges on foot or by jeep until dusk. Search for wildlife, from small critters to giant anteaters. After a full day of adventure, return to the farmhouse for dinner.

Lodging: Hato Montana
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flights: Domestic Flights Included

Early in the morning, as the sun rises, we can take a walk to look for wildlife, which is more active during the early hours. After breakfast, set out for a horseback ride into the savannas and wetlands, keeping an eye out for wildlife.

If horses are not your preference, opt for jeep safaris along the forest edges and waterholes. Traversing the large reserve in a 4WD vehicle allows close encounters with wildlife and provides a taste of the region’s landscapes and culture.

Lunch will be enjoyed at the farm’s main house, followed by a rest in the hammock to contemplate the scenery. In the late afternoon, continue your Colombia wildlife tour with a photo safari in a different area of the reserve and enjoy the atmospheric golden hour.

Finish with a nocturnal drive back to the lodge to uncover nocturnal species such as maikongs, anteaters, and nighthawks.

After a full day of private guided adventures, return to the farmhouse for a nice dinner.

Lodging: Hato Montana
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge and then leave the nature reserve, headed for our next destination: El Rancho del Llanerazo. This private guided excursion into the world of Seco Gualteros offers insights into the Llanos’ lifestyle, culture, and indigenous history.

Spend the day with an expert Colombia wildlife tour guide and master cowboy and his family. Enjoy home-grown foods from cocoa to a home-cooked lunch by the river Pauto, where howlers and iguanas are often seen.

This off-the-beaten-path experience supports the Gualteros family’s dream of preserving their region’s culture and history. Let yourself be surprised by their activities and collect memories for life!

Afterwards we’ll make our way to Finca La Candelilla, keeping an eye out for wildlife during the trip. The pastures, palm groves, and wetlands teem with exotic birds.

When we arrive we’ll explore the mainly self-sustaining farm, which also houses a Llanos museum and an indigenous artifacts’ museum with ancient ceramics found here.

Eventually you’ll arrive at Posada el Diamante for the night, where you’ll enjoy a musical evening with Llanero music and dancing – an experience not to be missed on your Colombia wildlife tour.

Lodging: Posada Hato El Diamante
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We awake to the howler monkey’s dawn chorus and can opt for an early morning walk to spot howlers and possibly other wildlife. The sounds of the jungle waking up provide a serene backdrop to start day 6 of your Colombia wildlife tour.

After enjoying a full breakfast, we transfer to Casa Cumbres in Yopal, about a two hours away. During the drive, take in the scenic landscapes of Los Llanos, with its vast plains and unique wildlife. Lunch will be served at the hotel upon arrival.

The pool terrace and gardens await for a relaxing afternoon. You can unwind by the pool, stroll through the gardens, or simply reminisce about the many great experiences you’ve had in Los Llanos.

After long days on safari this is time for some relaxtion at the hotel. 

Lodging: Finca Casa Cumbres
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight from Yopal to Leticia (via Bogotá), on the banks of the Amazon River. Our driver will meet you in Letecia and take you to your hotel for the night.

Nestled on the border between Colombia, Peru, and Brazil, Leticia offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

This is your opportunity to explore on your own, book an optional activity, or relax at the hotel. Let your planner know if you’d like to pre-arrange an activity and add it to your itinerary. Otherwise, get ready for tomorrow, when your Colombia wildlife tour will take you deeper into the Amazon.

Lodging: Hotel Cori
Select Meals: Breakfast
Flights: Domestic Flights Included

Today you’ll transfer by boat to Calanoa Jungle Lodge, approximately an hour and half up the Amazon River.

You’ll have a variety of activities to choose from during your stay.

Explore the jungle’s nocturnal life with indigenous guides, experiencing the sounds of frogs, nocturnal creatures, blooming flowers, and phosphorescent mushrooms.

Visit Mocagua Island to see unique flora and fauna and lakes where Victoria amazonica blooms. Watch dolphins and a spectacular sunset from a boat on the Amazon River.

Visit the car-free village of Puerto Nariño and the Natatuma Foundation with statues of animals from Tarapoto Lake. Swim, fish for piranhas, or watch for pink and grey dolphins.

Visit a Tikuna community to see how their life revolves around the river and jungle. Hike across the Calanoa Reserve to Matamata creek. If water levels allow, descend by canoe to the Amazon River and return to the lodge.

This summary provides a glimpse of the immersive experiences awaiting you during your Colombia wildlife tour at Calanoa Jungle Lodge, where the wonders of the Amazon rainforest unfold with each activity.

Lodging: Calanoa Amazon Jungle Lodge
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will be transferred by public boat back down the Amazon River to Leticia airport in time to catch your flight to the next stop on your Colombia wildlife tour.

Today you’ll fly from Leticia to Santa Marta (via Bogotá), on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast.

You will be met by your driver in Santa Marta and taken to your hotel just outside of Tayrona National Park, a scenic drive of about an hour and a half.

Tayrona National Park is a natural wonder that brings together the Caribbean and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. This natural sanctuary, with lush rainforests, clear waters, and golden beaches, offers an escape into nature’s wonders.

Explore diverse ecosystems where exotic birds call and monkeys swing through the canopy. Trek scenic trails through the forest, leading to secluded beaches and coves where you can swim, snorkel, or relax beneath swaying palms.

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities, learning about their traditions and connection to the natural world. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or tranquility amidst nature’s splendor, Tayrona National Park promises an unforgettable experience, captivating and inspiring you with the beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Lodging: Senda Maloka Barlovento
Select Meals: Breakfast
Flights: Domestic Flights Included

After an early breakfast, meet your private Colombia wildlife tour guide and head to Tayrona National Park. Prepare for a day of exploration, including 4-5 hours of hiking, monkey and bird spotting, swimming on stunning Caribbean beaches, and admiring the abundant flora and fauna.

Discover Cabo San Juan del Guía and the best of Tayrona National Natural Park. Ideal for explorers and groups, this tour lets you enjoy nature, discover plant and wildlife species, and swim on magnificent beaches.

Tayrona is part of the ancestral territory of the four indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, who view the area as interconnected sacred sites.

Tayrona Park has significant biological and archaeological value. Its beautiful beaches and jungle landscapes offer tranquility and ecotourism. Explore different sectors, each with its unique charm.

In the Arrecifes – Cabo San Juan sector, cross the tropical dry forest, appreciating the diverse landscape and visiting beaches like Arrecife, Arenilla, la Poza, and Cabo San Juan, where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters.

Lodging: Senda Maloka Barlovento
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart with your guide from your hotel for a unique adventure on this Colombia wildlife tour. A 30-minute drive, including a 4×4 ride, will take you to the trailhead. From there, embark on an uphill hike of about 30 minutes to reach La Tigra Reserve.

During your immersive experience with the Kogui Indigenous people at the reserve, you may have the opportunity to hike to a waterhole, plant a tree, or learn about traditional cooking techniques.

For the truly adventurous, there’s an option to stay overnight, experiencing an evening campfire, sleeping in hammocks, and drifting off to the sounds of nature. Let us know during the booking process if you’d like to consider this option.

Today’s experience offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Kogui people and the natural beauty of La Tigra Reserve.

Lodging: Senda Maloka Barlovento
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be met by your driver and transferred from Tayrona to Minca, about an hour and a half away. In downtown Minca, a 4×4 vehicle will transfer you the rest of your way to you remote hotel in the mountains.

Minca is a tranquil mountain retreat in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This picturesque village, amidst verdant coffee plantations and tropical forests, offers a serene escape from city life.

Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, Minca is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on scenic hikes through rainforest trails, discovering waterfalls, exotic birds, and vibrant flora.

Indulge in the rich flavors of locally grown coffee, cultivated in the fertile hillsides. Explore charming cafes, savor freshly brewed beans, and learn about coffee production.

Experience the warm hospitality of the locals as you wander through the quaint streets, dotted with colorful colonial buildings and lively markets. Whether seeking adventure or solace in nature, Minca promises an unforgettable journey into Colombia’s mountainous landscapes.

This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to explore on your own, book an optional activity, or relax at the hotel. Let your planner know if you’d like to pre-arrange an activity and add it to your Colombia wildlife tour itinerary.

Lodging: Sierra Alta Finca
Select Meals: Breakfast

Your day begins when your guide picks you up at your hotel after breakfast and takes you to Finca La Candelaria. Spend the morning learning about cacao and coffee, making and tasting chocolate bars, and enjoying a chocolate facial.

Finca La Candelaria offers an authentic, educational experience in coffee and cocoa plantations. Enjoy activities while learning about sustainable and ethical practices.

After the Cacao & Coffee Tour, you will be transferred to Amazilia Reserve, a private area where you can cool off, swim in a natural pool, and enjoy a beautiful waterfall. A chef specialized in grilled food will prepare local delicacies for lunch, before you return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Lodging: Sierra Alta Finca
Select Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will be met by your driver and transferred from your hotel to downtown Minca in a 4×4 vehicle, where you will meet another driver, in a more comfortable car, for the approximately hour long drive to Santa Marta in time for your flight.

We can arrange your international flights or you can book your own. If you fly out in the morning or early afternoon, you will go directly to the airport to check in. If you depart later in the day, we can arrange for late check-out or a private extension to your Colombia wildlife tour before going to the airport.

Regardless of your flight schedule, we’ll ensure a seamless departure.

Before you go, you should know that we’ve partnered with Saving the Amazon, a Colombian NGO working with Amazonian communities to reforest native trees in the Amazon.

Because you chose to explore Colombia with us, 9 trees will be planted for each person in your group. Thank you for helping us restore native trees in Colombia.

Select Meals: Breakfast
Flights: International Flights Can Be Arranged