From the chirping of birds to the roar of howler monkeys, Colombian animals present the soundtrack to experiences on this a part of South America. Colombia is a land of coast, Amazon, Andes, cloud forests, desert and Caribbean and is dwelling to a various inhabitants of wildlife. Even in huge cities like Medellín and Cartagena, you are assured to identify animals native to Colombia, and the shores are filled with attention-grabbing reptiles, colourful fish and delightful tropical birds.
Andean condor
Colombia’s nationwide chook is the Andean condor, and seeing one in actual life is just a South American expertise. Not solely is the condor one of many largest flying birds on the planet, it’s also an emblem of energy and well being. The Incas thought-about it sacred.
These birds are fierce, majestic and highly effective with a wingspan of round 3 meters (10 ft), making them comparatively straightforward to identify, particularly at excessive altitudes within the Andes. Control the skies close to espresso areas, resembling Los Nevados Nationwide Park or close to Bogotá.
Pink dolphin
When you see a pink dolphin whereas touring in Colombia, know that you’ve got witnessed a uncommon second. The rosy pink dolphin can solely be present in freshwater rivers within the Amazon rainforest in South America. Dolphins are social creatures, so when you see one, hold quiet as a result of his associates are in all probability hanging out close by. You might have the perfect likelihood to see these lovely creatures deep within the Amazon, resembling alongside the Orinoco River.
Puma
Pumas are one of the vital harmful animals you’ll be able to see in Colombia. These wild cats stay in many various landscapes all through Colombia, mostly within the Andes and the Amazon. Despite the fact that the considered bumping right into a cougar would make your blood run chilly, do not be afraid – cougars hold to the facet and keep away from encounters with people.
South American Coati
The little coati one way or the other manages to look each lovely and menacing on the similar time. Coatis look a bit like North American trash-loving raccoons, however the South American model is brown or reddish. Their lengthy, striped tails are held upright as they run and are often seen in teams.
You possibly can see this Colombian animal within the Andes, jungle or cloud forests. They’re fairly widespread in Medellín (despite the fact that it’s a large metropolis), the Espresso Triangle and Minca.
Flamingo
Is there a extra lovely chook than the pink feathered flamingo? The flamingos’ enjoyable coloration comes from all of the shrimp they eat. Within the Colombian Caribbean, these long-legged birds collect in La Guajira within the tons of.
Colombians love them a lot that they created the Los Flamencos sanctuary within the city of Camarones, the place loud motorboats should not allowed. Guests, nevertheless, can paddle to get a more in-depth look and {photograph} the birds.
Iguana
In case your Colombian travels take you to the coastal areas of the nation, resembling Santa Marta, Cartagena, Tayrona or Taganga Nationwide Park, you’ll possible have no less than one encounter with an iguana. Typically, these creatures simply wish to bask within the solar – identical to the vacationers who go to the coast.
You’re more than likely to see the inexperienced iguana (nicknamed the Santa Marta Iguana), which lives within the Sierra Nevada mountain vary. It performs a key position within the ecosystem as prey for the various animals that stay there.
Andean bear
The one bear native to South America, the Andean bear is likely one of the most well-known animals from Colombia on account of its particular look. It was nicknamed the ‘spectacled bear’ because of its facial markings which look nearly the other of pandas, with a good face and darkish fur across the eyes.
Like most bears, Andean bears are shy. Couple that with the truth that they’re a weak species and you’re fairly fortunate when you handle to see one whereas touring in Colombia. They like altitude and are good climbers, so that they settle within the Andes (as their title suggests) and typically descend in direction of cloud forests or jungles.
It’s possible you’ll discover these bears on native artwork or avenue murals all through Colombia. Essentially the most well-known Andean bear in mainstream tradition is Paddington, a youngsters’s storybook character who hails from Peru.
Hummingbird
It could be nearly unimaginable to go to Colombia and never spot numerous species of hummingbirds flapping their colourful wings as they fly from one flower to a different. With greater than 150 species, Colombia is a paradise for these lovely birds. Vacationers can discover hummingbird sanctuaries all through the nation, and one standard spot is climbing within the Cocora Valley in Salento, Colombia’s espresso area.
When you go to, relaxation your trail-weary ft and revel in a cup of sizzling chocolate whereas watching teams of hummingbirds collect within the forest, an unforgettable and enchanting Colombian expertise.
Monkey
If you wish to see monkeys, head to the north coast of Colombia. Exterior of Santa Marta is Tayrona Park, one of the vital standard seashores within the nation and a paradise for monkeys. Crimson howlers, capuchin monkeys and tamarins roam this coastal park. These tamarins are an endangered species and indigenous to Colombia, and are straightforward to identify by their wild white fur.
Tayrona Park is a must-do expertise and assured to be an incredible day trip. Mountain climbing by the rainforest simply steps from the ocean, you may see and listen to monkeys swinging by the bushes. Lots of the Colombian monkeys are cute, however be warned: they are often mischievous. Be ready as a result of they may throw fruit or sticks in your route.