5 Can’t-Miss Colombian Departments For Wildlife Lovers

Home to world-renowned cities that span from the Caribbean to the heart of the Andes, Colombia has cemented itself as one of South America’s most dazzling tourist destinations since the dawn of the 21st century—and the nation’s meteoric rise is due in large part to its incredible opportunities for ecotourism. Adorned with two distinct coastlines, towering mountains and a sweeping plains district, this sprawling country is home to a truly staggering array of native flora and fauna, with no shortage of species that can be found nowhere else on the planet. As you plan your next foray into Colombia, be sure to save some room on the itinerary to visit these picturesque regions, each one boasting its own unique array of dazzling creatures.

Cundinamarca

Located just beyond the national capital of Bogota, the department of Cundinamarca offers ample opportunity for wildlife lovers without having to stray too far from the big city. During a visit, guests are welcome to explore the splendor of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, a sprawling preserve that earned protected status in 1977. For best results, guests should be sure to make the journey with an experienced guide, with Colombian company Caminatas Ecológicas Bogotá offering the perfect expedition. During a one-day trip, visitors can look forward to marveling at Cundinamarca’s picturesque high-altitude páramo ecosystem, while native fauna spans from the sword-billed hummingbird to the Andean condor to the spectacled bear.

Magdalena

The Colombian Caribbean has earned worldwide acclaim for its high-end resorts and scenic cities, but it’s not just humans that call this picturesque region home. Upon arrival in the historic city of Santa Marta, visitors can make their way southeast to the mountain village of Minca, an idyllic settlement that’s earned abundant acclaim for its incredible birdwatching opportunities. There are several hundred avian species that thrive across the region, with orange-winged amazons, red-billed emeralds and yellow orioles serving as a few particularly colorful residents—and for those hoping to get an up-close glimpse of them, Jungle Joe Minca is a top-tier tour group. While full-day birding tours are a popular option, the company is well-versed in all forms of outdoor adventure, with added opportunities to go mountain hiking and even visit a hidden waterfall deep in the wilderness.

Risaralda

Spanning just over 4,000 square kilometers in the western reaches of central Colombia, Risaralda provides visitors with a chance to explore the verdant beauty of the nation’s Coffee Triangle, a rural expanse of land that’s renowned for its agricultural prowess. During a visit to the charming town of Santa Rosa de Cabal, visitors can marvel at towering metal statues of local birdlife across the Parque de Las Araucarias, then make their way to nearby Hacienda Santa Clara to search for these animals in the flesh. While this historic lodge’s on-property birdfeeders and adjacent creek draw native avian species in droves, the venue also doubles as a stellar lunch spot, inviting visitors to dine on a hearty bowl of sancocho as they admire the local wildlife along the lawn.

Guainía

The eastern reaches of Colombia have seen far less urban development than the nation’s core, providing wildlife with plenty of pristine wilderness to enjoy. The bulk of visitors to Guainía begin their journey with a trip to the local capital of Inírida, and when it comes to discovering the rich biodiversity surrounding the city, there’s no beating an excursion with Manakin Nature Tours. This prestigious company offers birding expeditions all across South America, but for Guainía in particular, the Escape to the Orinoco River Basin presents the opportunity to spot creatures like the green-tailed jacamar and Amazonian umbrellabird—and to sweeten the deal, this once-in-a-lifetime trip also offers a chance to marvel at river dolphins along the towering Cerros de Mavicure mountain range as well.

Chocó

The sole department in all of Colombia to possess both a Pacific and Caribbean coast, Chocó serves as one of the nation’s top spots for marine-focused ecotourism, with one animal in particular drawing visitors in droves. From roughly July to November, migrating humpback whales make their journey to the waters of western Colombia to give birth to live young, providing visitors with an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a mother with an infant in tow. While whales can be found all across the department’s shores, Nuquí and Bahía Solano are two particularly popular destinations thanks to their high concentration of tour groups and ecolodges.