2-week itinerary in Colombia: discovering exotic wildlife

Get ready for a memorable adventure through Colombia, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, ranked second only to Brazil for the number of species. This two-week journey will take you from the peaks of the Andes to the wild beaches of the Pacific, passing through the dense jungles of the Amazon and the vast plains of the Llanos. Each stage is designed to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems and observe rare and fascinating animal species up close.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, an amphibian and mammal enthusiast, or simply curious about biodiversity, this expedition has unforgettable encounters with nature in store for you. Pack your rucksack, binoculars and camera, and embark on an adventure where every day promises its share of discoveries and wonders, Mother Nature permitting. Colombia awaits you with its natural treasures and breathtaking landscapes!

Important note: this itinerary focuses primarily on the observation of Colombian flora and fauna. Visits to towns and villages will be (very) limited. What’s more, the trip is intense and requires a certain capacity for adaptation: sometimes rustic accommodation, difficult climatic conditions (humidity, heat) and adequate physical levels for the many hikes planned.

Times shown are approximate and may vary according to flight departure and arrival times for transfers. Activities are not scheduled at a fixed time, but are planned in consultation with local guides. The examples presented in this itinerary are based on our own personal experiences.

Course

2-week itinerary in Colombia: discovering exotic wildlife

Duration: 2 weeks. Entering and leaving Colombia from Bogotá.

When to go (ideally): January to April

Stages: 3 stages (Amazon, Llanos du Casanare and Bogotá).

Travel: bus, cab, plane (3 internal flights)

Activities: city tours, hiking, birdwatching, safari.

Physical level required: medium/high

Right in the heart of the Colombian Amazon, Leticia and Puerto Nariño offer a unique immersive experience in one of the most biologically diverse areas on the globe. Situated along the banks of the majestic Amazon River, these two towns serve as gateways to lush nature and fascinating indigenous traditions. Leticia, the capital of the Amazonas department, is an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding jungle and meeting the local indigenous communities. Just a few hours’ sailing away, Puerto Nariño stands out for its commitment to sustainable tourism and its remarkable biodiversity.

Visitors can admire exceptional wildlife, from pink dolphins playing in the river waters to multicolored parrots flying above the canopy. Hiking trails around Puerto Nariño allow you to discover the local flora, while boat excursions offer immersion in spectacular aquatic landscapes.

Meeting indigenous communities such as the Ticunas, Yaguas and Huitotos is a memorable experience. These peoples willingly share their ancestral knowledge and traditions, and act as guides in the world’s largest rainforest. Participating in these cultural exchanges enriches the trip and offers a deeper understanding of the harmony between man and nature in this region.

For this itinerary, we propose a 5-day adventure at Yoi EcoLodge, nestled between Puerto Nariño and Leticia, right in the heart of the forest. This stay includes accommodation, full board and various activities.

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

Your trip to Colombia begins with your arrival at Bogotá’s El Dorado international airport on the first day. Once immigration and customs formalities have been completed, you can take a cab to your accommodation. The evening will be free, allowing you to recuperate after your flight and get used to the Colombian capital. Take advantage of this first evening to relax and unwind, because tomorrow is the adventure!

Day 2 / TRANSFER / Medellín -> Leticia (Amazonia)

It’s high time to reconnect with nature! This time, we’re heading for the extreme south-east of the country, to the town of Leticia, nestled in the heart of the Amazon. We finally arrive at this mythical destination to explore the world’s largest jungle. The adventure begins with a flight from Bogotá (El Dorado airport) to Leticia (Alfredo Vásquez Cobo airport), for a direct 2-hour flight with Latam or Avianca. We recommend spending the first night in Leticia.

There are many ways to explore the Amazon. You can opt for day trips from Leticia or from the charming nearby town of Puerto Nariño. However, for total immersion, nothing beats a stay in a local community or in a lodge nestled in the heart of the forest. This option allows you to fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Amazon, although comfort is more rudimentary and you have to accept the presence of a few nocturnal insects. For an authentic experience, we strongly recommend staying in an indigenous village or lodge, despite these minor constraints. For this itinerary, we’ve planned a 5-day immersion at Yoi EcoLodge, located between Puerto Nariño and Leticia, right in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This stay includes accommodation, full board and various activities.

Day 3: Leticia (Amazonia)
_{Visit to the community village of San Martín}

Arriving in Leticia the day before, an agency representative will take you from the hotel to the public boat at 9:00 am, marking the start of your epic adventure on the majestic Amazon River. This trip, similar to a river bus journey with strategic stops, will allow you to appreciate the full grandeur of the river. After 1h15 of navigation, the boat stops in a remote area in the middle of nowhere. Your local guide will be waiting for you in a lancha for a further 20 minutes on a tributary of the Amazon, winding through the forest to the lodge, perfectly integrated into nature. After dropping off your belongings, a visit to the village of San Martin is planned. Dinner in the village, complete with attempts at creating bracelets from natural fibers, precedes a leisurely return to the lodge. The evening concludes with a delicious dinner, a shower in the persistent humidity, and a night lulled by the sounds of nature alone.

Day 4: Amazonia
_{Hiking in Amacayac National Park + Amazon River cruise / Lake Tarapoto + Night walk}

As is often the case in Colombia, the alarm goes off early. After an early breakfast, you embark on a lancha outing. You disembark in the middle of nature, ready for a three-hour hike in Amacayacu National Park. Your guide reveals the secrets of the plants, explaining their dangers and medicinal virtues, while you try to catch a glimpse of the wildlife, which is not always easy. Back at the lodge, you have an appetizing lunch, followed by a well-deserved break. Then it’s back on the lancha to explore the Amazon River, spotting birds and dolphins along the way. The destination is Lake Tarapoto, famous for its pink dolphins. Although present, the murky water can make them difficult to spot. The more courageous can even swim in the lake. Back at the lodge, you wait for nightfall, around 6-6.30pm, for a night hike. This exploration, under the glow of headlamps, reveals a multitude of gigantic insects, including tarantulas, as well as amphibians and sometimes snakes, offering an unforgettable and thrilling experience.

Day 5: Amazonia
_{Visit to Puerto Nariño + Visit to Maikuchiga sanctuary}

On this third day, you head for the tourist village of Puerto Nariño, dotted with small hostals and hotels. Although its viewpoint offers a pleasant view of the surroundings, it’s not an essential stopover. Your exploration takes you to a mini-nature reserve on the outskirts of the village, home to a few free-roaming monkeys, including howler monkeys, and a small lake with fish and caimans. Then it’s off to the Ethnographic Museum for a fascinating guided tour of the surrounding nature and indigenous culture, complete with myths and legends such as that of Guarana and boto. Lunch takes place in a canteen on the banks of the Amazon River, introducing you to popular Amazonian gastronomy. After a break in Puerto Nariño, take a lancha to the Maikuchiga sanctuary, an animal refuge and rehabilitation center in the heart of the Amazon. The name Tikuna, “the story of the monkey”, symbolizes this sanctuary, which provides a safe haven for animals confiscated through illegal trafficking. After this magical experience with the furry residents, you return to the ecolodge for a break before another night out.

Day 6: Amazonia
_{Ornithology + Caiman watching}

The activity often begins at the first light of dawn, when the forest awakens and the songs of the birds form a veritable natural symphony. Equipped with binoculars and guided by a local expert, you set off to discover this ecosystem brimming with life. The guides, often from indigenous communities, have in-depth knowledge of the area and the birds’ habits. Their expertise allows you to observe rare and endemic species, while learning to recognize their songs and behaviors. The Amazon rainforest, with its dense vegetation and diverse landscapes, is an ideal habitat for a multitude of birds. From toucans with their colorful beaks and brightly feathered macaws to mysterious hoazins and elegant egrets, every encounter with these birds is a source of wonder. Rivers and lakes are also home to aquatic species such as herons and kingfishers, adding an extra dimension to your exploration. After this early-morning adventure, return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon, before setting off on a lancha at sunset to track down the caimans.

Nestled in the heart of the vast Llanos plains, Yopal is a fascinating gateway to a region of Colombia that is often overlooked but incredibly rich in biodiversity. The Llanos, these endless expanses of grassland and marshland, offer spectacular panoramic views and are home to an exuberant fauna that will appeal to nature lovers and adventurers alike. The landscapes here are seemingly endless, with natural wonders to explore in every nook and cranny.

Yopal, capital of the department of Casanare, is the ideal starting point for discovering this wild region. The Llanos are a veritable sanctuary for numerous animal species, from caimans and anacondas to multicolored birds such as macaws and ibises, not to mention capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, and majestic jaguars. The region is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with breathtaking avian diversity.

In Yopal, visitors can immerse themselves in the wilderness by taking part in guided safaris, navigating winding rivers or exploring the vast savannahs on horseback. Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer or simply curious about nature, the Llanos promise an unforgettable experience.

Depending on your budget, various safaris are available, adapted to the duration of your choice. Simply contact local agencies to arrange a safari that suits your wishes and budget. Two particularly recommended safaris are:
– Safari to the Altagracia reserve (the most expensive option), a very remote but incredible place.
– Safari to the Hato la Aurora nature reserve (relatively expensive), a little further away than Altagracia.
– Safari to Hatos Mata de Palma, Altamira, Hato Montana (less expensive), 2h30 drive from Yopal.

Our program includes a safari to the Altagracia reserve, but this can easily be replaced by another safari without altering the rest of the itinerary. All we need to do is take flight schedules into account.

Day 7 / TRANSFER / Leticia to Yopal (Casanare)

After spending one last night in this sea of green, it’s time to hit the road again, heading for the vast Colombian plains and the town of Yopal, capital of Casanare. The main airlines serving the city are Avianca and Latam, renowned for their safety. The flight involves an obligatory 2 to 3-hour stopover in Bogotá, making the total journey around 5 to 6 hours. On arrival at Yopal airport, take a cab to your accommodation in the city. We recommend the Gran Plaza shopping mall area, which offers a wide choice of restaurants, bars and cafés, and is only a 5-minute cab ride from the airport.

Day 8: Altagracia Reserve (Safari in the Casanare Llanos)

Departure from Yopal for the Altagracia reserve is usually around 9am. A driver will pick you up in a pick-up truck, en route to the Altagracia reserve, located far to the east of Yopal. The journey takes around 7 hours, crossing tarmac roads, gravel tracks and dirt paths. It’s a pretty jarring experience that requires an adventurous spirit, far from being a simple ride (but that’s what makes the region so charming!). During the trip, you’ll discover Colombia’s vast, flat plains, a breathtaking landscape. From rice fields to cattle pastures, this region plays a crucial role in national food production. A lunch break in a charming local restaurant will allow you to sample delicious meat, a mainstay of the local gastronomy.

Day 9: Altagracia Reserve (Safari in the Casanare Llanos)

The day begins with a hearty breakfast at the Ecolodge, preparing guests for a day full of adventure. After savoring local delicacies, walking tours of the Buenaventura Nature Reserve begin, offering total immersion in the region’s spectacular biodiversity. Trails wind through groves, the territory of howler monkeys. Around midday, a well-deserved lunch is served, allowing you to regain your strength before continuing your exploration. The afternoon is devoted to a canoe trip, gliding peacefully over streams and a small lake. This activity offers the opportunity to discover aquatic fauna and exotic birds up close, and with a bit of luck, to admire an incredible sunset, weather permitting. After this aquatic adventure, a 4×4 drive back to the Ecolodge provides a final opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Buenaventura from a new angle. The day concludes with a delicious dinner, followed by a well-deserved rest, while memories of the day’s discoveries continue to fill the mind.

Day 10: Altagracia Reserve (Safari in the Casanare Llanos)

At daybreak, around 06:00 on this third day of adventure, the search for nocturnal creatures near the lodge begins. It’s the perfect time for an exceptional encounter: the close-up observation of a giant anteater, a breathtaking wonder. Deer and white-tailed deer can often be spotted along the way. After an hour or so of exploration, return to the lodge for an essential breakfast. Afterwards, a 4×4 excursion is planned to explore the vast plains and enjoy some welcome air conditioning in this intense heat. Once again, a variety of fascinating birds will cross your path, including the surprising burrowing owl. If you’re lucky, you may also spot armadillos or collared anteaters. After lunch, the expedition heads to the anacondas’ lair, where specimens up to 6 meters can be found, although some reach up to 9 meters – an impressive sight not to be missed!

Day 11: Altagracia Reserve (Safari in the Casanare Llanos)

On this last full day in Altagracia, another nature reserve is explored with a warm welcome from a lovely family. The morning begins with a short hike around a lake and through a grove, offering immersion in the local flora and observation of fascinating insects such as leaf-cutter ants, which cut leaves to grow mushrooms. Magnificent birds such as the red ibis, herons and roseate spoonbills also enhance the visit. Two curious giant otters emerge from the lake, while sunbathing caimans become spectators of this picturesque scene. After a lunch of local fish, the afternoon continues with an hour-and-a-half-long canoe trip along a river, revealing stingrays, iguanas and a variety of birds. The guide, fishing piranhas for dinner, shares information about the presence of electric eels in the area, adding a note of excitement to the adventure. For the second sunset, a table is set by a lake, accompanied by white wine and fruit, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Back at the lodge, visitors are pleasantly surprised by a group of musicians and dancers initiated into Joropo, the traditional dance of the Llanos, offering an enriching conclusion to this last night.

Day 12: Altagracia Reserve (Safari in the Casanare Llanos) & Return to Yopal

A busy day ahead! The last day begins with a final walk around the lodge, offering a last glimpse of the local wildlife before starting the 6-7 hour journey to Yopal. The farewell with Victor and his family, warm and fascinating hosts, marks the conclusion of the stay. The return journey takes another 7 hours, punctuated by stops to observe and photograph capybaras and jabirus, the region’s largest birds. Arrival in Yopal is scheduled for around 5 p.m. To optimize time and avoid losing a day, we recommend flying to Bogotá on the same day. A flight with ClicAir is available around 8-8.30pm, offering a journey time of around 50 minutes. In Bogotá, take a cab from the airport to your accommodation for a well-deserved night’s sleep after this intense day.

Bogotá, Colombia’s dynamic capital, is much more than a metropolis. Nestled more than 2,600 meters above sea level in the Andes, this vibrant city is a fascinating crossroads where tradition and modernity have coexisted harmoniously since its foundation in 1538. Bogotá is the country’s largest city, renowned for its cultural diversity and the warm welcome of its people.

The city offers a multitude of lively neighborhoods, colorful markets and a thriving arts scene. The historic Candelaria district, with its cobbled streets and brightly-fronted colonial houses, bears witness to the city’s rich history. Bogotá is also a major cultural center, home to renowned museums such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, as well as numerous theaters and art galleries.

Bogotá’s surroundings are full of attractions. The Andes mountains offer spectacular panoramas and unforgettable hiking opportunities. A few kilometers from the city, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground church dug into an old salt mine, impresses with its unique architecture. The village of Guatavita, famous for its legendary lake, invites you to explore local traditions and admire the surrounding natural beauty. For nature lovers and adventurers, Chingaza National Park is home to unique ecosystems and exceptional biodiversity.

Whether discovering its cultural treasures, savoring its local cuisine or adventuring in the surrounding mountains, Bogotá and its surroundings offer a rich and diverse experience for every visitor.

Day 13: Bogotá
_{Visit to Candelaria + Montserrate + others (we recommend you do this with a guide)}

Explore Bogotá’s rich history and vibrant culture on this leg of your trip. Take a stroll through the city center, with its cobblestone streets, ancient churches and museums that trace the period of Spanish colonization and Colombian independence. Don’t miss the Museo del Oro, where an impressive collection of gold and emerald objects recounts pre-Columbian history. In the afternoon, climb to the top of Monserrate, which rises to over 3,000 meters, for a breathtaking panoramic view of Bogotá, offering a unique perspective on the city. Time permitting, visit the Botanical Gardens and the Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park to complete your exploration of the Colombian capital.

Day 14: Bogotá – Departure, end of trip (already!)

Oh, your last day in Colombia is already upon us, time has gone by so quickly! Now it’s time to head for El Dorado International Airport and say goodbye to this magnificent country. We hope your stay in Colombia has been as enjoyable as we’ve enjoyed welcoming you!

If you still have a few hours before your flight, why not take advantage of a last stroll through the historic district, such as the Pasaje Rivas, to buy souvenirs, visit one last museum or simply relax in a park?

Budget (estimate)

2-week itinerary in Colombia: discovering exotic wildlife

Here is an estimate of the total cost per person on site (excluding airfare in and out of Colombia) in Colombian pesos. Activity prices include guides and visits according to itinerary.

For two or more people sharing a private room, the cost can be more economical than for a single person booking a single room, often at the same (or close to the same) price. As each situation is different, it may be necessary to adjust the budget by choosing simpler accommodation or more modest meals.

In general, this type of itinerary is quite costly due to the guides required in many cases, particularly for the safari in the Llanos. Observing this country’s incredible biodiversity comes at a price!