Short answer: the Amazon is home to an estimated 10% of the world’s known species. Around Leticia and Puerto Nariño you can realistically see pink and grey river dolphins, several monkey species, sloths, caimans, macaws, toucans, poison dart frogs and huge butterflies. Jaguars, tapirs and giant otters live here too, but sightings are rare.
Wildlife in the Amazon is not a zoo. Animals are spread across a vast forest, many are nocturnal and most are shy. What you see depends on the season, the time of day, how quiet your group is and — above all — the eyes of your guide.
River animals
- Pink river dolphin (boto): the icon of the region. The Tarapoto Lakes near Puerto Nariño are one of the best places to see them. Where to see pink river dolphins.
- Grey river dolphin (tucuxi): smaller and more playful, often seen in the same waters.
- Caimans: spectacled and black caimans; easiest to spot at night by their eyeshine.
- Piranhas: common in rivers and lakes; piranha fishing is part of several programs.
- Arapaima (pirarucú): one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and a regional dish.
- Green anaconda: present in swamps and slow waters. Read Are there anacondas in the Amazon?
- Amazonian manatee and giant otter: present but rarely seen.
Mammals of the forest
- Squirrel monkeys: fast, noisy troops that are relatively easy to see.
- Pygmy marmoset: one of the smallest monkeys in the world.
- Capuchins and woolly monkeys: the latter are the focus of rescue work in local communities.
- Three-toed sloth: hard to spot until your guide points one out — then you see them everywhere.
- Kinkajou and night monkeys: nocturnal; look for them on night walks.
- Jaguar, puma, tapir: present in the region but very rarely seen by visitors.
Birds
The Colombian Amazon is a paradise for birders: macaws, parrots, toucans, the prehistoric-looking hoatzin, herons, kingfishers and raptors. Every evening in Leticia, thousands of parakeets arrive to roost in the main park. Serious birders should look at our Amazon Birdwatching Tour.
Reptiles, amphibians and insects
- Poison dart frogs and tree frogs, best found on night walks
- Tarantulas and other spiders
- Blue morpho and owl butterflies
- Leaf-cutter ants marching along forest trails
- Bioluminescent fungi — not an animal, but one of the most memorable sights at night
Are Amazon animals dangerous?
Much less than their reputation suggests. Most animals avoid people. The real everyday risks are mosquitoes, ants and the sun. Snakes and caimans are rarely a problem when you walk with an experienced guide, wear closed shoes and follow simple rules. See Is it safe to travel to the Colombian Amazon?
How to see more wildlife
- Go out at dawn and after dark — many animals are most active then.
- Choose small groups and quiet boats; engines and voices scare animals away.
- Bring binoculars and let the guide lead.
- Never feed, touch or chase animals, and avoid places that offer animals for photos.
- Consider the season: low water concentrates fish and dolphins; high water brings canoe trips through flooded forest. Best time to visit.
Our wildlife-focused tours
The Amazon Wildlife Adventure combines day and night excursions, a visit to a squirrel monkey reserve and dolphin watching, with an Indigenous guide. Also see the Colombian Amazon travel guide.
FAQ
How many animals live in the Amazon?
Scientists have described millions of species across the Amazon basin — including thousands of fish, birds, mammals and amphibians — and new ones are still being discovered.
Can you see jaguars in the Colombian Amazon?
They live here, but sightings are rare. Tracks are more common than the animal itself.
What is the most common animal to see?
Birds, monkeys, river dolphins and caimans are the animals most visitors see on a 4-day trip.
Ready to experience it yourself?
All expeditions are private, max 6 travelers, and depart from Leticia year-round. WhatsApp Eliceo to check availability and dates.