Short answer: yes. The green anaconda lives throughout the Amazon, including the Colombian Amazon around Leticia and Puerto Nariño. It is one of the heaviest snakes in the world, but it is shy, spends most of its time in water and attacks on people are extremely rare. Seeing one is possible, but never guaranteed.
What kind of anaconda lives in the Amazon?
The Amazon’s anaconda is the green anaconda (genus Eunectes). In 2024 scientists described a northern green anaconda as a separate species from the southern one, showing how much there is still to learn about these animals. For travelers, the important part is simple: they are large, non-venomous constrictors that live in and around water.
How big do Amazon anacondas get?
Females are much larger than males. Adults commonly reach several meters in length, and the largest individuals are among the heaviest snakes on Earth. Stories of 10-meter giants are myths — but even a 4-meter anaconda in the wild is an unforgettable sight.
Where do anacondas live?
Anacondas prefer swamps, marshes, slow rivers, lakes and flooded forest. They spend long hours submerged with only their eyes and nostrils above the surface, or resting on banks and among roots.
- Low water season: animals concentrate in remaining lakes and channels, which can improve your chances.
- High water season: the forest floods and anacondas disperse over a much larger area.
More on seasons: the best time to visit the Colombian Amazon.
Are anacondas dangerous to people?
Anacondas are not venomous and generally avoid humans. They eat fish, birds, capybaras and caimans, not people. Documented attacks on humans are extremely rare. Like any wild animal, they must be given space: never try to touch, catch or corner one.
Can you see anacondas on a tour in Colombia?
Sometimes. Local guides know the lakes and channels where anacondas are seen, and sightings happen on canoe trips and forest walks — our own guests have photographed them. But responsible operators never promise one, never handle them and never keep captive anacondas for photos. If a tour offers you a snake to hold, that is a red flag. See how to choose an Amazon tour operator.
Tips if you want to see one
- Choose a small-group or private tour with time on lakes and channels.
- Move quietly and let the guide scan the banks.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom.
- Combine with night outings, when caimans and other reptiles are easier to find.
Our Amazon Wildlife Adventure and Amazon Survival Experience spend the most time in the habitats where anacondas live. For the full list of species, read What animals live in the Amazon?
FAQ
Do anacondas live in the Amazon River?
They live in the Amazon basin’s waters, especially in calm lakes, swamps and side channels rather than the fast main river.
Do anacondas eat people?
No. There is no reliable evidence of anacondas regularly preying on people; attacks are extremely rare.
Are anacondas and boas the same?
They are related — both are constrictors in the boa family — but anacondas are adapted to life in water.
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.