Colombia contains the greatest diversity of orchids, birds, frogs, and freshwater fish globally. There are almost 4000 species of butterflies spread throughout the country’s various regions. Your participation in our Colombia butterfly tours helps to document the vast biodiversity of Colombia, contributing to the impressive and ever-growing list of butterfly species found there.
Colombia is unique in the way its topography forms many natural obstacles that substantially hinder the movement of species, creating many different zones of speciation. The Three Cordilleras (Western, Central, and Eastern) are the most obvious hindrance to animal movement, which function as natural barriers in distributing species that inhabit altitudes above 2000 meters. In between the Three Cordilleras, one can find the valleys of the Magdalena and Cauca Rivers, which present species and races characteristic of these ecosystems. Separate from the Andes to the north rises the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, reaching an astonishing 5700 meters and acting as a high elevation island of speciation. The forests along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts provide unique opportunities to experience the biodiversity of Colombia as well. Where the vast plains of the Orinoquia meet the majestic Amazon jungles and where the Andean mountains meet, the plains are also incredibly diverse and unique places.
In Colombia, you can photograph nearly 4000 species in their natural habitat helping to bring an appreciation for this charismatic group of insects that surround us every day.
Featured Trips
Amazon Basin and Sierra de Santa Marta
Join us on an amazing butterfly tour of Colombia! This tour will take you to two different and distinct areas of the country, allowing you to see various butterflies.
We’ll start in Bogotá and venture into the Putumayo region to explore the Andean-Amazonian mountains. This area is home to many different species of butterflies, so you’re sure to see some incredible species.
Then we’ll head to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, one of the world’s largest coastal mountain ranges. This area is teeming with endemic species of butterflies, including the amazing Morpho rhodopteron. In addition to exploring the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, we’ll also visit the Caribbean Lowlands.
This tour will begin and end in Bogotá and is an absolute must for any butterfly enthusiast! So join us and witness the beauty and diversity of Colombian butterflies firsthand.
NO AVAILABILITY, 2024 DATES TBD
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Boyacá
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the world’s largest coastal mountain ranges, with the highest peak reaching 5700 meters. It is a center of endemism, especially in its highlands, where the endemic Morpho rhodopteron makes its home. In addition to exploring the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, we will visit the Caribbean Lowlands surrounding this compact and isolated coastal range.
Then delight in one of Colombia’s best-preserved areas on the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes with lush vegetation and towering waterfalls – perfect for witnessing six unique species of Morpho and endemic species such as Heliconius heurippa! Finally, conclude your journey in Villa de Leyva, where you can marvel at hundreds more stunning creatures, including beautiful Morpho Sulkowskyi – guaranteed to take your breath away!
NO AVAILABILITY
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Eastern Plains
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the world’s largest coastal mountain ranges, with the highest peak reaching 5700 meters. It is a center of endemism, especially in its highlands, where the endemic Morpho rhodopteron makes its home. In addition to exploring the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, we will visit the Caribbean Lowlands surrounding this compact and isolated coastal range. The second half of our trip will take us to the immense plains of eastern Colombia, Los Llanos Orientales. Los Llanos are one of the world’s most productive tropical grasslands containing a fantastic diversity of wildlife…
NO AVAILABILITY
Amazon Basin and Boyacá
Come join us on an amazing butterfly tour of Colombia! This tour will take you to two very different and distinct areas of the country, allowing you to see a huge variety of different butterflies.
We’ll start in Bogotá and venture into the Putumayo region to explore the Andean-Amazonian mountains. Let us journey to the majestic Amazonian Foothills, where a wealth of gorgeous butterflies can be found. From Callicore ines and a few fantastic species of the genus Agrias (Prepona) – some so rare they’re almost impossible to see anywhere else – there is much for discovery among this diverse landscape. This area is home to many different species of butterflies, so you’re sure to see some incredible species.
Next, we’ll venture north of Bogotá to enjoy the exquisite beauty of Colombia’s unique Eastern Cordillera, where you’ll be treated to verdant landscapes and thunderous waterfalls. Discover six rare Morpho butterflies as well as a number of endemic species like Heliconius heurippa! Complete your adventure with an unforgettable visit to Villa de Leyva – home to hundreds of spectacular creatures, including the dazzlingly beautiful Morpho Sulkowskyi that will surely captivate all who behold it!
NO AVAILABILITY
Amazon and Amazon Basin Butterfly Adventure
This trip is designed to explore two vastly different areas of the Amazon region of Colombia in order to maximize the diversity of butterflies seen. The trip will begin and end in Bogotá.
- From Bogotá, we will venture into the Amazon River Basin to explore sections of the Amazon river and its tributaries.
- The second half of the trip is devoted to exploring various altitudes of the Andean-Amazonian mountains in the vicinity of the town of Mocoa (Putumayo).
NO AVAILABILITY
Eastern Cordillera East and West Slopes
Going into the mountains of the eastern mountain range offers us the best chance to find one of the most representative faunas in the country. Endemic and colorful species, from the smallest Lycaenidae (blues) and the great Morpho will be the ones who accompany us during all the localities. We will stay in the towns of Santa Maria, Villa de Leyva, and Otanche (Boyacá).
NO AVAILABILITY
REASONS TO BOOK A COLOMBIA BUTTERFLY TOUR
- Recharge. Nature helps us to recharge. The color green is soothing, but when you put green in nature, everything we see helps us to have a lower stress level. Nature helps us to focus better and to remember as well.
- De-stress. Being in nature can lower our heart rates and help us to forget the worries of the present. It also makes you healthier overall since in nature there is so much to see and do that you are naturally more physically active.
- Experience peace. Nature, while not soundless when you factor in the birds, the wind, and other animal sounds, does offer a quiet and a solitude that you can find nowhere else. You have no notifications beeping at you, demanding attention, no car noises, and no voices besides your own to listen to.
- Get vitamin D. one of the best things about nature vacations is soaking up the sun’s rays, which our bodies need in order to produce vitamin D. Plus, the sun feels good on our skin and can help to recharge our soul as well. Book your next nature vacation in Colombia with Fauna Ventures today!
AMENITIES INCLUDED
- Accommodations
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-country transportation
- Butterfly tour guide prices
- Park fees
- Soft drinks
- Water
TRANSPORTATION METHODS
- Airplane
- Private Van/Minibus
- Amazon Adventure: Cultural Boat Transportation
SEE NATURE TAKE FLIGHT
Colombia is one of the best places to see butterflies, and a Colombia butterfly tour will be a lifetime trip. Considered one of the few megadiverse countries globally, Colombia offers us an opportunity for extraordinary, memorable encounters with nature and the native South American butterflies of its varied regions. Colombia is unique in its topography in that many natural obstacles occur that hinder the movement of butterfly species, creating many different zones of speciation. The result is an unrivaled bounty of butterflies found nowhere else on earth. Come on an unforgettable journey with Fauna Ventures to Colombia today!
COUNTRY CULTURE
- National Language: Spanish
- National Currency: Peso
- The country is filled with churches, monuments, and statues
- World’s leading source of emeralds
- Coffee is a significant export and is world-renowned for its flavor.
- The history of Colombia follows the tragic tale of many of America’s lands. Inhabited by native peoples, the Spanish arrived in 1499, leaving a wake of destruction and pillage in their path. Colombia went through a time when whole lands were annexed, colonized, or taken. Spain remained in control for over 300 years until Colombia became independent in 1819. The Republic of Colombia was declared in 1886, and today it is officially a unitary republic. Colombia has mountains, valleys, plains, deserts, and rainforests. It’s one of the most diverse nations on earth, and when you visit Colombia on a Fauna Venture, you’ll be amazed at such a place. Contact us to book your Colombia Butterfly Tour today!
FUN FACTS ABOUT COLOMBIA’S BIODIVERSITY
- Colombia has the largest variety of ecosystems in the world
- One-third of Colombia is Amazon rainforest
- Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world behind Brazil
- It has over 130,000 plants and nearly 4000 species of butterflies
- Colombia has the greatest variety of birds, reptiles, and palms
- Colombia has more bird species than Europe and North America combined at just over 1950 species
- Colombia has the world’s fastest-growing economy behind only China
- Colombia has the highest number of species per area in the world
- Colombia is the only country in South America that borders the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
- Colombia is the world’s leader in emerald exports
- Colombia is the third largest exporter of coffee
HISTORY OF CONSERVATION IN COLOMBIA
Because Colombia is the most biodiverse place on the planet, the government has stepped up its efforts to protect and preserve its rainforests and habitats for future generations. Through its National System of Protected Areas (SINAP), the flora and fauna of this unique place on earth are now seeing protection and conservation efforts. Many conservation groups, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and others, are joining together in the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) to ensure the proper management of these lands that suffered greatly from past armed conflicts.
Fauna Ventures strives to support these efforts through our butterfly tours. Your money from the butterfly tour helps save the flora and fauna by:
- Helping with the land purchase for conservation and research
- Colombia and the Colombia Association for Lepidopterology – The Colombian Association for Lepidopterology (ACOLEP) is a non-profit association founded in 2010 and whose purpose is the scientific study and conservation of butterflies in Colombia. ACOLEP works in collaboration with biology departments of different Colombian Universities as well as various international scientific entities, such as the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity’ Tropical Andean Butterfly Diversity Project. A portion of all Fauna Ventures ticket sales in Colombia will go to support ACOLEP in its efforts to investigate and describe unknown life cycles of the butterflies of the Putumayo at the Mocoa-Andino Research Center.
CHOOSE FAUNA VENTURES FOR YOUR COLOMBIA BUTTERFLY TODAY
We can’t wait to have you on your next nature vacation with us. Our expert guides can show you this truly unique and extraordinary country that you can’t afford to miss. From butterflies and birds to beauty and bounty, you are sure to find relaxation, solace, and fun on our nature tour. At every turn, you can see something new, and the people of Colombia are welcoming and memorable, willing to share their unique culture, food, and perspective with you. If you are interested in a one-of-a-kind nature vacation, book your next Colombia butterfly tour today! If you are looking for a more personalized experience, ask us about our private butterfly tours to Colombia
