Are There Anacondas in Colombia? Yes, and You Can Visit Them!

Are there anacondas in Colombia? Yes! The Anaconda, this giant reptile that is part of the imaginary terror of children and adults, and that have been present, not only in your bad dreams but also in Hollywood and Disney movies live in Colombia. Find here when and where to go to see the Anaconda in Colombia.

The Anaconda

The famous anaconda is a type of constrictor snake of the same lineage as the boas, and it is the heaviest of them all. It is endemic to the rivers of the South American tropics, usually found in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), also known as common anaconda or common water boa.
Green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), also known as common anaconda or common water boa.

Although the name is applied to a group of snakes, it is often used to refer to the common or green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), which is the largest snake in the world by weight, and the second-longest, after the reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus), an endangered Asian snake.

One of the differential characteristics of the Anaconda, when compared to other snakes, is that they have 3 thickened scales on each side of its snout. Additionally, Anacondas find comfort on trees or still water ponds with fast currents, taking advantage of their agile swimming abilities.

13 Facts About Anacondas that you Don’t Want to Miss

  1. Anacondas eyes and nostrils are elevated since they usually remain submerged underwater for long periods of time.
  2. Their olfactory receptors are located on the tongue.
  3. The mating season is usually between April and May. Females send signals and wait patiently until males arrive at her location. The number of males that may arrive could add up to 12 individuals which wrap themselves around the female creating the well-known “breeding balls”.
  4. The gestation period takes 6 to 7 months, and the offsprings are born 60 to 70 cms long. The average number of hatchlings per female is 30 per mating season.
  5. Anaconda hatchlings can survive without the mother’s protection, as they are born with innate hunting and self-defense instincts.
  6. Being carnivorous, their diet is very varied.
  7. Anacondas usually silently wait for their prey submerged on the river without being detected.
  8. Anacondas are venomless snakes. Therefore, their mode of hunting is constriction, which is necessary to suffocate the prey before swallowing it.
  9. The largest anaconda ever officially recorded was a female hunted in Brazil in 1960, which measured 8.45 m in length, and weighing 227 kg.
  10. Anacondas swallow their prey completely thanks to elastic ligaments and joints in their snout.
  11. They have two rows of teeth pointing backward, which move independently in order to bite their prey.
  12. Digestion time can take more than 7 days depending on the size of the prey.
  13. After eating a big pray Anacondas may have no need to eat for weeks or even months.

Myths and Legends Around the Anaconda

The native communities of the Amazon region of Colombia believe that a great ancestral anaconda penetrated the universe/house, through the water gate and ascended the Negro and Vaupés rivers carrying within its body the ancestors of all mankind.

Throughout his journey ancestors turned into humans. This great anaconda finally reached the “Ipanore waterfall”, formed by the flow of the Jirijirimo River, which means “the bed of the anaconda” in native dialects.

Anacondas are Endangered Species

Although there is no information on the conservation status of Anacondas, there are threats that are greatly reducing their populations. Threats to anacondas are:

  1. Hunting, to keep them as pets or for their skin used as decoration. It is also hunted for religious and medicinal reasons., since it is believed to cure rheumatism and asthma, among other diseases.
  2. Fear, derived from people’s belief that anacondas are dangerous.
  3. Habitat loss.
  4. Contamination.

Where to Find Anacondas in South America

Anacondas are widely distributed in South America and can be found in:

  • Colombia
  • Brazil
  • Venezuela
  • Ecuador
  • Bolivia
  • Peru
  • Guyana
  • French Guyana
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Paraguay

How Many Species of Anacondas are?

Among the genera Eunectes, there are three more species besides the famous Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus), which is the species with the greatest presence in the South American continent, especially in Venezuela, Brazil, and Colombia. The other anaconda species are:

Bolivian Anaconda (Eunectes beniensis)

It is the most recently defined species, inhabiting Bolivia. In particular, in the provinces of Beni and Pando.

Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaues)

Also known as Paraguaya, it is the smallest species of anacondas. They are usually present in the Paraguay river, also, they are distributed from the Pantanal region in Bolivia, the west of Brazil to the northeast of Argentina.

Dark-spotted Anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei)

Also known as Schauenseee, due to the expansion of agriculture in the savannahs where it lives, this species is the most endangered.

Where to See Anacondas in Colombia

The geographical distribution of the Anaconda in Colombia is recorded in the following departments: Putumayo, Amazonas, Vaupés, Guaviare, Guainía, Meta, Vichada, and Casanare.

Despite the wide range of Anacondas in Colombia, it is only possible to observe them safely and ecologically by protecting their natural environment.

Amazonas

Amacayacu National Natural Park, Puerto Nariño, Amazonas

Located southeast of Colombia, this protected area is responsible for the protection and conservation of all local fauna and flora. It is currently closed but indigenous communities of Mocagua and San Martin offer guided ecotourism activities in the area.

Where to stay

Leticia, Amazonas

It is the capital of the department of Amazonas, and an amazing place to experience living in a city in the middle of the jungle. Tours that include visiting native communities are available.

Where to stay

Vaupes

Visit our entry Jirijirimo Waterfall and the Anaconda Trail in Vaupes, Amazon Region, Colombia, to find more information.

Casanare

Casanare is another beautiful department, located in the eastern plains, where you can find anacondas in Colombia.

Hato La Aurora

Hato La Aurora offers the best safari experience in Colombia. Besides anaconda, you will find capybaras, white-tailed deer, spectacled caimans, wild horses, cattle, iguanas, and birds. Jaguars and cougars also inhabit the reserve, but they are difficult to spot.

Where to stay

The reserve has an eco-lodge called Juan Solito that offers accommodation in rooms, cabins, or hammocks.

Best Time to Visit the Anacondas in Colombia

In the Amazon region, it usually rains every month; the least rainy month is July. In Vaupés, the best season is the dry season which goes from November to April. Finally, in Casanare, the best season is also the dry season, which is from November to April.

Recommendations for your visit

  • Take yellow fever and tetanus vaccine shots before arrival.
  • Mosquito repellent is highly recommended.
  • Bring rubber boots, a raincoat, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen.
  • Leave no trace.
  • Carry valid identity documents and health insurance.
  • If you take specific medications, take them with you.

If you want to plan your trip to Colombia do not hesitate to contact us, visit our Plan your trip page!

References
  • National Geographic
  • Panda.org NGO
  • Rainforest-alliance.org NGO
About the authors

Luisa Martin

Engineer, world traveler, amateur photographer, traveling blogger, and foody.

The Ultimate Llanos Orientales of Colombia Bucket List

Over the last few years, Los Llanos Orientales has become a top favorite nature destination in Colombia. Travelers have fallen hard for the incredible landscapes, the safari experiences, the culture, and food.

With 16-17 million ha in the country, there is a long list of things you want to see and do. So I put together a bucket list with some of the most remarkable Colombian Llanos travel experiences and destinations.

From Caño Cristales in La Macarena to rafting in the Güéjar River Canyon, bird watching in Restrepo, aero-safari in Altagracia, horse riding and cowboy experience in El Encanto de Guanapalo, cocoa experience in Arauca, sport fishing in the Bita river in Vichada, glamping in the Corocora Camp to boating along the Manacacias River chasing dolphins in Meta— The Llanos Orientales is full of incredible adventures!

Here’s our ultimate Colombian Llanos Orientales travel bucket list!

Meta

Meta is one of the top bird watching destinations in Colombia. The multiple ecosystems you can find in Meta offer some of the most varied bird species checklists from the paramo to vast plains with echoes of the Amazon forest and parts of the Guiana Shield.

It also offers more than 47 festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The International Folkloric and Tourist Festival of El Llano is one of the most important and has the Cuadrillas de San Martín horse exhibition, which is Cultural Heritage of Colombia.

Another highlight for Meta is the Caño Cristales river, along with wonderful natural landscapes and adventure destinations. In Meta, you will have incredible gastronomic, cultural, wellness, nature and adventure experiences just a 20-minute flight from Bogotá. It is a great destination for those who have little time, or for those who travel with their families.

Top Experiences in Meta

La Macarena Mountain Range (Sierra de la Macarena): Caño Cristales Route

Caño Cristales – Creative Commons Wiki

Piedemonte Llanero Route: Birdwatching, Wellness and Horseback Experiences

Undulated Savanna – Mururito Nature Reserve

Llanero Dawn Route (Amanecer Llanero): Safari and dolphins

Manacacías River

Llanero Spell Route (Embrujo Llanero): Rafting at Rio Guejar Canyon

Travesía Aventura, Rio Guejar

More Bucket List Experiences in Meta

  • Birdwatching at UNAMAS Nature Reserve: Amazon jungle transition Orinoquia-Amazon
  • World Cowboy Meeting
  • 51st International Joropo Tournament.
  • Los Ocarros Biopark
  • Lomalinda Regional Natural Park
  • Guaicaramo Hot Springs (Barranca de Upía)
  • Ostrich Park
  • Las Malocas Park
  • Obelisk of Puerto Lopez

Casanare

Casanare is one of the top safari destinations in Colombia. The multiple nature reserves in the flooded plains of Casanare offer some of the best wildlife viewings in northern South America, especially during April and December.

Another highlight of Casanare is the cowboy’s rich culture. Discover the Cowboy culture in the Ranchón del Llanerazo, a museum that invites you to live the life of the Llanero man. There you will know the “Cantos de Trabajo del Llano”, which is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of the world.

Top Experiences in Casanare

Aerosafari in the Colombian Plains

Aero safari – Altagracia Nature Reserve

Colombian Cowboy Experience

Cowboy Experience – Hato Los Deseos

Safari at Nature Reserves and Hatos

Safari in truck – Hato Matepalma

More Bucket List Experiences in Casanare

  • Birdwatching at La Primavera
  • Visit Corocora Camp for Luxury Glamping
  • Wildlife Photography tours
  • Gastronomy
  • Horseback Riding Expedition
  • Culture & Traditions
  • Conservation Experiences

Vichada

Vichada is the biggest department of the Colombian Llanos and is blessed with an incredible richness of water. It is the place where the Orinoco River forms its natural border between Colombia and Venezuela. From the spectacular El Tuparro national park to the mighty network of rivers, lagoons and canals and abundant wildlife – it’s the perfect destination for anglers and nature lovers.

To get to Vichada, you need an air connection since there is no direct road in good condition. You will find the airport of Puerto Carreño its capital, and also other airfields in other places in the department. You can also get there by boat, through the rivers that run on its territory: Orinoco, Meta and Vichada.

Top Experiences in Vichada

Tuparro Natural National Park

The Eighth Wonder of the World Tuparro Natural Park Colombiaamazinglandscapes / CC BY-SA

Streams of Maypures and Ventanas

Streams of Maypures and Ventanas © FishIn Colombia

Sportfishing at Bita and Tomo Rivers

Fishing in Puerto Carreño © FishIn Colombia

Bojonawi Nature Reserve

Bojonawi Nature Reserve

Pink river dolphin at Meta, Bita, and Orinoco Rivers

Bita River © FishIn Colombia

More Bucket List Experiences in Vichada

  • Hills of Casuarito
  • Orinoco and Bita Rivers beaches
  • Streams of Tuparro
  • Azul and El Pañuelo lagoons.
  • Peinillas Canal
  • Mesetas Canal
  • Rancho Barú and Rancho Wisi
  • Tomo, Tuparrito, and Tuparro rivers
  • Pedro Camejo Island
  • Guahibos and Cuibas Tribes
  • Maipures Indigenous Cemetery
  • El Unuma Indigenous Reserve
  • Gaviotas Center
  • Marandúa Project
  • Trekking

Arauca

Arauca is a diamond in the rough for nature and adventure tourism in Colombia. Its poor development is related to the presence of illegal armed groups. Here oil and livestock play an important role in the national economy.

In 2018, this area of Colombia was supported as a Tourism, Peace and Reconciliation zone with Creata Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, and USAID collaboration. However, despite the efforts, it is still a conflict zone in the country.

Its attraction lies in the richness of its landscapes. Its territory is divided into a mountainous part, an alluvial plain of the Orinoco, and the foothills of the plains with vegetation of savanna and tropical forest. Thus, the contrasts between mountains and plains offer you exotic landscapes and a great diversity of flora and fauna.

Top Experiences in Arauca

“Cotizas” of Arauca – handmade shoes and handicrafts

©Creata

Arauca Birding

©Creata

Cacao Experience

©Creata

Llanero Experience and Vaquería Songs

©Creata

La Barcaza: Boat trip on the Arauca River

©Creata

More Bucket List Experiences in Arauca

  • Cravo Norte
  • José Antonio Páez International Bridge
  • Las Toninas Aquapark
  • Arauca River
  • Los Morichales Park
  • El Alcaraván Experimental Farm
  • Rondon Port
  • Saravena
  • Tame

If you want to know more about Colombian nature tours, or want to visit the Llanos Orientales, follow us, write us comments, or just contact us.


References

  • www.mincit.gov.co
  • SITUR Meta
  • http://www.vichada.gov.co
  • Fundación Omacha

About the author

Sara Colmenares

Current director of Sula. Doctor in Biological Sciences. Her main interests are to explore and understand the organism – environment interactions, taking advantage of emerging knowledge for the management and conservation of species and ecosystem services. She is currently working as a consultant in functional ecology, ecosystem services and conservation projects in Colombia related to ecotourism and birdwatching.[/vc_column_text]