Herping & Wildlife Tours in El Valle, Chocó

Two Extraordinary Ways to Explore One of the World's Most Biodiverse Rainforests

Experience the incredible biodiversity of Colombia's Pacific coast through two unforgettable wildlife adventures in El Valle, Chocó. Whether you prefer exploring the rainforest after dark in search of elusive nocturnal creatures or discovering its vibrant ecosystems during daylight hours, each tour offers a unique perspective of the Chocó Biogeographic Region—one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on Earth.

Night Herping & Nocturnal Wildlife Expedition

As darkness falls over Colombia's Pacific coast, the Chocó rainforest awakens with an entirely different cast of wildlife. Amphibians begin calling from hidden streams, insects emerge from the forest floor, and elusive nocturnal mammals quietly move through the canopy.

Your adventure begins with a scenic walk along El Almejal Beach, where the Pacific Ocean meets the lush Chocó rainforest. As night settles in, you'll venture on a 3.5 km guided hike beneath the rainforest canopy alongside expert local naturalist guides.

Along the trail, you'll search for some of the region's most fascinating nocturnal species, including colorful poison dart frogs, delicate glass frogs, bioluminescent fungi, scorpions, tarantulas, stick insects, rhinoceros beetles, nocturnal birds, and—if fortune is on your side—the elusive night monkey (Aotus zonalis).

The experience concludes at a secluded waterfall hidden deep within the rainforest before returning by canoe along the tranquil Tundó River, where you'll continue searching the riverbanks for spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) and other nocturnal wildlife.

This immersive expedition is perfect for nature lovers, macro photographers, herpetologists, and anyone eager to witness the rainforest after sunset.

Tour Highlights

  • Guided nocturnal rainforest expedition

  • Search for colorful poison dart frogs and glass frogs

  • Opportunities to observe boas, vine snakes, cat-eyed snakes, and other reptiles

  • Discover scorpions, tarantulas, beetles, and fascinating nocturnal insects

  • Excellent opportunities for macro and wildlife photography

  • Learn about rainforest ecology and herpetology from expert local guides

  • Canoe return along the Tundó River

  • Small groups for a more personalized experience

Includes

  • Rubber boots

  • Canoe ride along the Tundó River

  • Medical insurance and assistance

  • Professional bilingual naturalist guide

Tour Schedule: 5:15 PM – 8:45 PM

Rainforest Wildlife Discovery Hike

As the morning light filters through the rainforest canopy, your journey begins into the heart of the Chocó Biogeographic Region. Towering trees, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, and dense tropical vegetation create the perfect setting to discover one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.

Accompanied by experienced local naturalist guides, you'll hike the Utría and Boroboro Trails, searching for monkeys, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, butterflies, poison dart frogs, glass frogs, and many other remarkable species that inhabit this extraordinary rainforest.

Along the way, you'll also encounter a remarkable diversity of tropical plants, including towering rainforest trees, palms, orchids, bromeliads, giant ferns, and countless other species that support this thriving ecosystem.

More than just a hike, this experience provides a deeper understanding of the rainforest's ecology, conservation, and natural history. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates nature, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Colombia's Pacific rainforest at its finest.

Experience Highlights

  • Explore the Chocó Biogeographic Region

  • Search for monkeys and sloths

  • Excellent birdwatching opportunities, including regional endemic species

  • Observe amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, and insects

  • Wildlife and landscape photography opportunities

  • Visit rivers, waterfalls, beaches, and primary rainforest

  • Learn about conservation initiatives and tropical rainforest ecology

  • Small-group experience led by expert naturalist guides

Includes

  • Rubber boots

  • Snack

  • Round-trip local transportation

  • Medical insurance and assistance

  • Professional bilingual naturalist guide

Duration: Approximately 6 hours

Ecosystem: Tropical Rainforest of the Chocó Biogeographic Region

Meeting & Ending Point: El Valle Beach

Guests Should Bring

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction

  • Lightweight long pants and long-sleeve shirt

  • Insect repellent

  • Rain jacket or poncho

  • Small backpack

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Camera and personal equipment (optional)

Availability: This tour is available year-round for guests staying in El Valle. However, we kindly ask that you contact us via email or WhatsApp before booking to confirm availability and ensure that weather and sea conditions are suitable. Please note that during the rainy seasons (April–June and October–November), tours may be delayed or canceled due to rough tides or heavy rainfall. Your safety and experience are our top priority!

Tour Price

From USD $59.99 per person

Choose the adventure that best suits your interests, and we'll take care of the rest.

A brightly colored fire salamander with black and orange markings on a forest floor among leaves, twigs, and dirt.
A small green tree frog with yellow spots sitting on a green leaf in the dark.
A bright green tree frog with large red eyes perched on a white surface with green markings, against a dark background.
Close-up of a small green frog with large eyes, clinging to a green leaf in a dark environment.
Colorful frog, green and orange with large eyes, perched on a branch against a dark background.
A colorful frog with blue, green, and brown markings sitting on a yellow and orange leaf in a forest setting.

Wildlife You May Encounter

Reptiles & Amphibians

  • Chocó Poison Dart Frog (Oophaga solanensis)

  • Yellow-banded Poison Frog (Phyllobates aurotaenia)

  • Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus)

  • Splendid Leaf Frog (Cruziohyla calcarifer)

  • Basilisks, Anoles and Boas

Mammals

  • Brown-headed Spider Monkey (Ateles fusciceps)

  • Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata)

  • Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)

  • White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica)

  • Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)

Birds

  • Chocó Toucan (Ramphastos brevis)

  • Scarlet-rumped Cacique (Cacicus microrhynchus)

  • Blue-whiskered Tanager (Tangara indigotis)

  • Orange-fronted Barbet (Capito squamatus)

  • Blue Cotinga (Cotinga nattererii)

  • Black-breasted Puffbird (Notharchus pectoralis)

  • Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii)

NIGHT HERPING TOUR

DAYTIME WILDLIFE TOUR

"This is a true rainforest expedition designed for travelers seeking an authentic wildlife encounter. The jungle is wild, unpredictable, and that is what makes every sighting unique."

A toucan with a yellow and black beak perched among green leaves and branches in a dense jungle.
A close-up of a green chameleon with white spots on a tree branch in a rainforest.
A colorful bird perched on a tree branch with yellow, blue, black, and white feathers, set against a blurred green and yellow background.
A group of seven diverse friends on a forest trail, smiling and posing for a photo, with dense green foliage surrounding them.
A juvenile monkey with black fur and a surprised expression, sitting on a tree branch surrounded by green jungle foliage.
A close-up of a monkey with black and white fur, sitting among green leaves.

Looking for a private wildlife experience? We offer a selection of exclusive rainforest trails, including Guapipe, Cuchilla, Quebrada Cantera, Loma de la Virgen, and Borobora, each showcasing unique habitats and exceptional opportunities to observe the incredible biodiversity of the Chocó during the day or at Night. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group, we can customize the experience to match your interests, fitness level, and wildlife goals. Every trail offers its own unique chance to discover remarkable birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and tropical flora in one of the world's richest ecosystems.

Important Information!

An aerial view of dense green tropical rainforest with various trees, including palm trees.
Aerial view of a dense green forest surrounding a winding river with three kayakers paddling on it.

  • Our group tours usually require a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If the minimum is not met, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. In that case, we’ll reach out to you in advance to offer an alternative experience or provide a full refund.

    Most of our departures are scheduled from El Valle. If you're staying in Bahía Solano, please reach out to us in advance so we can coordinate the logistics and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you.

  • Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on natural conditions, weather, seasonality, and animal activity. Our guides will make every effort to locate and identify species while respecting wildlife behavior and habitat conservation principles.

  • This is an observation-based experience. Guests must not touch, capture, feed, disturb, or remove any animal, plant, or natural element from the environment. Photography must be conducted responsibly, without causing stress to wildlife.

  • The tour operates in tropical rainforest conditions and may continue during light rain. In case of severe weather conditions that compromise safety, the itinerary may be modified or rescheduled according to the guide's recommendations.

  • Guests must follow all instructions provided by the guides, especially during jungle hiking and canoe transportation. The guide has the authority to modify the route or activities when necessary for guest safety or environmental protection.

  • Guests should inform the operator before departure of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations, or concerns that may affect participation.

  • You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. 

    Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted. Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time. 

    This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

  • Recommended for guests 12 years and older. Younger participants may join depending on their experience, physical ability, and guide approval.

    Not suitable

    Not Suitable for:

    Pregnant women, People with back problems

    People with Respiratory Issues, People with mobility impairments, People with heart problems, Wheelchair users.