Herping and wildlife tours in el Valle-Choco
Experience two completely different sides of the Chocó rainforest through our guided wildlife excursions.
Option 1: Night Herping Adventure – Chocó Rainforest
As darkness falls over Colombia's Pacific coast, the Chocó rainforest transforms into a vibrant world of nocturnal life waiting to be discovered. This unforgettable nighttime adventure takes you deep into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, where every step reveals fascinating creatures rarely seen during the day.
The experience begins with a scenic walk along El Almejal Beach, one of the most beautiful and ecologically important coastal areas of Bahía Solano, where the Pacific Ocean meets the lush Chocó rainforest. From there, you'll venture on a 3.5 km guided night hike beneath the rainforest canopy, when amphibians, reptiles, insects, and nocturnal mammals become most active.
Accompanied by expert local guides, you'll search for some of the Chocó's most remarkable nocturnal wildlife, including colorful poison dart frogs, delicate glass frogs, bioluminescent fungi, scorpions, tarantulas, stick insects, rhinoceros beetles, nocturnal birds, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive night monkey (Aotus zonalis).
The adventure culminates at a secluded waterfall hidden within the rainforest before returning by canoe along a tranquil river. Along the way, you'll continue scanning the riverbanks for spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) and other nocturnal species, completing an immersive journey through one of the world's richest tropical ecosystems.
Tour Highlights
Guided nocturnal rainforest exploration
Search for endemic and rare amphibians and reptiles
Opportunity to photograph poison dart frogs and tree frogs
Chances to observe boas, vine snakes, cat-eyed snakes, and other reptiles
Learn about rainforest ecology and herpetology
Small groups for better wildlife encounters
Ideal for wildlife photographers and researchers
Conducted by experienced bilingual naturalist guides
Includes
• Rubber boots.
• Canoe return trip along the Tundó River.
• Medical Insurance and Assistance
Tour starts at 5:15 pm and finish at 8:45 pm
Option 2: Daytime Wildlife Observation Hike
Embark on a fascinating guided hike through the Utría and Boroboro trails, located within the lush Chocó Biogeographic Region, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Beginning near El Almejal Beach, this immersive experience takes you deep into the tropical rainforest, where towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and dense vegetation provide habitat for an extraordinary variety of wildlife.
Led by experienced local naturalist guides, you'll explore the forest in search of monkeys, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, butterflies, poison dart frogs, glass frogs, and many other fascinating representatives of the region's rich herpetofauna. Along the way, you'll also discover an incredible diversity of tropical plants, including towering rainforest trees, palms, orchids, bromeliads, giant ferns, and countless other species that make the Chocó one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.
Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights into the ecology, conservation, and unique natural history of this remarkable ecosystem, making this experience much more than a wildlife walk. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, photographer, or simply a lover of nature, this adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with one of Colombia's most pristine rainforests while observing its incredible flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Experience Highlights
Explore the Chocó Tropical Rainforest biodiversity hotspot
Search for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects
Birdwatching with opportunities for regional endemic species
Rainforest hiking with expert naturalist guides
Wildlife photography opportunities throughout the day
Visit waterfalls, rivers, beaches, and primary rainforest
Learn about conservation initiatives and local ecosystems
Small-group ecotourism experience
Includes
• Rubber boots.
• Snack
• Transportation return trip
• Medical Insurance and Assistance
Duration: 6 hours
Ecosystem: Tropical Rainforest of the Chocó Biogeographic Region
Meeting point and end point : El Valle Beach
Guests should bring:
Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction, Long pants and lightweight long-sleeve clothing, 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 per Person!
From $59.99 us
Pick the Option you Like and we do the rest.
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)
Various trogons, manakins, tanagers, hummingbirds, and motmots
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."
Important Information!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Guests should inform the operator before departure of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, mobility limitations, or concerns that may affect participation.
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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.
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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.