Amphibians of Colombia
800+ species including the world’s most iconic poison dart frogs
The Frog Capital of the Americas
Colombia is the second most amphibian-rich country on Earth, home to over 800 described species — a number that continues to climb as scientists explore remote forests and describe new species every year. The country’s combination of Andean elevation gradients, Pacific rainfall extremes, and Amazon basin lowlands creates ideal conditions for amphibian speciation and survival.
What draws herpers and nature photographers to Colombia above all else is the poison dart frog family (Dendrobatidae). Colombia holds the global center of diversity for these jewel-like frogs, including the Golden Poison Frog — the most toxic vertebrate on Earth — endemic to a tiny area of Pacific lowland rainforest. But poison frogs are just the beginning: glass frogs with transparent bellies, harlequin frogs that were thought extinct, marsupial frogs that carry eggs in back pouches, and giant rain frogs that bellow like foghorns all call Colombia home.
Remarkable Amphibian Groups
Poison Dart Frogs
Colombia is the world epicenter of poison frog diversity, with over 70 species of Dendrobatidae. The Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis) carries enough toxin to kill 10 adult humans. Other prized species include the Harlequin Poison Frog, the Lehmann’s Poison Frog (bright red and endemic), and the spectacular Oophaga histrionica with its kaleidoscopic color morphs — every valley produces a different pattern.
Glass Frogs
Centrolenidae — the glass frogs — are a cloud forest specialty. Their translucent ventral skin reveals internal organs, a feature that has fascinated biologists for decades. Colombia hosts over 80 species, many endemic to single mountain valleys. The Emerald Glass Frog is widespread in Andean streams, while rarer species like the Giant Glass Frog of the Chocó are found only at specific elevations along the Western Andes.
Salamanders & Caecilians
Beyond frogs, Colombia hosts remarkable salamander diversity in its cloud forests — many species are lungless, breathing entirely through their skin. The plethodontid salamanders of the Andes include numerous undescribed species still awaiting formal scientific naming. Colombia also harbors caecilians: limbless, burrowing amphibians that look like earthworms but are actually highly adapted predators of the forest floor.
Where to Find Amphibians
Chocó Lowlands
The Pacific Chocó bioregion receives up to 13,000 mm of annual rainfall, creating ideal amphibian habitat. This is ground zero for poison dart frogs: the Golden Poison Frog, Lehmann’s Poison Frog, and dozens of Oophaga color morphs. Night walks along forest streams reveal glass frogs, rain frogs, and tree frogs. Explore the Pacific Coast →
Central Andes
Cloud forests between 1,500 and 2,800 meters are a hotspot for glass frogs, marsupial frogs, and rocket frogs. The coffee region around Risaralda and Caldas offers excellent herping with comfortable access. Harlequin frogs (Atelopus), once feared extinct across much of their range, are being rediscovered at sites in the Central Cordillera. Explore the Andean Region →
Amazon Basin
Amazonian lowland forests host a completely different amphibian assemblage: giant marine toads, monkey frogs (Phyllomedusa), the spectacular Amazon Milk Frog, and some of the world’s tiniest frogs. Flooded forests (várzea and igapó) create unique aquatic breeding habitats. Night boat trips and forest walks around Leticia produce remarkable species lists. Explore the Amazon →
Colombia’s Amphibians at a Glance
800+
Amphibian species
70+
Poison dart frog species
80+
Glass frog species
#2
Most amphibian-rich country
Go Herping in Colombia
Our specialized frog and amphibian tours take you into the heart of Colombia’s most biodiverse forests with expert herpetologist guides. Night walks, stream surveys, and canopy exploration reveal species most visitors never see. Ethical observation protocols and local community partnerships ensure every trip contributes to conservation.