Frog & Amphibian Tours in Colombia
Explore the world’s poison dart frog capital with expert herping guides
Colombia: The Herping Destination of a Lifetime
Colombia is the second most amphibian-rich country on Earth with over 800 species — and the undisputed global capital of poison dart frogs. From the legendary Golden Poison Frog of the Chocó lowlands (the most toxic vertebrate on the planet) to glass frogs with transparent bellies in Andean cloud forests, the country offers herping experiences found nowhere else. Our frog tours combine expert local guides, night walks in pristine habitats, and ethical observation practices to bring you face-to-face with some of the world’s most extraordinary amphibians.
This video follows a real field expedition to find the Cauca Poison Frog (Andinobates bombetes) in the cloud forests of Quindío — one of Colombia’s most striking endemic dart frogs, with its vivid red-and-black warning coloration.
Our expert local guide navigates the mossy trails of the coffee region at elevations between 1,800 and 2,200 meters, turning over leaf litter and scanning bromeliads for these tiny, toxic jewels. Every find is documented and photographed without disturbing the habitat.
This is what responsible herping in Colombia looks like — small groups, specialist guides, zero collection, and unforgettable encounters with species most herpetologists only see in field guides.
Three Herping Regions
Chocó Poison Frog Expedition — 6 Days
The Pacific Chocó bioregion receives up to 13,000 mm of annual rainfall, making it one of the wettest places on Earth — and the epicenter of poison dart frog diversity. This expedition targets the Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis), Lehmann’s Poison Frog, and the kaleidoscopic Oophaga histrionica with its endless color morphs.
Night walks through lowland rainforest reveal glass frogs, rain frogs, and tree frogs clinging to leaves. Days are spent with local Afro-Colombian guides who know exactly where each species hides. The Chocó also offers world-class birding and a living culture intimately connected to the forest.
Central Andes Dart Frog Trail — 5 Days
The coffee region cloud forests between 1,500 and 2,800 meters harbor an extraordinary concentration of amphibians: Cauca Poison Frogs, Andean Glass Frogs, harlequin frogs (Atelopus), marsupial frogs, and dozens of eleutherodactylid rain frogs. The altitudinal gradient means species change every few hundred meters — a single day can produce 15+ frog species.
This is also the most accessible herping in Colombia. Good roads, comfortable lodges, and reliable guides make the Central Andes ideal for first-time herpers or photographers who want close-up encounters without extreme expedition logistics. Watch the Cauca Poison Frog in its natural habitat:
Amazon Herping Week — 7 Days
The Amazon basin around Leticia hosts a completely different amphibian world. Giant marine toads, monkey frogs (Phyllomedusa), the spectacular Amazon Milk Frog with its blue-and-white marbling, and some of the tiniest frogs on Earth — including microhylids smaller than your thumbnail. Flooded forests (várzea and igapó) create unique aquatic breeding habitats that produce species absent from the Andes and Pacific regions.
Amazon herping is an immersive, expedition-style experience. You travel by boat along the Amazon and its tributaries, walking forest trails during the day and searching with headlamps at night. Indigenous Tikuna guides share traditional knowledge about the frogs, including species used ceremonially. Combined with pink river dolphins, giant water lilies, and piranha fishing, this is a complete Amazon wildlife experience with a herpetological focus.
Good to Know
Ethics First
All our herping tours follow strict ethical protocols: no handling of amphibians without scientific justification, clean hands and boots between sites to prevent chytrid fungus transmission, and zero disturbance to breeding habitats. We work only with guides trained in amphibian conservation practices.
Best Season
Amphibians are most active during the rainy season (March–May and September–November) when breeding activity peaks. The Chocó is productive year-round due to constant rainfall. Night walks are essential — most frogs are nocturnal or crepuscular. Expect rain, mud, and humidity on every trip.
Photography
Macro photography gear is essential: a macro lens (90–105mm), a flash with diffuser, and a sturdy tripod or beanbag. Many poison frogs are thumb-sized, requiring true 1:1 magnification. Waterproof bags for gear are mandatory. Our guides are trained to help position subjects ethically without handling the animals.
Who It’s For
Serious herpers, wildlife photographers, biology students and professors, nature lovers willing to get muddy. Moderate fitness required for forest walks on uneven terrain. Not recommended for young children due to nighttime activity and challenging conditions. All experience levels welcome — our guides adapt to your knowledge.
Build Your Herping Trip
Our amphibian tours are fully customizable — choose one region or combine two for the ultimate Colombian herping experience. Every itinerary includes expert herpetologist guides, comfortable field accommodation, all ground transport, and meals. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the frogs.