Tayrona Park wildlife and plants: what you can see

Tayrona protects tropical forest, mangroves, coral reefs and mountains that drop into the sea. That's why it is one of the most biodiverse places on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Mammals

• Howler monkeys: you'll hear them before you see them; their call carries for kilometers.
• Capuchin monkeys: small and agile, they move in groups and cross the trails.
• Foxes and agoutis: at night they sometimes approach the lodges. At Jasayma we see them often at dusk.
• Jaguar and puma: they live in the park but are very elusive; sometimes their tracks appear.

Reptiles

• Iguanas: on rocks, trees and beaches. Harmless.
• Spectacled caimans: in inland rivers and streams.
• Sea turtles: nest between August and December.

Birds: over 300 species

Toucans, ospreys, parrots and parakeets, kingfishers, frigatebirds and pelicans. Bring binoculars if you love birds.

Marine life

Cañaveral's reefs have parrotfish, angelfish, starfish, sea urchins and lobsters. With luck, dolphins.

Plants

Over 770 plant species: cacti in dry areas and palms, ceibas, heliconias and bromeliads in the humid forest, plus red mangrove on the coast.

Wildlife-watching tips

• Go out very early, between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m.
• Walk quietly.
• Don't feed the animals: it's banned and harms them.

At Jasayma, monkeys and birds are your alarm clock. See our activities.

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