Updated: · by Frank Spitzer
4 Top Spots for Watching Capybaras in Colombia
The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the world’s largest rodent and one of the most charismatic mammals of the Colombian Llanos and Amazon. They live in family groups of 10-30 around water bodies, are semi-aquatic, and are easily spotted at dawn and dusk in the Casanare hatos and the Amazon riverbanks. This guide covers four reliable capybara-watching locations in Colombia.
I am Frank Spitzer, founder of Pelecanus Travel (RNT 51402, IAGTO member, Bogotá-based since 2017). We arrange Llanos and Amazon capybara safaris with biologist guides and indigenous community partners. Send me a message to start planning.
This Llanos Safari at Hato El Encanto de Guanapalo (Casanare) shows the ecosystem where Colombia’s largest capybara populations live — the cattle-ranch wetlands of the Llanos.
Where to see Chigüiros in Colombia
These are some of Colombia’s best places to observe capybaras. Don’t miss out on them! For more, see our Colombia travel guide.
El Encanto de Guanapalo, San Luis de Palenque
Location: via Yopalosa – Orocué, Casanare.
Price: There’s an entrance fee to the reserve. Check updated rates.
Website: El Encanto de Guanapalo
El Encanto de Guanapalo is a natural reserve spanning nearly 9 thousand hectares, aiming to conserve the natural richness, tradition, and llanera culture.
Among its many activities, the one that will allow you to observe capybaras the most is horseback riding across the plains or wildlife watching, where you can encounter incredible crocodiles and the friendly capybaras, who enjoy the refreshing water and feed on vegetation.
This is by far the best place for seeing capybaras – since it is their natural habitat.
Services and Activities
- Horseback riding
- Bird watching
- Llanero safari
- Wildlife watching
- Curicara boat rides
- Artisanal fishing
- Observation of llano work
- Llanero festivity
- Cowboy songs
- Caballicianza
- Night of myths and legends
- Restaurant service
How to get there?
It is located 110 km (68 miles) from Yopal, via Yopalosa.
Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park, Medellín
Location: kilometer 165 on the Medellín–Bogotá highway.
Price: There’s an entrance fee to the park. Check updated rates.
Website: Hacienda Nápoles
The Hacienda Nápoles Theme Park is a park and natural reserve with an incredible history behind it. It was established in 1978 by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. However, over time and with governmental intervention, it transformed into what we know today—a recreational area for the whole family, focusing on cultural and environmental aspects.
Among its many attractions, one of the highlights is its wildlife sanctuary. Here, various species reside, including some intriguing ones from Africa. For example:
- Elephants
- Hippos
- Bengal tigers, and other endemic species like capybaras.
And how much do you know about capybaras? Well, at the Capybara Lake, you can observe them in an environment that mimics their natural habitat and become quite the expert on their habits, diet, predators, among other things.
Services and Activities
- Guided tours
- Accommodation
- Tours of the natural reserve
- Animal feeding
- Butterfly garden
- Safari
- Water park
- Cafeteria and restaurant service
- African museum
- Jurassic Park
- Events
- Talks
- Memorial museum
How to get there?
You must reach Doradal, a municipality of Puerto Triunfo, which is 3 hours and 30 minutes away from the center of Medellín.
Cali Zoo
Location: cra. 2a Oe., Terrón Colorado, Cali, Valle del Cauca.
Price: There’s an entrance fee. Check updated rates.
Website: Cali Zoo
Cali Zoo is one of the most important and visited zoos in the country. It focuses on species conservation, environmental education, and research. It hosts a wide variety of animals, estimated to be more than 2,500 specimens, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Among the species you can find are:
- Capybaras
- Jaguars
- Hippos
- Monkeys
Services and Activities
- Guided tours
- Workshops
- Sports activities
- Myths and legends storytelling
- Educational programs and activities to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of biodiversity conservation
- Restaurant service
One amazing aspect of this zoo is that with the help of professionals, they rehabilitate animals that have fallen victim to trafficking, abuse, or the murder of their herd. They often share these processes with their followers, for example, on their TikTok account, they share Kira’s process, an otter victim of species trafficking. It’s truly a memorable site you shouldn’t miss!
Guátika Biopark, Tibasosa
Location: Km 1, Vía las Antenas, Tibasosa, Boyacá.
Price: There’s an entrance fee. Check updated rates.
Website: Guátika Biopark
Guátika Biopark is a zoo with over 1,000 animals and 100 exotic, wild, and domestic species that can no longer live in their natural habitats due to various reasons related to human intervention. Among its animals are:
- Capybaras
- Tigers
- Lions
- Bears
- Ostriches
- Snakes
Services and Activities
- Guided tours through the reserve
- Buggy races
- Lodging
- Aerial swing
- Family and business tours
- Horseback riding through ecological trails
- Climbing wall
- Children’s attractions
- Zip line
- Feeding domestic animals
- Restaurant service
This park is perfect for family fun!
How to get there?
It’s suggested not to use Waze to get there; the biopark is 3 hours from Bogotá and just 10 minutes from the center of Tibasosa via km 1.
Recommendations for Spotting Capybaras in Colombia
To avoid setbacks and fully enjoy observing these rodents, I advise you to follow these recommendations:
- Visit natural reserves: If you want to observe capybaras in their natural habitat, consider visiting natural reserves and national parks that harbor these creatures. Make sure to respect local regulations and follow the instructions of park rangers or staff.
- Join guided excursions: Many natural reserves offer guided excursions led by local wildlife experts. Joining these excursions will provide you with detailed information about capybaras, their behaviors, and the ecosystem they inhabit.
- Respect conservation regulations: Make sure to comply with all local conservation regulations. In some places, it may be necessary to obtain special permits to access certain protected areas.
To observe them in nature
- Do not interfere with their natural behavior: It is essential to maintain a safe distance and avoid interfering with the natural behavior of capybaras. Do not touch them or offer them food, as this could affect their natural behavior, whether you are in a reserve or in nature.
- Research their specific habitats: Before embarking on your trip, research the specific habitats of the capybaras you wish to observe. Some move to wetter environments during drought seasons, so you need to be aware.
- Respect conservation regulations: Make sure to comply with all local conservation regulations. In some places, it may be necessary to obtain special permits to access certain protected areas or to take photos and videos.
- Choose the right time: Know the time of year when capybaras are most active and visible. Some species have seasonal activity patterns or specific reproductive cycles that affect their behavior.
- Use appropriate equipment: Bring observation equipment, such as binoculars and cameras with zoom, to enjoy a detailed experience without disturbing the capybaras. Similarly, wear comfortable clothes, non-moisturizing shoes, and bring hiking gear; this activity is common for observing these animals.
- Participate in ecotourism tours: Join ecotourism tours guided by local experts. These experiences are not only educational but also conservation-oriented, providing valuable information about capybaras and their natural environment. Additionally, this is useful for your safety, as capybaras share habitats with species such as crocodiles or caimans.
Curious Facts about Capybaras
Here are some curious facts about capybaras that will further pique your interest in getting to know them.
- According to the Humboldt Institute, it is estimated that around 1,037 herds of 20 capybaras each usually inhabit the Atlantic Ocean slopes in Colombia because they need humid environments such as the Magdalena River valleys.
- In their habitats, these creatures play an important role in local ecology by contributing to ecosystem balance and aquatic vegetation control.
- When they feel threatened, capybaras can submerge in water to evade predators. They are also capable of running at surprising speeds on land.
- Capybaras have a communal parenting behavior.
- Capybaras have a relatively long lifespan for rodents, being able to live up to 8-10 years in the wild.
- Capybaras communicate with each other through numerous grunts, squeaks, and soft barks.
- It has been observed that capybaras often transport themselves on the backs or bills of crocodiles; they are very brave!
Remember when observing capybaras that they face challenges similar to other species, such as:
- Capybaras are sensitive to changes and invasions of their ecosystems.
- They face threats such as habitat loss due to urban and agricultural expansion.
- Illegal hunting and capture for the pet trade are growing concerns.
- Due to the severe droughts that have been occurring in their natural habitats, many capybaras have died of thirst or heat.
Travel to Colombia with Pelecanus
At Pelecanus, we are a Colombia travel agency. We specialize in luxury, adventure, and nature travel throughout the country. If you would like to experience Colombia’s incredible wildlife, including capybaras in their natural habitat, contact us today and we will create a custom itinerary tailored to your interests.
Contact Pelecanus | WhatsApp +57 300 752 4553
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FAQ
How big do capybaras get?
Adults reach 1.3 metres in length and 60-80 kg. The largest individuals can exceed 90 kg — making them the largest living rodent species.
Where is the best place to see capybaras in Colombia?
The Casanare hatos (private cattle ranches with wetland reserves) and the lagoons of Tuparro National Park. Both have dense, habituated populations.
Are capybaras dangerous?
No. Capybaras are herbivorous and very calm around humans. Their predators are jaguars and anacondas, which is why they typically retreat to water when threatened.
Can I swim with capybaras?
They generally tolerate swimmers at a distance but you should not approach. The ranches operate respectful viewing protocols — boat-based observation or hide-based photography is preferred.
When is the best time of day to see capybaras?
Dawn (05:30-08:00) and dusk (17:00-19:00) when temperatures are mild. Midday they rest in shade or partially submerged.
Are capybaras endangered?
No — IUCN Least Concern. Population stable across the Llanos and Amazon, though local pressure from hunting exists in some Venezuelan border areas.
References
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