Peacock Bass and Vampire Fish - Colombia

Peacock Bass in the Colombian Jungle

The remote Colombian jungle offers some of the most exhilarating vampire fish and peacock bass fishing in South America. These giant fish thrive in the clear, powerful currents of the Iteviare River. Anglers will target these predators along jungle beaches, lagoons and below waterfalls where explosive topwater takes are common. This untouched corner of the Amazon jungle delivers consistent action with good numbers of trophy peacock bass, payara (vampire fish), as well as a host of other species.

Peacock bass are territorial and their tendency to smash streamers or poppers makes strikes unforgettable. The Iteviare River has a mix of deep pools, sandbars and structure-rich banks which creates the ideal conditions for locating cruising fish. Anglers can expect hard fights with blistering runs as they target these beautifully coloured fish in the river’s crystal-clear water.

Vampire Fish (Payara) on the Fly

Colombia’s rainforest rivers are renowned for vampire fish, or payara which are famous for their aerial fights and long sabre-like teeth. The narrow Mapirriare River, only 18 feet wide in places, holds vampire fish that exceed 30 pounds as well as a variety of catfish and pacu species.

Payara are built for speed and power. They often attack flies in violent surges before launching into multiple jumps. Their bony mouths and aggressive behaviour demand strong hooks and good technique. Fishing for them in jungle channels surrounded by dense forest creates an atmosphere that feels raw, remote and exciting.

General Fishing and Additional Species

Beyond peacock bass and payara, this Colombian jungle programme offers outstanding multi-species fishing. Anglers will encounter pacu, matrinxa and several catfish species.

The Viejitas lagoon system, is an exceptionally productive area and holds large numbers of huge peacock bass. These lagoons offer superb sight-fishing and topwater fishing.

Guides and Accommodation

Anglers will stay in a rustic yet comfortable jungle lodge that offers great international and local cuisine and the finest Chilean and Argentinian wines.

Professional local guides, highly experienced and fully bilingual, handle all logistics and boat operations. Their intimate knowledge of the rivers and various fish species, as well as the techniques to catch them, ensures anglers enjoy the best possible jungle experience.

Trip details

Amazon Peacock Bass

Dates:
12-17 November 2026 (fishing days)

Price:

US$6,200.00 per person (6 full days’ fishing)

Includes:

2 nights’ accommodation at Marriot Courtyard Hotel in Bogota (start and end of trip)
All transfers
Return domestic flight
All meals, snacks, beers and soft drinks
6 full days’ guided fishing (guides are fully bilingual)

Excludes:

International flights.
Meals in Bogota.
Guide and camp staff gratuities.

Book this trip Contact for more info

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 0

Arrive Bogotá: You will stay your first and last night in either a Marriott or Movich hotel. We use both options based on availability. Our host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. They will help with check-in and answer any questions. Dinner on this night is not included.

DAY 1

Bogotá – Lodge: After breakfast, you will leave the hotel with our host and the rest of the group. A van will take you to the local airport. You will fly by charter for 1.5 hours to Mapiripán. From there you will take a 7-hour ride on a covered boat with a 200 HP engine. On arrival at Mapiri Lodge, you will settle into your tent. You may fish for catfish by the lodge before dinner.

DAY 2 to 6

You will fish three different tributaries during the trip. These waters are among the best in the world for peacock bass, payara, catfish, pacu and matrinxã.

DAY 7

You will leave the lodge at 5 a.m. on the speedboat. When you reach Mapiripán, you will take your flight back to Bogotá.

DAY 8

Bogotá – Home: Your hotel will provide the airport transfer.

ABOUT THE FISH

PEACOCK BASS
(Intermedia, nigromaculatus, temensis, orinocensis). These fish hold in lagoon systems that drain into the Orinoco. They are also common in large blackwater tributaries.

MATRINXÃ AND BICUDA
Matrinxã grow to 12 pounds and fight hard on light tackle. They can be so abundant that you may catch dozens in one session. Bicuda deliver fast aerial strikes and are exciting to target.

SARDINATA
Freshwater golden tarpon. They resemble a deep-bodied juvenile tarpon. Sardinata grow to more than 25 pounds and fight with great power.

TAMBAQUI
Pacu species reaching over 100 pounds. They are famous for long, fast runs that can take 100 yards of line in seconds. These fish become more active as the river clears.

CATFISH
Jau, piraiba, shovelnose and firewood catfish thrive in the Guaviare. The river is one of the richest in the Orinoco Basin and supports strong breeding stocks.

PACU
Found in rivers and lagoons. They feed on fruits, worms, meat and fish. They also strike lures such as jigs, minnows, spinnerbaits and soft plastics.

PAYARA
Payara react very well to topwater lures and flies. This area is one of the best in the world for them. Local anglers land fish over 40 pounds each year.

TRIP GALLERY

Peacock Bass and Vampire Fish - Colombia

Trip Summary

Destination: Remote Colombian jungle accessed via Bogotá → Mapiripán → speedboat transfer

Primary species: Peacock bass and payara (vampire fish)

Additional species: Matrinxã, bicuda, sardinata, tambaqui, pacu and multiple catfish species including jau and piraiba

Hosted dates: November 2026

Accommodation: Rustic tented lodge with full board and a mix of local and international meals

First and last night: Marriott or Movich Hotel in Bogotá with airport transfers included

Travel logistics: Charter flight to Mapiripán followed by a 7-hour covered boat ride with a 200 HP engine

Fishing style: Lagoons, blackwater tributaries, beaches, rapid systems and jungle channels

Skill level: Suitable for intermediate and experienced anglers comfortable casting larger flies

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does this Colombia fly fishing trip take place?

The trip begins in Bogotá before flying by charter to Mapiripán. From there a covered speedboat takes you deep into the jungle to Mapiri Lodge where you fish the Iteviare, blackwater tributaries and lagoon systems.

How many days of fishing are included?

You will enjoy six full days of fishing across lagoons, tributaries, beaches and fast-water sections with a rotation that keeps pressure low and conditions productive.

What species can I expect to catch?

The main targets are peacock bass and payara with additional chances for matrinxã, bicuda, sardinata, tambaqui, pacu and multiple species of catfish including jau and piraiba.

What is the accommodation like?

You stay in a comfortable tented lodge operated by FishColombia with good meals and excellent river access. The first and last nights are spent at a hotel in Bogotá.

What tackle do I need?

Most anglers use 8 to 10 weight rods with intermediate and sinking lines plus strong leaders. Payara require heavy-duty hooks and solid shock tippet.

Is this trip suitable for newer anglers?

An intermediate level is ideal. Guides are patient so anglers comfortable casting mid-weight tackle will still enjoy good fishing and steady learning.

What makes this area special?

Low fishing pressure and diverse habitat produce exceptional numbers of large fish. The Orinoco Basin consistently delivers trophy peacock bass and powerful payara.