Few places on earth contain the zoological and botanical wealth of the El Cocal territory. Its neighbour, the Rio Indio-Maiz Biological reserve, is recognized by scientists and naturalists worldwide for its biodiversity. The variety of plant and animal species that inhabit El Cocal is truly astounding: 300 species of reptiles, 200 species of mammals, 600 bird species, 12,000 plant species, and butterflies of every conceivable size, shape and color. Listed here is just a brief overview of the property's natural assets.

El Cocal is home to many different monkey varieties such as spider, howler and white face. Other commonly seen animals include tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, sloths, raccoons, armadillos, peccaries, otters, kinkajous and anteaters.

The property's rivers, lagoons and waterways are teeming with an impressive abundance and variety of aquatic life. Predominant freshwater species include the royal tarpon, sawfish. red snapper, bass, rainbow trout, bobo, majarra, snook, drum, guapote, and one of the last remaining concentrations of freshwater shark in the world. Saltwater varieties of include barracuda, jack, kingfish, sierra, tripletail, cubera, grouper, jewfish, wahoo, and tuna (often exceeding 100 pounds). Other noteworthy aquatic creatures include the manatee, and a prehistoric oddity called the garfish.

Various breeds of colorful toucans, parrots, macaws, hummingbirds, owls, eagles, hawks and and parakeets are only some of the over 600 species of birds that call El Cocal home. Extremely rare species such as the royal fly catcher can also be found here. The region is quite literally a birdwatcher's paradise.

The diversity of El Cocal's plant life is as vast as it is stunning. In fact, one square kilometer of El Cocal's rainforest contains more species of vegetation than all of Western Europe. Prominent flower varieties include heliconias, wild orchids, bromeliads and passion flowers. Wild mushrooms, ferns, coconut palms and a variety of fruit species also dot the landscape.