Either they are green, or common, iguanas are among the largest lizards in the Americas. As its name implies they are green, some lighter than others. These guys are able to hold their breath for up to 30 minutes. They can also fall for 40 to 50 meters without being injured.

The bag they have under their jaw works as a camel's hump. It stores fat in order to survive in case they can't find food. Iguanas can measure up to 2 m and their tail weights 20 pounds or more. When in the wild they can live up to 20 years.

Iguanas sunbathe in some tree branch most of their lives. They spend most of their lives in the canopy, descending only infrequently to mate, lay eggs, or change trees. Iguanas reach sexual maturity at an average age of 18 months. The mating season takes place in September. This might vary depending on how north they live.

The mating season takes place in September. This might vary depending on how north they live. Iguanas lay many eggs about 50 at a time, in holes in the ground called burrows but only 3-10 babies actually survive to be adults. After female iguanas lay the eggs, they leave them and do not return. When iguana babies hatch, they grow up without care from their parents.

It takes green iguana eggs about 8-10 weeks to hatch, then takes baby iguanas about 2 years to become mature adults. They live in places where the water is abundant, like tropical rain forests. The green iguana can be found in the rain forests of northern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and southern Brazil.

They are also among the most popular reptile pets in the United States, despite being quite difficult to care for properly. In fact, most captive iguanas die within the first year, and many are either turned loose by their owners or given to reptile rescue groups.

Marina K. Villatoro, the Travel Experta, has been living in Central America – Costa Rica and Guatemala for the past decade. Traveling with her family to all parts of Costa Rica and Guatemala, she now loves organizing vacations for people and offers first hand experience. Contact her for advice and to plan your perfect trip!