The dimorphism of the Columbian red-footed tortoise is generally larger in males than females, a pattern that is also seen in other tortoises. In addition, the male carapace has obvious morphological characteristics, especially those from the northern region. Their marginal shield will be recessed inward at the middle of the body, forming a bee waist. Males have concave plastrons and their tails are much longer than females. The opening of the anal shield behind the plastron is also wider, presumably to allow more free movement of the tail during mating.

The average linear length of the adult carapace of the red-legged tortoise in Colombia It measures 30 cm (12 inches) and weighs 8 kg (17.5 lbs), although it varies widely by type and sex (males are usually larger than females). The largest recorded individuals were captive-bred, from Bolivia or Paraguay, measuring 60 cm (23.5 in) long and 28 kg (61.7 lb), and were often found to be over 40 cm (15.75 in).