Nuqui, Bahia Solano & Capurgana

Dense tropical jungle, coastlines on both the Atlantic and pacific oceans, whale and turtle sanctuary and big white smiles is what makes up the Chocó department, the untouched, wild and beautiful seclusion of Colombia.

Although the department of Chocó in the north-east part of Colombia has been largely ignored in comparison to the rest of the country and is the poorest corner of Colombia, Chocó is rich in its untouched dark sand beaches, virgin overflowing rainforests, jungles, and incredible sea life. It is hard to beat anything more pure and beautiful for its nature than here. Along with the warm grand smiles, conversations and hospitality of the locals, going to Chocó will give you an unbeatable experience once described by Colombia’s Author Gabriel Garcia Marquez as ‘a fabulous adventure’.

Nuqui

Nuqui with magnificent waves that bring in professional and amateur surfers year after year and the exotic rainforest spilling out onto the coastlines, is the place to come to watch the whales and dolphins that pass during the mating season every year from July to October.
See fishermen paddle out in their canoes in search for the fishing spots of the day in search of swordfish, marlin and tuna that are a plentitude in these pacific waters.

Nuqui offers some incredible hiking and kayaking up the mangrove enriched waters is simply idyllic in such places as the Sur and Guachalito beaches.

Bahia Solano

Bahia Solano with its exotic beaches is a sanctuary for the turtles that nest their eggs here during the months of September to December. Fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities reside here such as exploring the sunken San Sebastion de Belalcazar ship which survived the Pearl Harbor bombings and later serviced the Colombian navy.

Explore the enchanting jungle with its cascading waterfalls such as the Sabaletas and Chocolatal, discover wildlife and diverse flora and fauna (some that has not yet been classified by botanists).

Katios National Natural Park

In the North Atlantic costal side of Chocó is the Katios National Natural Park which is listed as an UNESCO site for its bio diversity. Take glorious walks and hikes through this park not forgetting to make a particular trip to the Tilupo Waterfall.

During the months of May, whale sharks visit Chocó’s pacific coastline, where you can arrange diving trips to see them. The months of September to January bring bountiful sightings of migratory birds.

The people of Chocó are mainly a mix between afro Colombian and the indigenous tribes of Kuna, Embera and Wounanas creating an interesting culture of African beliefs and aboriginal myths. Their hospitality is truly unforgettable and inviting.

Note: Posadas offers a selection of places to stay in both Nuqui and Bahia Solono.

Travel Tips

How to get there

By plane - Satena Airlines flies to the city of Quibdo from or through Medellin City and from Quibdo there is a short flight to Bahia Solano.

By land within the city – Transport in both Nuqui and Bahia Solano is by either foot or boat.

Dress code - Pack light-weight cotton clothes, beach wear, trousers (for jungle walks), walking shoes, repellent, sunscreen, a hat and swimsuit. Waterproof gear is a must.

Local Cuisine - Eat delicious deep-sea fish locally caught such as tuna or marlin, and don’t miss trying some of the exotic varieties of fruit available here such as the Borojo fruit.

Shopping - There is some fantastic handicrafts that come from this area, such as beautiful purses, bags, hats, baskets and wooden carvings.

If going to the Chocó department, you must be vaccinated for Yellow Fever and keep the document on you at all times.