If you love off-the-beaten-track destinations and hidden gems, the fascinating Chocó region, which stretches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, may be one of your favorite places in Colombia – or the world. This remote region features several paradisiacal villages nestled between the sea and the jungle, including Nuquí and Bahía Solano on the Pacific coast, and Capurganá and Sapzurro on the Caribbean coast.
Connect with nature, search for pristine beaches, go hiking in the jungle, navigate through mangroves in a small canoe, relax in hot springs and refresh yourself in waterfalls and natural pools. Watch manta rays, dolphins and whales playing in the ocean, search for monkeys in the trees, and fall asleep in a hammock to the sound of the jungle and the waves under a starry sky. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local Afro-Colombian culture and learn about people’s day to day life.
All these things you can do in Chocó even though large parts of the region are still unexplored touristically and difficult to access. If you have limited time to travel, you probably have to choose between Bahía Solano or Nuquí on the Pacific Coast and Sapzurro or Capurganá on the Caribbean Coast. To help you with your decision we selected the11 best things to do in Nuqui and Bahia Solano, and the 10 best things to do in Capurgana and Sapzurro.
Nuquí and Bahía Solano are two picturesque beach villages on Colombia’s Pacific Coast. They are located 8 hours by ferry from each other and can be reached by direct flight from Medellin. One of the main attractions of the region, the extremely biodiverse Utría National Natural Park, is located about halfway between them. You can access the park by boat from both villages, or by foot from El Valle near Bahia Solano.
We don’t have a clear recommendation whether to choose Bahia Solano or Nuqui as your base, they both have a lot to offer and are naturally very beautiful. We recommend to do some additional research around your very own priorities (whether it is surfing, diving, having an accommodation with a great view, flight costs, etc.) and base your choice on that.
Here are some things you can do in or near Nuquí and Bahía Solano.
Photo by SteetFlash, Utria National Park, Nuqui, Canva Pro license
The Utría National Natural Park features over 300 species of birds, including colorful toucans, macaws, parrots, and hummingbirds. It’s also home to different species of monkeys, sloths, ocelots, jaguars, armadillos, caimans, turtles, dolphins, and many other animals. Hike through the jungle, snorkel in the ocean and navigate through the mangroves to search for these creatures on land and in the water.
Photo by Silvana Palacios, Titi Monkey (mod.)
Discover the abundant marine life in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, including giant manta rays and different species of sharks.
Walk along the sandy beaches, dip yourself in the ocean for a swim and let your skin dry in the soothing sun. In Nuqui visit the unspoiled beaches of Guachalito, Terquito, and Playa Jovi; in Bahia Solano check out Playa Mecana and Playa Huina.
Photo by Silvana Palacios, Beach Walk (mod.)
Bahia Solano and Nuqui are great places for whale watching between July and October, when humpback whales migrate to the Pacific Ocean to give birth. Take a boat tour and watch these magical giant creatures playing in the ocean.
Photo by Silvana Palacios, Whale (mod.)
With the pacific ocean, its rivers and waterfalls, the region around Bahía Solano and Nuqui is ideal for water activities, including paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and more. El Almejal in Bahía Solano is a great beach for surfing and bodyboarding; in Nuquí try Pico de Loro and Terquito Beach.
Explore Chocó’s rivers and mangroves by boat and observe birds and wildlife by the shore. Near Nuqui you can take boat tours on Río Anachí and Rio Nuquí, near El Valle (Bahia Solano) you can navigate on Rio Tundó.
Photo (mod.) by Silvana Palacios, Fisher Boat Chocó Colombia
In the village of Termales you can find a wooden spa set beautifully by a peaceful river. Here you can relax in natural hot springs, or get massages and other wellness treatments. It’s a 2-hours jungle hike from Guachalito beach near Nuqui to Termales, passing through Terco and Terquito. We recommend to go with a local guide who can show you all the beautiful hidden treasures of the area.
Chocó is full of breathtaking waterfalls hidden in the jungle. When in Bahia Solano make sure to visit El Tigre waterfall and Cascada del Chocolatal, when in Nuquí explore the “Waterfall of Love” (Cascada del Amor).
Viche is an ancestral fermented drink from Colombia’s Pacific region based on sugar cane. The production is completely artesanal and has traditionally been the responsibility of women. Viche/Biche is recognized as a collective cultural heritage of the black afro-colombian communities and is said to have medical and aphrodisiac properties. You can enjoy it pure or mixed with fruits, spices, and other ingredients. Viche-based “cocktails” include Arrechón, Curao, Pipilongo, Tumbacatre, and Tomaseca.
Also try delicious seafood in the local restaurants of Bahia Solano and Nuqui. Many Colombians swear the pacific coast has the best seafood in the country.
Chocó is home to different indigenous communities, including the Emberá and Wounaan around Nuqui. Visit these communities to learn about their traditional way of life, spiritual views, and unique culture.
Many beaches of Bahía Solano are used by sea turtles to lay their eggs, usually at nightfall. “Turtle high season” is between July and December. Between middle/end of October and end of December (up to mid January), typically after dark, you have quite high chances to see the baby turtles hatch from their shells and head towards the sea.
There are several local conservation initiatives you can support to protect these amazing creatures, including the tender Olive Ridley Turtle (tortuga golfina), the world’s smallest sea turtle.
Paradisiacal Capurganá and Sapzurro are neighbor villages located near the border with Panama at Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. They can be reached from Medellin by direct flight. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Turbo or Necocli and water transportation from there to Capurgana.
While being fantastic nature and ecotourism destinations, both villages are still sort of hidden treasures due to their remoteness. Capurgana offers a wider range of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and tourism services, while small, laid-back Sapzurro offers a more tranquil atmosphere and a “back to the roots” experience.
Here are some interesting things to do around Capurganá and Sapzurro.
Both Sapzurro and Capurganá feature dream beaches that are considered among the best in Colombia. Explore them by taking long beach walks or take a boat from Capurgana to reach the more remote but ever so beautiful Playa Soledad and Bahia Aguacate.
Photo by jkraft5, Sapzurro
Go snorkeling or diving in the abundant waters of the Caribbean Sea and admire beautiful coral reefs, and rich marine life including rays, sea turtles and more.
The entrance of the protected private El Cielo Reserve can be reached in about 1,5 hours by foot from the center of Capurganá. The path leads uphill through beautiful tropical vegetation. The reserve features natural pools, clear waterfalls, beautiful trails and great sea views from a panoramic viewpoint at the top of 360 steps. We recommend to go early in the morning to avoid the heat.
Walk around 40 minutes from Capurganá along the coast towards Sapzurro and you reach Piscina de los Dioses (pool of the gods), a small natural pool in the sea. Keep going for another 30 minutes and you’ll find the La Coquerita pool, surrounded by breathtaking landscape of sandy beach, rock formations, palm trees, and lush vegetation.
Hike along the beautiful jungle trail connecting Capurgana and Sapzurro, passing by the enchanting La Diana waterfall which is nestled in lush green vegetation. The hike should take around 1,5 hours. We recommend to go with a local guide.
Photo by DC Colombia, Sapzurro
You can hike from Sapzurro to the tiny beach village La Miel in Panama in less than 1 hour. The border between Colombia and Panama is right on top of the mountain between the two villages. Alternatively you can take a boat to La Miel from Capurgana. If you stay in Capurgana you may consider taking a long walk to la Miel vía Sapzurro and then going back by boat.
Photo by jkraft5, Welcome to Panama
In Capurganá you can observe a rich variety of bird species due to its unique geographical location by the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap forms a natural corridor between North and South America, making it a bird migration hotspot.
Have fresh seafood by the beach and try typical caribbean dishes like fried fish with coconut rice, or lobster, a regional specialty.
In the nights between February and June you can watch the world’s largest turtles nest their eggs at the beaches around Acandi, located about 1 hour by boat from Capurgana. Pay respect to these threatened animals and go with a local guide and in small groups only.
Marvel at the incredible colors of the sky and the Caribbean Sea when the sun sinks down into the ocean.
Photo by Oscar Garces, Capurgana Sunset (mod.)
The Darien Gap (Isthmus of Darien) is a narrow strip of dense jungle and swampland between Panama and Colombia, which connects the North American and South American continent. The region is largely untouched due to its difficult accessibility. However, it is used as a route for drug smuggling, illegal migration and human trafficking, and is marked by conflicts between armed groups. Currently it is controlled by the dangerous criminal organization Clan del Golfo. The beauty of this ecological paradise stands in sharp contrast with the safety situation.
We currently advice solo travelers AGAINST traveling through Darien. Colombia has many beautiful off-the-beaten-path destinations to offer which involve far less risk and ethical dilemma.
Chocó is one of Colombia’s poorest departments. Moreover, the fact that Capurgana is a gateway to the Darien Gap is an additional challenge for the region.
Tourism can support people in Chocó, but only if it’s done responsibly and sustainably. You may want to check out how you can contribute to local communities in our Guidelines for sustainable and responsible travel, and try to get information on local initiatives once you are in the region.
Interesting fact about Chocó: The Atrato River, that runs through Chocó’s capital Quibdó, is the longest navigable river in Colombia and the first one that was declared to have rights by Colombian jurisdiction.
The tourist centers of Chocó, including Nuquí, Bahía Solano, El Valle, Capurganá, and Sapzurro, are generally considered safe for travelers. Also have a look at our Colombia Safety Tips and Solo Travel Guide.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the current safety situation just before traveling. Especially in Capurganá the situation may change rapidly since it is the gateway to the illegal migration route to Panama which is currently controlled by the criminal Clan del Golfo.
It’s important not to venture alone into the jungle; always go with a local guide. Tours in Colombia generally become cheaper the more people participate. Check out our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to find other solo travelers near you that share your interests.
The best time for whale watching in Chocó is typically between mid July and mid October.
Chocó features a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and high temperatures with an average around 27°C (ca. 80.6 °F) throughout the year. Chocó is one of the wettest regions on the planet with almost daily rainfall.
Medellin: Medellin is the easiest next destination with direct flights from Nuqui, Bahia Solano and Capurgana. You can also get to Medellin overland from Capurgana via Necocli. Check out our recommendations for Things to do in and near Medellin.
Cartagena: If you are up for a challenge, you may try getting overland from Capurgana to Cartagena via Necocli or Turbo and Monteria. See our selection of Things to do in and near Cartagena.
Last Update: November 29, 2024
Image Credit: Title Image on top by Silvana Palacios, Humpback Whale (mod.)
