Choco Colombia Travel Guide: Colombia's Remote Pacific Coast
Colombia’s Pacific Coast is remote but oh so worth the journey to the Choco Department
Welcome to Choco, Colombia. One of Colombia’s least explored regions but best places to explore in Colombia. Situated on the western part of Colombia, the Choco region has sections that range from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean.
Luckily for myself & those who have experienced this blissful region, the Choco region has far more than you could imagine.
For those who haven’t, here is a look into one of Colombia’s least developed and places to backpack Colombia.
Getting to the Choco Region
When you backpack Colombia, certain regions are far less developed than others. Getting to the Choco Region is simple but not easy.
The region is limited in options of transportation due to its rough terrain and lack of infrastructure. There are no roads west of Quibdo, the department’s capital, but the probability is you are venturing to the Pacific Coast.
Boat travel rules the coast and is your only way to move from town to town. Here is how you can make your way to the Pacific Coast.
Flights to Choco Region
The Nuqui Airport is about as basic as they come. No need to be early as security takes a whopping 10 seconds to walk through and flights only operate on certain days. To decrease your fear of flying, enjoy the abandoned cartel plane that’s sits adjacent to the runway. (Note: No Starbucks or premier flying lounge here.)
- Medellin – Nuqui –> This is definitely the easiest and most efficient route. Only a 30 minute flight. Average price for these tickets will be about $70. Time it right and you can find some solid rates. Pretty amazing scenery from the air also the fact you are leaving an extremely isolated area to one of the most populated in all of South America in only 30 minutes.
- Quibdo – Nuqui –> Don’t know why you would be in Quibdo, (unless you’re like Amir and hooped for the Basketball squad) but if you are, this is your only option.
Boats in the Choco
Buenaventura –>Nuqui or Bahia Solano – 24 Hour slow Boat. Economical, 3 meals and TINY bunk included, (120,000 COP to Nuqui/150,000 – Bahia Solano) for the adventurous or those with a thin wallet.
I took this route to Nuqui since I was so close to Buenaventura (2.5 hours from Cali) and was curious to see what this boat trip would entail.
- HIGH IMPORTANCE – Boats only operate on Tuesday to Bahia Solano. I was given the wrong information and had to wait 2 days AND return back to Cali. Captain Oscar +57 314 617 8859
- Other boats operate to Nuqui.
- I make this of importance because Buenaventura isn’t a particularly safe city to be sticking out in. People know of onward travel to the coastal towns where ATM’s don’t exist. Buenaventura is also one of the least economically stable areas of Colombia.
Transportation in the Choco Region
Boats. Boats or Lanchas, rule the region. There are only a handful of roads that connect cities so like I learned the hard way, you need to be prepared or flexible with your time.
These Lanchas operate daily on the coast for about $10 trips. Down from Nuqui at 1pm and up from Arusi at 6 am.
What can I do in the Choco region?
Surfing Choco Colombia– There are a number of great breaks along the Pacific Coast of Colombia such as: Termales & El Valle These are both shore breaks and are dependent on daily conditions.
Advanced surfers should hire a boat to Termales point for the Pacific Coasts best reef break.
Experience the Diverse wildlife – The Choco department is famous for their Whale Watching, but the region is also home to some of the most exotic creatures in the world.
Whale Watching – Whale watching along Colombia’s Pacific Coast is one of the main draws for the region. As amazing as this is, there are far more things to experience. The season runs from July-November.
Hiking – Being lightly trekked, even the locals are finding new routes daily. Keep your eyes open for a plethora of creatures lingering in the bush or on the branches. Expect to see a variety of birds, frogs, lizards and whatever animal you may be lucky to enough to cross.
- La Cascada de Cuatro Encantos (The Waterfall of the Four Charms) – Very popular hike for visitors. Must have a guide.
Fishing – Don’t let whale watching and surfing take all the spotlight. Fishing is world-class but has been kept on a low simmer. Whether it be a hired boat or shore fishing, your rod is going to get bent.
Termales (Hot Baths) – Bathe in the natural hot baths secluded in the forest. Truly a natural experience. Because options are limited in town, locals tend to frequent the spot daily. Either way, a must-experience spot. Locals are protective and regulate entrance. Day 1 Cost: 10,000 COP. Day 2 Cost: 6,000 COP Day 3: 3,000.
Lounge on Black Sand Beaches – The beaches of Colombia’s Pacific Coast are not your quintessential Caribbean blue & golden sand. Expect dark sand contrasted by rich verdant green palm trees, where the jungle meets the ocean. Simply spectacular.
When should I visit the Choco Region?
The best time to visit the Choco region of Colombia is during Whale migration season. This time of the year is usually between July-November.
- Whale Watching – July-November
- Turtle Hatching- October – December
The Choco is one of the wettest regions in the ENTIRE WORLD. Expect daily rains and a humid 30 Celsius. Embrace the weather as the scenery more than makes up for it.
Where should I visit on Colombia's Pacific Coast?
You should visit El Valle, Bahia Solano, Termales, and Nuqui when visiting Colombia’s Pacific Coast. Here is a breakdown of these small coastal cities.
- Bahia Solano – Major town up the coast that serves as major area of activity. Adjacent to Ultria National Park.
- El Valle – 1 hour south by road from Bahia Solano airport, sits El Valle. Surfing is one of the main activities here as well as Turtle & Whale watching. Organize your trips here or just soak in the Choco vibes. *Recommended*
- Termales – A gorgeous oasis of tranquil rainy days. Termales has one main road that is home to about 100 people. Guest houses will range from 20,000 COP – 100,000 COP. Where I spent almost all of my time. *Recommended*
- Nuqui – Nuqui is one of the gateways to the region. Home to an airport and the end destination of most slow and fast boats. Not a pretty city, I recommend arriving and getting out as quick as possible. The other towns provide much more beauty and culture. If you decide to stay, you are looking to pay roughly 20,000 COP-100,000 COP
Where can I stay in the Choco Region?
Termales Lodging Options:
- Pura Vida (30,000 COP/night) –> Paulo is a legendary owner and only speaks a little English but will make your Termales stay memorable. Hammocks, comfortable bunks, and a lovely view from the deck, make this a great option. Kitchen and water at your disposal. His place is the last option at the east end of town.
- Prana Pacifico – Prana Pacifico is the ideal place to stay if money is not an option. Situated atop a massive hillside at the end of Termales Beach, the views and experience at Prana is an unforgettable one. Lyndsey, an Australian local, runs the Yoga retreat center and offers an all inclusive stay with her delectable meals that will make you wish you could stay longer. Book here
- El Cantil Eco Lodge – Another all inclusive option, El Cantil is tailored for those with a wider budget. Positioned meters in front of one the areas top surf breaks, El Cantil is designed for travelers who want the easiest and quickest access to surf. Chartered boats and tours are available from here as well. The place is gorgeous and an excellent option for anyone willing to pay $75/night.
- El Vijo Lodge – From the owners of the Humpback Turtle Hostel, Termales now has the El Vijo Lodge for another hostel option in the Choco Department.
El Valle
The Humpback Turtle Hostel – Most popular and well established. Prices below
- Hammock $25,000 COP
- Dorm Beds $39,000 COP
- Private Room $60,000 COP
Important Choco Region Department Info
Choco is one of the poorest departments of all Colombia. The department is limited but abundant in its resources. Strange phenomenon but don’t be expecting a glorified getaway. The region is more than 80% Afro Caribbean which makes it strikingly different than anywhere else.
That difference is reflected in the language, food, and culture. A great change of pace for sure.
Safety in the Choco Department
You might be asking yourself, is Colombia’s Choco department safe? & Yes, Colombia’s Choco region is safe.
Certain less trafficked areas where most tourists won’t visit, still have some drug trafficking issues.
However, stick to the main coastal areas and you should be more than fine.
Internet Connection & Wifi in the Region
There is no reliable internet in most places the Pacific Coast of Colombia. Because of the remote nature of Colombia’s Choco department, disconnecting here is unbelievably easy and ideal.
Best Places to Explore after the Choco
Right now is a great time to Backpack Colombia and it’s diverse regions
If you want an experience like no other, read my other Colombia travel guides:
🌴 Traveling in the Colombian Amazon!
🛶 Outdoor Adventure in Colombia’s San Gil
💦 Hike to Colombia’s Tallest Waterfall
If you have any questions or need help planning your trip to Colombia, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!