Exploring the Chocó region in Colombia on the Pacific side

Hi there, I’d love some tips for visiting the Chocó region near the Pacific in Colombia. I’m assuming I’ll fly in... Where should I stay? Where can I walk in the forest (without a guide)? Where can I see wildlife, go diving, hiking, and what are the best places to stay? Also, how do I get around, etc.? Thanks in advance! Bernard

Hey, I don’t know when you’re going, but I’ll be there at the end of November. I’ll share a little update. I land in Nuquí. But one thing to know already: you can get there by boat (Nuquí) from Buenaventura.

Hi there. The Chocó department is one of Colombia’s wildest. That doesn’t mean wildlife spotting is easy, especially without a guide (which, on top of that, isn’t without risk... unless you know the area well and are used to this kind of environment). The department also has a coastline on the Atlantic side, but for the Pacific coast, you can, for example, take a flight from Medellín to Nuquí or Bahía Solano, then continue by other means—like a *lancha* (small boat), in particular. It’s also possible to access the area by boat from Buenaventura, in the more southern Valle del Cauca department. And you can reach Buenaventura, for instance, by road from Cali. For accommodations, there’s plenty of choice. For diving, you’d need to head toward Malpelo, but I think you’d need an excellent skill level and a certain budget.

Good evening,

Chocó is a region that’s truly earned. The hyper-humid climate is particularly tough (over 90% relative humidity). A constant muggy heat that’s hard to bear, not to mention the frequent and heavy rains. 9,000mm of rainfall on average per year—the record for the entire American continent. Even with a guide, spotting wildlife is difficult because the forest cover is so dense.

That said, the region is breathtakingly wild and beautiful. We had a "nature bath" there, far from everything, in a dreamlike setting... and without the crowds of the Caribbean coast.

You might find some inspiration from our experience here:

https://www.myatlas.com/H%C3%A9rodote/el-choco-entre-foret-dense-et-vagues-du-pacifique

Good evening Bernard,

A very quick overview of Chocó, the Buenaventura area on the Pacific coast, and way up north, the Caribbean side and the Darién border with Panama.

To get to Buenaventura, buses are available from Cali.

Two posts from my blog (free access, no ads):

Traveling as a couple, backpacking style. Best regards, Alain

Colombia 13: Buenaventura, Pacific Coast – The Dark Memory of Colombia - Le Ranquet en vadrouille

Colombia 18: I’m Writing to You from Capurganá... - Le Ranquet en vadrouille

Great reports. Well done! !

Thanks for the reply. I’ll probably have to postpone because of the floods (Twitter info – Bahía Solano). Keep in touch...

Thanks for the reply! Given the major flooding over the past few days, I think I’m gonna have to call it off... :( Twitter source: "Bahia Solano" Later! Brnard

Thanks for the reply! Given the major flooding over the past few days, I think I’m gonna have to call it off... :( Twitter source: "Bahia Solano" Later, Brnard

Thanks for the reply! Given the major flooding over the past few days, I think I’m gonna have to back out... :( Twitter source: "Bahia Solano" Later, Brnard