Reaching Nuquí, Colombia, is stepping into a natural paradise of dreamlike beaches, dense rainforests, and incredible biodiversity. This wonderful natural destination is located in the Chocó department, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
In this travel guide, based on our experience, we will tell you how to get to Nuquí from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, what activities you can do in this place, where to stay, and recommend a package that includes beachfront accommodation, activities, and all necessary transportation.
Let’s start planning your trip to Nuquí, Colombia:
Where is Nuquí, Chocó?
Nuquí is a Colombian municipality located in the Chocó department, nestled between lush rainforests and the Pacific Ocean coastline. It is an ecotourism destination that offers stunning landscapes, secluded beaches, and the opportunity to witness the humpback whale watching season.
Is Nuquí dangerous? Although Chocó has historically been one of the areas most affected by internal conflict, Nuquí is one of the safest and most tourist-friendly municipalities, welcoming many travelers from all over the world each year. However, as in any other place, it’s important to stay cautious and keep up with the news.
Recommended: 5 Must-See Destinations in the Colombian Pacific
How to Get to Nuquí from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali
Nuquí is a destination that is completely isolated from Colombia’s main cities, which adds to its unique charm. However, this means that there is no land access from the country’s major cities. The only way to reach Nuquí is by air from Bogotá, Medellín, and occasionally from Cali.
The airport serving Nuquí is Reyes Murillo Airport. Flights are available from Bogotá and Medellín. It is important to purchase tickets in advance, as there are no daily flights, availability is quite limited, and seats sell out quickly, especially during the whale-watching season and the end-of-year holidays.
Upon arriving at Nuquí Airport, keep in mind that the most beautiful beaches and main eco-tourism attractions are located outside the urban center, specifically in the neighboring districts of Guachalito, Termales, and Arusí.
Here you can get a quote for the trip to Nuquí, including flights
In the districts of Guachalito, Termales, and Arusí, you will find the most beautiful beaches in Nuquí, perfect for ecotourism and cultural enthusiasts. There you can venture into the jungle, discover freshwater waterfalls and go on expeditions in search of whales, birds, frogs, butterflies and many other species.
To reach these districts, you will need to walk from Nuquí Airport to the tourist dock and then take a boat for 30 to 60 minutes along the coast. However, it is important to note that public boats have limited schedules, so it’s best to book a travel package that includes these transfers.
Now that you know how to get to Nuquí, it’s important to mention that booking flights, coordinating public boat schedules, accommodations, and local guides can be a complicated task. That’s why we suggest requesting more information about this all-inclusive plan:
Travel Package: Total disconnection in Nuquí - 4 days / 3 nights
Discover the magic of Nuquí, a destination that invites you to completely disconnect while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking for peaceful beaches, jungle adventures, and unique encounters with nature, this trip is for you.
It includes accommodation in a comfortable private room by the sea, full meals, a beach walk to the Cascada del Amor, and a relaxing soak in natural hot springs. Flights from Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali are not included, but if you’d like, we can arrange them for you!
Price per person from: $1,484,000 COP
Things to Do in Nuquí, Colombia:
1. Enjoy the Humpback Whale Watching Season
One of the main activities in Nuquí is to enjoy the humpback whale watching season, where these giant cetaceans partake in one of the most impressive migrations in the world. They travel about 19,000 kilometers from Antarctica to the warm waters of Chocó to give birth, feed, and teach their calves their first life lessons.
Humpback whales visit Colombia annually, and Nuquí, along with Bahía Málaga, Bahía Solano, and Isla Gorgona, are some of the best places to see them. However, it’s important to remember that whale watching is a natural phenomenon, and often only their backs and tails are visible.
When is the whale season in Nuquí, Colombia? Generally, the whale season on the Colombian Pacific starts in July and ends in October. Based on our experience, the best months for whale watching are typically August and September. If you plan to travel during these months, be sure to book your trip several months in advance.
If you want to organize your trip to Nuquí on your own, we recommend considering these accommodations that stand out for their location and value for money: Cabañas Refugio Salomon, Posada El Esfuerzo, El Retoño del Negro Gozón, Casa Colibrí, Popochos Beach Eco-Lodge, and Punta Brava.
Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
2. Relax on the Best Beaches of Nuquí, Colombia
Many people choose to travel to Nuquí, Colombia for its stunning black and golden sand beaches, which contrast beautifully with the green tones of the jungle and the Gulf of Tribugá. A marvel of this destination is that most of the southern towns, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, are connected by trails.
Whether you stay in Guachalito, Termales, or Arusí, you have the option to walk to the neighboring towns from any of these districts in Nuquí. If you start in Guachalito, you can first visit the Cascada del Amor and then head to the beaches of Terco, Piedra Piedra, and Termales, where you can enjoy the thermal waters.
The walk along the beaches of Nuquí, Chocó, from the town of Guachalito to Termales can take between 2 to 3 hours, and it’s important to consult with local guides about the tide conditions before starting the hike. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best activities.
Request information about available plans to travel to Nuquí
3. Enjoy the Thermal Waters of Nuquí, Chocó
About a 45-minute walk from Guachalito beach is the charming town of Termales, another must-visit destination in Nuquí. There, in addition to exploring the lush jungle, you can enjoy secluded beaches, learn to surf, and relax in the thermal waters.
The thermal waters are located in the heart of the Chocó jungle, next to a small river of crystal-clear water that flows directly into the ocean. To make the most of this spot, it’s advisable to visit early in the morning when it’s virtually empty, giving you the entire place to yourself.
By the way, here are some links for you to check the flight prices to Nuquí on the dates you need and purchase if it suits you (you can change the currency and language from the button in the top right corner):
✈️ Cheap Flights from Medellín
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
Search Now for Last-Minute Flight Deals
4. Visit Ensenada de Utría National Park
The Ensenada de Utría National Natural Park is located between the municipalities of Nuquí and Bahía Solano in Chocó. This reserve is one of the natural gems of the Colombian Pacific, where calm, warm waters welcome various migratory species such as sea turtles, birds, and whales.
Within the cove, there are several trails for ecotourism, our favorites being the Mangrove Path and Playa Blanca. On the first, you will learn about the importance of this mangrove ecosystem, while at the second, you can access several areas designated for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving.
It’s important to note that to reach the Ensenada de Utría from Nuquí, you will need to hire a speedboat. The sea journey can take between 1 and 2 hours. Upon arriving at the park, you will need to pay the entrance fee and receive an induction talk from the National Park officials.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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5. Release Sea Turtles: Best things to do in Nuquí
Every year, in addition to the humpback whale season, the beaches of Nuquí witness the return of sea turtles that come back to the place where they were born to nest and lay their eggs. Witnessing this event is a gift of nature, but it also requires respect from both local communities and travelers.
Sea turtles play a crucial ecological role as natural predators of jellyfish. Unfortunately, however, they have a high mortality rate when they are young. It’s estimated that, out of an average of 100 eggs, only 1 will reach adulthood. Therefore, releasing turtles is more than just a tourist activity—it’s a conservation initiative.
When is the sea turtle season in Nuquí? The sea turtle nesting season in Chocó usually runs from July to November, while the hatching season lasts from September to January. However, this is an entirely natural event.
Hotels in Nuquí, Colombia: Cabañas Refugio Salomon, Posada El Esfuerzo, El Retoño del Negro Gozón, Casa Colibrí, Popochos Beach Eco-Lodge, and Punta Brava.
🏨 Search for accommodation deals in Nuquí
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Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
Click here to purchase the insurance and get a 5% discount!
Tips for Traveling to Nuquí, Colombia
When planning your trip to Nuquí, keep in mind that Chocó is one of the rainiest places in the world. Therefore, prepare for a humid tropical climate by bringing lightweight, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a raincover.
Any time is good to visit Nuquí, but if you want to go humpback whale watching, you should travel between July and October, which is the migration season and also the high season in the Colombian Pacific.
If you decide to visit Nuquí, whether with a tour package or on your own, remember that it’s important to book your reservations several weeks in advance. Here are some useful links to help you plan your trip:
Get a quote for a trip from Bogotá or Medellín
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Nuquí by land? You can only reach Nuquí by plane from cities like Bogotá, Medellín, Quibdó, and occasionally from Cali. There is no road through the rainforest that connects this destination to the interior of the country.
What to do in Nuquí? The top activities include: 1) Watching humpback whales from July to October, 2) Relaxing on secluded beaches, 3) Participating in a sea turtle release program from September to January, 4) Enjoying the hot springs, and 5) Exploring the Ensenada de Utría National Park.
Now that you know how to get to Nuquí and what to do in this natural paradise, remember to be a responsible traveler: take care of the nature around you, respect local traditions, and support initiatives that promote peace and social inclusion.
Other Travel Packages You Might Be Interested In:
Recommended Tour: Adventure in Bahía Málaga - 4 Days / 3 Nights
Traveling to Bahía Málaga National Park is a sensory experience in the heart of the Colombian Pacific, perfect for couples or families seeking adventure while exploring one of the richest ecosystems in flora and fauna.
This 4-day plan includes round-trip transportation from Buenaventura pier, accommodation in a double room at a hotel with a pool and sea view, meals, an ecological tour through estuaries and mangroves, and medical assistance insurance.
Price per person: $976,000 COP
Recommended: Turtle release in Bahía Solano, Chocó - 4 Days / 3 Nights
In this unforgettable trip to Bahía Solano, you will enjoy a natural and cultural environment that offers you the chance to discover the rich diversity of the Chocó Pacific and participate in the exciting activity of sea turtle release.
This package includes accommodation in a comfortable double room by the beach, meals, a hike through the tropical rainforest to Los Deseos Beach and the Riachuelos de Juná, as well as an excursion to El Valle for the turtle release. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you.
Price per person starting at $1,787,000 COP
Package: Cultural and Natural Immersion in Gorgona - 4 days / 3 nights
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Colombian Pacific! Discover Gorgona Island, a natural paradise with pristine beaches and fascinating marine life, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guapi.
This plan includes accommodation in a private room for couples in Guapi, meals, a hike to Yundigua Beach on Gorgona Island, a tour of the old prison, and a cultural tour featuring an artisan and marimba workshop. Flights are not included, but we can arrange them for you if desired.
Price per person from: $2,944,000 COP
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:
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Civitatis.com: Guided tours and excursions
Heymondo.es: International travel insurance with 5% OFF
Bookaway.com: Bus, ferry, and train tickets
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