All about Nuquí – What to do and tips
About Nuquí
Nuquí, on Colombia’s Pacific coast, is one of those destinations that could be on your bucket list for ages before you make the bold move and book a ticket.
Why is Nuquí a bucket list destination?
The jungle ends there on the miles of sandy beaches, there are waterfalls and natural thermal pools, there is a huge diversity of flora and fauna, and you can spot whales in season (and much more). Nuquí itself is a cluttered town and most travelers travel directly on by boat to the beautiful beaches in the area, such as Playa Guachalito, Termales and Playa Terco.
Off the beaten track
Nuquí is an adventurous destination that is far from the tourist route. You won’t find luxury hotels here and wifi is not a given. There are no roads leading to Nuquí and you’ll have to put in some effort to get there. You reach Nuquí with a domestic flight from Medellín and a boat trip to your hotel. Tourism is still in its infancy here, as for a long time Chocó was a “no go” area because the jungle was inhabited by guerrillas for many years. Nuquí, Termales, Playa Guachalito and Arusi are now safe to visit.
In this travel guide you will find everything you need to know about Nuquí; what is there to do? How to get there. What are the nicest hotels and practical information and tips about pins, luggage, what to bring and safety in Nuquí, among others.
10 Tips
Must do’s in Nuquí
1. Spot whales
From July to mid-October, humpback whales (ballenas jorobadas) come from the South Pole to the warmer waters of the Colombian coast to give birth to their young. A journey of some 8000km! You can often see the whales from the hammock of your hotel. You can also take an organized boat trip to spot whales. Depending on the number of people joining, you can book such a trip from COP100,000-COP180,000 (€25- €45) per person.
The 54,000-acre Utría park is one of the best places to spot whales in the Colombian Pacific.
The lagoon of the park, in the months of August-October is often used as a “baby room” by the whales. It is also home to turtles and several species of birds, among others. You can take a walk along the mangroves on the wooden boardwalk. The park is 90 minutes by boat, north of Nuquí and entrance costs COP72,000/€18.(2024)
2. Hike with a guide in the jungle
Nuquí has great biodiversity. In fact, Chocó is the region with the second largest biodiversity in the world. The best way to view the extraordinary flora and fauna is with an experienced guide. During the hikes, you will cross rivers, hike to waterfalls and spot different animals. In the jungle live monkeys, different species of birds and (poisonous or non-poisonous) snakes and frogs. Prices vary depending on the distance and level of the hike and start at around COP30,000/€7.50 per person for a half-day hike.
photo: Explorando Colombia
3. Take a walk on the beach
The beaches are spectacular in Nuquí. Here you won’t find white sand beaches, but miles of brown sand beaches surrounded by jungle. One of the most beautiful beaches is Guachalito. From here you can hike to the waterfall Cascada de Amor. Especially the sunsets on the beach are spectacular in Chocó!
4. Take a hot bath at Termales
These natural thermal pools, are a 20-minute walk from the village of Termales. You pay COP15000/€3.75 entrance fee for the first time and COP5000/€1.25 for each time you want to return after that. An evening ticket costs COP20,000/€5 and aromatherapy costs COP60,000/€15. Prices are set by the local community and can change. Want to visit a more natural thermal spa? Then go with a guide to Jurubirá, 9 km from Nuquí.
5. Take a boat trip to Cabo Corrientes
This is the southernmost tip of the Gulf of Tribugá. It is a hot spot for whale watching, surfing, snorkeling and fishing. May is the month for fishermen. Schools of sardines come in with the current then, attracting large fishermen. You can rent a boat with captain from COP350,000/€87.50 per day.
6. Spot baby turtles on the way to the sea
Every year, sea turtles come to the coast to bury their eggs in the sand (especially between June and October). To increase the chances of survival, volunteers from local organizations store the eggs in a safer place. When the baby turtles are born, they are carefully escorted to the sea. As a traveler, you get the chance to be present for this. September through November are the best months for this. Your hotel or hostel can help you organize this.
7. Take a boat ride through the mangroves
One of the popular trips is a hike + boat ride on the río Joví. In a chingo (traditional wooden boat) you cruise on the river while learning about the different types of mangroves and the diverse flora and fauna. You can book such a boat trip from COP45000/€11 per person.
photo: el Amargal lodge
8.Go surfing
Experienced surfers have known it for a long time…In Chocó you will find the best waves in Colombia. Yet the waves are not only suitable for experienced surfers. If you haven’t stood on a board before, you can take surf lessons at the surf school in Termales or Guachalito or at one of the hostels. For surf lessons, you’ll spend about COP80,000/€20 per hour. If you just want to rent a board, it will cost you COP30,000/€7.50. One of the cool surf spots in Nuquí is el Vijo surf bungalows.
9. Enjoy the catch of the day
If you like fish, then you will be very happy with the food in Nuquí! Fish is prepared in different variations, such as in fish soup. Crustacean lovers can try the Cambute, similar to the crown snail (Karko / Conch). Popular side dishes include “Arroz con Coco,” Yuka and “Patacones”: coconut rice, cassava and green banana cookies. Coconut is also liked in desserts and sweets such as Panelitas de coco. Want to learn to cook some of these dishes yourself? Then take cooking lessons! Prices start from about COP60000/€15 per person.
10. Meet the locals!
The good-humored locals are a mix of Afro-Colombians and the Indian community, who live mostly in the interior. Recent years have also seen an increasing number of locals who have fled Colombia’s busy cities and are building a new life in laid-back Chocó. Locals are, among other things, active in the hotels, provide tours and prepare the most delicious dishes for you. They are happy and proud to welcome travelers. With a trip to Chocó, you support the local community. And that support is badly needed in one of the poorest areas of Colombia.
Here’s how to plan your trip to Nuquí
How to get there.
There are no roads to Nuquí and the only way to get there is by plane, or by boat from Bahía Solano (2h), and El Valle (1.30h). You can also reach Nuquí by boat from Buenaventura, but that is a long trip that can be violent if the sea is wild. Moreover, Buenaventura does not have a good reputation when it comes to safety.
Where do you start if you want to take a trip to Nuquí?
Check out our 4 step plan here and start planning your trip to Nuquí!
In these 4 steps, plan your trip to Nuquí!
1. Book a ticket Medellin – Nuquí (NQU-Reyes Murillo Airport).
- Direct flight of 45 min.
- Price round-trip ticket in high season around COP600,000/€150. Off season often specials
- San German Airlines and Satena Airlines
- Departure from Olaya Herrera airport in Medellín (El Poblado)
- Important when booking the flight: keep in mind the departure time of the boat from Nuquí to your hotel and back. Read on for more info.
Check our #Colombia hotel tips and book your accommodation here
Once arrived in Nuquí:
3. At Nuquí airport pay the tourist tax a COP35,000/€7.50 and possibly do some shopping before boarding the boat.
4. From Nuquí airport walk 150 meters to the pier and catch the boat
- The boat to Guachalito Beach (45 min), Cabo Corrientes (70 min), Termales (75) min) and Arusi (90 min) leaves daily at 1 pm except Sunday. Back, the boat leaves Termales at 6:45am every day except Sunday.
- Price: COP40,000/€10 one way
- Booking a private boat transfer through your hotel is also possible. Some hotels offering all-inclusive package tours include transportation to and from the Nuquí pier. If you have to pay for this separately, it can be pricey and -depending on the location- can reach about COP350,000/€87.50.
This info was updated in May 2024.
Climate and best travel period
Chocó is one of the wettest places in the world. At first not really that you think wow but on the other hand, that makes the jungle super exuberant!
You have to be lucky with the weather. You can have beautiful days with blue skies, but it can also rain for long periods at a time. There is high humidity. The most sunshine and least rain is in the summer, from January to March.
The best time to go depends on what you want to do:
January through March
The best time for hikes in the jungle and trips on the river. The sea is calm and ideal for boat trips and for diving and snorkeling.
May
The best month for fishing. With the current come schools of sardines, which attract big fish. Best spot for anglers is Cabo Corrientes.
July- mid-October (especially from August)
The best months to spot whales, which in this period come to the Colombian coast to give birth to little ones.
September-November
The best months to see the release of baby turtles.
Surfing is possible-depending on your level-all year round.
High season
Prices increase in high season, during semana santa (Easter week) + 15/6-15/10 and 15/12-15/1.
Hotels and hostels
#ToColombia tips for booking your hotel
#1 Most budget-friendly accommodations are in the villages of Termales and Arusi
Here there are small hotels run by local families. Accommodations are basic, but the hospitality of the families is usually top notch.
#2 The ecolodges with a little more comfort are located mainly on Guachalito beach and at Cabo Corrientes
By comfortable, don’t think air conditioning and high speed internet, but a fine room in an idyllic location, in a beautiful tropical garden.
#3 Wifi and power are not a given in this region.
If the accommodation is very remote, there may only be power in the evening hours and no wifi or phone signal.
#4 If you are going to book a hotel, check if it is “bare” rental or an “all in” trip.
A package including 3 meals a day, is often offered at the lodges that are very remote with no stores or restaurants nearby.
€ price range up to €50
€€ price range €50 – €100
€€€ price range above €100
Practical info A-Z
Luggage
Travel with as little luggage as possible. For the flight to Nuquí, small planes of up to about 20 passengers are used. In general, 10kg is the maximum weight to check in and 5kg is the maximum for hand luggage. Moreover, you will continue traveling by boat, for which the rule is; the less luggage the better! The boat from Nuquí will drop you off at the beach, but you may still have to walk a bit on the beach to your hotel. Therefore, we recommend a backpack instead of a suitcase.
Budget
Nuquí is not a low budget destination. Because you can only get there by plane/boat, transportation costs are already a big chunk of your budget. However, affordable hotels can be found and if you can share the cost of excursions such as hikes and boat trips with other travelers, you can still travel to Nuquí affordably.
For breakfast in a local restaurant you will pay about COP20,000/€5 and lunch and dinner will cost COP30,000/€7.50. You can make the tours as expensive as you want. The prices are depending on the number of people going along. For an indication of prices, check our tips on what to do in Nuquí.
#AtColombia tip
If you want to go to Chocó on a smaller budget, check out el Valle. At hostels like Humpback turtle, Utría eco hostel and the Pelican house hostel you can book a dorm bed and the cost of tours is often lower because you can share it with more travelers.
Drinking water
The water from the tap is not drinkable
Electricity
At the very remote accommodations, electricity may be limited to a few hours in the evening.
Cash out?
There is no ATM in Nuquí, so bring all the money you think you will need.
How long to stay?
With about 5 days, 4 nights, you have time to take long walks on the beach and do various activities at your leisure, such as visiting the thermal pools at Termales, doing whale spotting trips, hiking with a guide in the jungle and kayaking on the river. And then you still have time to read a book in the hammock -:)
Locals & language
The locals are a mix of Afro-Colombians and the Native American community, who live mostly in the interior. Very little English is spoken. A word of Spanish is certainly helpful and works wonders for getting in touch with the locals.
Packing List
- Anti mosquito spray
- Sunscreen
- Backpack or gym bag instead of a suitcase
- Waterproof bag or plastic bags to protect your belongings during the boat trip and from the rain
- Due to high humidity, clothes dry poorly. Therefore, bring airy clothes that dry quickly
- Swimwear, water shirt and/or wetsuit if you will be snorkeling/diving
- Sandals
- Water shoes
- Hat or cap
- Long-sleeved T-shirt and long pants for jungle walks
- All the cash you think you need!
- Snacks
- Books
Vaccinations
For Chocó, a yellow fever injection is recommended. Tip: If you’re traveling around Colombia for longer, you can get a free yellow fever injection at Bogotá airport. The vaccination only works after 10 days, so get it in time!
Safety
- There are poisonous snakes in the jungle, so watch where you walk!
- For a long time, Chocó was a “no go” area because the jungle was inhabited by guerrillas for many years. Nuquí, Termales, Guachalito beach, Arusi and also Bahía Solano and El Valle are safe to visit, but don’t go on long hikes deep into the jungle on your own. This is because guerrillas are again active in certain areas of Chocó. If you want to plan a trip to an area other than those mentioned above, check with locals whether it is safe.
- Buenaventura does not have a good reputation, in terms of unrest and security. Therefore, it is best to travel to Nuquí from Medellin.
- Find the State Department’s travel advice here.
Wifi and telephone
Wifi is not a given outside Nuquí. If you stay near a village, sometimes there is wifi in the lodge. The village of Termales, for example, has Internet through a government project. Provider Claro has the best coverage in Chocó. It very much depends on the location of your hotel, whether you can use your phone because if the lodge is very remote, chances are that there is no coverage and no wifi signal.
