Chocó (Pacific)

Cali & SW Colombia, Travel Guide Chocó

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Overview

Chocó is one of the most authentic regions of Colombia’s and one of the wettest places in the world. Because of this, there is exuberant nature with dense jungle that ends on mile long beaches. This is Colombia’s best spot for whale watching and some of the best diving in the world can be found here. Because the jungle in Chocó was inhabited by guerrillas for many years, it was a “no-go area for a long time. Today Nuquí, Bahía Solano and El Valle are safe to visit.

Chocó is one of the poorest areas of Colombia, but locals have embraced tourism and are happy and proud to welcome travelers. Reason enough to be surprised by the overwhelming nature, wildlife and smiling faces of the largely Afro-Colombian inhabitants.

Highlights

  • Whale watching from July to mid-October
  • Turtle spotting from September to November
  • Surfing, from one of the cool hostels
  • Hiking in the jungle with waterfalls and natural thermal pools
  • Bird and wildlife spotting
  • Walking along miles of sandy beaches
  • Canoeing on the river
  • Diving on Isla Malpelo and Isla Gorgona

Places to visit in Chocó

Bahía Solano and El Valle

Nuquí

Diving locations

All about Bahía Solano – What to do and tips

Cali & SW Colombia, Travel Guide Bahía Solano

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About Bahía Solano

With about 10,000 inhabitants, is Bahía Solano is the largest town on the coast of Chocó. The area is known for its dense jungle that ends in miles of sandy beaches, whale watching in season and the enormous diversity of flora and fauna. There is not a whole lot to do in Bahía Solano itself, which is why many travelers head straight to nearby beaches such as El Almejal near the village of El Valle, Playa Mecana and Playa Huína.

Adventurous destination
Bahía Solano / El Valle is an adventurous destination off the tourist route. You get there by flight from Medellín and then travel on by boat or tuk-tuk to your final destination. Moreover, tourism here is still just starting, because for a long time Chocó was a “no go” area, as the jungle was inhabited by guerrillas for many years. Nowadays, Bahía Solano and El Valle are safe to visit.

In this Bahía Solano travel guide, you will find everything about El Valle and Bahía Solano; What to do? How to get there. What are the nicest hotels and practical information and tips on pins, luggage, what to bring and what about safety in Bahía Solano and El Valle.

10 Tips

If you love nature, then you are in the right place in this part of the Colombian Pacific. There is plenty to do, both on the water and on land. So you can hike to waterfalls, spot wildlife in the jungle, dive, surf and much more. The hotels and hostels have good contacts with the locals and can arrange trips with a guide for you. By booking these trips, you immediately support the local community. Here are the best things to do in Bahía Solano and El Valle and an indication of the prices for the trips.

Must do’s in Bahía Solano

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 size of the group, you will pay around COP150,000($37.50), per person for this.

photo: Hotel Bahía Yubarta

2. Hike in a private nature and wildlife reserve

The Jardín botánico del Pacífico is the only botanical garden in the Colombian Pacific and is located on Playa Mecana, a 15-minute boat ride from Bahía Solano. It is a 170-hectare area with unique flora and fauna. Hikes are guided and must be booked in advance. Prices depend on the distance and difficulty and start at  COP60,000/$15 pp. 

#ColombiaMyWay tip: Book the hotel Paraiso Escondido near the botanical garden and stay a few nights to fully enjoy nature.

photo: Jardín botánico del Pacífico

 

3. Kayak in the mangroves at Playa Mecana

Kayak rental starts around COP20,000/$5 pp or with a guide for COP60,000/$15 for 2 people.

photo: Paraiso Escondido

4. Chill on the beach at Playa el Almejal

Book a cozy hotel or hostel on the beach, take long beach walks or take surf lessons. Board rental costs around COP30,000/$7.50 per hour and surf lessons COP60,000/$15 per hour.

photo: The humpback turtle hostel

5.Take a boat trip to Cascada del Tigre

This waterfall bursts comes from the jungle and ends on Playa El Tigre. From El Valle, it’s a boat ride of about half an hour. You can climb along the waterfall and swim in the natural pools. One of the guides who does this trip is “El Nativo.” Everyone in El Valle knows him. Contact Posadas el Nativo for more info or book the trip through your hotel in El Valle. (around COP100,000/$25 pp).

6. Visit the turtle project at Playa Cuevita

On this beach, the turtles come from June to December to lay their eggs. The eggs are protected here, as are the little turtles once they make their way to the sea. Take a tuk tuk from El Valle to to Tortugario Estación Septiembre, (5km/5 min across the beach). Or a walk on the beach for about 1.5 h. Here you get a tour of the turtle project and get to witness how the baby turtles are released. Costs are approx COP65,000/$16 per person (excluding tuk tuk). If you want to visit this project, look here for more information.

7. Meet the Native Indigenas community

For example, visit the Nabugá community, where you can learn about their artesanía. Trips to the Nabugá community are combined with a visit to the Nabugá waterfall. A trip of 3-4h costs about COP500,000/$125, for 1-3 pax.

 

8. Take a tour to Utría National Park.

The 54,000-acre park is one of the best places to spot whales. The lagoon of the park, is used as a “baby room” by the whales, in the months of August-October. It is also home to turtles and several species of birds, among others. You can walk along the mangroves on the wooden boardwalk. Furthermore, you can snorkel there. Transportation from El Valle takes 40 minutes and costs around COP150,000/$37.50 pp. Entrance to the park is COP60,000/$15 and lunch costs around COP45,000/$12. (rates 2024)

9. Take a boat ride on the rio Tundó

At a leisurely pace, the captain steers the boat across the water while the guide tells you all about the flora and fauna in the area. If you do the trip with Tundó tours, you will make a short hike to a waterfall at the end of the tour. There is a morning and afternoon tour. You can book this tour for around COP60,000/$15 pp.

10. Catch the catch of the day!

Fishing in Bahía Solano is world-class. Among anglers, Bahía Solano is  known as one of the best places in the world for deep-sea fishing. There is fishing for Red Snapper, Dorado, Marlin, Barracuda and Tuna, among others. Depending on the size of the group, you can book a fishing trip from COP150,000/$37.50 pp for half a day.

How to plan your trip to Bahía Solano

How to get there

There are no roads to Bahía Solano and the fastest way to get there is by plane. From José Celestino Mutis airport you can travel further To El Valle (45 min. by tuk-tuk), Playa Mecana (boat trip 15 min.) or Playa Huína (boat trip 20 min.)

Where do you start if you want to book a trip to Bahía Solano?

Check out our 4 step plan here and start planning your trip to Bahía Solano!

 

In these 4 steps, plan your trip to Bahía Solano!

1. Book a ticket Medellín -Bahía Solano

  • Direct flight of 45 min.
  • Price of a return ticket in high season is around COP600,000/$50, for a ticket in the “basic” price range. Check for specials in the low season 
  • San German Airlines and Satena Airlines
  • Departure from Olaya Herrera airport in Medellín (El Poblado)

Check out our #ColombiaMyWay hotel tips and book your accommodation

Once arrived at the airport in Bahía Solano:

3. Pay the tourist tax
The tourist tax costs COP45,000/$11 + airport tax COP8000/$2 (2024)

4. Take a tuk-tuk to your final destination or the Bahía Solano pier
A tuk-tuk ride to El Valle takes 45 min and costs around COP30,000/$7.50 for 1-2 pax. You can only get to Playa Huína and Playa Mecana by boat from Bahía Solano pier (if you opt for private boat transfer from your hotel in Playa Mecana, count on about  COP160,000/$40, up to 4pax, for the 15-minute trip).

Tip: You can also travel on to Nuquí from El Valle. There is a boat twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. Boats leave Nuquí around 6am and return the same day around 11am. The trip takes about 2h and costs around COP80,000/$20 one way.

Climate and best travel period

Chocó is one of the wettest places in the world. At first glance not the most appealing thought, but on the other hand, that makes the jungle super exuberant! On a trip to Bahía Solano you have to be lucky with the weather. You can have beautiful days with blue skies, but it can also rain for long periods in a row. 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.

July- mid-October (especially from August)
The best months to spot whales. In this period the whales come to the Colombian coast to give birth to their 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.

Photo: Mono Araña in the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico.

 

Hotels and hostels

#ColombiaMyWay tips for booking your hotel or hostel

If you go to Bahía Solano, you can stay overnight in Bahía Solano itself, in Playa Mecana, Playa Huína or at Playa El Almejal/El Valle.

Which place is convenient to do what?

#1 Bahía Solano
The town itself is convenient to stay overnight if you want to be close to the airport and have amenities such as restaurants and stores nearby.

#2 Playa El Almejal / El Valle
Want to surf and meet other travelers?
Then you will want to go to Playa Almejal near El Valle. Here there are some nice hostels like The Humpback Turtle and some eco lodges for when you want a little more peace and quiet. El Valle is also a convenient starting point for a trip to Utría national park and Playa Cuevita.

#3
Playa Mecana
Want to stay on a long, deserted sandy beach with the Pacific’s only botanical garden in the “backyard”? Then check out the ecolodges at Playa Mecana, such as Paraiso Escondido.

#4 Playa Huína
Here you will find a few lodges on the quiet beach surrounded by the tropical rainforest, such as Choibana ecolodge.

Tip: 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 $40

$$ price range $40 – $60

$$$ price range above $60

Bahía Solano

$

 

$$

$$$

Booking.com

El Valle

$

 

$$

$$$

Booking.com

Practical info A-Z

Luggage

Travel with as little luggage as possible. For the flight to Bahía Solano, small planes of up to about 20 passengers are used. Generally, 10kg is the maximum weight to check in and 5kg is the maximum for hand luggage. Moreover, you will travel further by boat, for which the rule is; the less luggage the better!

Budget

Bahía Solano is not a low budget destination. Because you can only get there by plane, 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 Bahía Solano affordably.

#ColombiayMyWay tip
If you want to go to Chocó on a smaller budget, check out el Valle. Here you can book a dorm bed at hostels and the cost of tours is often lower because you can share it with more travelers.

Drinking water

The water is not drinkable

Food

Fish, fish and fish… That’s what’s on the menu every day! Fish is prepared in different variations, such as in fish soup. Crustacean lovers can try the Cambute, similar to the crown snail (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. 

ATM?

There is 1 ATM in Bahía Solano, but it does not always have money. Therefore, bring all the money you think you will need.

How long should i 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 botanical garden, 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
  • Hiking 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

    For a long time Chocó was a “no go” area because the jungle was inhabited by guerrillas for many years. Bahía Solano and El Valle are safe to visit as well as Nuquí, Termales, Guachalito beach and Arusi, 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. In the jungle there are non poisonous and poisonous snakes and frogs, so make hikes with a guide who can recognize the species. Moreover the guides have a trained eye for wildlife and you will  make more out of your trip with a guide.

    Always check the current travel advice from your government before planning your trip.

    Wifi and phone

    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 there is no coverage and no wifi signal. 

    Bogotá attractions-our sightseeing tour

    Travel Guide Bogotá, Travel Stories

    Bogotá attractions-our sightseeing tour

    Our trip to Bogotá in September 2024, was a very special one. The purpose of the trip was to fulfill the biggest dream of the father of my (Colombian) travel partner to attend a concert by André Rieu and his orchestra in the Movistar Arena. 

    Because we live in Curaçao and father Antonio and his wife Alix live in the coastal city of Barranquilla, we flew separately to Bogotá. Besides the concert, we wanted to do some sightseeing in Bogotá, to make most of our trip. We planned several trips, such as a shopping day at the outlets on Avenida de las Americas.

    As it has been a while that we visited the historic center La Candelaria, this was also on the planning during our stay, as well as the famouse Monserrate mountain and a day trip to Jaime Duque park + salt cathedral of Zipaquirá, where we wanted to visit the newest extension -the underground museum.

    As a central base for all our activities, we rented an apartment in the neighborhood Chico Norte. We arrived on Sunday and the family on Monday, so we had all the time to settle in the comfortable appartment, with a common roof terrace with cityview. 

    Next to the apartment complex is café Culto, a nice place for a good breakfast, lunch, dinner, fresh juices or a cappuccino with something tasty from the bakery. 

    On Monday, we went to pick up Antonio and Alix at El Dorado airport. With flowers and an André Rieu scarf, we were waiting for the family.  The reunion was priceless!

    Antonio couldn’t wait for the day of the concert to arrive! 

    On September 18, the time had finally come. The concert was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. and the doors opened at 5 p.m., giving us the entire morning and afternoon for our sightseeing trip. We would then still have plenty of time to get ready for the concert and to be at the Movistar Arena at 6 p.m…..But that schedule didn’t work out at all!

    Still fresh and full of energy, we began our city walk in the morning in La Candelaria. The first stop was Museo Botero.

    We are fans of Fernando Botero and had already seen his “oversized” sculptures in Medellín and this (free) museum was also worth seeing. After this we walked through the iconic restaurant La Puerta Falsa, Plaza de Bolívar and the busy Séptima to the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, the place where Bogotá was founded in 1538.

    The last part was uphill and we made a break to catch our breath at Cacao y Cacao.

    Around Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo you can see lots of colorful street art.

    The objects of the murals range from early indigenous residents to the flora and fauna and social aspects of life in Colombia. You will also find cafes where you can try the traditional drink Chicha, a fermented drink made from corn. Calle del Embudo in particular is a fun and colorful street.

    Finally, we decided it was time to order an Uber, which picked us up at 12:30 p.m. at Calle del Embudo and dropped us off at the entrance to Monserrate. What we didn’t  count on was that there was a mega crowd at Monserrate, probably because the funicular (the little train) was under maintenance and everyone had to go by cable car. Both up and down there was a huge line.

    ColombiaMyWay tip:
    You can avoid the queue by buying a fast pass ticket for COP81,000/$20 instead of the regular tickets of COP29.500/$7.50.  We didn’t do that, because we thought that was a big difference for 4 people. Moreover, the line didn’t seem to be too bad from the outside. Being inside, we noticed it was also completely full inside. So if it fits your budget, then such a fast pass ticket is definitely worth it!     When we finally got to the top, the view was amazing.


    We had lunch in Santa Clara restaurant, which serves specialties from the different regions of Colombia. We chose the Posta Negra Cartagenera, tender beef in a sauce of panela (cane sugar), coconut rice and stewed banana. This was delicious and we combined it with a glass of Sangria.

    After dinner we actually wanted to walk around for a while, but the line for the teleférico back was so long that we decided to get in line right away.

    At 4:30pm we began to pick up speed and were almost at the cable car. Finally, we were in the cab at 5:15pm and drove -in rush hour- to the hotel, where we arrived at 6pm. At 6:30pm we were picked up and taken to the Movistar Arena, where we finally arrived well ahead of time.

    The concert was beyond my expectations. I am not a real Andre Rieu fan myself, but the show was great and Father Antonio’s smiling face priceless!

    One of the highlights was the performance of Colombian boy Daniel Sanabria. He stole the show 5 years ago during André Rieu’s performance. As the power went out, Daniel spontaneously started playing on a plastic flute, surprising the audience as well as the orchestra! André Rieu then bought him a real flute, on which he began practicing fanatically. Now Andre Rieu asked him to perform for the home audience and he would continue doing so on the other 3 nights in Bogotá. Daniel became a full member of the Johan Strauss Orchestra! You can check the video of Daniel’s performance here.

    The next day was our last day in Bogotá, before the family returned to Barranquilla. We stayed another week to tour the Quindío region in the Colombian coffee triangle. That’s why we decided to end our last day with a day trip to the Cathedral de Sal in Zipaquirá and Jaime Duque Park, which is 9 kilometers from Zipaquirá.

    We had been to Zipaquirá before, but since the new underground museum opened this year, we wanted to go there again. Therefore we hired a taxi driver for the day. We had taken this taxi before and the driver was well prepared. In his (comfortable) taxi we could hear a concert of André Rieu in Vienna -:) The ride took about 45 minutes and it was a relief to walk in the spacious park, with its beautiful gardens and spacious habitats for the animals. The most striking building in the park was a replica of the Taj Mahal from India! After Jaime Duque park, we left for the town of Zipaquirá, where we stopped at the beautiful square.

    Zipaquirá seems like a nice town to stay in during a round trip through Colombia. We saw a few hotels in the historic center that looked nice, such as  hotel Camino de la Sal.

    We decided to follow our driver’s advice and have lunch at a restaurant near the salt cathedral: Alma Llanera. We did not regret this, because the restaurant was nice to see with all kinds of fun decorations and live music, which quickly set the mood. The food was very good, we had ordered several dishes, from avocado salad, to Aijaco (soup) and grilled meat.

    Tip: if you go there for lunch and then to the salt cathedral, you can buy the tickets at the restaurant. With the tickets already in our pockets, we left for the salt cathedral of Zipaquirá. The cathedral was -also the second time- impressive.

    After a long but wonderful day with many impressions, it was time to pack our bags for our flight the next day to Armenia in the coffee region. The last night with the family we talked a lot about the special trip and we were invited to visit the family next year in Barranquilla.


    Written by Jeanette
    Travel period: September 2024

    Information and tips (updated September 2025)

    **For 2025, the prices for regular tickets are COP32,000/$8 per person and fast pass tickets costs COP87.500/$22 per person.

    Check here for more info on Bogotá and surroundings and other destinations in Colombia.

    Here you can read our other travel stories about Bogotá. Check here the options if you want to do an organized tour or private trip to Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá , Parque Jaime Duque or Guatavita.

    ColombiaMyWay

    We do not accept direct payments from touroperators or hotels for our reviews and we pay for our own stay and tours. Every recommendation is based solely on our own experiences and honest opinions. However, some of our links are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you book through them. This commission comes at no extra cost to you and helps us maintain our website.

    Jeanette and Shelly

    Writers and Travelers, Colombia My Way

    What is the best travel time for Colombia in terms of climate?

    Practical information about Colombia

    What is the best travel time for Colombia in terms of climate?

    Home 9 Author archive for J ( Page 6 )

    Colombia is a fascinating country with a wide variety of landscapes, climates and activities. From tropical beaches on the Caribbean coast to the green hills of the Coffee Triangle and the mysterious rainforests of the Amazon, Colombia has it all. But what is the best time of year to visit the country? In this article, we explain Colombia’s climate and give you tips to make the most of your trip.

     

    The climate in Colombia

    Colombia is close to the equator, giving the country a tropical climate. This means that temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, depending on the altitude and region where you are. In Colombia, instead of four seasons, there are actually two:

    • The dry season (verano): This season runs from December to March and from July to August.
    • The rainy season (invierno): This season runs from April to June and from September to November.

    Although the dry season sounds ideal, the rainy season also offers unique advantages, such as an exuberant green landscape and fewer tourists.

    Here you will find everything you need to know about Colombia’s climate, best travel time by region and tips.

    Best travel time by region

      1. Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona, La Guajira).

      The Caribbean coast is warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. The dry season (December through March) is the most popular, as this is when there is little rain and the beaches are at their most beautiful. October and November see the most rain.

      Tips:

      • Going to Tayrona National Park, keep in mind the annual closure dates. In 2024, Tayrona will be closed from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15, June 1 to June 15 and Oct. 19 to Nov. 2.
      • Visit Cartagena in January or February/March when the weather is perfect and you can enjoy the Hay Festival, (an international arts festival) or the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
      • Going to the islands of San Andres and Providencia, keep in mind that these islands are located in the southern part of the hurricane belt. Het orkaanseizoen loopt van juni t/m november, maar orkanen komen in het Caribisch gebied het meest voor vanaf augustus.
      • If you go to La Guajira go, avoid the months of May, October and November, when the roads quickly become impassable due to rain.

        2. The Andes Mountains (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali).

        In the Andes, the climate is highly dependent on altitude:

          • Bogotá (high altitude): Cool with average temperatures around 15 degrees. The driest months are December through February and July and August.
          • Medellín (the “city of eternal spring”): Always pleasant, with temperatures around 22-24 degrees. The dry season (December to March) is ideal for activities
          • Cali(the city of salsa): Cali is located in a valley. It is hot during the day (around 32 degrees) and the sun is bright. At night, a refreshing breeze provides some cooling. The temperature is about the same throughout the year

        Tips:

        • Plan your visit during the Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) in Medellín in August!
        • Go to Cali in September for the Festival Mundial de Salsa or around Christmas and New Year, for the Feria de Cali.
        • Around Christmas, also visit Monserrate in Bogotá and Medellín, which is known for its extravagant Christmas decorations ” El Alumbrado”

        3. Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle: Manizales, Pereira, Armenia)

        The coffee region has a temperate climate, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees. It can get nice and warm during the day and cool off at night. The driest months are December through March and July and August, perfect for visiting coffee plantations and picturesque villages such as Salento and Filandia to visit.

        Tip: Visit this region in October or November to see the coffee harvest up close!

        4. The Amazon (Leticia, Puerto Nariño).

        The Amazon is humid and hot, with temperatures around 30 degrees. The hottest period is from August through November. The Amazon has a season of low water (June through November) and high water (December through May). With the high water, the river can be as much as 10 meters higher! The low-water period is perfect for trekking and animal spotting. The weather is drier with occasional showers. The high water actually offers the chance to explore rivers that are passable only then, an ideal season therefore for boat trips, kayak trips, waterfowl watching and dolphin sightings in Lake Tarapoto.

        Tips:

        • Always bring light, breathable clothing and a good raincoat, regardless of the season.
        • Most rain falls in the month of March.

        5. The llanos orientales (Caño Cristales, Casanare, San José del Guaviare).

        In the lowlands of Colombia it is hot and humid. The average temperature is around 27 degrees. The period from December to February is the driest and hottest. This is a good period to spot animals in Casanare, when animals gather at the water holes. The rainy season (June to November) is the best period to see the pink rivers in Caño Cristales and San José del Guaviare. Outside the rainy season, the rivers are dry.

        Tip: If you go to the Llanos Orientales between June and November, the best chance for good weather is from July through September. There are fewer cloudy or rainy days then.

        6. Chocó (Pacific)

        The region Chocó is one of the wettest places in the world, which makes for exuberant nature with dense jungle. It has the most sunshine and the least rain from January through March. This time is perfect for hiking in the jungle, taking boat trips and diving and snorkeling. The average temperature is around 26 degrees.

        Tip: For a unique experience, head to Nuquí or Bahía Solano and El Valle to spot whales off the coast. During this period, humpback whales come to the Colombian coast to give birth to little ones.

        General tips for planning your trip

         

        Now that you know all about Colombia’s climate, the planning of your trip can begin. Here are some general tips:

          • Avoid the high season if you can: December to February and the week of Easter (Semana Santa) are busy periods. Book accommodation and tours well in advance if traveling during these periods
          • Check festivals and events: Colombia has many unique festivals that guarantee an extraordinary cultural experience!
          • Check the travel guides by destination for events in your favorite region and specific weather information
          • Prepare for rain: Even in the dry season, you can expect a rain shower. Bring a light raincoat.
          • Read articles with helpful tips for planning your trip to Colombia, including information on vaccinations, safety and more.

        Conclusion

        The best travel time for Colombia depends on the region you want to visit and the activities you want to do. In general, the dry months (December-March and July-August) are ideal for most destinations, but the rainy season can also be fine thanks to the beautiful green landscape and fewer tourists.

        Whether you want to explore the beaches of Cartagena, taste coffee in the coffee region, or go on an adventure in the Amazon, Colombia is a fantastic destination all year round!

        Plan your trip to Colombia today and discover why this country continues to surprise so many travelers!