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

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Booking.com

El Valle

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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. 

    Where to stay in San Agustín

    Cali & SW Colombia, Everything about San Agustín

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    Where to stay in San Agustín? The range of accommodations for every budget is quite big. You can find accommations in the town and outside of the town, where you sleep in cozy hotels in the midst of nature. In this article you find tips that will hopefully make it a little easier to choose your accommodation.

    ColombiaMyWay Tips

    Tip #1
    1.5km outside of the city, you can find the beautiful cabañas of Masaya San Agustín. Because of its location on top of a mountain, you have a beautiful view of the valley. There is a good restaurant and the hotel can arrange transport for you to town and excursions such as jeep tours and horseback riding.

    Tip #2
    Would you rather stay in the city in a cozy hostal? Then Hostal Bambu is a must. Because of the common areas, you can easily socialize with other travelers. The hostal also organizes several active tours. Bonus of the hostal is its rooftop terrace with mega hammocks, a lovely place to enjoy the view during sunset.

    Tip #3
    Looking for a nice hotel in a quiet area, close to several archaeological sites? Then check out hotel Monasterio San Agustín. This cozy hotel is located in the middle of nature, 4.5km from the center.

    Tip #4
    Want to spend the night overlooking Colombia’s highest waterfall? Then book an overnight stay at the Ecohotel Bordones., in Isnos, an hour’s drive. From the hotel you have a super view of the 200-meter-high Salto de Bordones waterfall.

    Read on for more tips on hotels in the various price ranges.

    $ price range up to $40

    $$ price range $40 – $75

    $$$ price range above $75

    San Agustín

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    More hotels in San Agustín

    Want to know more? Then check out the full travel guide San Agustín with information on what to do, practical information, the best travel time and transportation to San Agustín.

    Practical information San Agustín

    Cali & SW Colombia, Everything about San Agustín

    Home 9 Category: Cali & SW Colombia
    Here you will find practical information about San Agustín: can you pin money, what to bring, are there supermarkets and drug stores, what about transportation and much more useful information about San Agustín.

    Practical info A-Z

    Can i pay with my credit card?

    You can pay by credit and debit card for your admission to the San Agustín Archaeological Park. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash in Colombian pesos during your visit. While the park accepts card payments, some local businesses, eateries, or transportation services in the surrounding area may prefer or only accept cash. Additionally, ATMs in smaller towns can occasionally run out of cash, especially during peak tourist seasons.

    What to bring
    • Raincoat and sweater because it often rains and the weather can be unpredictable in San Agustín
    • Comfortable shoes
    • Small backpack
    • Water bottle
    • Cash
    Supermarkets

    There are mostly many small stores (tiendas) in town and a few supermarkets:

    Supermarkets in San Agustín:

    1. Supermercado Olímpica
    Location: Calle 2 #14-01, near Iglesia de San Agustín and Parque Simón Bolívar.
    Hours: 0pen daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

    2. Supermercado Ara
    A discount supermarket chain offering a variety of products at competitive prices
    Location: Close to Casa Cural and Iglesia de San Agustín.
    Hours: Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Sundays and Holidays: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

    3. Supermercado Surtiplaza
    A local supermarket chain known for offering discounts and a wide range of products.
    Hours: 0pen daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

     There are also two drugstores: Farmacenter Farmasalud and Darsalud Droguería.

    Transportation
    There are taxis and minivans and to the archaeological park.

    • A taxi ride from the center of San Agustín to the San Agustín Archaeological Park typically costs between COP 5,000 and COP 10,000 (approximately $1.25 to $2.50 USD). The park is located about 2.5 to 3 kilometers from the town center, making it a short 5–10 minute journey by taxi.
    • Local minibuses (buseta’s) are available and cost around COP 1,200 per person. They run frequently and stop near the park entrance
    • Alternatively, you can walk to the park in about 30 to 45-minute walk from the town center.
    • If you want to see the other sights further out of town, booking an organized tour can be convenient, to combine different attractions. Because of the winding roads through the mountains, renting a car is more complicated

    Updated: June 2025

     

    Want to know more? Then check out the full travel guide San Agustín with information on what to do, where to stay, the best travel time and how to get to San Agustín.

    Best time to travel to San Agustín

    Cali & SW Colombia, Everything about San Agustín

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    What is the best time to travel to San Agustín? Here are tips + suggestions about the climate and about the number of days you need to explore San Agustín.

    San Agustín can be visited year-round. Most rain falls in the rainy season, from September through November. The best time to travel to San Agustín is December through February and July and August.

    How many days?

    1 day

    If you are in San Agustín for 1 day only, we recommend that you at visit the archaeological park . You will need about half a day for that. The rest of the day you can stroll around town, look around the central square and taste the local food in one of the restaurants.

    2 days or longer

    If you have several days, in addition to visiting the archaeological park, you can visit the more remote archaeological sites. This can be done on horseback or with a jeep tour. These tours are usually combined with a visit to one or more waterfalls. Check here for more ideas for what to do in San Agustín.

    Want to know more? Then check out the full travel guide San Agustín with tips on what to do, where to stay, practical information and transportation to San Agustín.

    The archaeological park in San Agustín: information and tips

    Cali & SW Colombia, Everything about San Agustín

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    The archaeological park in San Agustín, is one of the best-preserved archaeological parks in Colombia and it is also one of Colombia’s best-kept secrets, because this special place is not on the popular tourist route in Colombia. Here you will find information on prices and opening hours and tips.

    The different archaeological sites
    The statues and tombs are scattered among several archaeological sites that are quite some distance apart: Parque Arqueologico, Alto de Los Idoles, La Chaquira, El Tablon, El Purutal, La Pelota and Alto de Las Piedras. The highest statue is in Alto de Los Idoles. Parque Arqueologico is closest to the town of San Agustín, at a distance of 3 km. This park is easily reached by taxi, van or walking. The other sites are more remote and are best reached by jeep tour or on with a horseback ride.

    Below we are talking about the archaeological park 3 km from San Agustín.

    Prices and opening hours
    A ticket for the Parque Arqueológico costs COP65,000/$16 (2025). This ticket also gives you access to other archaeological parks, such as Alto de las Piedras and Alto de los Ídolos. However, you must use the ticket on two consecutive days. Keep in mind that the Parque Arqueologico is closed on Tuesdays  + Dec 25 + Jan 1. Alto de las Piedras / Alto de los Ídolos are closed on Wednesdays. Check the official website for more information. 

    The route
    The archaeological park consists of 4 sections:

    • Museo Arqueológico de San Agustín
      At the entrance to the park is a small museum with smaller sculptures, jewelry, pottery, utensils and interesting information about San Agustín culture.
    • Bosque de Estatuas (sculpture garden). This trail goes through the rainforest, where a number of sculptures are placed along the route.
    • The Mesitas, where the other statues are placed in groups (mesitas A, B, C, D). At each mesita are a number of signs with brief explanations.
    • Alto de Lavapatas is the oldest archaeological site in San Augustín. From this site which is higher up, you have a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

    If you want to take it easy, you can certainly entertain yourself for half a day in the park, as the sites are quite far apart.

    If you want to explore the park with a guide, check out here for options.

    You can also take a jeep tour where you visit the archaeological sites outside San Agustín and the Salto del Mortino waterfall.

    If you want to plan a short trip from Bogotá and not travel further around southern Colombia, then this tour is an option.

    Want to know more? Then check out the full travel guide San Agustín with information on what to do, where to stay, the best travel time and how to get to San Agustín.