Nuqui, Colombia: How to get there, what to do, where to stay and recommendations.
Playa Terco beach in Nuquí, Colombia.
Nuqui is located 184 km from Quibdo, the capital of Chocó, one of Colombia’s departments.
Choco is a region that had been marginalized for many decades from tourism and investments due to political, social and economic reasons. That lasted until about 6 years ago, where initiatives began to take place to promote eco-tourism and safety of inhabitants and visitors alike. This led to a wave of tourism not only from Colombian people but also from foreigners, all looking to experience the natural beauty and richness of Chocó’s culture. Some of the most visited places are its beautiful and relaxing beaches which sit right in front of the thick green jungle. Here visitors disconnect from the day-to-day activities of the city and connect to the rhythm of nature.
One of the main activities in the area is Whale Watching, which is done in the months between July and October. Humpback whales swim approximately 8,500 kilometers from Antarctica to arrive at the pacific coast of Colombia and give birth to their calves in these warmer waters.
Small plain that takes you to Nuqui
HOW TO GET TO NUQUI?
There are flights in small propeller planes from Medellin, arriving in Nuqui in about 50 minutes. During high season (July-September) there 3 departure times per day, otherwise one flight per day for the rest of the year. It is possible to also find flights from Bogota and Cali. You can also get here by boat, from Bahia Solano is about 3 hours and from Buenaventura 8 hours.
WHERE TO STAY IN NUQUI?
Some visitors stay in the main municipality of Nuqui but others just head south to stay at other beaches. Its important to note that most of the hotels (even the expensive ones) are not your conventional luxury hotel. It is rare to find air conditioner in them but some are more comfortable than others. The type of lodging are rustic cabanas, many of them with an awesome view of the ocean.
To get to most of these hotels you will need to take a speed boat for about 30 to 50 minutes from Nuqui. We stayed at Cabanas Playa Terco, located on Playa Terco. Claudia @Pia_Yoga held a yoga retreat at this location which was awesome!
It was an amazing experience, Playa Terco has one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and the lodging was right in front of the ocean. Here we meditated, did yoga early in the morning, watched beautiful sunsets, and swam in the water anytime we wanted. The cabanas are simple but comfortable, and have all the essentials we needed during our stay, they are also owned by a local so we were happily supporting the local economy.
In the area you’ll find other hotels such as, El Cantil, Piedra Piedra, Pacific, all with views of the ocean but without immediate access to the beach.
If you wish to stay in a more local setting, you can opt for Jovi, which is a small village of about 150 people. Here you’ll have beautiful views although the beaches are not as pretty as the ones in Playa Terco and Guachalito, but in exchange you will share with the local community and enjoy the Jovi river. We recommend you stay in Sonona lodging which offers delicious food as well.
What to do in Nuqui?
If you go between July and October, whale-watching is a MUST activity. Make sure you go with an experienced captain who does it in a responsible way by not getting to close and stressing the animal.
Visit the hot springs in Termales which is about 20 minutes walking from Playa Terco.
Take beach walks
Visit Diego Gonzalez at the cabanas “Mar y Rio” and see how he prepares the local artisanal liquor called “Viche” and coconut sweets.
Take a trip with @grupoguiaspichinde along the Jovi river to arrive at La Chontadura waterfall.
Get to know the Pacifilia project in Jovi. For more information visit www.pacifilia.com
In some Nuqui beaches people can practice Surfing and there are a few schools where you can learn and rent boards.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are also available activities.
Eating in the restaurant Choiba, in Jovi where Irma Mosquera cooks local dishes will be a very comforting experience.
Recommendations:
Bring only the basics. Flights to Nuqui allow you only a 10 kg bag and a personal item of 3 kg maximum.
Quick drying clothes are ideal.
Crocs or water shoes are important for walks around the beach as they will get wet. Snickers are not the best show for the area, as they will not get dry easily.
Bug spray. It’s important to take vitamin B12 at least one week before the trip which helps repel bugs or try natural bug sprays such as DoTerra oils.
Long sleeve shirts and sweatpants are recommended for sleeping.
Vaccines are not a complete requirement but you can opt to get the Yellow Fever Vaccine if you wish.
Applying sunblock even on cloudy days.
Bring any medications you normally take.
Bring cash. It is only in Nuqui by the airport that you’ll find an ATM, besides that there no locations to withdraw cash.
There is almost no cell phone signal, so make sure to let your loved ones know you will not be easily accessible for some days.
Keep in mind that this is the Pacific, and you are in the middle of the rainforest so the storms at night can be quite strong. But it’s normal!
Come open minded and ready to get to know yourself better and leave the best of you in the community.
NOTE: To plan your trip to Nuqui including all these amazing activities, please send us an email to twovisitaround@gmail.com to give you the contact of the person who can help you to make your visit to Nuqui magical!
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More pictures of the Yoga Adventure retreat with @pia_yoga (Clau), CLICK AQUI
Sebas y Clau