The Colombian Pacific is one of the most visited destinations, especially during the whale season, which begins in July and ends in mid-October, a natural spectacle that is undoubtedly one of the best experiences. We chose Nuquí to see them and we really loved it.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
Nuquí, Chocó, can be reached by several routes, by plane, boat or launch, but it is not possible to get there by car by land. From Bogotá we took a flight of approximately one and a half hours that took us to Quibdó and then another flight to Nuquí that lasted half an hour.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
Once in Nuquí, we had to pay an airport tax to enter. Before our trip we had booked an inn (that's what they call the houses of the inhabitants that offer lodging to tourists) located in the hot springs community, which is forty-five minutes away by speedboat.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
At some point we doubted whether it was really worth it to stay in the community of Termales, but as the days went by, we confirmed that we could not have chosen a better place; for those who are really interested in getting involved in the culture and paying a little less, this is the right area, but for those who prefer to isolate themselves and pay a little more, we recommend staying between Morro Terco and Guachalito beach.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
The community of Termales is called that precisely because its main attraction, redundancy aside, is the natural thermal pools. Having them 50 meters away was a real privilege, very early in the morning and very late at night was the perfect time to enjoy them because they were practically ours.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
On the second day of our trip we decided to walk along the beach until we reached Guachalito, which by the way is very famous for being a paradise-like place with a very peaceful atmosphere. The journey takes approximately two hours and it is advisable to do it before the tide comes in, otherwise on the way back you have to swim (as happened to us) to cross the small streams that flow into the sea.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
The next day, we went to try our luck with our first whale sighting, but the sea was very rough and visibility was a bit complicated, however, we were able to see one or another whale peeking out with its fin. Even so, despite the murky waters, we enjoyed the outing because we had the opportunity to interact with some of the fishermen we encountered.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
In the afternoon, very close to the hot springs, there is a path through the jungle that leads to some waterfalls that the locals call four charms, which are three hours from the village. More than the waterfalls, which refreshed us in the end, we were surprised to see numerous endemic poisonous frogs along the way, with very pretty colors, but to be observed from a distance and with great respect.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
We couldn't miss the Ensenada de Utria National Natural Park and that's why we spent our third day visiting it. During the trip, very different from our first whale watching experience, we came across several that even jumped, something we never imagined we would see and that excited us greatly.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
The park is called the nursery of whales because it is one of the places they prefer to give birth to their babies. At the point where we arrive there is a walk along a wooden path that gives us a glimpse of its natural wealth. Also very close is Playa Blanca, a place that captivated us with the color of the sand and the sea, very different from the rest of the beaches in Nuquí that are well worth visiting.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
On our fourth and last day we visited the Jovi River and along the way we visited the Coqui district to visit Zotea, a spectacular restaurant. Speaking of food, there is definitely no food like that of the Pacific. We had never tried fish prepared there, even those who don't like it very much were amazed by the taste of the albacore, the most consumed in the region. It was truly delicious.
Photos taken by @fernimar1
In Nuquí you can do other activities such as kayaking, take diving and surfing courses, eat at Apapache, another of the flagship restaurants and also visit the Amor waterfall, very close to the Morro Terco viewpoint that offers a very beautiful view of the beaches. In any case, regardless of the plan that the tourist chooses, we are sure that he will have a stay that he will never forget.
Photo taken by @fernimar1
What to bring?
- Water shoes, for walking in the sand and in rivers (no sandals)
- Waterproof for rain
- Dry bag to carry belongings
- Sunscreen
- Caps
- Canteen, thermos or camelback
- Flashlight
- Multipurpose towel
- Swimwear
- A small backpack to use during the day's activities
- Pastor® 34 repellent for the body and Pastor® 0.5 to apply to clothing, beds and mosquito nets.
Blog written by Fernando Niño (@fernimar1)
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