Exploring Nuqui: Surf, Whales and Rainforest
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- Exploring Nuqui: Surf, Whales and Rainforest
- Nuquí, Chocó
Located along Colombia’s Pacific coast, Nuqui is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Offering a blend of jungle, sea and cultural immersion, this remote destination is a number one spot to escape from the Santa Marta and Cartagena crowds. Its intact beaches, lush vegetation, and vibrant wildlife offer something for all adventure travelers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your journey to Nuquí.
Getting There:
Accessing Nuquí is relatively straightforward. There are daily flights from Medellín’s Olaya Herrera Airport to Nuquí. Clic Air and Satena are the two most reliable airlines. The leading hotels are not located in town, but farther south along the coast. Most of them tend to arrange a boat to wait for you in town, so there’s no need to worry about transportation once you’re in Nuqui. Others, however, will offer public boat transport. Be sure to get in touch with the hotel beforehand to inform them of your flight schedule and arrange your transport. Boat rides usually take from half an hour to an hour, depending on the hotel’s location.
Main Attractions:
Nuqui’s allure lies in its untouched beauty and diverse experiences:
- Beaches: Discover secluded stretches of sand at Playa Guachalito, Playa El Amargal and Termales.
- Whale Watching: Witness the humpback whales from mid June to late October. During this time of the year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to give birth to their calves.
- Rainforest Hikes: Go on guided hikes to discover hidden waterfalls, jungle rivers, giant trees and colored frogs.
- Surf: Surf’s up all year round in Nuqui. There are beaches for all levels and local surf schools will rent you the equipment. Playa El Amargal is for beginners and Pico de Loro for more advanced surfers.
- Scuba and Snorkel: January-May is the best time to scuba and snorkel in Nuquí thanks to the clear waters of the first trimester and the migration of sardines and whale sharks during April and May.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage with local Afro-Colombian communities and taste their traditional cuisine – one of Colombia’s best. Pro tip: the food most hotels is pretty good and heavily influenced by the region’s cuisine.
Seasons and Best Time
to Travel:
Humpback whale watching season is from June to October. This is the most popular season, and hotels and plane tickets rise sharply. There are not many flights to Nuqui, so book well ahead for whale watching season to ensure your spot on the plane.
The dry season from December to March offers the best weather for outdoor adventures, seeing as Nuqui tends to be a rainy place. This season also has the best visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving.
April and May are known for sardine and whale shark migration, and it’s a great time to make a scuba trip.
4-Day Itinerary During Whale Season:
Day 1: Arrive at Nuquí. Take a boat to your hotel and have lunch. Hike to a nearby waterfall in the afternoon. Finish your day by watching the sunset on a quiet beach.
Day 2: Go out whale watching after breakfast. Come back to the hotel for lunch and enjoy the beach in the afternoon.
Day 3: Trek through the jungle to Rio Arusisito. Take a canoe ride downriver to the town of Arusi, and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the natural hotsprings of Termales.
Day 4: Take a boat back to town to catch your flight.
4-Day Itinerary During Non-Whale Season:
Day 1: Arrive at Nuquí. Take a boat to your hotel and have lunch. Hike to a nearby waterfall in the afternoon. Finish your day by watching the sunset on a quiet beach.
Day 2: Trek through the jungle to Rio Arusisito. Take a canoe ride down the river to the town of Arusi, and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon in the natural hot springs of Termales.
Day 3: Snorkel or Kayak along the coast during the morning. Then visit Chachita for a cooking lesson and visit her Mangrove restoration project.
Day 4: Take a boat back to town to catch your flight.
What to Pack:
- Sandals
- Trekking shoes
- Waterproof sneakers
- Flashlight
- Biodegradable mosquito repellent
- Fast-drying clothes
- Light waterproof jacket or windbreaker
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Ziploc bags
- Water-resistant backpack
- Lightweight long pants
- If you’re allergic to insect bites, bring your own medication.
- Cash for souvenirs (there are no ATMs in Nuqui)
Best Hotels:
Madre Agua
Punta Brava
Casa Balae
El Amargal
Health and Safety Guidelines:
Respect wildlife and the environment during your stay to preserve Nuqui’s natural beauty for future generations.
Slow pace travel is the best way to go here in order to immerse yourself in Colombia’s Pacific coast. Plan your adventure today and discover the hidden treasures of Nuquí.