Nuquí between coast and nature

Nuquí’s beaches, mangroves, and trails through tropical rainforest make the region a destination for a variety of nature experiences. Within the municipality, Utría National Natural Park encompasses coral reefs, mangroves, rocky coastlines, and tropical rainforest. These landscapes provide a setting for activities on land and water—from beach walks to wildlife watching.

Coast, wildlife watching, and activities in the park

Surfing and diving are offered at the beaches in the municipality of Nuquí. Hiking, bird and wildlife watching, freshwater swimming, snorkeling, and environmental education are also among the activities listed at Utría National Natural Park. The park lists the Estero Grande, Valle-Utría, and Cocalito routes for hiking. Freshwater swimming, snorkeling at Punta Diego, and diving at Punta Esperanza are also on the activity list.

Whale watching in the park must be arranged with a tour operator; the park itself does not organize the whale-watching trips or the associated boat rides. This is separate from the seasonal visit of humpback whales, which come to the beaches in the municipality of Nuquí every year from July to November. The stated period for arranged whale watching runs from June to October. If this is a focus of your trip, factor the dates and arrangements with the operator into your planning.

Travel between the municipality’s various beaches is by foot or boat, depending on the distance, time of day, and tides. When choosing a vacation rental, the mix of beach days and other experiences you have planned can therefore be a useful guide.

Rivers, waterfalls, and nearby trails

There are also a range of nature experiences in the surrounding area. You can kayak on the Joví River, where Sabaleta fish are also caught using traditional methods, masks, and harpoons. Another experience takes you along a river in a Chingo, a wooden boat made by local residents. Along the way, you can observe mangroves and the area’s diverse flora and fauna.

The Pichindé water route leads to the warm waters of Cascada del Amor and Cascada La Roñosa, where you can swim. La Roñosa is 30 meters high and lies in primary forest near the Pacific coast. A beach walk from Guachalito to the corregimiento of Termales passes a thermal spring. At Playa Blanca, you can snorkel and watch fish and coral.

Handicrafts and regional cuisine

Regional handicrafts are available in Nuquí’s municipal seat: vessels and trays made from Wérregue, household items made from Totumo, and Tagua necklaces. The variety of materials and forms gives the town a distinct cultural dimension beyond its nature experiences.

Beyond Nuquí, it is worth exploring the cuisine of the Department of Chocó. Based on various types of fish, it includes sopa de queso, arroz clavado, mermelada de borojó, postre de birimbí, and sancocho de mulata paseadora.

Whether you prefer whale watching, beach activities, river trips, or waterfalls, you can choose a vacation rental to suit the kind of trip you want. Nuquí and its surrounding area offer a variety of nature and cultural experiences that you can give different weight in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Tibuga, Capurgana, Zapzurro, Arusi, Quibdó, Bahía Solano, Ijua.

Back to the main travel guide: Chocó.