The department of Choco, located in western Colombia, is one of the country’s richest territories in terms of biodiversity. Although it has historically been overlooked by mass tourism, in recent years Choco has become a sought-after destination in Colombia for those who want to connect with nature, escape large cities, and explore unique landscapes filled with jungles, rivers, waterfalls, and untouched beaches.
Tourism in Choco, Colombia: Places to visit
Choco offers its visitors a different kind of experience. In this region of Colombia’s Pacific coast, there are no large hotel chains or shopping centers; instead, you’ll find dirt roads, wooden buildings, community-based living, and a more direct connection with Afro-Colombian culture and Indigenous traditions. It is precisely this authenticity, combined with the natural scenery, that attracts tourists.
Nuqui: Quiet beaches and hot springs
One of the most visited destinations in Choco is Nuqui, a coastal town accessible only by plane or by sea. From there, many travelers head to the beaches of Guachalito, Terco, and Termales. These beaches are known for their dark sand, calm sea, and the lush vegetation that reaches all the way to the shore.
In Termales, in addition to enjoying the ocean, visitors can bath in a river with naturally warm waters that are said to have medicinal properties. Lodging is typically managed by local communities, who offer simple but comfortable guesthouses built in harmony with nature.
@hotelobega El Paraíso si Existe.. Se llama Nuquí, Chocó. Este es uno de los lugares que conocemos al visitar el paraíso de Nuquí. Las playas de Guachalito… #ObegaPacific #paseo #mar #Guachalito #Playa #nuqui #obegapacific #choco ♬ sonido original – Hotel Obega Pacific
Bahia Solano and Utria National Park
Another major destination is Bahia Solano, located north of Nuqui, known for its proximity to Utria National Natural Park, a protected area that hosts a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. In this zone, it’s common to spot birds, reptiles, mammals, and many types of marine life.
@juantrotamundos Guía de viaje BAHÍA SOLANO! 🐋🐢 nos fuimos 4 días con @surfeaporelmundo 🏄🏽 a recorrer uno de los destinos más biodiversos y energéticos de Colombia y el mundo!! 🇨🇴 Sin duda el Pacífico colombiano es un destino que cambia vidas ✨ hay 2 próximas fechas de viaje grupal, del 8 al 11 👈 y del 12 al 15 de septiembre, para que les escriban y se den el mejor regalo de este año! 🐋 No olvides guardar este reel y compartirlo con toda tu gente para que vengan a Bahía Solano pronto! 💭 VUELO ✈️ @gruposangermanexpress ✈️ HOTEL Y SANTUARIO DE TORTUGAS 🐢 @mamaorbe 🐢 Y todo el viaje completo lo pueden organizar con @surfeaporelmundo 👏 #bahiasolano #pacificocolombiano #tortugas #avistamientodeballenas #ballenas #pacifico #viajescolombia #colombiatravel #travelcolombia #chocó #viajeros #viajesgrupales #viajesyturismo #viajesporelmundo ♬ sonido original – Juan Trotamundos
From Bahia Solano, visitors can take a boat to El Almejal Beach, a peaceful spot perfect for relaxing, taking nature walks, and observing wildlife. The sea in this area is also suitable for surfing, especially between December and April.
Whale watching: a natural spectacle
One of Choco’s greatest attractions is the humpback whale watching season. Each year, between July and October, these massive creatures migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific to reproduce. In both Nuqui and Bahia Solano, boat tours are organized to observe them jumping and swimming with their calves — an unforgettable experience for those who witness it.
Waterfalls, rivers, and jungle
In addition to its beaches and wildlife, Choco features several navigable rivers such as the Atrato and the Baudo, ideal for canoe trips and for visiting communities that preserve ancestral ways of life. Waterfalls are also abundant in the region. One of the most visited is the Cascada del Amor (Love Waterfall), near Guachalito, which falls in the middle of the jungle and nearly touches the beach.
Community-based tourism and sustainability
While Choco still faces challenges related to infrastructure and connectivity, community-based tourism has opened up sustainable pathways for local development. Traveling to Choco not only means discovering lesser-known landscapes, but also supporting communities that have chosen to protect their environment and share it respectfully.