How to get to Nuqui

A journey to Nuqui is a true adventure that begins whilst you are still en route, as this secluded corner on the Pacific coast of Colombia is securely hidden from mass tourism by dense jungles. The town represents a small but vibrant centre for eco-tourism, renowned for its pristine wild beaches and opportunities for whale watching. As the region is isolated from the country's main road network, it is primarily accessible by air or water, making the journey particularly exciting.

The fastest and most reliable way to reach this tropical paradise is by air. The local airport, Nuqui (NQU), accepts small aircraft and charter flights, connecting the coast with major cities such as Medellin or Quibdo. The flight over the endless green carpet of the jungle meeting the ocean will be one of the most memorable impressions of your trip.

The airport is conveniently located in relation to the main guest houses and lodges, so transfers do not take much time. Given the specific nature of the region and the limited capacity of the aircraft, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the whale migration season.

There is no railway connection to the town of Nuqui, as the difficult terrain and impassable forests of the Choco region make the laying of tracks impossible. Generally, passenger rail transport is poorly developed in Colombia and does not cover the Pacific coast.

Tourists planning their route should not rely on this mode of transport. For travel to this region, the only reasonable alternatives remain air travel or, in rare cases for extreme adventure seekers, maritime transport.

There are no direct bus services to Nuqui, as there are no roads leading to the town from the central part of the country. The jungles of the Darién Gap and the complex geography of the region make ground transport inaccessible for ordinary tourists.

Theoretically, one could travel by bus to the port city of Buenaventura, but the subsequent journey would have to be made by speedboat across the ocean, which takes a long time and is dependent on weather conditions. Most travellers prefer to avoid this arduous route in favour of flying.

It is impossible to reach Nuqui by private or rented car. The road network of Colombia ends long before approaching this region, and the town is effectively cut off from the rest of the world by impassable forests and rivers.

If you are travelling around the country by car, it will have to be left at a secure car park in Medellin or Pereira in order to transfer to a plane. Attempts to drive closer to the coast are futile due to the lack of infrastructure.

Travelling to this wild and beautiful region requires special preparation, as the infrastructure here differs significantly from standard resorts. Here are a few tips to make your trip comfortable and safe:

1. Cash. Be sure to bring a sufficient supply of cash in pesos (COP). ATMs in the town are rare, often out of service, or do not accept foreign cards, and payment terminals are not available everywhere.
2. Clothing and Footwear. The climate here is very humid. Bring light, quick-drying clothing, a raincoat, and preferably rubber boots for jungle walks. Footwear should be comfortable and non-slip.
3. Protection from Insects. There are many mosquitoes and insects in the tropical forest. High-quality repellent is an essential item, and having a yellow fever vaccination is also recommended.
4. Communication and Internet. Be prepared for a digital detox. Mobile signal and Wi-Fi may work intermittently or be absent altogether, especially in remote eco-lodges.
5. Local Transport. The main method of moving between beaches and hotels is by motorboats (lanchas). Agree on the price in advance or check the schedule of public boats.
6. Electricity. In many places, electricity is supplied on a schedule or via generators. Bring a high-capacity power bank to charge your gadgets.

Remember that Nuqui is a place where nature dictates its own rules. Treat the local culture and ecosystem with respect, and this land will gift you with unforgettable impressions.