Nuquí

Reyes Murillo Airport (NQU) is not just a transport hub, but a true runway in the heart of the jungle where civilisation meets wild nature. Landing here offers breathtaking views of the endless Pacific Ocean and the dense forests of the Chocó Department, creating an atmosphere of adventure from the very first minute. This tiny air terminal is devoid of the hustle and bustle of megacities, offering travellers a simple and soulful welcome on the threshold of one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main feature of Reyes Murillo Airport is its unique location. The runway lies literally a few hundred metres from the coastline, surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. Thanks to this, passengers get incredible impressions from the flight even before disembarking, observing wild beaches and the green sea of the jungle from above.

Another undoubted advantage is the compactness and speed of service. It is impossible to get lost here, and check-in and baggage claim procedures are much faster than in major hubs. The absence of complex logistics and queues allows travellers to head to their hotel or the pier almost immediately after arrival to begin their exploration of the region.

It is also worth noting the proximity to the town. The airport is practically integrated into the infrastructure of the Nuquí settlement. This saves tourists from the need to make long and expensive transfers: you can get to the centre on foot or in a couple of minutes by local mototaxi, making logistics as simple and convenient as possible.

• Official Website: The small regional Reyes Murillo Airport (NQU) does not have its own website. General information can be found on the portal of Aerocivil, the organisation managing airports in Colombia.
• Information Desk Phone: A direct public phone number for the airport is not advertised. For all questions related to flight schedules and tickets, it is recommended to contact your airline directly (for example, Satena or Clic Air).
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Reyes Murillo, Nuquí, Chocó Department, Colombia.
• Email: There is no dedicated email address for passenger enquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled by airline representatives. Please contact your carrier's support service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding flights is provided by the airlines operating flights to the airport.

Reyes Murillo Airport (Aeropuerto Reyes Murillo), serving Nuquí, is a key transport artery of this secluded region on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Given the specific nature of the terrain, where many movements are carried out by water or air, the ways to get to the airport from the town itself and its surroundings have their own peculiarities. It is important to remember that Nuquí is a small town, and the airport is located in immediate proximity to it.

Mototaxi is the most common, fastest, and most affordable way to move around the town and to the airport. The trip from the centre of Nuquí to the terminal will take only 5–10 minutes. The cost of the trip is very low, but it is always better to agree on the price with the driver in advance. This is an authentic and convenient option for those travelling light.

Taxi and Pre-booked Transfer. There are practically no classic car taxis in Nuquí. However, most hotels and eco-lodges offer a transfer service to their guests. If you are staying in one of these places, especially if it is located remotely and accessible only by boat, a transfer to the airport will be the most reliable option. It must be organised through your hotel administration well in advance.

Public Transport and Car Rental. In Nuquí, there is no familiar public transport system, such as city buses or a metro. Car rental is also not a common service here due to the limited road network — main communication with neighbouring settlements and attractions, such as Bahía Solano or Pizarro, takes place by sea or air.

Airport Parking. Nuquí Airport is very small. There is no large organised parking lot here. Locals may leave their motorcycles or other transport in the adjacent territory, but for tourists arriving for a short time, this is not relevant. If you arrive by mototaxi or transfer, the issue of parking will not arise for you.

Recommendations:

• The simplest way is to use a mototaxi.
• Always carry small cash to pay for the trip.
• If you are travelling with large luggage, book a transfer through your hotel in advance.
• Remember that Nuquí Airport is the gateway to the region, from where you can reach larger cities such as Quibdó or Medellín, but movement on the ground here is very limited.

The airport of Nuquí, officially known as Reyes Murillo Airport (NQU), is a small and very simple regional airport that serves as the main air gateway to the Pacific coast of Colombia. Its layout differs significantly from large international terminals, which is important to consider when planning your trip.

Structure and Navigation

Nuquí Airport has just one small terminal that handles absolutely all passenger operations: check-in, security screening, waiting for departure, as well as meeting arriving passengers and baggage claim. There is no division into multiple buildings, levels, or complex passageways, making navigation intuitively understandable and easy.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The terminal scheme is extremely simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in a general area where several check-in counters are located. After dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to a small security screening area and enter a compact waiting hall with an exit to the apron. The arrival zone is essentially a separate entrance to the building from the airfield side, leading to a small hall for baggage claim. Everything is within sight, and it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Procedures

Thanks to the modest size of the airport and low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities proceed very quickly. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least an hour before departure to avoid rushing, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or equipment for diving and surfing.

The history of the airport in Nuquí, officially known as Aeropuerto Reyes Murillo, is closely intertwined with the development of the entire Chocó region on the Pacific coast of Colombia. Unlike major international hubs, its history is not a chronicle of massive construction projects and records, but a story of a vital connection with the outside world. The exact date of the founding of the small airstrip is not documented in wide access, but its appearance in the second half of the 20th century became a turning point for the isolated town.

The main stage in the airport's history was its transformation from a simple airfield for light aviation into a key transport hub for developing eco-tourism. Before its appearance, getting to Nuquí was possible mainly by sea, which took a lot of time and depended heavily on weather conditions. With the advent of regular, albeit infrequent, air service, the region became accessible to travellers wishing to see humpback whales, wild jungles, and pristine beaches. This event gave a powerful boost to the local economy.

Significant renovations here were aimed not at expansion, but at maintaining safety and functionality. The runway and modest terminal are periodically modernised to meet basic requirements and ensure comfort for the growing flow of tourists. The most interesting fact in the airport's history is its exceptional role. It is not just a transport facility, but a true "gateway" to one of the most biodiverse and authentic corners of the planet, and its entire history is the story of opening this amazing place to the world.

Reyes Murillo Airport in Nuquí (NQU) is a small regional airport serving a remote corner of Colombia on the Pacific Ocean coast. It is important to understand that the infrastructure here is minimal and corresponds to the status of an air gateway to the world of eco-tourism, rather than a major transport hub. Passengers should prepare for a basic level of amenities in advance.

Inside the terminal, you will find a very limited selection of services. Typically, there is a small kiosk or cafe where you can buy water, soft drinks, and light snacks. There are no shops, and certainly no Duty Free format stores in the airport. The waiting area is a simple hall with seats. Specialised VIP lounges are absent.

Communication and financial services are also limited. Free Wi-Fi for passengers is not provided, and the number of electrical outlets for charging devices may be insufficient. In the airport building, there are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points. It is strongly recommended to arrive in Nuquí with a sufficient amount of cash in Colombian pesos.

Specialised services, such as medical points, mother and child rooms, or business centres, are absent at Nuquí Airport. Passengers with reduced mobility or those travelling with small children should contact their airline in advance to organise necessary assistance. There are no hotels directly on the airport territory — all accommodation options are located in the town of Nuquí itself or in nearby eco-hotels and lodges, which must be reached by local transport.

When planning a departure from Nuquí Airport (NQU), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport with basic infrastructure. Dining opportunities here are extremely limited and cannot be compared with the services of major aviation hubs.

Inside the airport terminal, there are no restaurants, cafes, or dining lounges in the usual sense. You will not find establishments with a full menu, hot meals, or a wide selection of beverages here. Consequently, special dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, Halal, or gluten-free dishes, are not available here.

The only option for a snack is a small retail point or stall that may operate during flight departure hours. The assortment usually includes only the most basic goods: bottled water, carbonated drinks, and packaged snacks (chips, biscuits, sweets). This is an option exclusively for a very quick and simple snack.

Travellers are strongly recommended to eat in advance at one of the small restaurants in the town of Nuquí itself before travelling to the airport. It would also be wise to bring your own snacks and drinking water. Do not count on a full lunch or dinner at Nuquí Airport — its main function is strictly to service passengers for arrival and departure.

Reyes Murillo Airport, serving the town of Nuquí, acts as a small air gateway to one of the most picturesque and secluded regions of Colombia. Flying here is an adventure in itself. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Since this is a small regional airport, there are no large queues here. We recommend arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to go through check-in and security screening without rushing.

Check-in and Security. Processes at Nuquí Airport usually proceed quickly. Check-in counters are few, and the screening zone is compact. Nevertheless, always have printed or downloaded boarding passes and documents on your phone, as the internet connection may be unstable.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Flights to Nuquí are operated on small propeller aircraft. The main recommendation is to choose a window seat. Views of the Pacific coast, dense jungles, and the rugged coastline are simply breathtaking, especially when approaching the town.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules apply: liquids up to 100 ml, no sharp objects. However, pay special attention to restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage, as they are much stricter on small planes. Also remember that taking out corals, rare plants, and other natural objects without a special permit is prohibited.

Connections. Nuquí is a final destination, not a transit hub. If you are flying here with a transfer (most often in Medellín), allow sufficient time for it. Flights to this region depend heavily on the weather and may be delayed, so a connection lasting at least 3-4 hours will help avoid trouble.

Customs Control. The airport serves only domestic flights, so there is no international customs control here. However, be prepared for a possible random baggage check regarding the export of protected flora and fauna species.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets in advance, especially during the high season (from June to October). Be sure to carry sufficient cash (Colombian pesos), as ATMs in Nuquí may not exist or may not be working. To save time upon arrival, arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance.

Flight Delays. Delays and cancellations of flights due to weather conditions are not uncommon in this region. Have patience, a book, or a charged power bank ready. Amenities at the airport are minimal. Maintain contact with the airline representative to stay informed about the situation. If the delay is lengthy, check with the carrier if they provide meals or accommodation.