Find the Best Ecolodges in Bahia Solano & El Valle

Why Book an Ecolodge in El Valle or Bahia Solano?

Bahia Solano and El Valle are the most visited tourist spots on the Pacific coast.

Despite this, it’s far from crowded, and this isolated area retains a stunning charm.

With vast black sand beaches, lush vegetation, and ecolodges in beautiful locations, everything here is incredible. This destination can be enjoyed with family, friends, or solo.

Where to Choose Your Ecolodge in Bahia Solano and El Valle?

A road connects Bahia Solano and El Valle. Although they are close, these two villages have distinct locations, and you won’t access the same parts of the coast during your experiences.

Bahia Solano: Yes, but mainly its surroundings

Thanks to its airport, Bahia Solano is a key gateway for visiting this part of the Pacific coast. In my opinion, you need to venture outside the village to find the best accommodation options.

THE village

It’s not very pleasant, and its beach is rather muddy. However, you can reach beautiful eco-lodges in the bay by boat or El Valle by tuk-tuk.

It would be a shame if, once there, you didn’t find a little piece of paradise to appreciate this wild environment better.

So, I recommend not staying in the village but instead choosing a lovely eco-lodge on Mecana Beach.

Playa Mecana

Leave Bahia Solano at the back of the bay and head northeast to Playa Mecana, about 10 minutes away by boat. The beach, accessible only by sea, is stunning and rarely crowded.

The Mecana area is full of surprises. It hosts a small community living between the jungle, mangroves, ocean, and a beautiful botanical garden.

These diverse ecosystems offer various experiences and allow you to observe a wide range of flora and fauna.

Enjoy this untouristed natural paradise, home to some of the most beautiful eco-lodges in the area.

El Valle: a peaceful village bordered by stunning beaches

Located south of Bahia Solano, El Valle is an authentic village that is gaining popularity, just 40 minutes away by tuk-tuk.

THE village

Peaceful during the week and louder on weekends when speakers blaring in the streets, El Valle perfectly captures the vibe of a Colombian Pacific coast village.

I love strolling around, and although the atmosphere is pleasant, with a few restaurants and bars, the accommodations don’t immerse you in the nature that characterizes this part of Colombia. Plus, they are nothing exceptional.

Instead, head to the famous El Almejal Beach or go in the opposite direction to Cuevita Beach.

playa El Almejal

To the south, just a 10-minute walk from the center, discover the most beautiful beach in El Valle. Along this stunning stretch of black sand, the first eco-lodges were established.

The proximity to the village, accessible on foot or by tuk-tuk, gives you great freedom to explore during your free time or to experience the daily life of the locals.

Walking along this beach is a joy, and at this renowned spot, you can easily swim safely or surf.

Facing the ocean and just steps from the beach are cabins shaded by tall trees marking the beginning of the jungle.

At the edge of this lush vegetation and the shore lies one of the best eco-lodges in El Valle.

Playa Cuevita

To the north, a 20-minute walk away, you’ll find the beginning of Cuevita Beach. While a few guest cabins have been hosting travelers for some time, most accommodations are relatively new.

This vast beach stretches to the edge of Utría National Park. It perfectly represents the wild landscapes of the Pacific coast, with lush forests covering the land, a strip of black sand, and the ocean.

The accommodations are far from the village, over a 40-minute walk, and the only access is via the beach. Motorbikes make the journey, but in bad weather or high tide, it isn’t always possible.

I love strolling there, but my main concern is the difficulty of getting there. Additionally, the motorbike traffic on the beach during turtle nesting season is problematic.

Staying in Bahia Solano or El Valle isn’t just about the whales

Observe humpback whales between July and October, with the best conditions between August and September. This period marks the high season, so be sure to book your eco-lodge in advance for these dates.

The atmosphere of the Pacific coast is special and somewhat timeless. While whale watching is a unique and emotional experience, it shouldn’t be the only reason for your visit.

You can also observe other animals. The climatic conditions, natural features, existing flora, and low human presence allow the Pacific coast to host phenomenal biodiversity.

Numerous bird species, some endemic, delight birdwatchers. Vibrantly colored frogs with potent venom are also remarkable, as are the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the beaches of El Valle.

Plan a variety of activities. Stroll along the beach, explore the jungle, discover waterfalls, and visit a natural park. Pass through the village of Bahia Solano and experience the vibe of El Valle. Paddle up rivers in a traditional canoe, kayak through mangroves, take surf lessons, fish with locals, and participate in turtle conservation.

There are different excursion spots depending on whether you stay in El Valle or the Bahia Solano area. Although the activities are quite similar, they depend on your destination and what your eco-lodge offers.

Booking an Ecolodge in El Valle or Bahia Solano: The Ideal Choice?

The charm of the Pacific coast lies in its enchanting atmosphere and well-preserved nature. So, what better way to discover this paradise and appreciate the natural beauty of this wild coast than by staying at an eco-lodge?

These accommodations allow you to spend several days in a fabulous environment, often blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings while offering great amenities.

Good ecolodges generally provide relatively simple but clean and comfortable rooms, which is a luxury in such remote locations. The services and food are often of high quality.

You’ll be taken care of from the moment you arrive at the airport, whether you need a tuk-tuk to reach El Valle or a boat to get to an ecolodge near Bahia Solano.

Your hosts have the right contacts, or even their own guides, to help organize all the activities they offer.

Choose your eco-lodge carefully according to its location, the services provided, and your expectations.

Before You Leave for Bahia Solano and El Valle

All the essential information you need to know before exploring this unique destination.

The Colombian Pacific coast is one of the wettest regions in the world. You’re likely to get a bit wet:

• The humidity is always very high, making it difficult to dry your belongings.
• Sunny days are more frequent from December to March.
• November is often very rainy.

Seasonality is significant on the Pacific coast, affecting both visitor numbers and the types of wildlife you can see:

• Whale watching: July to October.
• Turtle watching: August to February.
• Whale shark sightings: April to May.
• For surfing: the best waves are from May to November.
• Highest tourist influx: July to mid-September.

How Many Days for El Valle and Bahia Solano

There are generally 4- and 5-day packages, but you can stay longer if you wish.

For me, the 5-day/4-night package is ideal. With three full days on-site, you have enough time to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the environment. This allows you to mix relaxation, walks, and activities while also accommodating any weather-related issues.

The 4-day/3-night option is a good compromise if you only have 15 days in Colombia. By staying active and cutting down on rest periods, you can still see a lot. You start to appreciate the timeless atmosphere, but you’ll need an extra day or two to enjoy it fully.

I don’t recommend the 3-day/2-night option. The logistical and financial efforts to reach Bahia Solano and then your eco-lodge seem too significant for such a short stay. However, the choice is ultimately yours.

Getting to Bahia Solano and El Valle

There are no roads leading to Bahia Solano or El Valle. Additionally, Nuquí, another gateway to the Pacific coast, is not very close (at least 2 hours by boat to Bahia Solano).

Flying is the easiest way to get there. There are flights year-round from Medellín (Olaya Herrera Airport).

Boats from Nuquí or Buenaventura are also options. However, these trips are less regular and more complicated to arrange. This option doesn’t seem practical if you only have 4 or 5 days on the Pacific coast.

In any case, the experts we recommend can provide more information on how to get to Bahia Solano or El Valle.

Whether by boat or plane, you always arrive in Bahia Solano. From there, take a boat to reach the nearby ecolodges or a tuk-tuk to get to El Valle.

Important General Information

The only ATM in the area is in Bahia Solano, BUT it works only half the time. Withdraw cash before coming, and remember, you can hardly pay for anything by card once you’re there.

Safety in the Bahia Solano and El Valle area: We’ve never had problems in the coastal villages of the Pacific coast. Although there is quite a bit of traffic, tourist spots don’t seem to be directly affected.

Waste management is a real issue along the entire coast. Avoid bringing disposable items, aiming to minimize your impact as much as possible.

Sun protection is crucial; the sun is unforgiving. Sunscreen is an option, but I recommend lightweight, long-sleeved clothing. A hat is ideal, but a cap is better than nothing.

Now, what to pack:

• Comfortable, lightweight, and quick-drying clothes.
• Long pants and long-sleeved T-shirts to protect against the sun and mosquitoes.
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap to protect your face and neck.
• Walking shoes with good grip and water resistance.
• Water shoes (optional but highly recommended).
• Spare shoes for the evening.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Small, lightweight, waterproof backpack.
• Swimsuit + flip-flops.
• Water bottle or thermos (avoid plastic bottles).
• Binoculars for bird watching.
• Camera.
• GoPro for underwater photos.
• Snorkeling gear or goggles for underwater viewing.

ADRIEN’S TIP

Not sure yet about booking an ecolodge in the Bahia Solano or El Valle area? Discover new ecolodge options on the Pacific coast in other destinations.