How to stay in the Best Ecolodges Near Nuqui

Why book an eco-lodge in Nuqui?

Nuqui and its surroundings represent the wildest and least visited part of the Pacific coast.

Immense black sand beaches, lush vegetation, and ecolodges in stunning locations—everything is incredible.

I actually consider it one of the most beautiful romantic destinations in Colombia, but it is also great for families.

Where to choose your ecolodge in Nuquí?

Nuquí isn’t the ideal place to stay in this part of the Pacific coast.

Nuqui: Transit village

Thanks to its airport and small port, Nuquí is the main entry point to this part of the Pacific coast. With little charm, the village mainly serves as a stopover on the way to more remote beaches and ecolodges.

The center is noisy, sometimes chaotic, and the beach is muddy. Most people only stay for a few hours, long enough to grab their bags and wait for a lancha to head off to more appealing destinations.

Coquí: traditions, nature, and food culture

About 25 minutes by boat from Nuquí, Coquí is a peaceful, authentic village nestled between a wild, open beach and a spectacular mangrove you can explore by traditional canoe. Far from mass tourism, it offers a genuine and straightforward immersion.

Cooking classes with local women, discovering traditions, a small village museum, jungle hikes to waterfalls, or trips up the Joví river, life here moves gently and is full of meaningful local encounters. The food is especially good, and connecting with the women of the village is a core part of the experience.

Marcela offers an exclusive and romantic ecolodge, perfect for a couple’s retreat. Comfort, delicious food, and ocean views shape the pace of full-board days.

You can head out on day trips to Guachalito or Termales. And between July and October, you’ll get the chance to go whale watching by boat — or even catch glimpses of them offshore, right from the beach.

Guachalito: gorgeous beaches and a variety of ecolodges

About 40 minutes by boat from Nuquí, Guachalito is a preserved stretch of coastline with postcard-worthy scenery: black sand beaches lined with jungle, volcanic rocks, and small islets you can walk to at low tide. The vibe is wild, peaceful, and deeply immersive.

There’s no shortage of things to do: surfing in Termales, jungle hikes to waterfalls, turtle releases, walks to Termales, trips up the Joví river, or tasting handcrafted viche.

When it comes to places to stay, the atmosphere varies widely:

• Ecolodge with breathtaking ocean views
• Comfortable cabins right on a stunning beach
• Jungle cabins steps from the sea
• Peaceful ecolodge facing a deserted beach

It’s also an excellent base for whale watching, fishing, diving, or simply slowing down and syncing with the rhythm of nature.

Termales: surf, jungle, and hot springs

About 50 minutes by boat from Nuquí, Termales is a lively coastal village where daily life revolves around fishing, surfing, and a strong sense of community. You’ll find friendly locals, colorful houses, and a wide beach perfect for long walks and sunset watching.

There’s plenty to do: soak in natural hot springs, hike to the Cuatro Encantos waterfall or the Palo Blanco viewpoint, and paddle up the Terco river.

Regarding lodging, you’ve got more flexibility here — no full board, so you can cook for yourself or eat in the village. The stays are budget-friendly but often noisy. For more peace, Siméon’s ecolodge is an excellent choice, just a 10-minute walk away, with three simple cabins in a bird-filled garden.

Whale watching, day trips to Guachalito or Arusí, diving, or river exploration — Termales offers a vibrant vibe that stays close to nature.

Arusí: nature, culture, and authenticity

An hour from Nuquí, Arusí is a peaceful coastal village stretched along a long beach, nestled between jungle, river, and ocean. Less visited than Termales, it’s perfect for those looking to dive into local life while exploring lush, untouched nature.

There’s plenty to explore here — snorkeling, canoeing up the Arusicito river, hiking through the jungle to the wild beach of El Amargal, or even heading into the forest at night to spot spiders, snakes, and nocturnal wildlife.

I recommend this stylish and intimate ecolodge, with three open-air cabins facing the garden, the sea, or the mangrove. Just a few minutes from the village, it’s quiet, serves good meals, and offers guided activities led by a passionate local — all for a very reasonable price.

It’s also an excellent base for whale watching or boat trips to Cabo Corrientes, Termales, or Guachalito.

Punta Brava: wild immersion at the edge of the world

South of Arusí, Punta Brava is a remote and spectacular spot where dense jungle meets rocky cliffs that drop straight into the ocean. There’s no village here — just raw, breathtaking nature and a rare feeling of total seclusion.

You can hike through the jungle to reach waterfalls or deserted beaches, go on night walks to spot spiders and snakes, kayak along the ocean, snorkel among the rocks below the ecolodge, or go fishing with a local. The atmosphere is both peaceful and full of energy.

Alejandro’s ecolodge, perched above the ocean, offers a premium cabin with a private chef, a shared house, and two other stylish stays with jaw-dropping sea views. The food is excellent, and the welcome is quiet yet deeply attentive.

It’s an ideal place to watch whales from your room, explore the coastline to Cabo Corrientes, or visit nearby communities like Arusí and Termales.

Staying in Nuquí is not just about the whales

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

The atmosphere of the Pacific coast is exceptional, almost timeless. While whale watching is an emotionally charged, unique moment, it shouldn’t be the sole reason for your visit.

Other wildlife observation is also possible. The Pacific coast’s climatic conditions, natural features, existing flora, and low human presence allow it to harbor phenomenal biodiversity.

The numerous bird species, some of which are endemic, delight ornithologists. Additionally, brightly colored and highly venomous frogs are remarkable.

Plan a variety of activities. Besides wildlife observation, arrange for beach hikes, jungle treks, or visits to waterfalls. Explore neighboring villages, enjoy culinary experiences, paddle up rivers or navigate mangroves in a traditional canoe, take surfing lessons, fish with the locals, and plan some scuba diving.

Booking an ecolodge in Nuquí: the ideal package?

The dynamic of Nuquí doesn’t encourage staying in the village. So, what better way to discover a paradisiacal spot and appreciate the natural beauty of this wild coast than by staying in an eco-lodge?

With an entire board and organized transportation, ecolodges allow you to stay for several days in a fabulous and remote location.

Travel in this part of Colombia is by boat. It can be challenging to organize and very costly. A good ecolodge will take care of your transfer from Nuquí.

Good ecolodges typically offer relatively simple yet clean and comfortable rooms, which is a luxury for such locations. The services and food are often of high quality.

There are no certified guides or agencies organizing tours here. Your hosts usually have the right contacts and help you plan all the possible activities in the area.

These establishments often blend well into the environment, allowing you to live in a revitalizing natural setting.

Choose your eco-lodge carefully based on the location, provided services, and your expectations.

before your departure to Nuquí

All the essential information to know before setting off to explore this unique destination.

The Colombian Pacific coast is one of the wettest regions in the world. Chances are, you’ll get a little damp:

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

Seasonality is significant on the Pacific coast, both in terms of tourist numbers and the animal species you can see:

• Whale watching
• Turtle watching: August to February
• Whale shark watching: April to May
• Surfing: The waves are best from May to November
• Peak tourist season: July to mid-September

How many days for Nuquí

There are 3 and 4-day packages available, 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 and activities and handle any unexpected weather.

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 see quite a lot. You start to appreciate the timeless atmosphere, but you might 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 get to Nuquí and then to your eco-lodge seem too significant for such a short stay. However, the choice is yours.

Getting to Nuquí and its surroundings

No roads lead to Nuquí. Additionally, Bahia Solano, the other Pacific gateway, is not nearby (minimum 2-hour boat ride).

The plane is the simplest way to get there:

• From Medellín (Olaya Herrera Airport): all year round.
• From Pereira: only during whale season.

Boat trips from Bahía Solano or Buenaventura are two possible options. The trips are less regular and more complicated to organize, and they don’t seem worthwhile if you only have four or five days on the Pacific coast.

In any case, the experts we recommend can provide more information on how to get to Nuquí.

Once in Nuqui, you’ll need to take a boat to get to the surrounding destinations. Most lodgings can help you organize this transportation.

General important information

No ATMs in Nuquí and its surroundings. Withdraw cash before coming, and remember that all activities must be paid for in cash once you’re there.

Safety in the Nuquí 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).
• 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 if you want to book an ecolodge in the Nuquí area? Find new ecolodge options on the Pacific coast in other destinations.