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 YOU ECO-LODGE IN nuqui?

Nuqui is not the ideal place to stay in this part of the Pacific coast.

Nuqui: A transit village

The village is chaotic and unpleasant, and the beach is muddy. The only access points to this part of the coast are its airport and port.

For these reasons, the village is a mandatory stopover to reach the surrounding paradise destinations.

Guachalito: eco-lodges and natural paradise

The Guachalito area is situated in the Southwest of Nuquí, around 40 minutes by boat. It extends along a magnificent black sand beach. Beyond the fantastic scenery, the location is perfect for enjoying the local activities.

Aside from a few wooden cabins on the seashore, there are no buildings, no restaurants, and no roads. Here, human impact is minimal.

In the stunning landscapes of Guachalito lie the most beautiful eco-lodges of Nuquí. This remote spot, nestled between the ocean and a vibrant jungle, is a natural paradise.

Book an all-inclusive stay at one of these eco-lodges and immerse yourself in the magic of this place.

Arusi: diving and serenity

About 1 hour by boat to the Southwest of Nuquí is Arusi. The village is located at the end of the immense Termales beach, which practically begins where the Guachalito area ends.

The place is known for its diving school, which allows you to dive with whale sharks between April and May or among enormous schools of sardines in May.

From July to October, dive to hear the songs of humpback whales and enjoy the best visibility between January and February.

It is the ideal place to dive and avoid tourists while staying in an exceptional setting. Choose accommodation in the village for more interaction with the locals or a more secluded eco-lodge for more tranquility.

Termales: Surf and affordable accommodations

Termales is about 50 minutes by boat from Nuquí. Accessible on foot from Guachalito or Arusi, the village is known for its hot springs and immense beach.

It is also a famous surfing spot for wave enthusiasts and the starting point for jungle hikes to reach natural pools.

You’ll find affordable accommodations, village life with a few places to eat and have a drink, and a small grocery store that isn’t always well stocked.

Coqui and Jovi: Cultural Experiences

Located to the south of Nuquí, about 30 minutes by boat, these two small villages do not have eco-lodges nearby.

Coquí stands out for its mangroves, which can be visited by canoe with a local guide, and its culinary specialties.

Joví is known for the canoe tour, which involves paddling up the river of the same name. This peaceful experience allows you to observe the local wildlife and flora.

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.