Our Adventures in Coqui, Colombia

I chose to kick off my last 13-day trip along Colombia’s Pacific coast in February 2025 with Coqui — a peaceful village that’s somewhat off the radar for most travelers, but full of surprises, both in nature and culture.

Through my experience, you’ll learn how to enjoy this hidden corner of the world and dive into the story of my adventures, shared day by day from my travel journal.

TOM’S TIP

Take a look at our favorite eco-lodges between Nuquí and Punta Brava, and feel free to browse our guides to Guachalito, Termales, Arusí, and Punta Brava!

Day 1: We arrive in Coquí

Medellín, 9:35 AM — we take off from Olaya Herrera Airport. Barely in the air, and we’re already descending toward the tiny Nuquí airport.

The TRIP from Nuquí to Coquí

I pay the tourist tax and hop into a tuk-tuk for a delicious goyava agria juice on the terrace of Hotel Obega, with a view over the ocean.

On my way to the muelle turístico to catch the lancha pública, I make a stop at friendly Ines’ place, near the airport, to enjoy one of her amazing empanadas.

1:10 PM — packed with passengers and bags piled under a tarp, the public boat slowly drifts down the river, past stilt houses, before heading out to the open sea.

After 25 minutes cruising along a coast blanketed in lush vegetation, we catch sight of Marcela’s eco-lodge, where I’ll be spending the next two nights.

Skillfully riding the waves, the boat’s pilot edges toward the shore. I barely have time to jump into the water and grab my backpack — and he’s already gone.

Discovering our incredible eco-lodge

Smiling, Juliela, the lodge’s cook, greets us on the beach, standing in front of three beautiful wooden stilt cabins surrounded by coconut trees, alongside Cocada, the resident cat.

A welcome cocktail made with fermented sugarcane juice and coconut milk awaits us in the main cabin, which serves as the social space. Juliela brings out a generous lunch of fried fish, coconut rice, and patacones, with a piece of cocada for dessert — a dangerously addictive mix of panela and shredded coconut.

My afternoon drifts by with hammock lounging in my cabin, a walk along the beach, and a swim in the surprisingly warm sea.

At sunset, I sip a beer nestled into a giant waterproof beanbag set on the sand.

At 7 PM, Marcela, our lovely host, joins us as the night songs of the jungle begin to rise. In the cool evening breeze on the softly lit terrace, Juliela serves a light dinner.

I fall asleep in an instant, wrapped in the sounds of the jungle and the ocean, in my open-air cabin.

ADRIEN’S TIP

Flights to the Pacific coast depart from Olaya Herrera Airport, located in the center of Medellín. You can fly with Satena, Click, or Moon Travel.

Day 2: Cooking workshop, the village, and the mangrove

At the first rays of sunlight, I head down to the empty beach for a light jog. The sand flies start teasing me a bit — it’s their favorite time of day.

I enjoy a hearty traditional breakfast — scrambled eggs (huevos revueltos) and arepas de queso before setting off with Marcela at low tide, walking along the beach to the village of Coqui.

COOKING CLASS WITH Cruz

After 35 minutes of walking without seeing a soul, we arrive at Zotea, the community restaurant, where Cruz, one of the association’s chefs, greets us with her huge smile for a cooking workshop.

She gets our mouths watering as she introduces the menu and the ingredients she’s chosen. Following her instructions to the letter, we peel, chop, season, and mix on the old stovetop. In a warm and joyful atmosphere, Cruz lets us taste her spices and other secret creations.

Two hours later, it’s time to eat. The fish with onions, paired with garlic shrimp, a sweet-and-salty raw veggie salad, coconut rice, and yuca purée, is simply divine.

The rain starts to fall, and with our bellies full, we wait it out while watching the tide come in with surprising speed.

A little visit to Coquí

Deciding to brave the heavy rain, we take the flooded path to reach the village, just 5 minutes away.

A friendly local invites us to take shelter under the awning of her house while Marcela goes off to find the person who holds the key to the community museum.

For about half an hour, we wander through the four rooms, filled with photos and objects that explore themes such as agriculture and food, fishing, medicinal plants, and religious celebrations. Our guide, a local, gradually opens up as I ask more questions. It may not be the most enlightening tour, but it’s a charming way to give back to the community..

The visit concludes in the attic, where medicinal plants with various healing properties are drying. A simple setup even allows for a medicinal shower.

DISCOVERY OF THE mangrove

Harison comes to pick us up for a trip into the mangrove. Aboard a narrow, sleek dugout canoe, we glide silently down the waterway, surrounded by a tangled maze of towering mangrove trees, until we reach our eco-lodge.

The afternoon is already well underway. In the kitchen, Jiulela is preparing a tuna ceviche for dinner. I fall asleep just as quickly as I did the night before.

TOM’S TIP

This fantastic day can be arranged with the help of Marcela. You can also try reaching out to Azotea, but communication might be a bit tricky.

Day 3: Jungle, waterfall, and transfer to Guachalito

It’s our last day in Coquí, and we decide to squeeze in one last walk that wasn’t part of the plan 🙂

Jungle walk and swim

8:00 AM, Juan, a chill guide with a big smile, shows up with a paddle slung over his shoulder to take us along the beach to the river. With pure arm power, he ferries us one by one across the water — a scene straight out of the wolf, goat, and cabbage riddle 😉

Once we’re all on the other side, we hike for 45 minutes up a beautiful river, surrounded by lush vegetation, until we reach Bejuquial waterfall. A light rain falls as I swim in the two small pools, letting the energizing cascade wash over me.

After half an hour soaking in the water, we head back. Along the trail, locals appear out of nowhere, carrying heavy bunches of bananas. Juan points out Chontaduro palms, cacao trees, and more. We get to taste the sweet mucilage wrapped around the cacao bean — delicious.

We’re back at the eco-lodge just before 11:00 AM to get my backpack ready.

NEW destination: Guachalito!

At 12:30 PM, we head toward Guachalito by lancha for a 20-minute ride.

I discover a rocky coastline lined with dense forest, dotted with rocky islets, some of which are overrun with lush vegetation.

To know what happens next on my expedition along the Colombian Pacific coast, read the next chapter of my adventures from my Guachalito travel journal.

ADRIEN’S TIP

You’ll usually arrive right on the beach by boat. Make sure to wear clothes that can get wet — and most importantly, that dry quickly!