Things to do around Nuquí

You’ve picked Nuquí as your gateway to explore Colombia’s Pacific Coast, but you’re not quite sure where to go or what to do in this mysterious corner of Chocó?

Let me share the highlights from my 13-day trip along the Colombian Pacific in February 2025, so you can figure out which spots will make you dream, depending on how you picture your adventure.

Nearby destinations include Coquí, Guachalito, Termales, Arusí, and Punta Brava.

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Staying on a beautiful beach

I’m entirely fascinated by the beaches of Colombia’s Pacific Coast.

Picture long stretches of dark, untouched sand, lined with lush jungle, waves endlessly washing in and out with the tides, and surprisingly warm water.

If you plan to walk along the beach, check the tide schedule—you don’t want to get caught as the sea comes back in.

In Coquí, I loved feeling like I had the world to myself on the wild, quiet beach of Marcela’s fabulous ecolodge.

In Guachalito, just below my hilltop ecolodge, I walked the vast and stunning beach several times—its mysterious volcanic rocks scattered across the black sand, shaped daily by the sea’s ebb and flow.

And in Termales, all I had to do was step out into the garden of my cabin to reach a sublime beach, catch some waves on a board, and watch the sunset just for me.

GO WHALE-WATCHING

The Colombian Pacific lies directly on the path of humpback whales, who migrate from the southern seas to the equator between July and October to mate and give birth the following year..

You can observe them anywhere on the coast during this time. Tours are done in small boats, keeping a safe, respectful distance.

You might even be lucky enough to see their spectacular mating displays in July and August.

And if you’re visiting between April and May, watch for whale sharks too.

In Guachalito, I stayed in an ecolodge perched high above the ocean—an ideal lookout for spotting whales. Another great place is the ocean-view terrace at Alejandro’s ecolodge in Punta Brava.

Sleeping in a beautiful ecolodge

I think Colombia’s Pacific Coast’s wild, remote vibe makes it the perfect place to stay in a beautiful ecolodge. I love that feeling of being completely immersed in nature, with a soothing atmosphere that helps you truly disconnect.

In Coquí, Marcela’s two cabins sit on a deserted beach, blending elegant, cozy design with total privacy. I felt wonderfully alone with the ocean, yet gently taken care of.

On the dream beach of Guachalito, several ecolodges are clustered in this more popular zone, so you’ve got options. For more seclusion, head a little farther out. You’ll find ecolodges hidden in the jungle, beautiful cabins on the sand, in a garden, or with a stunning ocean view.

In Arusí, a bit more off the beaten path, prices tend to be more affordable—a nice incentive to venture further. I stayed at Rafael’s place, with three cabins featuring refined design. The welcome was warm, and he works with some excellent local guides.

And finally, in Punta Brava, Alejandro’s ecolodge is a true haven, nestled in raw, magical nature. Comfort, care, privacy—everything was perfect for a memorable stay. Oh, and hands down the best food on the Pacific Coast!

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Exploring the underwater world

The Colombian Pacific is one of the most biodiverse marine areas on the planet. It’s also a key stop along the migratory routes of species like sardines, turtles, whale sharks, and the iconic humpback whales.

You can go diving year-round along the Pacific coast, though January and February offer the best visibility.

If you’re into scuba, you’ll find instructors at Casa Kakiri, the Guachalito dive school, who can take you to some great spots along the coast. If you’re an experienced diver, the waters off Cabo Corrientes, about 30 minutes by boat from Punta Brava, are especially rich in marine life—but be ready for strong currents and deep waters.

If you come in May, you might be lucky enough to witness an incredible moment surrounded by a massive school of sardines.

Snorkeling lovers will also be thrilled by the beautiful and diverse marine life in the waters of Chocó. There’s a great spot off the small beach below Alejandro’s eco-lodge in Punta Brava. I saw several species of colorful fish while exploring the waters around the rocks. I even stumbled upon a sleeping shark on the seabed, and Adrien spotted some turtles.

La Arañosa, a short boat ride from Punta Brava heading toward Arusí, is another excellent spot.

HIKING IN THE JUNGLE

The Colombian Pacific coast’s humid rainforest has a spell on me. The dense, surprising vegetation, the songs of birds and frogs, the sometimes deafening buzz of cicadas, the thick humidity—it’s all mesmerizing.

But it’s also a wild, untamed environment, with sometimes barely marked trails, tangled roots underfoot, often muddy paths, and slopes that can be steep and slippery.

You can dive into this mysterious world from Arusí, along the Playa de Amargal trek, which takes you through lush vegetation before reaching a remote, deserted beach.

From Termales, follow the trail to Cascada de Cuatro Encantos, a beautiful four-level waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip.

You can also take on the Palo Blanco trek, climbing up to a viewpoint overlooking the jungle, then heading down through the riverbed, where you might even need to swim part of the way.

In Punta Brava, a short hike leads to a pretty waterfall, giving you a chance to get a feel for this unique environment and a great taste of the Chocó jungle vibe.

Before setting off on any adventure, check with your eco-lodge about the difficulty level of each trek—some require good fitness and a bit of preparation.

Surfing near Nuquí

When people talk about surfing in Colombia, they usually think of the Caribbean coast and forget the Pacific side. But the Pacific Ocean isn’t always as calm as its name suggests 😉

Surf lovers will find great waves near Termales, especially from January to March when the swells are at their best. If you’re a beginner like me, you can still have fun year-round with friendly waves and improve your skills at Cabaña Tellin, the village’s surf school.

I had a blast with a board that Siméon, the owner of my cabin in Termales, let me borrow—plus all I had to do was cross the garden and dive in.

If you’re staying near Guachalito, head to Terquito beach, another solid spot where you’ll find a surf school called Paraisurf.

Diving into local life

For me, sharing daily life with locals and discovering their culture is a key part of any trip.

Termales and Arusí are two authentic coastal villages with welcoming locals, perfect for tasting life in a Pacific Colombian pueblo.

Termales, a small fishing village, is better known thanks to its natural hot springs hidden in the jungle, at the end of its one long dirt street. I loved soaking in the two small thermal pools, then cooling off in the fresh river below.

If you’re into traditional crafts, head to Arusí. This peaceful and lesser-known village is a great place to explore Chocoana culture, and locals open their homes to teach ancestral weaving and basketry techniques.

That’s how I met Ana, kind and patient, during a weaving workshop on her terrace—a lovely way to chat about village life and customs while making a small handwoven mat to bring home 😉