Travel Guide
Termales
Colombia
Termales, 3 days of adventure between jungle and ocean, straight from our Pacific travel journal.
Discover awesome beachfront cabins near a chill village, the perfect starting point for jungle treks and other adventures.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT TERMALES, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
For surf lovers and freedom seekers.
Termales is located in the Chocó department on Colombia’s Pacific Coast, about 45 minutes by boat from Nuquí and just 15 minutes from Guachalito and Arusí.
The village gets its name from its natural hot springs.
Its population is mainly Afro-Colombian, living alongside a nearby Indigenous community settled at the jungle’s edge.
Termales is a peaceful fishing village with smiling people and homes along a simple main street.
You’ll find affordable lodging (like guesthouses or Airbnbs), and it’s easy to find places to eat outside your hotel.
It’s known for its natural hot springs, laid out in two pools, perfect for a soak surrounded by lush greenery—and if you’re lucky, you might see some monkeys.
Surfers will enjoy the good waves, and the gentle swell all year long makes it a solid spot for beginners.
You can easily organize tours, like river hikes or jungle treks such as Cuatro Encantos or Palo Blanco.
The Pacific coast is one of the rainiest places in the world, and your best chance for sunshine is from December to March.
- Surfing: best waves from May to November.
- Whale watching: July to October.
- Turtle spotting: August to February.
- Whale shark season: April to May.
Plan a 4 to 6-day stay in Termales. You can also add a stop at Punta Brava (about 30 minutes by boat from Termales) if you want to experience a stay in a remote ecolodge.
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THINGS TO DO IN TERMALES
Surf, treks, and sunsets.
If you’re a surf fan, you’ll love the great waves in Termales between January and March.
From May to November, head a bit further south to Cabo Corrientes, a point known for its excellent swells during that season.
And if you’re a beginner like me, no worries—there are fun, gentle waves all year that are perfect for learning to ride. Cabaña Tellin Surf School offers lessons and simple beachfront accommodation just steps from the village.
I had a great time with the board lent by the owner of my cabin.
The hot springs are just a 5-minute walk from the center of town. There’s a large pool under the canopy. The water isn’t super hot (I’d say around 32 °C), and depending on the time of day, it can get a bit crowded. The best time to go? Around 5 pm—you might even spot some monkeys! There’s a small entrance fee.
The beach in Termales is a long, beautiful stretch of sand lined with greenery. You won’t see many people here, except the occasional walker from Guachalito or a few tourists catching some sun.
Depending on the tide, you can wander the exposed beach or play in the waves.
In the evening, grab a spot on the beach and watch the sunset. Even better with a cold beer in hand 😉
Early in the morning, you’ll meet your guide in Termales. After slipping on rubber boots, you’ll head off into the jungle toward a stunning four-tiered waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim.
Get ready for about 4 hours of hiking round trip, on a rough trail filled with roots, and often muddy and slippery if it’s rained. I recommend asking your guide to lend you a walking stick or make you one—it helps.
It’s a bit of a technical trek if you’re not used to this kind of terrain – Difficulty: 3/5.
Leaving from Termales, boots on and walking stick in hand, you’ll make your way deep into the forest. The trail climbs through muddy, root-covered, sometimes steep paths until you reach a makeshift lookout with views over the jungle canopy.
Along the way, you’ll pass the tree that gave the trek its name—a once-majestic Palo Blanco, now fallen but still impressive.
The highlight for me? The river descent. Depending on the water level, you might even have to swim!
Plan for about 3.5 hours of hiking round trip. It’s a rough and wild trek, not yet well-marked, perfect if you’re feeling adventurous – Difficulty: 4/5.
On the beach toward Guachalito, about 30 minutes on foot from Termales near El Morro, you’ll find the mouth of the Río Terco.
From there, at low tide, you can walk up the riverbed. The path is wide but scattered with fallen tree trunks that you’ll have to climb over. It leads to a pretty waterfall, though getting in the water can be tricky—the rocks are super slippery.
It’s a lovely hike you can do without a guide, and it takes around 45 minutes one way. Difficulty: 3/5
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TERMALES SURROUNDINGS
Ideally located to explore the region.
If you visit between July and October, you’ll have the chance to see humpback whales, especially during their mating displays in July and August.
Between April and May, it’s also possible to catch sight of whale sharks.
You can walk along the beach to Guachalito. It’s a pleasant walk, about 1 hour from Termales. Take your time—go for a swim, daydream on the sand, and don’t forget your sun protection.
You’ll need to cross the Río Terco near El Morro, so check the tide times—the river can be tricky to cross at high tide.
Once in Guachalito, don’t miss a Viche tasting with Diego.
Leaving the village of Arusí, you can enjoy a lovely ride in a traditional canoe up the Río Arusicito, surrounded by lush vegetation.
You can walk to Arusí at low tide, but you’ll need to time it right to paddle back upriver at high tide, to avoid carrying your canoe part of the way. Ask your host for advice—they’ll know the best time to go.
Plan your trip in the morning for the best chance to spot birds.
On the beach in Termales, past El Morro, a local releases baby turtles around 9 a.m. during turtle season.
It’s a responsible effort, not organized around tourists, so whether there are people or not, the turtles go.
You’ll witness their first steps on the sand, making their way toward the ocean.
If you’re into diving, you can contact an instructor from Casa Kakiri, a dive school. The setup is a bit old-school, but they also offer accommodation.
The best visibility is in January and February.
And if you’re visiting in May, you might just be lucky enough to dive into the middle of a massive, swirling sardine bait ball—a truly mind-blowing experience.
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WHERE TO STAY IN TERMALES
Independence and saving money.
Termales is the perfect spot if you like having your freedom. Depending on your vibe, you can go for a budget hotel or even a cool little Airbnb—yep, they’ve got those too 😉
Most places don’t offer full board, but it’s easy to eat in the village or cook for yourself if your place has a kitchen.
Staying in the village is affordable, but keep in mind: it’s not exactly quiet—there’s music almost all the time and zero soundproofing.
If you’re after more peace, look for a place about 10 minutes before the village entrance (coming from Guachalito).
I loved the three cabins, scattered across a beautiful garden full of birds, and opening onto a gorgeous beach.
They’re simple but well designed, and only 10 minutes on foot from Termales—the perfect spot to eat in the village but sleep in peace.
Siméon doesn’t offer meals, but the nearby lodge, Madre Selva, has a restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking or walking to the village.
But hey, you can buy cold beers on-site 😉
If you’re looking for more comfort and care, just under 10 minutes on foot from Termales, Madre Selva Ecolodge is a beautiful and recent wooden lodge offering cozy rooms and a chill shared space with a peaceful, zen vibe. Nestled in lush greenery, it’s just steps from the beach.
You’ll enjoy tasty local food made with fresh ingredients, and the friendly hosts are happy to help you plan your excursions.
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DRINKING AND EATING
A delicious fish-filled escape.
Most restaurants are open during high season. Outside of that period, it’s best to ask around. Aside from La Flaca, the restaurant in the village, most places open when they feel like it, and many only serve with a reservation.
Located in the village, right on the beach, La Flaca is the only restaurant always open, and you can eat there without a reservation. The vibe is local and friendly, the service is fast, the ingredients are fresh, and I love their wide selection of menú del día!
Just under 10 minutes from the village, Madre Selva offers a single dinner menu in a charming and peaceful setting. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, and the cuisine is tasty but slightly expensive. You’ll need to book ahead.
Right on the village’s main street, Sol y Mar is known for its delicious empanadas—at least, that’s what people told us, since we never got the chance to try them!
Jenny doesn’t open every day, especially in the low season. You’ll need to let her know in advance, and if there aren’t enough customers, she won’t bother turning on her stove 😉
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HOW TO GET TO Termales
And getting around the area.
When you arrive in Nuquí, head to the Muelle turístico to catch the public boat (it leaves in the early afternoon). Expect a tight ride next to your fellow passengers, and depending on the weather and sea conditions, be prepared to get wet. It is best to travel with a backpack and keep your valuables in a dry bag.
You’ll arrive at the Termales dock, along the river, so it’s an easy landing—no need to jump off onto the beach.
But after that, you’ll have to walk to your hotel with your bags.
You can choose to take your eco-lodge’s lancha privada. You’ll be able to set the departure time, and the ride will be much more comfortable, but the price will be higher.
Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll arrive at the village dock or directly on the beach.
From Termales, walking to Guachalito along the beach is super easy.
But don’t forget to check the tide times and coefficients to avoid getting trapped by the rising tide.
By staying in Termales, you won’t need to take the boat too often, thanks to its relatively central location.
Of course, you’ll hop on a boat to watch whales or to reach the dive spots.
You could also take a boat if you’re not in the mood to walk along the beach—but honestly, that would be a shame!
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IS TERMALES SAFE?
Termales is very peaceful. I walked around freely, and the locals were warm and welcoming.
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Our adventures in Termales, Colombia
After Coqui and Guachalito, I continued my 13-day trip along Colombia’s Pacific Coast in February 2025, stopping in Termales.
Discover what happened next by diving into my travel journal. You’ll follow my day-to-day experience in Termales and get inspired to plan your days, between jungle treks and ocean joys.
TOM’S TIP
Check out our selection of ecolodges between Nuquí and Punta Brava, and don’t miss our Coqui, Guachalito, Arusí, and Punta Brava guides!
Day 6: Arrival in Termales
10:30 a.m. – The lancha drops us off on a stunning beach, right in front of our lodging. The swell makes the landing a bit sporty: I jump into the water, grab my bag, and the boat takes off again.
Siméon, the friendly owner, welcomes us and invites us into the cabin where he lives part of the year, while Lina, who handles maintenance, finishes getting ours ready.
We get to know each other over a nice cold beer.
Our cabin, “Hibiscus”, is ready. We unpack our bags and hang our damp clothes to dry on the railing of the big terrace, which overlooks the garden and the beach.
Visit to the hot springs
We decide to head to Termales for a soak in the hot springs.
It’s a 10-minute walk along a shaded path that follows the beach to the entrance of the village—watch out for falling coconuts 😉 We stroll up the village’s only street and easily find the thermal baths.
In the sulfur-scented air, we enjoy the warm waters of the two shaded pools, then cool off in the river below.
That little soak left our skin baby-soft, and our stomachs growling. Time to head to La Flaca, the village’s beachfront restaurant.
After a hearty and delicious menú del día, we return to our cabin along the beach.
Surf AND SUNSET
The end of the afternoon flows between a hammock nap and a stroll by the water.
At sunset, Adrien and I borrow two boards from the owner and ride some clean waves, with a few epic tumbles in the mix.
We end the day with a delicious fish dish at Madre Selva, then drift off to sleep with the rumble of the rising sea in the background.
ADRIEN’S TIP
In high season, ask the person at the hot springs entrance to check if it’s too packed before heading. I recommend going late in the day or even in the evening—bring a bottle of wine, and enjoy. You can stay as long as you like.
Day 7: Trek, river hike, and sunset
7:00 a.m. – We arrive at Yerson’s place in Termales. Looks like our guide’s still sleeping 😉
We planned to hike to Palo Blanco, but we’ll do Cuatro Encantos instead—no problem, we’re always up for an adventure!
TREK TO QUATRO ENCANTOS
While Yerson slowly wakes up and we pull on the rubber boots he lent us, we get ready to hit the trail, accompanied by his three young dogs.
The path is wet and muddy, scattered with twisting roots. Our boots sink deep in places, and some sections are pretty steep. I’m glad to have the walking stick Yerson gave me—it really helps.
Along the way, we spot a few brightly colored poison frogs—red, orange, yellow. You’ve got to listen carefully to know where to look, but Yerson’s got it covered. Then the rain begins to fall.
After 1 hour and 45 minutes of hiking through dense vegetation, we reach the four waterfalls of Cuatro Encantos. We can’t resist a (very) refreshing swim in the rain.
On the way back, Yerson offers to show us a cave where a colony of bats lives. We follow a barely visible, steep path down to a river weaving through the narrow walls of the cave.
The water fills our boots as we move forward, feeling our way through the darkness. One of Yerson’s dogs starts whining—“he doesn’t like water,” his owner says, totally unfazed. The bats, disturbed by our headlamps (not great, we know), fly over our heads. We exit the cave right where the river flows past the hot springs.
Back in the village, we have lunch at La Flaca before returning to our cabin.
EXPLORING THE RIO TERCO
After a nap in the hammock, Adrien and I take advantage of the low tide and head toward Guachalito, walking along the beach to El Morro, where we start our hike up the Río Terco.
In the deafening hum of cicadas, we follow the riverbed, the water sometimes reaching up to our thighs. We step over fallen tree trunks, careful not to disturb the thick-bodied (but apparently harmless) spiders resting nearby.
Basilisks dart across the water at full speed as they spot us—it never fails to amaze me.
We follow the river for about 45 minutes until we reach a small waterfall, taking extra care not to slip on the slick rocks.
My second day in Termales ends with a cold beer on the beach at sunset, followed by a nice dinner at Madre Selva.
TOM’S TIP
It’s best to speak decent Spanish to organize your outings in Termales, and be ready to adapt—plans can easily change with the rain. No worries, though: our local partner Siméon will hook you up with all the right contacts.
Day 8: Jungle trek and transfer to Arusí
7:00 a.m. – Back at Yerson’s house in Termales, he’s wide awake this time!
We lace up our boots, grab our sticks, and set off into the jungle toward Palo Blanco, with Yerson’s dogs leading the way.
THE SURPRISING ADVENTURE OF PALO BLANCO
We cross paths with a group of loggers working deep in the jungle, and pass by the rudimentary camp of an Indigenous family.
The trail is muddy and rough, tangled with a web of slippery roots. I keep wanting to grab onto tree trunks for balance, but Yerson warns me not to—they’re often covered in spikes… or worse, hormigas balas. Those ants don’t mess around—their sting is so painful it can make you cry like a kid. Literally.
Eventually, we reach a viewpoint and pause to admire the sweeping forest below. Yerson points out the once-mighty Palo Blanco, an impressive tree now lying fallen on the ground.
The path gets steep, plunging into thick jungle until we reach a river. We start walking upstream, but the water is high after the recent rains. We reach the trickiest section—no way around it—we have to jump in and swim about 20 meters.
I crack up watching Adrien struggle, holding his backpack above his head, nearly swallowing half the river, while Yerson’s most timid dog whines from a rock, visibly shaking. What a team! Ultimately, Yerson scoops up the dog (not Adrien) and carries him across.
We crawl out of the river, soaked to the bone, and start doing a little dance while emptying water from our boots.
new DESTINATION: ARUSÍ
Before heading back, and since Jenny’s famous empanadas weren’t an option today—the shop closed—we grab some pan de coco from La Flaca, which also doubles as a panadería.
It’s noon—just enough time to shower and repack our backpacks before hopping on a lancha, bound for Arusí, our next stop.
To find out what happens next on my trip along the Colombian Pacific Coast, read the story of my stay in Arusí, straight from my travel journal.
ADRIEN’S TIP
The Palo Blanco trek requires good physical condition—once you’re in, there’s no turning back. Due to the river sections, leave anything breakable or sensitive behind.
The best beachfront cabins
Built in a lovely garden, Siméon’s three wooden cabins are simple, but comfortable and well-designed.
I especially loved the ample social space in my Hibiscus cabin, the one closest to the beach, with hammocks and a fully equipped kitchen facing the ocean—the perfect spot to keep an eye on the many birds in the garden.
If you’re not a fan of nighttime visitors, you might prefer the Colibri cabin, which is a bit more enclosed.
Siméon is a laid-back host, always ready with good tips—he’ll share his favorite contacts and spots, but you’ll need to book directly with the locals and sort out your meals on your own.
A true surf enthusiast, Siméon will share his top wave spots, and you can borrow a bodysurf board. And when the waves call, you’ll probably see him running to the beach, board under his arm.
These cabins by the sea are perfect for anyone wanting a quiet night’s sleep, just a short walk from Termales, and still within reach of Guachalito along the coast.
They’re also ideal if you value your independence and want to save some money.
And believe me, a sunset all to yourself on a wild beach—you’ll remember it forever.
TOM’S TIP
Do you prefer to have your lodge take care of everything (transport, meals, activities)? Then you’ll want to pick another spot on the Pacific coast. Check out our partner ecolodges in the area, and our full breakdown here.
The team behind this HOTEL
Siméon was one of the very first foreigners to settle in Termales, over ten years ago.
His idea is simple: offer an affordable, simple, and comfortable place for travelers who want to explore Termales and the area at their own pace. He’s full of great advice and will help you plan your stay as best as possible.
He also lives on the property, though he’s not always around—in that case, you’ll be welcomed by someone else who speaks at least English and Spanish.
HOW TO CONTACT HIM?
Nothing could be easier!
Just book through Booking, and he’ll contact you directly.
An alternative option is to stay at Madre Selva, his next-door neighbor.
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