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How to Pick Your Paradise in Bahía Solano, Colombia (with Map)

Wherever you stay, enjoying a cold beverage tops the list of things to do in Bahia Solano

Bahía Solano: Pick Your   Paradise

This Bahía Solano guide is one of our 4-Part Pacific Paradise series that uncovers all our favorite finds in this undiscovered corner of Colombia.

Bahía Solano is an up-and-coming tourism town in the up-and-coming department of Chocó on the Pacific coast of up-and-coming Colombia.

Three "up-and-comings"  means the place is pretty much deserted tourism-wise, especially outside of whale watching season (Jul-Oct).

The internet is also deserted when it comes to info on things to do in Bahía Solano and where to stay. That's probably how you ended up here at our "up-an-coming" little site for answers.

Well, coming up right now is everything you need to know to pick your paradise and decide where to stay in the Bahía Solano area.

  • Potential Paradises
  • How to Choose
  • How to Get to and from Bahia Solano

blue skies playa larga el valle bahia solano

Bahía Solano Area Map

This map gives you an idea of where all of the potential places to stay in Bahía Solano are relative to one another.

Potential Paradises Around Bahia Solano

Getting around is time consuming, sweaty, and expensive, so your best bet is to stay at each location for a few days at a time instead of trying to hop around every day.

Here are your options, starting from the north and working your way on down south of the Bahía Solano area.

Sun setting viewed from Playa Mecana

Playa Huina

The only thing Playa Huina offers that no other potential place to stay in Bahía Solano does is calm water. So if you can't swim well but really want to swim in the ocean, this is the choice for you.

Otherwise, we're not clear what the draw is. Huina is a beach and party destination for Bahia Solano locals, so it's not quieter. The beach faces northeast so it doesn't have great sunsets. And it's less conveniently located than many other locations.

Nevertheless, Huina offers local character, restaurants, and a nice beach. If you find a hotel there that looks appealing to you, you're sure to have a great time.

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport: Either walk from town when the tide is out (about 2 hours) or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the pier (6,000 COP) then a 25 minute boat ride.

Kim at the front of the kayak paddling through mangroves, one of our favorite things to do in Bahia Solano

Playa Mecana

Playa Mecana is a remote 3-kilometer long beach northeast of Bahia Solano and opposite the bay from Playa Huina. There are only a handful of huts along the beach and one village a hundred meters inland along the Mecana river. It's so small that when I asked the owners of Mecana Ecohotel how many people lived there, they listed each inhabitant by name.

Aside from being on a beach so remote you can skinny-dip in peace, the other draw of Playa Mecana is the Jardín Botanico del Pacífico . This 177 hectare (1.77 square km) private eco-reserve is constantly drawing biologists to study its flora and fauna. There are a few different, and affordable, guided hikes—from 2 to 8 hours—through the park that you can take. Boots are provided.

The Mecana Ecohotel is where to stay on Playa Mecana. It's owned and managed by the same family that runs the Jardín Botanico. All proceeds from the hotel go towards keeping the park going. And to keep you going (and maybe never leaving), they serve truly fantastic food. There are both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

We also recommend borrowing their kayak to explore the mangroves and river behind the beach.

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport: A short tuk-tuk ride to the pier (6,000 COP) followed by either a 1 to 1.5-hour walk from town at low tide or a 20-minute boat ride (60,000 COP split among the number of people taking it).

Chris drinking moonshine on Bahia Solano street

Bahía Solano Town

Bahía Solano reportedly has 9,500 residents, but it feels even smaller than that. It's a bunch of dirt roads, wooden shacks, and no beaches. And one ATM that sometimes has cash in it.

We wracked our brains trying to think of reasons to stay in Bahia Solano. All we could come up with are: A) You're visiting for business in town (maybe buying and selling coconuts and fish?) and B) The only thing you want to do in Bahía Solano is whale-watch and you want to avoid the time, expense, and hassle of going further from the airport.

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport: It's about a 5,000 COP tuk-tuk  (a.k.a. motor-mouse )  ride and less than 10 minutes away.

Kim in tuk-tuk on El Valle's Playa el Almejal

Playa El Almejal

Playa El Almejal is a 1.5 km long beach that's a 20-minute walk north of El Valle.

Strangely enough, it reminds us of another famous beach 6,500 km to the northwest: Tofino, Canada's Long Beach . It's wide and rugged with driftwood and big rock mounds along it and waves fit for surfing. El Almejal has no bears though. And it's slightly warmer.

There is a range of accommodation options along Playa El Almejal. We recommend The Humpback Turtle Hostel for backpackers and El Morro for those with a more flexible budget. Check out our detailed guide of things to do in El Valle for complete info.

Getting there from Bahia Solano airport:  A 50-minute tuk-tuk ride costing 45,000 COP total (15,000 per person if you can find two other to share it with).

Seaside houses and shacks in El Valle

The town of El Valle is just as underwhelming as Bahía Solano, but even smaller. What makes it a much more appealing place to stay is that it's closer to most of the area's top beaches and attractions.

From El Valle, it's an easy 10-15 minute walk south to Playa Cuevita or north to Playa El Almejal. Tours such as those to El Tigre Waterfalls and Utría National Park all leave from town as well.

For everything you could possibly want to know about El Valle including where to stay, the best places to eat and drink, and all the best activities, check out our El Valle guide .

Sign saying "Welcome to El Valle" in Spanish

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport:  A 40-minute tuk-tuk ride costing 30,000 COP (10,000 COP per person if you can find two others to split it with.)

Kim looking down Playa Cuevita on Colombia's Pacific Coast

Playa Cuevita

A ten-minute walk south of El Valle, Playa Cuevita is the second longest (9 km) beach on Colombia's Pacific Coast. The southern part of the beach is even more isolated than Playa Mecana . It's just kilometer after kilometer of unconventionally beautiful beach, driftwood, and, sadly, quite a bit of plastic trash that the ocean spits out.

Also coming out of the Pacific Ocean onto Playa Cuevita are turtles. From June to December, five different species come onto the beach to lay eggs.

The turtles and their eggs are protected by  Mama Orbe Family Eco-Farm . Halfway down Playa Cuevita from El Valle (i.e. 5 km), Mama Orbe is an inspiring sanctuary and hostel run by a local family. Come down for a day visit, or better yet stay for a night or two to support their cause and play turtle-helper for a while.

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport:  Take a tuk-tuk to El Valle then either walk along the beach or inland jungle path, or coordinate a low-tide motorcycle ride with Dario.

Kim walking on bridge over river

Utría National Park

Utría National Park is mostly visited on day trips, but there is on-site accommodation.

Unfortunately, the accommodation is ridiculously expensive, costing over 500,000 COP per person per night. We didn't see the cabins, but have a hard time imagining how that price could be justified even if the food, snorkels, and kayaks are included.

Getting there from Bahía Solano airport:  Take a tuk-tuk to El Valle. From there you can hire a guide (60,000 COP per person) and walk the 9 km to the park entrance where you'll still have to pay 80,000 COP each for a boat ride to the cabins plus the 46,500 COP per person park entry fee. Alternatively, you can hire a boat to take you the whole way. The Utría hotel manager quoted me 638,000 COP return for the two of us.

How to Choose Where to Stay

Surf boards for rent at Humpback Turtle Hostel on Playa El Almejal

Are you a non-Spanish-speaking budget party traveler?

Go straight to Humpback Turtle Hostel at the northern end of Playa El Almejal and stay there your entire time.

Close up of a dinner from Mecana Ecolodge

Are you a foodie and/or non-budget non-Spanish-speaker?

If you have a budget of about $100 a day and want to ensure you eat more than the same fish, rice, and patacones every day, spend a night or two at Mecana Ecohotel on Playa Mecana, explore the Jardín Botanico. Then move south to stay at El Morro , which is on Playa El Almejal, but at the closest end to El Valle town (and the must-try Rosa del Mar Restaurant ).

Both of these hotels have fluent-English speaking hosts.

Beach hut and Pacific shore by Bahia Solano

Are you a low-key couple or group of friends?

Depending on your budget, pick between the Mecana Ecohotel on Playa Mecana (higher end) or Mama Orbe on Playa Cuevita (budget) for a couple of relaxing nights with a beach pretty much to yourself. Afterwards, spend a couple more nights in El Valle at the Posada Eco-Turística to get a taste of the local culture and explore the nearby attractions.

Are you an ultra adventurer?

None of the options listed above.

Bring a tent, befriend a native upon arrival, and hire them to take you into the woods for a multi-day, overnight camping trip where you'll explore the less-touristed beaches, waterfalls, and hills of the area.

Are you an AC-loving, internet-addicted, supreme-comfort-seeking, five-star type?

Don't come.

Even the highest-end places in Bahía Solano don't have AC, useful internet, fancy cocktails, and fluent English-speaking staff ready to wait on you hand and foot. Go to Cartagena or some Caribbean Island instead.

Dario at Mama Orbe's holding baby turtles in bucket

Are you a do-good, budget, eco-warrior (and we mean that fondly)?

Spend all your time at Mama Orbe Family Eco-Farm on Playa Cuevita.

Save some turtles, clean up the beach, and become a worshipper or worship-worthy Dario, Mama Orbe's son who runs the place. You can also relax by exploring the jungle behind the beach, hiking to the waterfall at the south end of Playa Cuevita, or surfing or body-surfing on the beach.

Chris embracing the solitude of Playa Mecana on Colombia's Pacific Coast

Are you a Medellín-based professional in need of pure relaxation?

Stay at one of the two very-private cabañas at the Mecana Ecohotel on Playa Mecana and be bothered my nobody and nothing but the sound of crashing waves.

Are you a snowflakes who thinks you don't fit into any of the above criteria?

Message us on Facebook and we'd be glad to help.

How to Get to and from Bahía Solano

Not possible (…unless you put the bus on a boat or airplane). There are no roads from inland to Bahía Solano.

broken down chiva in El Valle

Fly on either ADA, Satena , or San Germán . It's super fast (40 minute flight) and convenient (5 minutes from El Poblado) from Medellín's city-center Olaya Herrera Airport .

According to the owner of Mecana Eco-Hotel (which you can read about in our Bahía Solano guide), San Germán is the most reliable but also most expensive and Satena is the least reliable.

From Bahía Solano's airport, take a motor-mouse (a.k.a. tuk-tuk) to El Valle. It takes about 40 minutes and costs 30,000 COP (so 10,000 each if you can fill it with three people).

taking plane to bahia solano colombia

To get back to the airport either ask your hotel or go to El Valle's main square. Wait there with the rest of the locals for the next tuk-tuk, car, or truck to come by.

Boats leave from Nuquí to El Valle every Monday and Friday at 6 a.m. and return at around 11 a.m. They cost 70,000 COP.

Chris bathing under Bahia Solano's Airport Waterfalls

More Info

Colombia's pacific coast.

Complete our 4-Part Colombia Pacific Paradise Series with:

15 Colombia Pacific Coast Travel Tips Nobody Told Us

Guide to El Valle, Chocó's Center for Adventure

How to Visit Cascada El Tigre the Right Way

The Rest of Colombia

For all the ingredients you need to put together a magnificent Medellin trip— where to stay , what to do , what to eat , where else to visit in Colombia —see our Medellin Travel Manual.

Medellin Travel Manual

Our collection of blog posts that reveal the real Medellin.

And if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to share with other readers, please share them in the comments!

Please note: The hotel links in the post are affiliate links that don’t cost you anything but may earn us commission.  Click here for more info.

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

20 thoughts on “How to Pick Your Paradise in Bahía Solano, Colombia (with Map)”

Hey guys! Congrats for this website, I really like it! I´ve got a question for you 🙂 I bought a plane ticket to Bahia Solano from Medellin and I would like to return by boat and bus. I was thinking to take a boat from Bahia Solano to Buenaventura and then bus to Cali and Medellin. You don´t mention this route, Is it not available? Thank you!

Hi Lehel, thanks for your comments!

We didn't really look into taking the boat because we were flying both directions from Medellin. But, according to travel blog Mum We Are Fine, they say that is is possible:

"Take a cargo boat from the southern port town – Buenaventura. This leaves every Tuesday from Buenaventura to Bahía Solano and returns every Saturday from Buenaventura to Bahía Solano. It takes approximately 24 hours, costs 150,000CLP and includes three meals and a bunk bed. For more information you can talk with the Captain Oscar at +57 314 617 8859."

This was posted back in 2016 so I'm not sure how up to date it is. Maybe try giving Oscar a call if you're in Colombia? Let us know what you find out so we can share the info with others.

Saludos and thanks for reading! Have a fantastic trip.

Hi Kim and Chris: Hope you are doing well. I very appreciate your website and info regarding Colombia, particularly about Choco, Bahia Solano and El Valle. Although born in Colombia I actually live in Switzerland since many years. I'm a literary writer, more under http://www.mariosalazar.ch . A recurrent theme in my writing relates to the Pacific coast and to El Valle. That's the reason I always get back there. There is another one: a physical disability. Once a year I must take out a leg prosthesis and do a kind of therapy. Both activities require some friendly and open minded place to stay. Since many years I stay at the "Posada Don Ai" in the Playa El Almejal. I missed this place in your range of acommodation options there. Last time I was there we visited together your website and they were kind of sad their place was not mentioned. I promised them to contact you and kindly request you if their place could also appear in your website. I took some pictures, also from the surroundings, which could help. I'd very appreciate. For more about I would be pleased. Best regards. Mario Salazar Montero

Grüezi Mario! Thanks for sharing your recommendation for Posada Don Ai. We did mention it briefly as a place to get a beer on the beach in El Valle, but you're right we didn't list it in our recommended places to stay. I suppose though, that it could be an alternative for people who want to stay on El Almejal but can't afford El Morro and don't want to stay at the Humpback Turtle hostel. I'll update the El Valle guide with what you wrote.

Grüezi Chris!, nice to know you are able to deal with the swiss dialect,.. sorry, swiss-german! I'm glad and thank you for your reply. You are right about "Posada Don Ai" as a good alternative between El Almejal y El Morro for a stay at the beach in El Valle. They will be quite happy if their place get mentioned. Should you require some pictures, I got some ones. Wish you all the best with your endeavour and hope Colombia remains in your radar. Alles Gute und viel Glück.

Hi!! I love your articles and guides, they're great and really helpful. Im travelling to Colombia with my boyfriend in July and we definiteley want to go to bahia solano for 1 week, early August. My question: do we need to book flights and accommodation beforehand, or can we decide and book when we arrive in Medellin? We prefer the last option.. 🙂 thanks!! Jenny

Hey Jenny! Definitely book the flights beforehand. And, if you're flexible, play around with the dates and times because they vary considerably. I remember ours were super cheap, but the days before and after—and even different times of the same day—were twice or even three times as expensive. As for accommodation, that's less certain. El Moro only has three rooms, so you're best off booking it in advance if you're set on staying there. Otherwise, there are probably enough different choices to "risk it" and not book too far in advance. You'll probably want to book your first night at least in any case, though, just so you have a place to take your "motor-mouse" to when you arrive and then get your bearings and further plan your stay. Thanks for reading and have a great trip!

My nephew and I are flying to Bahia Solano Friday from Medellin. We are staying at the Hotel Balboa. We arrive midday. We are looking for something cool to do the balance of Friday. Jungle falls? Dugout canoe ride? Bird watching? Quick fishing trip…I have my own tackle. On Saturday we are fishing with Vicente Gonzalez. All day. Any other suggestions for food, beers and fun. We have to leave Sunday.

Thank you much! Chris Runde

Hey Chris, Since you'll be out on a boat the next day I'd suggest heading to some jungle waterfalls. The ones by the airport (which is close to town and your hotel) are actually really nice and easy to get to. Our El Valle post has info on them. If you get the chance, please update us how your trip goes. Buen viaje!

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately our flight to Medellin got delayed and we missed our chance to bet to Bahia Solano. Because our window was so short we had to come up with a destination on the fly and went to Taganga near Santa Marta. We had fun with some primitive fishing and some birds watching. Carnivale was raging. Very colorful! Anyway, next year it's Choco or bust! Thank you, Chris R

Hi Chris, Love the site and your info on Bahia Solano! Great help! We are planning to go to Bahia Solano juli/august this year with our 2 girls 13 and 15 years. But are also considering Nuqui. What do you think is best? Our main goal is to see the whales, and maybe do some scuba diving and a jungle trek. so what can you recommend? Also accommodation wise. My husband speaks fluent Spanish so that is no show stopper 😉 Regards Sandra

Hi Sandra. Thanks for commenting and saying such nice things about our site! We've yet to visit Nuqui, so I can't honestly answer your question. All I can say is El Valle was fantastic for meeting Dario and the turtles, the Cascada el Tigre boat ride / hike, the beach, the food (Rosa del Mar especially). If you haven't already, read our El Valle guide. Our friends who've been to Nuqui have great things to say about it too, though, so you can't go wrong. If you get the chance, please let us know where you end up going and how it goes!

Hi there! I really enjoyed reading your blog about these remote places!

Can you recommend an airline for the flights to the Pacific Coast? We are planning to fly in to Bahia Solano and let our trip end in Nuqui (go there by boat) and then fly back inland from there. And also we're not sure wether to fly from Medellin or Bogota, since we are still flexible with our schedule.

Thank you for any recommendation you might have! Viele Grüße aus Deutschland, Luisa

Hi Luisa – We listed the three airlines we know of that fly to the Pacific Coast above in the "How to get to and from Bahia Solano" section.

If you have to choose between Medellin or Bogota, I'd recommend Medellin if only because the weather's so much nicer there. Check out the rest of our blog for all of our favorites from the 6 months we lived there.

And if you take the boat from Bahia Solano to Nuqui, please get back in touch with us to tell us how it went. We didn't have the chance and are curious to know how it is—as are many other readers I'm sure.

how much money to bring for 3 days ?

Hey Saraf. We spent less than 40k/meal for dinner, >30k for lunch, 2.5k per beer… add that to whatever you plan for hotels and tours and taxis (prices in post above), plus some emergency cash.

Dear Chris,

Your blog has really help us to have an idea what to do in our trip to Colombia. We have traveling 4 adults and 4 children.. but not that easy to plan a trip. My question to you, it is better to book our trip to Pacific cost by ourselves of do the booking via an agency. We want to see the whales in Nuqui.

Maybe you can help us a bit to make our plan clear 🙂

Thanks a lot Marisol

Dear Marisol, If you're a reasonably experienced traveler, are comfortable with booking flights and hotels on your own, you should fine booking on your own and saving the additional cost of an agency. Based on your name, you might speak some Spanish, which will make things even easier for you. But if you know of a great package or agency, don't have time to plan yourself, or are inexperienced traveling to lesser-travelled regions like the Colombian Pacific Coast, an agent could be a good investment. I hope that helps you. Let me know how your trip goes. Buen viaje!

HI Chris, nice blog you have. What I can't find is wether there is an airport in Nuqui still, can you or other travelers tell me?

Hi Janny. You're right… it looks like Satena no longer flies there and ADA is out of business. I couldn't find any way to fly to Nuqui anymore. Yikes. Maybe email a hotel / lodge there? Please let us know if you find flights (same goes for anyone reading this).

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

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Orange Cuppa to Copa Travels logo: Latin America travel guides and tips

El Valle, Chocó: where Colombian jungle meets Pacific Ocean

Humpback el valle whale tours choco colombia whale watching boat

Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you . This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I don’t or wouldn’t use myself. Big thanks to each and every one of you who have trusted my recommendations so far! Lozzy x

Though not yet on the international radar as such, Bahia Solano and El Valle whale tours have made the area famous around Colombia. For 5 months of the year, humpback whales come to the area to breed and rear their young before heading to colder waters. That’s certainly not all this Pacific jungle has though, and this guide aims to give you literally everything you need to know about what to do in El Valle, Chocó, how to see whales in El Valle & Bahia Solano, where to stay, where to eat and some key tips about El Valle to help your visit be as smooth as possible.

Also, you can check out our video of our time surfing, releasing baby turtles and spotting whales in Chocó Colombia.

tour a bahia solano

After this guide to El Valle whale tours and more in Chocó, Colombia, check out these other posts:

  • Cali, Colombia: the hot-hot city of salsa
  • 32 tips for staying safe when backpacking South America
  • The Colombia bucketlist: 29 must-visit places

El Valle also lacks a touristy vibe, and to be honest when we first pulled up we felt a little unsafe going past rickety shacks on stilts built over the sea, puddles reminiscent of Quebrada Las Gachas in Guadalupe , lots of stares and even a few jovial taunts from the locals. Over time though, we came to feel comfortable walking through the town at all hours (in groups, mind you), and people began to warm to us as we became more regular faces in their cafés and restaurants.

There’s lots of poverty in this area of Chocó, a region that has historically been a reluctant home for escaped/freed African slaves and disenfranchised indigenous groups, and that suffered a lot during the scarring Colombian conflicts of the late 20 th century.

how to get to bahia solano airport choco colombia

Still, the draw of seeing whales completely in the wild is a good enough persuader for many backpackers to travel to this riskier part of Colombia, and while Chocó is still technically Colombia off the beaten track for now, we predict that in the next few years tourism here will explode. Despite their littered towns, El Valle & Bahia Solano are pretty hot on ecotourism, and much of the land around them is protected as part of the Utría national park.

While things like walking tours to learn about the towns and culture in this part of Colombia do not yet formally exist, there is a Colombian ViaHero guide called Andrea who specialises in Chocó, and has links to a children’s charity in the region. You can see Andrea’s profile and contact her here .

As with most of the West of Colombia, El Valle beaches are not beautiful, but they’re peaceful and have their own way of wowing you. River from the forest flow down to the sea across black sand, and the view as you stand in the Pacific Ocean and look back up at the jungle is breath-taking.

el valle beach almejas playa colombia

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How to get to El Valle, Chocó

There are no roads connecting Bahia Solano and the nearby town of El Valle to the rest of Colombia, so driving or getting a bus there is not an option. Instead, your only choices are to fly to Bahia Solano airport or to take a boat from either Nuqui to El Valle or from Buenaventura to Bahia Solano. From Bahia Solano, you’ll need to get a 45-minute tuktuk or taxi to El Valle.

Flying to Bahia Solano

Bahia Solano airport is only served by propeller planes, which range in size from 8 to 50 passengers depending on the route. Surprisingly, there are no direct flights from Bogotá or Cali, so Quibdo and Medellín (leaving from smaller the Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in the centre of the city) are the only options from which to find flights to Bahia Solano.

Companies that fly to Bahia Solano include Satena (which have a terribly buggy website so if you can call or visit a desk, that is the better bet to actually succeeding in buying tickets), San Germán (whose website is also terrible but the payment system at least doesn’t crash) and Ada (who we had literally never heard of before arriving at Bahia Solano airport).

Satena propeller plane how to get to bahia solano airport choco colombia

When buying your plane tickets, make sure you leave plenty of time between any connections on the way back, because the runway at Bahia Solano airport is not well-built, so the regular downpours often mean that planes aren’t able to take off or touch down. It’s quite normal for the planes to be a few hours late while they wait for the weather conditions to clear, and we’ve even heard of a flight getting all the way to Bahia Solano from Medellín and then aborting the landing at the last second and returning back to the city.

Leave at least a day if you’re connecting to an expensive international flight, and get yourself some travel insurance to cover any mishaps.

Bahia Solano Airport

Anyway, when you arrive at the airport, you will be asked to pay a Bahia Solano airport tax of 30,000 pesos in cash before you can go back the way you came to pick up your luggage from the side of the runway. The airport process has about the efficiency of a dog wearing slippers (you’ve all seen those videos) but eventually you’ll be smelling the fresh jungley air of Chocó.

On your return, after check-in you will need to go to the little desk in the departures lounge to pay a 7k COP airport tax. Without proof of this, you cannot board the plane. The airport is small, so if you want any chance of getting a seat in Departures you need to get there very early. If you miss out, there are several uber-local restaurants to sit in just outside of the airport (you can walk in and out of Departures as you please).

how to get to bahia solano airport choco colombia

Getting a tuktuk from Bahia Solano Airport to El Valle

Right outside the airport, there will be tuktuk and van drivers waiting to take you the 14km/45 minutes to your accommodation. Tuktuks to El Valle will cost a flat rate of 15k per person – travelling alone, you can expect the tuktuk driver to ask you to share the ride with someone else unless you’re willing to pay for the empty seat.

If you’re staying on Playa El Almejal, which is just an extra 5 minutes drive from the town of El Valle, tell the man at the airport tax desk which hostel you have a reservation at and he’ll link you to the right van driver who takes people that way in bulk for 15k each.

Those just going to El Valle town and not all the way to Playa El Almejal will be charged 10k per person. Note that if the tide is up you may have to walk the last couple of hundred metres along the beach/across the river to your hostel, depending on how far down the beach you’re staying.

how to get to bahia solano airport choco colombia tuktuk

Getting the boat from Buenaventura to Bahia Solano

Though cheaper, this option is only for those with more time to spare and a lot of patience. To take the boat to Bahia Solano, you first need to get yourself to Buenaventura. This area has historically been key for narco-traffickers, and it was greatly affected by the conflict Colombia has suffered over the last 30 or so years, so it’s somewhere that people tell you to be extra alert to trouble.

Buenaventura is only a couple of hours on the bus from Cali (have a look at all the amazing things you can do in Cali if you choose this option), and there are direct flights with Satena from Bogotá. Alternatively, you can get an 11-hour or more bus to Buenaventura from Bogotá (though taking this option at night is not generally recommended).

Once in Buenaventura, you need to find the Bodega de Renacer and book a place on the cargo boat that travels up the Pacific coast to Bahia Solano, leaving from Buenaventura every Tuesday and returning to Buenaventura every Saturday. This will cost 150,000 pesos and includes a bed and basic meals over the 24 hours you’re on the boat. Once in Bahia Solano, you’ll need to get a tuktuk or taxi to El Valle for 15k COP.

Getting the boat from Nuqui to El Valle

There is one other alternative, which is flying to Nuquí (there are more flight routes to here, such as Cali), and then getting a 1-hour speedboat up to El Valle. This speedboat leaves only on Monday and Friday at 6am, so you’ll need to stay in Nuquí at least one night. It returns from Bahia Solano at 11am on the same days. The Nuquí speedboat costs 80,000 COP each way. Make sure you keep a look-out for whales! 😉

Humpback el valle whale tours choco colombia whale

Where to stay in El Valle, Chocó

This is a no-brainer for us. There are a couple of small hostels in the town itself, but there’s really no better place in El Valle to be than on Playa El Almejal. And on Almejal Beach, the Pelican House Hostel is up there with one of our favourite hostels in all of Latin America. While the facilities may be basic, the vibe is INCREDIBLE – not a party but certainly not quiet either – staff are mega friendly and the location is perfect, both on the edge of the beach and the edge of the jungle. We could see both from our beds!

pelican house hostel el valle colombia

And if we wanted an even better view, Pelican House has built a mirador hut up into the jungle on the hill, from which you have a better chance of spotting the whales that like to come close to the shore:

pelican house hostel el valle colombia

Now, we’ve seen most blogs on El Valle recommend the Humpback Turtle Hostel to stay, but really we think this is just because it was the first hostel to be built on Playa El Almejal, and in reality it’s now past its hey-day.

We met several people who had to move to the Humpback Turtle because Pelican House was booked out, and all of them said Pelican House is better. One even disliked the vibe and lack of facilities so much that he checked out of the Humpback Turtle after just one night and moved a few hundred metres down the beach to Hakuna Matata Hostel .

How to see whales in El Valle & Bahia Solano

The season to spot whales in El Valle & Bahia Solano is June to October, and although locals say they do get sightings from April until December, they only operate El Valle whale tours Jun-Oct to better guarantee satisfaction of visitors. Along Alemjas Beach and Cuevita Beach, it is possible (and in certain months very likely!) to see whales very close to the shore without the need for booking Bahia Solano or El Valle whale tours.

It’s actually easier to spot the mist blowing out of their blowholes on the horizon than it is to see their tiny dorsals from a distance. They’ve been known to come just a few metres from shore and are often seen breaching. If you catch sight of them close, try and find a high viewpoint asap. Pelican House ’s mirador hut is perfect for this!

Breaching Humpback el valle whale tours choco colombia whale watching boat

Even if you are lucky enough to see them from the mainland, we still recommend that you book a place on one of the Bahia Solano or El Valle whale tours to learn more about these amazing creatures. Here’s what’s available to you:

El Valle whale tours

The El Valle whale tours are all locally run, by people who have grown up seeing and learning about the whales. For now they’re available in Spanish only. On an El Valle whale tour, expect to be taken out in a small fishing boat of anywhere from 2 to 8 people, where the trained guide will do his best to spot whales with his crazily well-tuned eye and lifelong knowledge of the spots they like to hang out in.

The 3 to 4-hour El Valle whale tours cost 110k pesos, and start with a hostel pickup at around 7:30am. We found our guide, Yepes, to be very knowledgeable and thoughtful of the whales. You can couple this tour with a visit to Utría national park OR Cascada El Tigre as a full-day trip for an extra 25k pesos. Remember kids, chase waterfalls, not whales.

tour humpback whale El valle bahia solano chocó colombia whale-watching wild ethical

Are El Valle whale tours ethical?

This really depends on which of the El Valle whale tours you choose. Boats legally have to keep a long distance from the whales, and they shouldn’t ‘chase’ them, especially if the whales are close to the shore. However, if it looks like a whale is getting close enough to land to accidentally beach itself, the boats are permitted to put themselves between the whale and the beach to try and push them back out to sea.

There is a limit of 4 boats allowed around a whale, but we saw several non-whale tour boats disobeying this as they stumbled across some whales on the way to a tour of Utría national park. Our guide, Yepes, was NOT happy, and kept whistling and shouting at them to keep their distance.

It seems the whale-tour boats understand the importance of ecotourism in keeping their livelihood sustainable, but the other tour guides don’t care as much since their career isn’t as at risk if the whales don’t return next year (a pretty myopic view, really!).

They were mega chilled with us being there, and continued playing with each other and floating to the side, something they only do when very relaxed. We spent the next 90 minutes or so just floating alongside them with the engine off. Both a peaceful and exhilarating experience to see them so close up in the wild.

ethical Humpback el valle whale tours choco colombia whale watching boat

Bahia Solano whale tours

If you want to learn about the whales in English, by far your best option is to take the Madre Agua whale tour from Bahia Solano. This is a larger boat of around 20 people run by a group of biologists who are currently studying the whales. They are extremely knowledgeable, and even have a hydrophone device with which to listen to whale songs underwater if any males are singing (female humpback whales can only listen!).

Madre Agua offer several Bahia Solano whale tours, from a 3-4 hour whale tour for 120k pesos, or a full-day whale tour including lunch for 180k pesos.

The final option is a day where you’re not on tour per se, but actually helping the biologists study the whales. It’s a day that doesn’t guarantee seeing whales as you have to methodically keep to the linear path of the study, but one in which you would learn the most about their behaviours. This scientific whale trip costs 200 pesos per person, 7am to 2pm.

Keep in mind that since these options for Bahia Solano whale tours do start from Bahia Solano, you will have to factor in a 45-minute tuktuk ride from El Valle to get to the tour on time.

Breaching Humpback el valle whale tours choco colombia whale watching boat

Other things to do (that aren’t El Valle whale tours!)

Explore the utría national park.

Utría is an expanse of protected mountainous jungle, which meets the sea just at the end of Cuevita beach. There are tours that offer to take you on a boat ride around the mangroves and then a 45 minute jungle hike to some of the beaches of the national park (Playa Blanca and Playa Cocolito), with the opportunity to rent snorkels at the end before being taken back to El Valle.

These tours cost 120k pesos per person if there are 3 people or more in the tour (160k pp for the minimum of 2) and do not include the 53k COP national park entrance fee per person.

Surf the Pacific Ocean

The waves to the north end of Playa El Almejal (just outside Pelican House , conveniently) are perfect for beginners’ surfing. You have to be more careful towards the south, as the rocks make it dangerous and it’s permanently on a red flag there. You can rent surfboards in El Valle for 20k per hour from Pelican House or the Surf School on the beach (a little down from Hakuna Matata Hostel).

Surfing pacific ocean coast colombia whale tours el valle

Help the El Valle turtle nest conservation programm e

This is one of the most involved of the El Valle & Bahia Solano tours. In the dead of night, you accompany the turtle protection programme leaders with torches onto the beach as they search for female turtles laying their eggs or signs of newly-dug turtle nests.

The eggs are then dug back out, the depth of the nest is recorded, and the eggs are taken to the turtle foundation where to nest is replicated within a fenced-off area to protect the eggs from predators such as birds, dogs and even jaguars. This activity costs 40k per person.

Release El Valle baby turtles

Now, there’s absolutely no guarantee that a batch of eggs will hatch that day, so you can’t plan this turtle activity ahead that well. What you do need to do is register your interest with the turtle foundation or via your accommodation, and then make sure you’re on-call to jump into action if they send word around that some baby turtles have hatched that day.

The turtle release first includes a 40 minute (Spanish-only) explanation of the turtle protection programme and some in-depth information about the behaviour of turtles in the wild.

The release itself only takes about 5 minutes, as the baby turtles are carried out in a bowl and the programme leader pours them out onto the sand. It’s then a case of cheering on the racers as they follow their instincts haphazardly into the sea. It is sad to see some of the weaker baby turtles struggling to move even a few paces, but that’s just nature.

The El Valle turtle release experience costs 40k pesos per person, with no set time and seemingly no maximum group size.

Hatched baby turtle release playa cuevita el valle tours chocó colombia ecotourism

Learn about poison on the frog tour

We didn’t take this tour ourselves, but our friends came back sopping wet with raving reviews. This activity took them on a walk deep into the jungle, where their expert guide told them all about the flora, fauna and more specifically, frogs. They saw several poisonous frogs, and learnt all about how the indigenous people of the Chocó area extract the serum to create poison arrows. After the tour, you return via canoe on the river. This is a 3-5 hour tour and costs 85,000 pesos per person.

Hike to Cascada el Tigre

To return, you have 2 options: to walk back along the same 4 hour hike (which would mean the total tour costs 70k COP plus the cost of entry to the waterfall) or to get a 20 minute boat (making the tour 85k COP). Strangely, just opting for a boat there and back only costs 70k COP, but I guess you’re not needing so much of the guide’s time to visit La Cascada el Tigre this way.

Hike to the Secret Beach

Heading North along Alemjas Beach, just an hour up the same hike as the Cascada el Tigre tour takes you on, you’ll come to the ‘Secret Beach’. There are plenty of small waterfalls to see on the way, and lots to explore around it.

As a warning though, you must be aware of the tide times both for when you start off and come back. Tides change by 50 minutes every day, but your accommodation should have a timetable to check. We went too late in the day and found ourselves completely blocked by the sea. The views up until that point were pretty special anyway!

Secret beach hike el valle colombia chocó

Horse-ride down Playa Cuevita

Playa Cuevita is a 9km beach that connects the town of El Valle with the Utría national park, and myyy is it a beauty. It’s almost always clear of people, and a popular hang-out for whales rearing their newborn young. This 3-hour tour takes you on a gallop all the way down the beach, ending in a lake that you and the horse can cool down in.

Where to eat in El Valle, Chocó

There aren’t that many restaurant options in El Valle, and to be honest we had hoped for more local menu del día vibes for a simple but hearty lunch. However, the small town is home to Rosa del Mar, a restaurant that is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike, and serves up some excellent fish or meat with soup. You may have to get there early to get a table for dinner!

If you’re passing through El Valle and fancy a snack, you must – MUST – try the coconut ice cream. We found a lady at an unnamed shop who sold incredible cocohelado for 2000 pesos. From Playa El Almejal, if you continue straight down the road you came in on, 2 blocks into town you’ll find her shop on the left with a hand-painted sign that says ‘Jugos Naturales’, opposite Restaurante Delicias del Pacifico. You should also stock up on her envueltos for a tasty breakfast!

el valle colombia choco

And speaking of breakfast, you can get simple but filling arepas with egg, bread and a drink for 10,000 pesos at Ricuras del Valle bakery, just off the first crossroads from the beach road.

On El Almejal beach, the options for places to eat are even fewer, but luckily Pousada Don Ai provides really tasty fried fish and a delicious soup for 25k. However, their service stops at 1:30pm for lunch and 7:30pm for dinner so again, you have to get in there early.

El Valle & Bahia Solano FAQs

Is there a cash point in el valle.

Nope. Sorry. There is only one cash point in this roadless area, which is in Bahia Solano. The cashpoint doesn’t always have money in it, so you can ask your accommodation hosts to ring someone in Bahia Solano to check it’s working that day before you set off on the 45 minute tuktuk from El Valle.

tour a bahia solano

Does El Valle have WiFi?

This is mostly another big solid ‘no’, but recently some establishments have been popping up with some particularly slow WiFi in the town itself, such as La Casa Azul Hostel . Some people are able to get phone signal if their network connects to Claro, but for us on Movistar it was emergency calls only. To be honest, it was nice to switch off!

pelican house hostel el valle colombia

Humidity in El Valle and Bahia Solano

Keep it in mind that everything – everything – in the Bahia Solano area gets damp at some point, whether you’ve worn it or not. Despite being around the 28 degrees mark, the humidity is so high that it’s almost impossible to dry things naturally, and you can expect your bag to smell to high heaven on your return. Factor in some time to wash all your stuff when you get to your next destination!

This can have an effect on camera gear should they be exposed to too much moisture in the air. Lozzy’s DSLR stopped working properly for 3 days. This photographer has some excellent tips for protecting your camera gear in the high humidity that you’ll find in El Valle, Colombia.

It does rain a lot in the Chocó region, even when it’s not yet rainy season, so if you see a blue sky make the most of it as it could all change in a few hours!

Is El Valle tap water safe to drink?

Surprisingly, yes! Our hostel informed us that the town’s tap water comes straight from natural streams nearby, so unlike many places in Chocó, El Valle tap water is perfectly safe to drink water.

Is tap water safe to drink in El Valle, Chocó Colombia? Colombia off the beaten path

Is viche safe to drink?

Well, thats a loaded question 😉 Viche is a Chocó speciality, a potent spirit made from sugar cane. It’s essentially moonshine, and usually comes in reused Aguardiente bottles or even plastic soda bottles. No one knows the alcoholic percentage in each batch, nor the quality of the batch until someone knowledgable has tasted it.

The owner of Pelican House Hostel has taken to trying each bottle before he deems it fit for sale in his hostel (what a champ), so we at least know that their stock is as ok as it can be.

In El Valle, there is a man who sells viche from his bedroom opposite the great coconut ice-cream shop we mentioned earlier. We know this because our group drank Pelican House out of stock. Not our proudest moment.

How long to stay in Bahia Solano or El Valle, Colombia? 4-5 days

Well, at over 3,500 words this El Valle, Colombia post is one of our most comprehensive destination guides yet! We hope this helps you find a place to stay, book onto some great tours and pick a Bahia Solano or El Valle whale tour. Let us know if there’s anything you think we’ve missed!

Now you’ve reached the end of this guide to El Valle whale tours and more in Bahia Solano, Colombia, check out these other posts:

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Last Updated on 2 April 2023 by Cuppa to Copa Travels

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4 thoughts on “el valle, chocó: where colombian jungle meets pacific ocean”.

Hi what was the name of your tour in el valle please?

Hi! I don’t actually think our tour had an official name, they’re more individually-run by locals, so ask around for Yepes when you get there and you’ll likely be put in contact with the same guide! You might be able to message and ask your hostel ahead of arriving, too.

Amazing guide, gonna follow this to a tee 😉

Thank you, enjoy your travels!

Leave a comment :) Cancel reply

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Bahia Solano : Travel guide

The municipality of Bahia Solano is located 5 meters above sea level in the department of Chocó. It has an area of 1667 square kilometers.

bahia solano parque utria

Bahia Solano overview

The municipality of Bahia Solano is located in the department of Chocó, 5 kilometres above sea level. It covers an area of 1667 km2.

The department of Choco is located in the northwest of the country on the Colombian Pacific coast. It is the only department that has both Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

The landscape of Bahía Solano is rich in cultural assets such as freshwater waterfalls by the sea, extensive beaches, tropical rainforest and warm sea humpback whales. The economy depends on agriculture (manioc, lulo, plantain), fishing, livestock and ecotourism.

Bahía Solano is an ideal place for lovers. There are paradisiacal beaches and you will have the opportunity to dive and admire the beauty of the coral reefs and the whales. Jungle walks amidst rich biodiversity, beautiful waterfalls and streams are activities you can enjoy.

Characteristics of Choco and the Pacific region

Chocó is characterized by its rainforest ecosystem, rich biodiversity and a wide variety of vegetation and animals. The territory is also home to indigenous communities (Emberá and Waunan) and is also known for the large number of Afro-Colombians who live in the area. They are characterized by their joy of living and their simplicity, and they welcome all visitors. Tourism is very important for the region, especially ecotourism.

Things to Do in Bahia Solano ?

On the Pacific coast it is possible to surf, snorkel, dive, watch dolphins, turtles, a variety of flora and fauna and humpback whales. From the beach, it is possible to observe whales that settle on this site to feed their young between July and October. Tourists interested in this area can also visit Bahia Solano, Nuqui, Utria National Park and the typical lodges, Ecolodge El Catil and Morromico. Choco has unique ecosystems, flowers (heliconias), mangroves, virgin black sand beaches, exotic and delicious gastronomy. It is a perfect place to relax and live peacefully.

Things to do in Bahia Solano El Almejal beach @laure

Bahia Solano climate

Bahía Solano is located 5 metres above sea level. The climate in Bahia Solano is classified as tropical . Bahia Solano experiences a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year (6798 mm annually). The average annual temperature in Bahia Solano is 24.9°C.

When to visit Bahia Solano?

  • Humpback whale season : late June to mid-October. From September to October to watch the whale dance.
  • To see the babies whales you have to wait until September.
  • May is the ideal time for fishing for the famous flying fish.
  • September marks the start of the migratory bird season.
  • The period from February to July, with a peak in April, is ideal for observing leatherback turtles laying eggs.

Health and equipment needed to go to Bahia Solano

Light coloured clothing, hiking shoes and a torch are recommended. Do not wear perfume (to avoid attracting insects). Take an umbrella or rain cape and waterproof bags to protect your belongings from water. Be aware of the tides in the area, read the tide dates carefully in your hotel to avoid being trapped when the tide comes in.

Bring plenty of cash, although there is a small, rarely-stocked Banco Agraria ATM. Do not bring large notes. 

Please note : there is little network in this region. Only Claro offers telephone service.

In case of emergency, Bahia Solano has a small hospital. 

What are the main events in Bahia Solano ?

  • First week of August: Festival of the Bay (Bahía Solano), a festival marked by Afro-Colombian culture.

How to get to Bahia Solano?

  • BY AIR: You can arrive at the José Celestino Mutis de Bahia Solano airport. The nickname of the airport is “Sal si Puedes” (get out if you can) due to the heavy rainfall that hinders take-offs. (It is advisable not to plan connections on the day of departure). Flights to and from Medellín, Quibdó and Cali are offered by SAtena and ADA. This airport is located 3km south of Bahia Solano. It costs 5,000 pesos to reach the centre by tuk-tuk, 12,000 pesos to reach El Valle by collective taxi. You will have to pay a tourist tax of 26.000 pesos at the airport.
  • BY BOAT : From Nuqui, count 1h30 for the beach of El Valle (70.000 pesos) or 2h for Bahia solano (80.000 pesos). Only on Mondays and Fridays.

From Buenaventura, you will have to take a Cargo that supplies Bahía Solano (beginning of the week). Count between 24 and 36 hours of travel and 150.000 pesos (meals and sleeping included). For the fast boat, count between 7 and 12 hours of navigation. 

El Valle/Bahia Solano : 40 minutes by tuk-tuk or chivas. 12,000 pesos by car and 40,000 by tuk-tuk. Only 18 km separate the two sites.

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Bahía Solano & Nuqui Travel Guide

Discover Choco's Bahía Solano & Nuqui: Attractions, stays, and tips

Tropical bay with forests, boats, and sunbeams through clouds.

Things to do in Bahía Solano & Nuqui

Some jungles and beaches , not yet discovered, offer the most exotic flora and fauna of the tropics. The physical characteristics and geographic location are used to develop activities in nature with conservation parameters that help education and environmental awareness. With its National Natural Parks, the visit of humpback whales, turtle nesting, the passage of migratory birds, apart from the immense native natural wealth, both in the sea and on land, this region has been catalogued as a tourist potential for all seasons of the year.

El Valle Choco Colombia

Sun and Beach

One of its natural attractions are the peaceful and extensive beaches and cliffs framed between the Choco jungle and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Each beach is crossed by streams of crystalline waters that feed the sea and create a relaxing atmosphere.

Surf, sports & adventure

The Chocó has great tourist attractions such as the marine world, jungle trails, surrounded by giant trees and crystalline waterfalls; imposing canyons, countless rivers and streams, spectacular natural pools, rich thermal waters and countless unspoiled places, especially for sports activities. Its marine area facilitates the practice of diving, fishing of all modalities, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and trekking, among others.

Whale wathcing & Wildlife

The Chocó rainforest is one of the richest in the world in terms of flora and fauna species. Its botanical splendor has been recognized by great scientists of the world who have found in its jungles a variety of species. In addition to its flora, the fauna of Chocó is impacted by the passage of humpback whales , sea turtles and large birds that provide impressive spectacles at certain times of the year. One of the greatest strengths of Chocó’s tourist destinations is the warmth of its people.

The Nature of Chocó

The Pacific ecoregion is a biogeographic formation that begins in Panama and reaches the north of Ecuador. It is characterized by its high biodiversity, endemism and beauty in a context in which colonization and timber exploitation are advancing, which is why it has been catalogued as one of the most threatened areas in the world.

The forests of Chocó are famous for their biodiversity. There are more than 9000 species of vascular plants, about a quarter of them endemic. The Chocó has a great variety of animals, some of them endangered. Among them are mammals: tamandua, species of anteater, sloth bear, ocelot, jaguarundi, species of puma, howler monkey, and armadillo; birds: chabarri, kingfisher, green kingfisher, churrinche, pepite or suirirí, azulejo or tangara azuleja and guaco; green iguana, lizards, snakes and turtles; and amphibians: frogs of various species.

The volcanic nature and certain erosive processes have created spectacular underwater landscapes with coral formations where many marine species live such as white shrimp, piangua, crab, oysters, starfish, hammerhead sharks and a multiplicity of fish. It is also a mating place for humpback whales, which can reach up to 15 meters in length.

The Playón and La Playona beaches, in the municipality of Acandí, hold the densest population of loggerhead turtles in the Colombian Caribbean – the largest turtle in the world – and are the most suitable places for nesting.

Best time to travel to Nuqui & Bahia Solano

In general terms, you can travel to Chocó at any time of the year, considering these two aspects: – The first three months of the year are the driest time of the year, and October is the wettest time.


  • Between July and October is the whale season in the Pacific Ocean.

Recommendations for travel to Nuqui & Bahia Solano

Whoever wishes to travel to Chocó with the purpose of finding attractions very different from those conventionally offered by other regions of Colombia , America and the world, should take into account the following:

  • The main tourist sites in Chocó have hotels , lodges, hostels and inns. In the beach and jungle areas there are ecolodges and tourist inns in the municipalities of [Bahía Solano] and its jurisdiction El Valle, Playa Huina, Playa Potes and Playa Flores, and Nuquí and its jurisdiction Guachalito, Coquí, Joví, Termales and Morrorrico.
  • Please note that the total weight of baggage allowed as cargo on small aircraft must not exceed 10 kilograms.
  • Upon arrival, don’t forget to confirm your return flight.
  • Flights are often delayed of 1 day due to weather conditions and heavy rains, so it is not recommended to take any other flight connection in the same day.
  • When buying handicrafts, pay a fair price for the pieces you are buying; this helps local communities and their livelihoods.
  • Some indigenous people may be upset if you photograph them, it is best to get their permission and talk to them.
  • It is forbidden to drink liquor, throw food into the sea or any other element outside the boat.
  • If the clothes were wetted with sea water, the humidity of the environment will prevent them from drying. If washed with fresh water, the problem is solved.
  • If you are going to take surf lessons for the first time in Chocó, you may not know that you have to wear a t-shirt or wet suit, so as not to hurt your belly with the taba.

How to get around in Chocó

The most common means of transportation in the department of Chocó is by water, either river or sea . This type of transportation is more important than anywhere else in Colombia . Chocó moves along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific and, in the center of the department, through its main fluvial arteries, the Atrato and San Juan rivers and their innumerable tributaries.

In Quibdó and its surroundings there are some highways and secondary roads that connect with several tourist destinations not far from Quibdó . Some of these roads are in the process of being upgraded.

Transportation

Buses and cabs operate in Quibdó , the capital. In Bahía Solano and several municipalities there are motorized tricycles known as rapitaxis, used for trips within the urban perimeter and trips to the airport and to the village of El Valle, where a small car route is also established. The most important vehicles for water transport are small boats with outboard motors that travel along rivers. There are specific routes with regulated frequencies between the two places.

What to bring when traveling to Nuqui & Bahia Solano

  • Carry painkillers and first aid kits in your luggage.
  • Resealable bags for storing electronic equipment (cell phones, cameras, etc.) to prevent moisture from damaging them.
  • Carry a raincoat in case the rain comes in the middle of a hike.
  • Comfortable backpack to keep your hands free. In addition, the backpack fits easily into the storage space of small boats.
  • Rubber boots and sturdy or sports shoes that protect the ankles.
  • Cotton clothing, bathing suit, long pants and long sleeve t-shirt to protect you from insects and branches that can hurt you.
  • Hat, cap or cap, sunglasses and light raincoat (rains are quite frequent).
  • Personal use products such as insect repellent and soaps made from biodegradable concentrates. Detergents, soaps or harmful substances thrown into water sources and watercourses are pollutants.
  • Identity card and current health service card.
  • It is essential at all times to use sunscreen that does not pollute the ozone layer.
  • Constant hydration is important as there is high humidity. Bring your own thermos preferably.
  • Yellow fever vaccine (not mandatory).
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
  • Cash, preferably in low denomination bills.

National Parks in Chocó, Colombia

In the department of Chocó there are three national natural parks : (PNN) Utría included between the jurisdictions of the municipalities of Bahía Solano and Nuquí, (PNN) Los Katíos which is part of the Darién Gap, one of the places in the world with the greatest water wealth, located within the jurisdictions of the municipalities of Riosucio (Chocó) and Turbo (Antioquia); and Tatamá (PNN), which is located in the municipalities of San José de Palmar, Novita, Santa Rita de Iró and Tadó, in Chocó, and some towns in Valle del Cauca and Risaralda.

  • Playón and Playona Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Los Katíos National Park
  • Ensenada de Utría National Park

The Playón and La Playona beaches, in the municipality of Acandí, hold the densest population of loggerhead turtles in the Colombian Caribbean.

The 14 km long Playón y Playona beach , also known as Playón y Playona Sanctuary , or Playa Caná , is considered a sanctuary for the preservation of the Caná sea turtles, which come to lay their eggs once a year, at Easter time. Playona is the fifth most important beach in the world for the conservation of this species of sea turtle, which is the largest in the world, measuring up to 2 m in length.

How to get to the Department of Chocó

Depending on the region and the tourist destination to be visited in the department of Chocó , the following alternatives are available:

It is the fastest way to reach the department and communicate from Quibdó directly to Bahía Solano, Acandí, Capurganá and Nuquí . There are different companies that provide the service in small aircrafts. Quibdó’s El Caraño airport is the main air base that connects the department with the country’s main cities.

As a jungle region with high rainfall, the department lacks extensive road infrastructure.

So it is impossible to get to Nuqui or Bahia Solano by land.

Getting to Quibdo

The main roads are the following:

  • Via Medellín: Bogotá-Medellín-Bolívar (Antioquia)-La Mansa-El 7-El Carmen-El 12-El 18-Tutunendo-Quibdó.
  • Via Pereira: Bogotá-Pereira-La Virginia (Caldas)- Apia-Pueblo Rico-Santa Cecilia-Tadó- Animas-Certegui-Yuto-Quibdó.

Getting to Acandi

  • For Acandí and its villages and hamlets there is a maritime connection in the cities of Turbo, municipality of Antioquia, and occasionally in Necoclí, department of Antioquia.

The department’s maritime routes and river interconnection facilitate access and transportation.

tour a bahia solano

At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.

TOURISM PROGRAMS AND LODGING IN BAHIA SOLANO   At this time, we can offer you the following lodging choices:

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click on each photo for more information

BAHIA SOLANO COLOMBIA

Call Center:  Bogotá : (57) 3158351065

Monday to friday 8:00 am to 6:30 pm saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm [email protected], colombia travel.

BAHIA SOLANO

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tour a bahia solano

BAHÍA SOLANO

Bahía solano.

Unbelievable and wonderful sceneries with the sounds of the jungle as backdrop await you. Bahia Solano is the place to enjoy a spectacle of whales rising for the surface.

Bahia Solano is located at the Pacific coast of Colombia. It is relatively remote and not that easy to reach. However, all this adds to the magic of this place!

Each year, around July,  the humpback whales, come to this area to give birth to their young. The mothers stay a couple of months to teach their calfves how to dive, control their buoyancy, and fish. This leads to spectacular views of the whales jumping out of the water.

Besides whale-watching, Bahia Solano also boasts beautiful beaches, lush jungle, and the chance to meet some of the happiest people in the world.

relax-1

INFORMATION

Population: 9.327 inhabitants

Altitude: 152 masl

Average temperature: 26.2 °C

Best time to visit: July to October

Population:

9.327 inhabitants

Average temperature:

Best time to visit:

July to October

tour a bahia solano

AVAILABLE TOURS

diving-bahia-solano-tour-colombia-lulo

Bahia Solano – Fun Dive

Go diving in the deep blue ocean of the Pacific Ocean and discover amazing marine life that can only be found in this region.

Close up of a whale's tail

Whale Watching 4-days Tour

Take this 4-days tour and live an unbelievable encounter with whales in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean of Colombia.

ACCOMMODATION

Playa del oro ecolodge.

Play del oro - Bahia Solano

The accommodation for the nights in Bahia Solano is included in the tour.

One of the most striking features of  the lodge is its natural sea front setting.

The hotel boasts spacious and flowered gardens and is surrounded by palm trees and fruit trees. This makes it a paradise for bird watching.

However, there is also a big wooden wooden deck where many tourists spend the afternoon watching the sun set and even watching whales breaching in the distance.

The rooms are located in two story structures made of wood. They are spacious, comfortable and bright. Each of them has a name of one of the native trees or fish that are common in the region.

Rooms are decorated with pictures of colorful flowers and handmade vases with Helicon flowers. Each one will have a fan or air conditioning and a little terrace with a hammock.

Check images and information of your accommodation here .

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Discover your ideal itinerary for free!

At Lulo Colombia Travel, we create amazing travel itineraries that are tailor-made to your travel style and preferences.

Let us help you come up with an ideal route for your trip in Colombia. By answering the following short questions we will provide you  on the spot  with a  free  and  personalized  itinerary that will serve as a starting point for an unforgettable journey!

CTF

Sailfish, snappers, roosters and other species await you to enjoy unforgettable fishing.

WELCOME TO PARADISE

Fishing , sea & jungle.

This destination is undoubtedly a paradise for coastal fishing (Inshore) of species such as: Snappers, Roosterfish, Bravos, Saw Fish, Tarpons, Shad jacks and many more species. Also for offshore fishing there are species of great sports value such as Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, among others.

Bahía Solano belongs to the department of Choco. It is located north-west of Colombia in the North Pacific Ocean and is only 5 meters above sea level.

A perfect destination for nature lovers: Exuberant jungles, rivers and mangroves that offer us the possibility of deep sea fishing such as marlin, sailfish, dorado, sabalos, snappers, bravos, tunas, wahoo and other species throughout the year. In addition to the sighting of humpback whales in the season from July to September.

We can offer you plans from two fishing days and more. According to the client wishes.

ARRIVING DAY TO BAHÍA SOLANO

We will take a flight from Medellín. We will stay in a hotel with all the comforts (air conditioning, swimming pool, fridge in room, wifi).

FROM DAY TWO

We will departure at 6:00 a.m. by boat to the fishing spots (breakfast and lunch will be taken on the boat). We fish on the coast from the area known as Juna to Cabo Marzo and offshore from Punta del Faro 270 ° to Cabo Marzo.

We always try to practice at least two techniques like popping and jigging on a fishing day. If the fishing group practices fly fishing we have the experience to make it as productive as possible. (WE RECOMMEND FOR THIS TECHNIQUE FROM APRIL 20 UNTIL THE END OF MAY BECAUSE OF THE ARRIVAL OF FISH SAILS AND TUNA).

ACCOMMODATION

We have two accommodation choices available:

  • Hotel on Bahía solano: shared rooms (double or triple), air conditioning, refrigerator, private bathroom and tv. It also has wifi, hammocks area for rest and swimming pool.
  • Cabins in Bahía Cupica: this place is located between the Bahía de Piñas and Nabuga, and 45 minutes closer to the main fishmongers. It has national mobile signal, electricity and a fan per each person in the rooms.

We have ideal boats for all the types of fishing that take place in Bahía Solano. From 28 to 30 feet, equipped with high-displacement and 4-stroke engines, sonars, gps, communication radio, t-top with rod holders, nursery for live bait.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is necessary to obtain the sport fishing permit issued by the Aunap. This permit is not included in the plan but CFT can help with its processing after paying the value of the fishing license.

The certificate of the current yellow fever vaccine is necessary for all anglers, with a minimum of 10 days before travel.

SEASONS & SPECIES 

tour a bahia solano

THE PLAN INCLUDES

  • Air tickets (Medellín- Bahía Solano-Medellín)
  • Airport-hotel-airport Transfer
  • Accommodation: multiple accommodation (2-3 people x room) with air conditioning, tv, fridge in room. Swimming pool (hotel yubarta)
  • Food: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Non-alcoholic beverages in the boat.
  • Snaks in boat
  • Some fishing equipment such as rods and reels can be supplied.
  • Fishing: boats 27-29 feet Equipped with outriggers, carry rods, sound, radio telephone. Nursery and refrigerator with ice.
  • Fishing guide

THE PLAN DOES  NOT INCLUDES

  • Sport fishing permits or fishing license (We can help manage it)
  • Tax or tourist tax
  • Fishing bait.
  • Accommodation in Medellín.
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Medellin – Airport – Medellin Transfers

SOME CATCHES

tour a bahia solano

What are you waiting for to book your fishing trip? Contact us now and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

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ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE:

tour a bahia solano

We are a tourism operations agency, which offers a comprehensive solution when it comes to knowing the wonders of the Colombian Pacific.

Be welcome and remember that we have a whole world of services waiting for you.

tour a bahia solano

Whale Watching Tour Package

From July to October the humpback whales arrive at the Pacific Chocoano and one of the best places to appreciate this wonder is the town of El Valle, where we will guide you to the best experience of your life.

plan ballenas

Family Tour Package

It is a tour package to share as a family, in the midst of nature and the wonders of the Colombian Pacific. Ideal for rest, affection and recreation.

plan ballenas

Pacific Weekend tour package

It is a weekend package to rest, in the midst of nature and the wonders of the Colombian Pacific.

plan ballenas

Walkers Tour Package

It is an ideal plan for those people who love to walk outdoors without the danger of big cities. You can take walks enjoying landscapes that mix fauna, flora, waterfalls and rocks.

1. El Amejal

tour a bahia solano

2. Madre Agua Ecoturismo

edortiz14

3. Cascada el Tigre

marthah657

4. Cascada el Tigre

What travelers are saying.

danielearm

  • Madre Agua Ecoturismo
  • Cascada el Tigre

tour a bahia solano

World Class Fishing in Colombia

BAHIA SOLANO

Bahia Solano beautiful fishing paradise

Bahia Solano is not just a great fishing destination. There are other activities that are certainly worthwhile. We recommend doing some of following alternative activities during non-fishing times or if anyone wishes for a change of pace on the trip.

Whale watching

Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the pacific to give birth to their calves and to seek mates (July 1-October 20). The Colombian Pacific Coast is the most important such area in the world. If your tour coincides with this season, we can opt to take a boat in search of these majestic whales as they surface to take a breath or of breaching males trying to impress females.

Embera Village Visit

The Embera are indigenous people that live in the Chocó and Darien regions of Colombia and Panama. This day trip will take us to one of the villages where we will learn about their culture and lifestyles.

Streams and Waterfalls

The coastal forests of the Colombian Pacific have countless small streams that spill directly into the Pacific Ocean. These streams are characterized by crystal clear waters and beautiful pools created by the rushing water over time. We will make a day excursion to La Cascada del Tigre where we can swim in the ocean or in freshwater pools, explore the jungle and natural caves.

Bird Watching

We will have the opportunity to do some birdwatching in the Almejal Reserve and visit a colony of oropendolas. In the reserve, we will hit trails above our Lodge where we are likely to hear or see in excess of 140 species. The Lodge has 50 hectares with an extensive trail network. We will be able to access canopy platforms where we will be able to get spectacular views of colorful Tanagers

Utria National Park

Nearby we have the Utria National Park, a beautiful protected area where we can explore the beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and jungle trails.

tour a bahia solano

IMAGES

  1. Bahía Solano: todo lo que debes saber antes de viajar

    tour a bahia solano

  2. Bahía Solano: ¿qué hacer y cómo llegar a este paraíso?

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  3. Bahía Solano

    tour a bahia solano

  4. Qué hacer en Bahía Solano: avistaje de ballenas y más

    tour a bahia solano

  5. Bahía Solano, un hermoso lugar para ver las Yubarta

    tour a bahia solano

  6. Bahía Solano

    tour a bahia solano

COMMENTS

  1. THE 5 BEST Bahia Solano Tours & Excursions

    5. Cascada el Tigre. 14. Boat Tours • Walking Tours. By marthah657. All the waterfalls are either directly located at the beach or a short walk away from it into the jungle. So you can... 6. Cascada el Tigre.

  2. Learn how to get to Bahia Solano in Chocó and what to do

    The most you can last on your trip by sea to Bahía Solano is 24 hours. Prices for a speedboat trip from Buenaventura to Bahía Solano is 200,000 COP and 150,000 COP by boat. From Nuquí , you can also take a boat to Bahía Solano that costs 70,000 COP per trip per person, however you are only leaving twice a week depending on the season, so ...

  3. What to do in Bahia Solano, Pacific coast? 5 activities not to be

    Bahia Solano, beach, surf and rainforest. Bahia Solano and El Valle occupy a sublime beach nestled between the Serranía del Baudó mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. On this part of the coast you can enjoy the warm, untamed waters of the ocean, waterfalls and beautiful beaches.The coast of Bahia Solano is the ideal place to be if you are looking for contact with the lush and wild nature ...

  4. Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Bahia Solano

    Getting there from Bahia Solano airport: A 50-minute tuk-tuk ride costing 45,000 COP total (15,000 per person if you can find two other to share it with). ... Tours such as those to El Tigre Waterfalls and Utría National Park all leave from town as well. For everything you could possibly want to know about El Valle including where to stay, ...

  5. Bahía solano chocó tour

    Tour en Bahía Solano-Chocó. Embárcate en una escapada inolvidable a Bahía Solano, un paraíso escondido en el corazón de Colombia. Con nuestro paquete exclusivo, te llevamos desde Cali hasta las playas vírgenes y selvas tropicales de Bahía Solano, donde la aventura y la relajación te esperan. Vive experiencias únicas, desde actividades ...

  6. THE 5 BEST Bahia Solano Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    Feb 26, 2024 - Find & Book the top-rated and best-reviewed tours in Bahia Solano for 2024. From prices and availability to reviews and photos, Tripadvisor has everything you need to create that perfect itinerary for your trip to Bahia Solano.

  7. Epic guide to El Valle, Chocó: Pacific Colombia's whale tours & more

    Madre Agua offer several Bahia Solano whale tours, from a 3-4 hour whale tour for 120k pesos, or a full-day whale tour including lunch for 180k pesos. The final option is a day where you're not on tour per se, but actually helping the biologists study the whales.

  8. THE BEST Bahia Solano Boat Tours (Updated 2023)

    Top Bahia Solano Boat Tours: See reviews and photos of Boat Tours in Bahia Solano, Colombia on Tripadvisor.

  9. Colombia Tour Packages

    Tour Packages on Bahía Solano and Nuqui. The best tours, trips and vacation packages in Choco - Colombia - Compare tour prices +57 312 897 5143 [email protected]

  10. Bahia Solano : Travel guide

    Count between 24 and 36 hours of travel and 150.000 pesos (meals and sleeping included). For the fast boat, count between 7 and 12 hours of navigation. El Valle/Bahia Solano: 40 minutes by tuk-tuk or chivas. 12,000 pesos by car and 40,000 by tuk-tuk. Only 18 km separate the two sites.

  11. Bahía Solano whale watching and nature tours

    A paradise for nature lovers. Whale watching, coastal jungle, fishing and hiking on the Bahía Solano Colombia remote unspoilt Pacific coast.

  12. Guide To Colombia's Pacific Coast (Chocó & Bahía Solano)

    This is a way to see the whales that is also a bit cheaper. Your captain may give some information about the whales or the landmarks along the coast, though it'll probably be in Spanish and a bit more basic. 2. There are also two marine biologists who run whale-watching tours from Bahia Solano town.

  13. Bahia Solano • Whale Watching Tour of 4 Days • Lulo Colombia Travel

    Transport to and from the airport in Bahia Solano. Accommodation in a standard double room (with fan -no air conditioning) for 3 nights at Playa del Oro Ecolodge. All meals (Starting with lunch on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day). 2 whale watching tours. 2 jungle guided walks: 1 to an idyllic beach and 1 to the river.

  14. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Bahia Solano

    Take caution where there are rocks - according to locals there can be... 2. Jardín Botánico del Pacifico. 19. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails. By 798orianag. It is an excellent project of conservation and protection in the site with the greatest biodiversity in the world... 3. Tortugas Del Pacifico.

  15. Bahía Solano & Nuqui Travel Guide

    Best time to travel to Nuqui & Bahia Solano. In general terms, you can travel to Chocó at any time of the year, considering these two aspects: ... At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur ...

  16. Viajes y Tours en Bahía Solano

    Los viajes y tours a Bahía Solano están diseñados para ofrecer al viajero servicios superiores. Es uno de los destinos favoritos de las Ballenas Jorobadas o Yubartas, las que visitan sus costas de Julio a Octubre. También, en noviembre es posible ser parte del proyecto de liberación de tortugas marinas; una apoteósica carrera por la playa ...

  17. Bahia Solano Colombia

    Bahia Solano Tours - Turiscolombia gives you the most comprehensive list of tours, hotels, eco-hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, farms, tourist atractions, and travel possibilities in Colombia. We have detailed maps, travel information, ideas, health tips and more. Our goal is to provide you the information you need to make informed decisions about your Colombian vacation.

  18. Bahia Solano • Pacific Coast • Lulo Colombia Travel

    Bahia Solano is the place to enjoy a spectacle of whales rising for the surface. Bahia Solano is located at the Pacific coast of Colombia. It is relatively remote and not that easy to reach. However, all this adds to the magic of this place! Each year, around July, the humpback whales, come to this area to give birth to their young.

  19. Tundo Tours

    Tundo Tours is the materialization of a dream that was achieved in 2006, born in the corregimiento del Valle in Choco, is a local tourism operator that offers our visitors the opportunity to know one of the most important attractions in the region as is the Tundo River in a fun, organized and responsible way with nature, thus achieving a unique ...

  20. Bahia Solano en

    Also for offshore fishing there are species of great sports value such as Sailfish, Marlin, Dorado, Tuna, Wahoo, among others. Bahía Solano belongs to the department of Choco. It is located north-west of Colombia in the North Pacific Ocean and is only 5 meters above sea level. A perfect destination for nature lovers: Exuberant jungles, rivers ...

  21. Whale Watching in Bahia Solano, Colombia

    The local cuisine is based on fish, so be prepared to eat delicious fresh fish for lunch and dinner (Tuna, Red Snapper, Bravo, Burique, Seafood, among others). Our specialty is the fish in coconut milk, and usually we cook one plate for each meal, which usually includes a soup, rice with coconut, banana, a natural juice of local fruits and a ...

  22. THE BEST Bahia Solano Dolphin & Whale Watching Tours (2024)

    The Track Hurghada Museum Studio Tour Downtown Lake Worth Petra Jabbawockeez Munich Central Station IOI Mall Puchong Tallman Mountain State Park Grayland Beach State Park Safari in Bandia reserve and lion ranch A day in LISIEUX following the footsteps of SANTA TERESA from Paris Eight Flags Road Tour Berat Tours in Albania, Canyoning in Osumi Canyon, Skrapar Exclusive Gladiator Arena - The ...

  23. Bahia Solano

    BAHIA SOLANO. Bahia Solano is located on the Pacific Coast near the Border with Panama. It is considered to be one of the most unspoiled and beautiful destinations of the Pacific Lowlands of Colombia. Bahia Solano can only be reached by boat or by a short flight from Medellin or Bogota and making this place a remote area.