Magic Choco: The Gateway to Colombia's Pacific Beauty
Slow travel between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. Discover Bahía Solano and El Almejal with small groups, local experts and the calm of knowing that everything is taken care of from landing to your return home.
Slow travel between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. Discover Bahía Solano and El Almejal with small groups, local experts and the calm of knowing that everything is taken care of from landing to your return home.
4 days / 3 nights Low physical effortFrom USD 1.200Guided tour
The department of Chocó, and especially the municipality of Bahía Solano, is one of the most biodiverse and authentic regions in Colombia. Nestled between tropical rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, this territory is known for its lush nature, powerful rivers, warm humid climate and the rich culture of its Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities.
Highlights
Delve into Santa Marta's rich cultural legacy on a tour of the capital’s museums and markets
Meet members of Arhuaco tribe to learn more about life in the Amazon, before canoeing through the jungle’s waterways
Spot an array of stunning birdlife on an expert-led tour through the forests of Minca
Soak up the colourful streets and beachside vibes of Santa Marta, the oldest European city in South America
Designed as a 4-day / 3-night immersion into Colombia’s Pacific coast, this program combines structure with flexibility and a slow, comfortable rhythm.
You stay in a single ecolodge throughout the journey, allowing you to truly settle into the environment while enjoying carefully curated experiences guided by local experts.
Each program focuses on one core experience (whales, baby turtles or Pacific exploration), complemented by rainforest walks, beach time and moments of rest. Our team coordinates logistics, boat schedules, local guides and safety protocols, so you can focus fully on the experience rather than the details behind it.
4 days / 3 nights
Accommodation in a single ecolodge throughout the stay (no hotel changes).
One signature experience depending on the selected program:
Guided walk in El Almejal Nature Reserve (tropical rainforest).
Bilingual assistance (Spanish / English) and travel assistance card.
Coordinated airport–hotel–airport transfers with vetted local operators.
Accommodation in superior or first-class category ecolodge, with full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
The itinerary can be easily adjusted to add extra nights, introduce rest days between activities, or include additional excursions such as Utría National Natural Park, tubing on the Tundó River or Chado waterfalls, allowing Chocó to be part of a longer, multi-region journey in Colombia.
Each program is a complete experience. You can travel just for whales, just for baby turtles or to feel the full Pacific Magic. If you wish to stay longer than 4 days, you can add extra nights with additional excursions such as Utría National Natural Park, tubing on the Tundó River or Chado waterfalls.
Humpback Whale Watching
June - October 4 days / 3 nights
Watch humpback whales in one of the best sanctuaries on the Pacific coast, combined with a guided walk through El Almejal Nature Reserve and time to enjoy the beach at your rhythm.
Live the emotional moment of releasing baby sea turtles into the Pacific, learn about local conservation efforts and walk through one of the most biodiverse forests in Colombia.
Pacific Magic: Forest,
Sea and Utría National Park
January - June 4 days / 3 nights
Discover the emerald waters of Utría National Natural Park, explore mangroves and rainforest, and connect with the quiet power of Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Between July and October, the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific receive one of the most impressive natural events on the planet: the arrival of the humpback whales. Every year, hundreds of these giants travel thousands of kilometres from Antarctica to reproduce and care for their calves in the calm bays of Chocó.
El Almejal beach, in Bahía Solano, is one of the best places to witness this spectacle. Surrounded by jungle, wild beaches and unique biodiversity, you will enjoy responsible, guided outings that allow you to observe the whales’ blows, tails and jumps, sometimes accompanied by playful calves.
Quick facts
Recommended stay: 4 days / 3 nights
Effort level: Low
Ideal for: Seniors, couples, small groups
Price: From USD … per person
Extensions: Utría inlet, Tundó River tubing
Day 1
Arrival in Solano Bay
Flight from Medellín or Bogotá to Bahía Solano (José Celestino Mutis Airport). Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to Ecolodge El Almejal. Check-in, room assignment and lunch. Free afternoon to rest, enjoy the beach or gently explore the surroundings.
Services included: private transfer airport–hotel · accommodation with breakfast.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure by boat towards the areas where humpback whales are usually found. During the navigation you will observe their blows, backs, tails and, with some luck, the calves swimming close to their mothers. If the whales are not spotted on the first outing, a second departure will be scheduled.
Distance: variable, depending on the whales.
Duration: 2–4 hours.
Effort level: Low.
Transport: short walk to the pier + motorboat.
Group size: approx. 4–14 people.
Services included: transport · bilingual guide · entrance fees where applicable · duration approximately 3 hours (morning or afternoon).
After breakfast, guided hike into the lodge’s private nature reserve. You will enter the tropical rainforest, discover unique species and enjoy a landscape full of life and tranquillity.
Distance: 1 km.
Duration: around 2.5 hours.
Effort level: Low.
Transport: on foot.
Group size: approx. 2–12 people.
What to bring: comfortable closed shoes, binoculars, camera, light rain jacket.
Services included: transport · guidance · entrance fees according to the selected excursion. Duration varies between approximately 7 and 11 hours depending on the program.
Roundtrip airfare from Medellín or Bogotá to Bahía Solano (BSC).
Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Bahía Solano.
Accommodation at Ecolodge El Almejal, full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
One guided whale watching outing by boat (with back-up outing if needed).
Guided walk in El Almejal Nature Reserve.
Travel medical assistance card.
Fluent souvenir.
Not included
Tips
Personal expenses
Proturismo foreigner tax (approx. USD 8)
Departure tax (approx. USD 2)
Utría National Park fee if you add that excursion.
Not travelling during whale season?
Chocó changes with the seasons. If your travel dates fall outside the humpback whale migration, you can experience the Pacific through a different lens — conservation, community and one of the most emotional natural events in the region.
On El Almejal beach you can witness one of the most moving moments of the Colombian Pacific: the release of baby sea turtles into the ocean. Every year, between September and December, hundreds of hatchlings are born in nests protected by local conservation projects.
Guided by local experts, you will learn about turtle biology, the challenges these endangered species face and how the community is working to protect them. Watching the tiny turtles walk instinctively towards the sea is a powerful reminder of how important it is to care for our oceans.
Quick facts
Recommended stay: 4 days / 3 nights
Effort level: Low
Ideal for: Families, seniors, nature lovers
Price: From USD … per person
Extensions: Tundó River tubing
Day 1
Arrival in Solano Bay
Flight from Medellín or Bogotá to Bahía Solano (José Celestino Mutis Airport). Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to Ecolodge El Almejal. Check-in, room assignment and lunch. Free afternoon to rest, enjoy the beach or gently explore the surroundings.
Services included: private transfer airport–hotel · accommodation with breakfast.
In the morning, you will experience one of the most emotional moments of the trip: accompanying the baby turtles on their first journey towards the ocean. Together with the guides from the conservation program, you will learn about nest protection, the threats these species face and the importance of their preservation.
Approximate distance: 100 m.
Duration: about 1 hour.
Place: El Almejal beach.
Effort level: Low.
Transport: On foot.
Tip: Do not using flash photography.
Services included: transport · bilingual guide · entrance fees where applicable · duration approximately 3 hours (morning or afternoon).
After breakfast, guided hike through the hotel’s nature reserve. This walk allows you to enter the tropical rainforest, discover species typical of the Chocó biogeographic region and understand the link between conservation, the local community and biodiversity.
Distance: 1 km.
Duration: around 2.5 hours.
Effort level: Low.
Transport: on foot.
Group size: approx. 2–12 people.
What to bring: closed shoes, binoculars, camera, light rain jacket.
Services included: transport · guidance · entrance fees according to the selected excursion. Duration varies between approximately 7 and 11 hours depending on the program.
Short boat ride to one of the most untouched spots in the region, with waterfalls, natural pools and completely preserved landscapes. Ideal for travellers who love water and quiet nature.
Utría National Natural Park entrance fee: approx. USD 15 (subject to change)
Not travelling during Baby Turtles season?
Chocó changes with the seasons. If your travel dates fall outside the humpback whale migration, you can experience the Pacific through a different lens — conservation, community and one of the most emotional natural events in the region.
Pacific Magic is an invitation to discover the pure essence of Chocó: a territory where the rainforest merges with the ocean and life flows with surprising intensity. This program combines the best of Bahía Solano and El Almejal, bringing together nature, culture and authentic experiences that reveal the magic of Colombia’s Pacific coast.
During your stay you will enter unique ecosystems, visit conservation projects and enjoy activities that connect deeply with your surroundings: walking through the rainforest, navigating calm waters, exploring mangroves and sharing with local communities that preserve ancestral traditions.
Quick facts
Recommended stay: 4 days / 3 nights
Effort level: Low
Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, seniors
Price: From USD … per person
Extensions: Tundó River tubing, Chado waterfalls
Day 1
Arrival in Solano Bay
Flight from Medellín or Bogotá to Bahía Solano (José Celestino Mutis Airport). Meet & greet at the airport and transfer to Ecolodge El Almejal. Check-in, room assignment and lunch. Free afternoon to rest, enjoy the beach or gently explore the surroundings.
Services included: private transfer airport–hotel · accommodation with breakfast.
Guided walk along the lodge’s internal trails, where you will appreciate the impressive landscape of the tropical rainforest and learn about some of the unique plants and species of the Chocó biogeographic region.
Distance: 1 km.
Duration: around 2.5 hours.
Effort level: Low.
Transport: on foot.
Group size: approx. 2–12 people.
What to bring: closed shoes, binoculars, camera, light rain jacket.
Services included: transport · bilingual guide · entrance fees where applicable · duration approximately 3 hours (morning or afternoon).
After an approximately 35-minute boat ride, navigating between rainforest scenery and Pacific rock formations, you arrive at the stunning Utría Inlet, a natural bay known for its emerald-green waters, mangroves and white-sand beaches.
Here, time slows down. You can walk along wooden trails, swim in calm waters or snorkel in a marine environment rich in life, always accompanied by local guides who ensure safety and environmental respect.
Distance: approx. 12 km
Boat ride: 35 minutes
Total duration: 5–7 hours
Effort level: Low
Transportation: short walk to the pier + motorboat to the National Park
Services included: transport · guidance · entrance fees according to the selected excursion. Duration varies between approximately 7 and 11 hours depending on the program.
Short boat ride to one of the most untouched spots in the region, with waterfalls, natural pools and completely preserved landscapes. Ideal for travellers who love water and quiet nature.
Utría National Natural Park entrance fee: approx. USD 15 (subject to change)
Our Eco-Lodge Hotel
Choose your dream hotel from our curated list.
The ecolodge is composed of 10 independent cabins and 2 special rooms with privileged views over the Natural Reserve and the Pacific Ocean. Its unique surroundings create a deeply relaxing atmosphere, encouraging close contact with nature and the enjoyment of meaningful experiences far from crowds and mass tourism.
Family Cabins
Clean, warm and welcoming, the family cabins combine simple, unpretentious comfort with a design that blends naturally into the environment. Built following bioclimatic principles and transparent architecture, they offer a comfortable place to rest while remaining fully connected to the surrounding nature and the native gardens that frame each cabin.
Each cabin is equipped with comfortable beds with mosquito nets, a private bathroom and a private terrace — ideal for relaxing, enjoying fresh air and listening to the sounds of the rainforest and the ocean.
Superior Rooms
Located approximately 15 metres above sea level, the superior rooms occupy a privileged position with views of both the ocean and the Natural Reserve. This independent accommodation area spans 58 square metres and features safari-style finishes, designed especially for travellers who appreciate nature without sacrificing comfort.
The design allows guests to feel immersed in the rainforest itself. Large doors and windows are positioned to let in soft, filtered natural light through the forest canopy, offering constant visual contact with the surrounding landscape.
Common Areas
Throughout your stay at El Almejal, you will be accompanied by the sound of the ocean, birdsong and the gentle murmur of a nearby stream. These shared spaces invite you to rest, observe and enjoy the calm rhythm of the Pacific, completing an experience centred on tranquillity, comfort and connection with nature.
Share a few details with us and a Travel Advisor will craft a personalized version of this itinerary—tailored to your travel dates, interests, and preferred pace.
Preguntas frecuentes
¿Cuándo cierra el Parque Tayrona?
Generalmente 3 veces al año por conservación y prácticas culturales. Las fechas exactas cambian; confirmamos con fuentes oficiales al momento de reservar.
¿Qué llevar para Playa Cristal / Tayrona por mar?
Protección solar, sombrero/ropa manga larga, efectivo, documento de identidad. La operación en lancha depende del clima.
¿Es seguro Santa Marta y alrededores?
Aplicamos protocolo de seguridad y usamos operadores autorizados. Recomendamos precauciones básicas y rutas diurnas verificadas.
¿El agua es potable en Minca?
No se recomienda beber del grifo; lleva hidratación o sistema de purificación.
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta en las excursiones?
En playas y naturaleza predomina el efectivo; lleva efectivo para entradas menores y artesanías.
¿Cuál es la mejor época para viajar?
Seco: dic–abr & jul–ago.
Lluvias: may–jun & sep–nov.
Alta demanda implica mayor ocupación y precios.
¿Nivel de exigencia de caminatas?
City Tour: baja.
Minca: ~3h con tramos irregulares.
Cabo San Juan: ~2h por bosque húmedo.
Taironaka: ~20 min suave.
¿Vacunas o requisitos?
Se sugiere fiebre amarilla para Tayrona (consulta con tu médico). Informaremos requisitos actualizados.
¿Si hay mal clima y no sale la lancha?
Reprogramamos o cambiamos por una excursión terrestre equivalente según disponibilidad.
Location: Bahía Solano · El Almejal Beach
Stay style: Small, quiet eco-lodge between rainforest and ocean
Ecolodge El Almejal is a quiet, welcoming retreat designed for travellers who value comfort, peace of mind and a close connection with nature.
Set between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, the lodge offers a calm and secure environment where guests can truly relax and enjoy their surroundings
at an easy, unhurried pace.
The property is small and intimate, with independent cabins and a few special rooms overlooking the nature reserve and the ocean.
This limited number of accommodations creates a peaceful atmosphere, free from crowds, where both seniors and families can feel comfortable,
well cared for and at ease throughout their stay.
Each cabin is clean, well maintained and thoughtfully equipped, featuring comfortable beds with mosquito nets, a private bathroom and a private terrace.
Everything is arranged to provide rest and privacy, while allowing guests to enjoy fresh air, garden views and the soothing sounds of the rainforest.
El Almejal offers the kind of comfort that matters most: attentive service, a safe setting and a genuine sense of tranquillity.
It is an ideal base for whale watching, gentle nature walks and quiet moments by the sea, making it a reassuring and memorable choice
for families and senior travellers exploring Colombia’s Pacific coast.
Good to know:
Small-scale lodging: 10 independent cabins + 2 special rooms.
Cabins include mosquito nets, private bathroom and private terrace.
Peaceful environment, away from crowds and mass tourism.
Peaceful, intimate settingClean, comfortable cabinsNature right at your doorstep
Location: Bahía Solano · Chocó, Colombia
Highlight: 2 km beach where rainforest meets the Pacific
El Almejal Beach is a breathtaking 2-kilometre stretch of coastline where the tropical rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean.
Many travellers consider it one of the most beautiful beaches on Colombia’s Pacific coast — wild, peaceful and deeply alive.
This beach gives the lodge its name, and it’s easy to understand why. Along the shore, you’ll see dramatic volcanic rock formations
that still show traces of ancient lava flows. It is also a natural stage for wildlife: seabirds rest on the rocks, and in season,
olive ridley sea turtles (and other species) may arrive to nest.
One of the most magical details is how the beach changes throughout the day. The tide rises and falls gently every six hours.
At low tide, the shoreline opens wide, creating an expansive natural “runway” that is perfect for calm outdoor movement such as
jogging, tai chi, yoga, beach volleyball, football or a simple long walk.
Also during low tide, seawater pools form around the rocks, warming naturally in the sun and creating small, gentle “ocean jacuzzis.”
It is a beautiful way to relax: sitting in warm saltwater, listening to waves and rainforest sounds at the same time.
Good to know:
Tide cycles shape the beach experience: low tide = more space and natural pools.
Best for: quiet walks, light activity, nature observation and relaxation.
Wild environment: we recommend sun protection, water and comfortable footwear for longer walks.
Rainforest-to-ocean coastlineVolcanic rocks and seabirdsNatural sea pools at low tide
Review key information about your destination, including passport, visa and vaccination requirements. We strongly recommend confirming all details with the relevant authorities before travel, as regulations can change.
Passport Information
Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months after your journey ends and should have a minimum of two (2) blank visa pages for entry and exit stamps for each country visited on your journey.
Visa Information
Visa requirements and laws regarding entry into foreign countries change frequently, and you, as the guest, are solely responsible for ensuring that you have the necessary travel documents for entry into all countries during your journey. Non-U.S. citizens should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey.
Our partner VisaCentral offers convenient U.S. passport and visa processing. Visit them at visacentral.com or call 844 823 1224 and reference A&K’s account number 73001. Service fees apply. Citizens of other countries should contact the appropriate consular office for entry requirements pertaining to their journey.
Holders of U.S. or Canadian passports are not required to obtain a tourist visa for entry into Colombia. Canadian passport holders must pay a reciprocity fee of COP 256,000 (approximately CAD $87) to customs officials upon arrival. This fee is payable in cash in US or Canadian dollars or by major credit card.
Vaccination Requirements
A yellow fever vaccination, administered at least 10 days prior to your arrival, is required for this destination only if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a yellow fever-endemic area in South America or Africa. The CDC and WHO each provide a current list of all affected countries.
Please be sure to carry the International Certificate of Vaccination provided by your physician, as you may be denied entry without it. If your physician advises against receiving the vaccination, they can provide you with the necessary documentation, which you should keep with your travel documents.
Season: September to December (recommended)
Focus: Ecotourism as conservation support for vulnerable species and local community initiatives
The Baby Turtles program is designed to support the conservation of endangered sea turtles through responsible tourism.
By participating in this experience, travellers contribute to community-led protection efforts that safeguard vulnerable species
and the coastal ecosystems they depend on.
Guided by local experts, you will learn about the turtle life cycle, the challenges hatchlings face on their first journey
to the ocean and why protecting nesting areas is essential. The experience is gentle and accessible, making it meaningful for
families and reassuring for senior travellers.
Beyond the emotional moment of watching tiny turtles reach the sea, this program highlights how ecotourism can be a real tool
for conservation: creating awareness, supporting organised local groups and strengthening long-term protection practices.
Good to know:
Best for: families, nature lovers and senior travellers seeking a low-effort, high-emotion experience.
We recommend respectful viewing: avoid flash photography and follow guide instructions.
This is a conservation-focused activity; timing may adapt to nature and nesting conditions.
A gentle, unforgettable conservation momentCommunity-led conservation, guided by local expertsProtecting nesting beaches and marine ecosystems
Experience overview:
After an approximately 35-minute boat ride, navigating between rainforest landscapes and Pacific rock formations,
you arrive at the stunning Utría Inlet. Known as a calm natural sanctuary, it is a place where humpback whales
are often associated with breeding and caring for their calves during the season.
Emerald-green waters, mangroves and white-sand beaches create the perfect setting for gentle walks on the trails,
a refreshing swim in the sea, or snorkelling in an environment full of marine life.
Activity details:
Distance: 12 km
Boat ride: 35 minutes (approx.)
Activity duration: 5 to 7 hours
Effort level: Low
Transportation: walk to the dock, then motorboat to the National Park
Not included:
Utría National Natural Park entrance fee (approx. USD 15, subject to change)
Meals or services not explicitly stated as included in your main program
Extension type: Add-on day (river tubing)
Recommended for: Guests extending their stay
Effort level: Low
Experience overview:
Tubing on the Tundó River is a calm and refreshing activity where travellers float downstream sitting on an inflatable tube.
The route follows a freshwater river that crosses tropical rainforest, with smooth and safe sections that let you enjoy the scenery.
A local guide accompanies the group throughout the experience, indicates the safest areas to move through and looks after the group’s safety.
Many guests describe this as one of the most relaxing experiences in the region: a quiet moment to disconnect from modern life and simply
let nature set the rhythm.
Activity details:
Distance: 8 km
Activity duration: 4 hours
Canoe ride: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Effort level: Low
Transportation: walk to the dock, paddle canoe upstream, then return floating downstream by tubing
Not included:
Meals or services not explicitly stated as included in your main program
Extension type: Add-on day (waterfalls and natural pools)
Recommended for: Travellers extending their stay in Chocó
Effort level: Low
Experience overview:
Just a 20-minute boat ride from Bahía Solano lies one of the most untouched and surprising places in the region.
Chadó is a preserved natural area where freshwater cascades, natural pools and tropical forest landscapes come together
to create a refreshing and immersive experience.
Playa Chadó is framed by two sources of crystal-clear water, forming small natural pools and waterfalls that are ideal
for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the quiet rhythm of the rainforest. This is a must-do experience for travellers
who love water, nature and unspoiled environments.
Activity details:
Distance: 8 km
Activity duration: approximately 4 hours
Canoe ride: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Effort level: Low
Transportation: walk to the dock, paddle canoe to the area, return by tubing along the river
Suggested itinerary (6 days / 5 nights):
Day 1: Arrival in Bahía Solano
Day 2: El Almejal Nature Reserve, guided walk
Day 3: Free day or rest day at the lodge
Day 4: Utría Inlet, Utría National Natural Park (full-day excursion)
Day 5: Chadó Waterfalls and natural pools excursion
Day 6: Departure
Not included:
Meals or services not explicitly stated as included in your main program
