We heard about Nuqui a few weeks before starting our trip through South America, so it was more of a last minute destination to go. What inspired us to visit was the mixture of the jungle next to the Pacific Ocean and the chance to see whales living in total freedom. Another appealing aspect of Nuqui is that not many tourists know about it – a true hidden gem.
Originally, we planned to spend five days there but when Carlos (the owner of our accommodation) told us that Nuqui is one of the rainiest places in the world, we reconsidered our stay and extended it to a week. It’s a fact that during the rainy days life completely stops in this corner of Colombia.
We were lucky enough to do many activities with our accommodation in Nuqui such as surfing, jungle walks, sailing down the Jovi River, bathing in waterfalls and hot springs, discovering the local gastronomy and the top thing: spotting whales in freedom as they journey back to Antarctica! This only happens between the months of June/July and October (hopefully).
Nuqui is a unique part of the world. The jungle that lies just a few meters from the beach makes it a perfect mix for lovers of both environments. The accommodations of Nuqui immerse you in nature but if you aren’t fond of things like insects, humidity or rain, then maybe this isn’t your destination.
We couldn’t tell how many people live in Nuqui. But what we do know is they are all lovely people – oblivious to stress and problems from the outside. The locals love their land. They know they are lucky to live in pure paradise and are delighted to share it with those who come from abroad.
Staying at El Vijo Surf Bungalows
Although there are comfortable spots to stay in Nuqui, we believe that it’s more of a town for travelers who want to discover wild nature rather than being stuck in a 5-star resort. We stayed in a cabin right on the beach, so our views were better than a 5-star hotel. It’s called El Vijo Surf Bungalows.
The owners of El Vijo – Carlos and Bea – are so charming. From the first minute we arrived there, they helped us organize our days – all the activities, transfers, meals, everything. It was an amazing experience and we highly recommend staying here if you are looking for accommodation.
Highlight of Nuqui – Whale Watching
The most special moment for us in Nuqui was whale watching. We were going on the boat back to our accommodation after a day of surfing, and without looking or waiting for it, a couple of whales appeared next to us with their young calf. At this moment, we were completely alone in the sea.
There were no other boats and the calf couldn’t stop jumping out of the water, over and over again. We were with them for about 30 minutes and ended up capturing some incredible images and videos. It was a magical moment and it’s special times like these that make traveling so rewarding.
5 Best Things To Do in Nuqui
- Go surfing in Nuqui and take surf lessons if need be
- Visit the hot springs of Termales and soak in the waters
- Navigate the Jovi River and bathe in the Chontaduro Waterfall
- If you are lucky enough to go in season, whale watching is a must
- Walk through the jungle to spot animals (birds, poisonous frogs, etc.)
Travel Tips for Visiting Nuqui
Come to Nuqui without expectations and with flexibility. Nuqui is a place of peace and connection with nature, so we have to accept what nature gives us: if we see whales great, and if not we can still enjoy the scenery. If it rains strongly for two days straight, then let us just enjoy the peace of our accommodation and the delicious local food. Mother Nature will provide.
A Special Memory from this Trip
While surfing, Julio had an accident and dislocated his shoulder. At first, it looked like a problem that could have ruined our trip but it allowed Julio to meet Alejando (an indigenous member of the Embera ethnic group) who gave him massages and herbs. These moments helped us learn from his rich culture. It was a unique experience that cannot be bought or sold.
