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In the heart of Colombian Chocó, where the Darién jungle meets the Caribbean Sea, lies the penultimate Colombian corregimiento on the verge of the Panamanian border, a treasure called Capurganá. This beautiful place belonging to the municipality of Acandí, captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich history.
The climate of Capurganá has an average temperature of 28°C and, according to Colparques Organization, is usually:
Rainy: from April to August and from October to November.
Less rainy: from December to April and in September.
Why choose Capurganá
The beaches of Capurganá are an oasis of crystal-clear waters and white sand. The sea, with an intense and clean blue, invites you to swim, dive or simply relax under the sun. The sandy bottoms host a rich marine life, ideal for lovers of surf, snorkeling and diving. Undoubtedly, it is a destination that invites you to discover its fascinating past and live the magic of its present.
Did you know...?
Capurganá, the Land of Chili, holds a fascinating multicultural history.
Kuna legacy: in the language of its ancient inhabitants, Capurganá means Land of Chili, evoking its connection with the indigenous communities that inhabited the island until the late 20th century.
Meeting of cultures: after the displacement of the Kunas, Capurganá received Afro-descendant communities from Cartagena, who contributed their own cultural wealth and traditions, shaping the town we know today.
A melting pot of identity: the mixture of these two cultures has forged the unique identity of Capurganá, a place where harmony between indigenous heritage and Afro-descendant culture is breathed.
The demonym of Capurganá is capurganaleros.
Flights to Capurganá
You can take a charter flight (private) from Medellín at Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport to Capurganá's Narcisa Navas Airport; this flight usually lasts one hour. Or you can book your flight in advance through the airline Pacífica Travel which may cost from $400,000 COP onwards.
You can also travel from Medellín (Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport) to Acandí (Alcides Fernández Airport) with Satena airline and it may cost between $170,000 COP and $230,000 COP, then you will need to take a boat to Capurganá.
Important! If you choose this option, it is necessary to buy your flights at least two months in advance to avoid running out of seats.
Another option is to travel from Medellín Terminal to Necoclí with the Gomez Hernández transportation company, which is the only one that usually operates on that route, which can cost between $95,000 COP and $115,000 COP.
To reach Capurganá, there is no land route that allows it, so we recommend other options:
Traveling from Montería to Capurganá
First, you should travel to Montería from your starting point, for example:
From Bogotá to Montería
Price of trip: between $170,000 COP and $240,000 COP.
Airlines: Avianca and Latam.
Airports: from Bogotá's El Dorado International Airport to Montería's Los Garzones Airport.
From Medellín to Montería
Price of trip: between $110,000 COP and $220,000 COP.
Airlines: Avianca and Latam.
Airports: from Medellín's José María Córdova International Airport to Montería's Los Garzones Airport.
From Cali to Montería
Price of trip: between $195,000 COP and $270,000 COP.
Airlines: from Cali's Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport to Montería's Los Garzones Airport.
Note! Prices may vary depending on the time of year you travel.
When you arrive in Montería, you should take a mototaxi, taxi or bus from the Montería Terminal to Necoclí, Antioquia. Keep in mind that the most expensive option is usually the taxi, which can cost around $25,000 COP. The mototaxi can cost $12,000 COP and the bus approximately $4,500 COP.
Tips!
If you are determined from the start to take a mototaxi or bus, try to carry light luggage, so you will have to carry less weight and focus more on enjoying the landscapes.
If you decide to take a mototaxi, try to negotiate the fare to see if you can get a discount.
Once in Necoclí, you must take a boat which costs approximately $170,000 COP round trip per person, but keep in mind that these boats only leave in the morning, around 8 or 9 a.m. So if you arrive in Necoclí in the afternoon, you will need to find accommodation in Necoclí to spend the night.
Important!
Keep in mind that to enter Capurganá, you will have to pay a port fee of $4,700 COP (2024), which you can pay in Necoclí before taking the boat.
Children over two years old pay normally.
If you travel with your pet, you must carry it in a cage or with a muzzle.
If your pet is very large, you may be charged an additional seat.
Each person is allowed to carry ten kilograms of weight; if you exceed this, $2,000 COP will be charged for each extra kilogram.
If you wish, you can buy a bag to pack your suitcase, as sometimes, due to the boat's movement, your luggage could get wet. You can bring it from home or buy one there for approximately $1,000 COP.
If you go by car to Necoclí, you can leave it in a parking lot for about $12,000 COP per night.
Let's talk about the gastronomy of Capurganá
Delight in the flavors of the sea, with the freshness of fish and seafood, try exquisite dishes like coconut crab, grilled octopus, seafood casserole, coconut ceviche, fish consommé. In addition to the flavors of the sea, a favorite in Capurganá's cuisine is the patacón, which can also be accompanied by other foods.
A local specialty: conch cigua (Cittarium pica) accompanied by hogao and patacones.
You can also access typical meals or common dishes like beef, chicken or pork with juice and soup. Additionally, you will find options for midnights or dinner such as empanadas, stuffed potatoes, pasteles, butifarras, pizza, among others.
Take note of some restaurants and bars: El Arca de Noé is part of the cheap restaurants in Capurganá (offering lunches from approximately $20,000 COP), La Iguana, Flamingo’s restaurant bar, Capurgarepa, Donde Pelayo, Cruz del Mar, Nectar restaurant, Gecko café bar, El Centro del Sabor restaurant bar.
If you're wondering where to stay in Capurganá, here are several options
If you enjoy a more lively environment, entertainment and amenities like banks, restaurants, ice cream shops, drugstores and markets, then Capurganá is the perfect place to stay. But if you prefer tranquility and listening to nature with greater prominence, the corregimiento of Sapzurro is the ideal choice for you, this destination is an hour from Capurganá on foot.
The best accommodations in Capurganá and its surroundings according to tourist reviews are: Cabaña Selvática and Cabaña Cruz del Mar, Posada del Gecko.
Important!
In some shared accommodations, you may find lockers to store your belongings, so remember to bring your padlock and its key.
Electricity is usually not available during the day, generally only from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., so it’s a good idea to bring your external rechargeable batteries.
The water in Capurganá is not drinkable, so some accommodations offer a filling service for your bottle for about $1,000 COP.
If you don't have enough time to complete your itinerary, we recommend checking out this plan that you will surely love: 4 days in Capurganá: discover the paradise of Sapzurro, La Miel and Playa Soledad.
What to do in Capurganá
Visit the beaches of Capurganá and its surroundings
Relax under the sun on beaches like Bahía El Aguacate (where you can see the blowhole), Playa de los Holandeses or Playa La Coquerita, Playa Bonita, Cabo Tiburón and the Mirador la Ceiba (beyond Playa Bonita), San Blas Islands (Panama).
Did you know that of the two most famous beaches in Capurganá, only the beautiful Caleta remains today? The beach of the Virgin of Uvito disappeared when the sea invaded, removing all the sand and revealing the coral cliff underneath.
Scuba diving in Capurganá
Can you imagine diving among vibrant corals and fish of all colors? In Capurganá, the bay opens its doors to a fascinating underwater world. Sea turtles, rays and a wide variety of species await you for an unforgettable adventure. Prepare your snorkel and your underwater camera, and get ready to explore!
We recommend the Capurganá Dive and Green diving school.
Hiking in Capurganá
Are you a born explorer? The trails of Capurganá await to take you through tropical jungles, mountains with panoramic views like the Mirador La Ceiba and breathtaking landscapes. One of the hikes we recommend is the El Cielo Natural Reserve and its beautiful waterfall; remember to pay the entrance fee of approximately $8,000 COP.
Boat trip in Capurganá
Would you like a boat escape? Set sail to San Blas Island, a terrestrial paradise with crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. Or explore the Bay of Capurganá, enjoying its landscapes and marine life. Get ready for a journey full of surprises!
Windsurf and surf in Capurganá
Are you passionate about water sports? Surf the waves of Capurganá or master the wind with your windsurf board. The variety of waves and winds guarantees an exciting experience.
Relaxing under the sun
Looking for an oasis of peace? Capurganá's beach welcomes you with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Rent an umbrella and a lounge chair (long-backed chair), enjoy the sun and let yourself be carried away by the sound of the waves. There is no better way to recharge and connect with nature!
Cooling off at the Pool of the Gods Capurganá
Entering this place is freeing yourself from the bonds of everyday life, allowing yourself to immerse in the true magic of nature. There, an air that elevates the mind and invigorates even the most tired spirit is breathed, connecting with true serenity.
Sea turtle watching
Observing sea turtles, including the Caná Turtle, is a special event that occurs from April to May. These beautiful creatures, some endangered like the caná and the hawksbill, arrive at the coasts to lay their eggs, which hatch between June and July. The entire municipality of Acandí is considered a safe natural sanctuary for these turtle species. The residents are educated about the importance of conserving them and avoiding their extermination.
Howler monkey watching in Capurganá
You must pay close attention to your surroundings when hiking. However, if you're lucky and your accommodation conditions are suitable for this spectacle, you can observe them without having to go anywhere. Here is a teaser of the howler monkey sound.
Bird watching in Capurganá
More than 98 bird species can leave you speechless with their plumage and behavior in this charming destination. One of the most prominent birds is the black-breasted magpie (Cyanocorax affinis) or as the locals call it: the ‘Chau chau’. Get your binoculars, your bird guide and get ready!
Nightlife in Capurganá
Enjoy a peaceful environment in the bars and restaurants of the area, where you can listen to local and reggae music.
Don’t stress planning your trip, remember you can hire a tour like this one: Capurganá in 5 Days: Sapzurro, La Miel, Playa Soledad, El Aguacate and the Natural Reserve El Cielo.
Festival in Capurganá, music and folklore of the Colombian Pacific
The music of the Colombian Pacific is rich and diverse, reflecting the African cultural heritage and indigenous traditions of the region. One of the most prominent genres is the currulao, a style of Afro-Colombian music and dance characterized by complex rhythms and the presence of instruments such as drums, the bombo, the marimba and the guasá. Another important genre is the bunde, which also has African roots and is accompanied by drums and chants called alabaos.
Besides currulao and bunde, the music of the Pacific also includes other styles such as the chirimía, which combines African and indigenous elements and is characterized by the use of wind instruments like the millo flute and the clarinet, and the contradanza, a dance of European origin that has fused with local traditions to create a unique style in the region.
If you prefer more contemporary rhythms, let yourself be infected by vallenato, champeta, reggae and salsa in local bars and events. For example, at Kukamba Bar & Grill restaurant, they offer cozy experiences like live music on certain days.
If you're wondering about local events in Capurganá, we tell you that there are two quite representative:
The Cigua Festival. It is a celebration that combines gastronomic, musical and dance activities, highlighting the mollusk cigua as the protagonist to express local culture. It takes place in October, for about four days, in Capurganá (Colombia) and La Miel (Panama) and usually features nationally recognized guest artists.
The Capurganá Agricultural, Industrial and Handicraft Fair is a biennial event that brings together agricultural producers, especially those dedicated to plantain and coconut, as well as industrialists and artisans. The purpose is to showcase and award the quality and size of their products. During the fair, gastronomic samples are also held and crafts made by indigenous communities are presented.
Follow these recommendations to visit Capurganá
It is important to have the yellow fever and tetanus vaccine, so try to get vaccinated at least ten days before your trip.
In Capurganá there are no ATMs, however, you will find bank correspondents from some banks like Bancolombia and Banco de Bogotá.
Keep in mind that some places restrict access for pets.
Bring cash as most transactions are cash-based.
Take care of your belongings, do not leave them unattended at any time.
Always carry your ID, there are migration checkpoints at some borders, so don’t get caught unprepared without documentation.
Avoid collecting shells and animals.
Do not leave trash on the beaches.
Bring a notarized authorization if you travel with minors who are not your children.
Remember that trafficking of fauna and flora, sexual exploitation and discrimination are penalized by law.
Wear comfortable and fresh beach clothes, sandals, hat and sunglasses are essential.
Bring your mosquito repellent and protect yourself from bites, especially at dusk.
Carry a rechargeable flashlight.
Be respectful of the customs and traditions of the community.
Do you have questions? Check if they are in this list of frequently asked questions
Which airlines fly from Medellín to Capurganá?
Currently, Pacífica Travel is the airline that offers commercial flights to that destination from Medellín.
How many hours from Capurganá to Panama?
Approximately an hour and a half on foot to reach Playa La Miel, Panama. To enter there, you will have to pay a tax of about $3,000 COP.
What is the best time to travel to Capurganá?
As we mentioned, there are rainier seasons than others, you can plan for the end of the year or the beginning of the year and maybe you will be lucky enough to find quite pleasant weather.
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Tatiana García Rivera.
Travel SEO Writer.
Cover image credits: Univisión. Images inside the article: Las2Orillas,@nashootphoto, asiloveoscar.com.