Capurganá: The paradise you’ve been waiting for

Capurganá´s spectacular topology puts it at the base of the foothills of the Baudó mountain range in Cabo Tiburón, Colombia. It’s a perfectly unique setting adjacent to the turquoise and cobalt waters of the Caribbean. You would normally arrive in Capurganá by air. The town itself has an airport which has multiple flights from Medellín. If you are planning to visit from another city, it is possible to use other nearby airports from Bogotá combined with bus routes.

The region is located close to the Darien Gap, the thick jungle which separates North and South America. It consists in a jungle-covered labyrinth of tiny deserted beaches and little fishing villages at what feels like the end of the world. The waters are some of the best places to dive and snorkel in Colombia with a huge unbroken reef hosting a myriad of brightly colored fish and other marine life.

If you want to enjoy a hiking experience, you can visit “El Cielo” Waterfall. From Capurganá, you will need to follow the airstrip inland where you’ll meet the path to the falls.  The hike takes about an hour each way.  Wear sandals as you’ll have to cross the ankle-deep river various times. If you go to the falls early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you’ll likely spot some exotic animals.

Also, visitors are regularly treated with the sight of pods of dolphins playfully surfing the swell of boats. On the other hand, for those with a real love for nature, the town of Acandí is one of Colombia’s greatest natural spectacles. Every year, between February and July, gigantic leatherback turtles haul themselves out the ocean to lay their eggs in the pristine sand; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recently, a few companies in Capurganá have started to offer overnight trips to the beautiful San Blas Islands in Panama.  You must go through passport formalities, but if you’re hoping to get a look at the wildlife of these incredible islands, a day trip from Capurgana is a great idea; its cost it’s about 75US$.

If you are planning to spend the night in Capurganá, Hostal Capurgana is the best option. The rooms are big, clean, and have private bathrooms. The hotal’s location is great, and it costs only 8US$ for a private room with a bathroom. They also have a laptop that has internet access that can be used for a free.

Prepared by
LatinAmerican Post | Luisa Fernanda Baez
Copy edited by Susana Cicchetto