Buenaventura

Despite having the largest port in Colombia, Buenaventura is surrounded by untamed nature and feels more like a growing coastal town than a major industrial center. This city is a stronghold of Afro-Colombian culture, with a rich culinary and musical tradition that extends well beyond the city's borders.

The extensive network of bays and inlets surrounding the city is protected as Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park, a place full of pristine nature. On one side, you'll see the rough sea crashing against rocky outcrops crowned by jungle. On the other side, you can explore hidden coves and small, untouched beaches backed by the bright green foliage of the rainforest. As you venture into the park, you'll notice that the narrow water channels effortlessly cut through the dense mangrove forests teeming with birds.

Off the coast of Buenaventura, you'll witness one of the most impressive natural spectacles on the continent: majestic humpback whales frolicking in the warm waters with their newborn calves. To the east of the city, the mountains also vividly embody nature. Here, your eyes will be delighted by crystal-clear rivers emerging from sharp peaks and rushing towards the jungle plain. Along the way, spectacular natural pools are formed where you can comfortably take a dip.

The cultural experiences offered by Buenaventura are as captivating as the natural ones, whether it’s collecting seafood with locals to the rhythm of music, learning to play the marimba, or practicing the charming steps of traditional dances. These unique experiences turn any trip into a resounding success.

Attractions and Experiences

Whale Watching from Buenaventura

The waters off Bahía Málaga are the most accessible place in the country to spot humpback whales that migrate from the southern reaches of the continent to give birth in Colombia's warm waters. You can arrange boat tours from Buenaventura or Juanchaco to get up close with these magnificent cetaceans as they leap and spout water into the air. If you want to capture incredible moments of action, keep your phone handy: the show happens in the blink of an eye.

Wildlife

Juanchaco, Ladrilleros, and La Barra

These three beaches are located off the coast of Buenaventura, at the far end of the national park, and can only be reached by boat. Juanchaco stands out for having the calmest waters, but it is the most developed. Ladrilleros features a narrow beach surrounded by low cliffs from which, at times, you can see whales in the distance on the horizon. La Barra is the most "low profile" and remote of the three. It’s a small village in the jungle situated between a mangrove forest and a wide, but rather windy beach.

Beach

 

La Sierpe Waterfalls

A top recommendation for capturing the magic of Bahía Málaga is the La Sierpe waterfalls. Why? They cascade down a jungle cliff directly into the emerald green water of a bay inlet. Swimming to the point where the waterfall plunges is one of those unique tourist moments that you simply have to experience to believe. The waterfalls can be visited by boat from Juanchaco. The trip takes about 40 minutes.

Waterfall

 

Kayaking and Canoeing in Bahía Málaga

The dramatic settings and protected waters of Bahía Málaga make it one of the best places on the Colombian Pacific for kayaking. From Juanchaco, you can choose between two circuits: the more challenging one goes against the current to Palma Island, a small wooded island near the coast, while the easier route travels through the bay to the La Despensa estuary, which features attractive natural pools where you can take a dip.

You can also explore the bay’s waters in a traditional canoe. It’s a somewhat slower method, but much more authentic and natural. Local guides in the nearby villages will teach you paddling techniques before accompanying you on the water.

Outdoor Life

Clam Farming

The piangua or arca clam is a key ingredient in Colombian Pacific cuisine, a nutritious protein source found in the mangroves along the coast. Visitors to Bahía Málaga can, along with local people, harvest this tasty mollusk on a fabulous nature tour designed especially for food lovers in the town of La Plata.

After reaching the heart of the mangroves by canoe, experienced guides show participants how to find and pry off the clams that cling to the bases of trees in the depths of the mud. When they return to solid ground, a local chef turns the freshly harvested clams into the freshest ceviche you’ve ever tasted.

Gastronomy Nature

 

Bird Watching in Buenaventura

The pristine nature surrounding Buenaventura attracts an incredible variety of birds, both aquatic and rainforest species. One of the best places to spot native birds is the village of Miramar in Bahía Málaga. Here, you’ll frequently see toucans crossing the forest, as well as the mangroves stretching between Ladrilleros and La Barra and the rivers surrounding Córdoba to the east of the city.

Wildlife

San Cipriano

Not all water adventures you can have in Buenaventura are salty: San Cipriano is a small village clinging to the shore of the crystal-clear Escalarete River, known for cutting through the jungle's density. The surroundings of the village are filled with impressive natural pools and majestic waterfalls. It’s definitely a must-visit for those who enjoy a relaxing bath in nature.

While the river is very invigorating, the highlight of the San Cipriano experience is the ride from the village itself. A new highway was built away from the railroad that was once the main means of transportation in the region. Isolated, the ingenious locals created artisanal passenger carts that follow the original train tracks. Initially, they were powered by muscle through a long wooden pole. However, now they are motorized with a fleet of old Hondas that propel them at lightning speed.

Sitting on a small wooden bench as the cart speeds through the jungle over rickety bridges and narrow gorges requires a certain level of courage, but it's also great fun. If you manage to get the front seat, you'll capture videos worthy of any TikToker.

River Nature

 

Practical Details

Accommodation

There are several hotels in the area near Buenaventura's port, including one in a beautifully renovated historic building. But since the city has no beach, many visitors opt to continue their journey without staying in the city or stay just one night before catching the boat that takes them to their accommodations in Juanchaco, Ladrilleros, and La Barra.

Arrival

Buenaventura has a small airport primarily used for charter flights along with a scheduled service twice a week to Bogotá. If you’re looking for frequent domestic and international flights, the best option is Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Cali, which is about a four-hour drive from the city.

Useful Tip

Getting around the places of interest near Buenaventura often involves many boat trips that sometimes present challenges. A good idea is to bring a large plastic bag to cover your luggage and backpacks and a dry, sealed bag to protect important items.