Capurganá

The Chocó is a department rich in natural resources, and among them, it boasts two coastlines along two different oceans. The coastline on the Pacific Ocean is the largest. The coastline along the Caribbean Sea, though much shorter, has two municipalities, Acandí and Unguía, whose dynamics and landscapes differ from the rest of the department due to their location in the Urabá region.

There is Capurganá, offering postcard-like landscapes of white sand, with the difference that it is nestled between a small bay and a dense tropical rainforest.

It is a corregimiento (township) of the municipality of Acandí, located near Cabo Tiburón on the border with Panama. It sits at the foot of the deep and almost endless jungle of the foothills of the Darién mountain range, where the blue of the sea meets the emerald green of the dense vegetation.

Extensive beaches battered by the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by hills, are part of the landscape of this destination, which is ideal for those seeking tranquil beaches, diving, practicing snorkeling, kayaking, and walking through the jungle. In this place, nature expresses its full beauty through rich ecosystems, making it a perfect spot to escape the city.

How to get there?

You can reach Capurganá by air from Medellín on charter flights, which take about an hour. You can also get there by sea from Acandí, Neoclí, or Turbo.

The name of this town comes from the indigenous ethnic group “Kuna,” which means “land of chili peppers.” Its beaches have sandy bottoms and crystal-clear waters, allowing you to enjoy beach days in a warm climate ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Numerous cliffs, bays, coves, and coral formations provide travelers with various options to visit. Similarly, the tropical rainforest accompanying the coastline invites exploration of the jungle landscape, where you can discover numerous species of local flora and fauna, as well as several streams to cool off.

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This destination offers numerous options to enjoy nature. Different trails lead to paradisiacal places where you can enjoy a good walk and endless baths in fresh or saltwater. There are also several diving points with different levels of difficulty, although most are beginner-friendly, ideal for those looking to learn this sport.

What to Do?

Capurganá is a small town that can be explored on foot. A walk through its picturesque streets will take visitors to see the school, health post, chapel, restaurants, and the beach.

This walk generally ends on the outskirts of town at the Cliff and at “The Pool of the Gods.” It is a crystal-clear, calm water pool, surrounded by rocks where the sea crashes fiercely. It is a place with clear waters where you can observe colorful fish and various species of aquatic birds. The name of this iconic destination comes from the legend about the beauty of the place, which was the favorite bathing spot of the gods.

Another attraction to visit is Aguacate Bay. Located just ten minutes by boat and an hour and a half on foot from Capurganá, this quiet beach, colored like the fruit it is named after, is surrounded by coral formations and a forest where different species of monkeys, frogs, snakes, and rodents can be seen.

During the walk, you can observe and photograph beautiful landscapes. It is recommended to wear water shoes as the beach is made up of small stones. In this calm, shallow bay with extensive coral banks, you can dive, practice snorkeling and then try the exquisite local cuisine.

It is necessary to enter the Darién jungle to reach the El Cielo Nature Reserve. This is one of the major tourist attractions in Capurganá. The ecological tour through the thick jungle, composed of enormous native trees and crossed by numerous crystal-clear streams, takes visitors to the waterfall and natural cold-water pools, where you can rest after a hike that lasts approximately two to four hours.

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This reserve is abundant with birds, making this trail ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. It is also home to sloths, different species of monkeys, and butterflies.

Another fantastic hike is the trail between Capurganá and Sapzurro. It takes about two hours, and halfway through, you can climb to a viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the sea, the jungle, Capurganá, and Sapzurro.

For those who love marine life, there are various diving options. From Cabo Tiburón to Acandí, you can find options with depths of up to 30 meters, where the underwater world opens up to observe species such as barracudas, groupers, nurse sharks, snappers, mantas, crabs, lobsters, and a large number of reef fish.

With gentle to moderate currents, the coral platform hides vibrant-colored species that make the experience unique in the world. Narza's crack, the Grouper's cave, the Carreto shallows, and Cabo Tiburón are some of the warm-water spots with great visibility, making them some of the best diving spots in the Caribbean.

Another wonderful plan offered by this territory is the chance to observe the nesting and subsequent birth of thousands of Hawksbill and Green sea turtles, a sacred event that has been happening for thousands of years on the beaches of Acandí.

Capurganá is located amidst extensive fields of banana, plantain, and coconut crops. These iconic products are found in all the dishes of Capurganá's cuisine, accompanied by fish and all the fruits offered by the sea and mangrove.

A vacation in Capurganá guarantees both rest and adventure in a paradise connected directly to the sun, sea, and jungle. Discover the Chocó of the Caribbean and break free from the routine to enjoy incredible experiences that you can only find in a country of contrasts: Colombia!