Embark on a tiny boat to reach Guapi, an extraordinary corner of the Colombian Pacific. You'll know you're arriving when, after gently rocking on the waves, you catch the sweet notes of the chonta marimba in the air and see the mist clinging tightly to the lush jungle surroundings.
It makes sense to hear these sounds in Guapi, as they, although originating from a distant continent, have been embraced and adapted in these humid Pacific forests. You won't find another place where African influences are so charmingly evident.
The town, along with nearby Timbiquí, is a cultural center of the region, where music, dance, and traditional gastronomy of this fascinating culture are always present, both in festivities and daily life.
But Guapi is not only renowned for its cultural aspects; its natural side is equally impressive. The town is surrounded by dense forests that only the rushing rivers dare to traverse. You can also take a boat ride from Gorgona Island, one of Colombia's most incredible national parks.
Attractions and Experiences
Gorgona Island National Park
If you're brave enough to venture into the jungle-covered island and move away from the coast, nature will reward you: you'll encounter the unique ecosystems of the Gorgona Island National Park, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Its incredible wildlife diversity, both on land and in water, will leave you in awe. The range of activities available on Gorgona captivates visitors for days on end.
Don't be fooled by its serene atmosphere. The island has not always been a destination for leisure and relaxation: at one time, it served as a high-security prison from which escape was nearly impossible. Nowadays, no one forces guests to stay: they can leave if they wish, but with these beautiful deserted beaches, most prefer to extend their stay as long as possible. Remember that it's an excellent region for snorkeling and diving or, if you prefer "land activities," fantastic hikes on various trails.
True to its name, Gorgona is home to many species of snakes, so it’s essential to go with a guide on hikes. What other wild animals will you find on the island? Frigatebirds, hummingbirds, and many types of lizards. But it’s in the water where the park hides its most wonderful secrets: it is home to eleven species of whales and dolphins and four types of sea lions, along with spectacular humpback whales that can be observed close to the coast.
History lovers can visit pre-Hispanic petroglyphs on the island and a small museum with exhibits about the prison.
Nature, Wildlife
Chonta Marimba
Music is the cornerstone of daily life in Guapi. So much so that the traditional chords of the marimba and the folk singers of the region have been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. No instrument is more important to the region's music than the chonta marimba, whose sweet notes give voice to the forests from which it was born.
This iconic instrument of Colombian music is made from the ancestral knowledge of ancient African instruments. However, it is crafted from carefully selected native trees from the forests of the Colombian Pacific.
And the best marimbas are handmade in Guapi, where master artisans dive deep into the jungle to personally select the palm trees they will use. These materials are transported to the city's workshop and assembled by hand with other exclusively natural materials.
If you travel to Guapi, you can visit one of the instrument workshops to observe the process and even take marimba classes to better understand the region's traditional music.
Lucky tourists might even attend a live performance, where the marimba is often accompanied by female voices and handmade drums.
Culture, Music
100% Natural Gastronomy in Guapi
Guapi is famous throughout the country for its typical seafood dishes, which heavily depend on seasonal local ingredients and blend with available resources, like coconut and plantain leaves. You can't leave without trying piangua, a type of small clam that clings to the roots of mangroves. It is usually served slow-cooked in a delicious sauce, but it can also be prepared fresh in various ceviches.
Gastronomy
Practical Details
Accommodation
On the banks of the river in Guapi, you'll find some simple but comfortable hotels to base yourself. On Gorgona Island, the only accommodations are the official national park lodgings, but it is also possible to visit the island on a diving cruise that offers all the comforts for an overnight stay on board.
Arrival
Guapi can only be reached by air or sea. Direct flights from Cali and Bogotá are quite direct, but if you choose to go by water from Buenaventura, keep in mind that it can be a long and difficult journey, more suited for adventurers with some experience.
