Travel guide

How to get to Nuquí, Colombia

Getting to Nuquí is not like getting to any other destination — and that’s exactly where the trip begins.

No roads, no traffic, no intermediate cities. The journey happens by air and by sea — crossing virgin jungle and one of the most biodiverse coastlines on the planet. It may sound remote. Once you understand how it works, it’s simpler than you’d expect.

Routes to get to Nuquí

If you’re wondering how to get to Nuquí, the first thing to know is that access combines two legs: a flight, then a boat transfer.

Most travelers fly from Medellín
— a regional flight that takes less than an hour and carries you directly over the Chocó jungle and the Pacific coast. Once you land, a boat from the dock completes the journey to Guachalito, where Jenené Lodge is located.

More than a transfer, this last stretch is already part of the experience — the moment you start to understand where you’re arriving.

Flight map to Nuquí
mapa de rutas para llegar a Nuquí, Chocó
Map of flight routes to Nuquí

How to get to Nuquí from Medellín

Flying from Medellín is the most common and straightforward route to Nuquí. Flights depart from Olaya Herrera Airport — the smaller, domestic airport in the city — and take approximately 45 minutes.

This is also the most frequent option, with daily departures throughout the week.

Beyond being the easiest connection point from international destinations, this flight is already part of the experience: within minutes of takeoff, the city gives way to Chocó jungle and the Pacific coastline below.

Once you land at Reyes Murillo Airport in Nuquí, the journey continues by boat toward beaches like Guachalito, where Jenené Lodge is located.

Vista desde el avión de la llegada a Nuquí
Arriving at Nuquí

How to get to Nuquí from Bogotá

From Bogotá, there are occasional direct flights to Nuquí — generally available on Thursdays and Sundays during certain seasons.

The most reliable option is to connect through Medellín, flying from the El Dorado Air Terminal and then taking a regional flight to Nuquí, with frequent departures throughout the week.

A third alternative is routing through Quibdó, the capital of Chocó, and flying onward from there. This option can be useful depending on availability and scheduling.

Total travel time from Bogotá typically runs between 3 and 4 hours depending on the route. If you’re unsure which option works best for your dates, the Jenené Lodge team can help you plan your arrival step by step.

Avión de Satena, una de las aerolíneas que viaja a Nuquí en Chocó, Colombia
Satena plane on the runway

How to get to Nuquí from Cali

From Cali, getting to Nuquí is more straightforward than most travelers expect. Direct flights operate typically on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the year — making this one of the more practical routes.

If those dates don’t align with your plans, you can fly from Cali to Medellín and connect from there, with multiple weekly departures toward Nuquí.

Many travelers use this route to combine their trip with other destinations in southwestern Colombia before reaching the Pacific.

2. Confirm your reservation at Jenené Lodge

3. Pack light — recommendations below)

4. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. Regional airlines typically close baggage check 1 hour before the flight.

5. Fly to Nuquí and pay the entry fee on arrival.

6. We meet you at the dock and take you by boat to the lodge.

That’s it.

 

Our lodge in Nuquí

Travel tips for Nuquí, Chocó

Traveling to Nuquí — on Colombia’s Pacific Coast — is a genuinely different kind of trip. Being surrounded by tropical jungle with no road access means a few things are worth planning in advance so your arrival is smooth and nothing catches you off guard.

Plan ahead

Flights to Nuquí depart from Medellín (Olaya Herrera Airport) and take about 45 minutes. During whale watching season, booking in advance is strongly recommended — availability fills up fast.

Budget for the full journey

Travel costs vary by season and airline. Beyond the flight, factor in the boat transfer from the dock to beaches like Guachalito.

Safety on the ground

Nuquí is a calm and safe destination. That said, in a natural environment it's important to follow local guides and operators during activities — they know the territory.

Travel insurance

While not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical assistance is recommended for your stay on the Colombian Pacific. At Jenené Lodge, hotel insurance covers any incident within the facilities.

What to pack

Light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, sandals, and a light rain jacket. The jungle is wet — and that's exactly why it looks the way it does.

Connectivity

Internet access in Nuquí is limited and signal can be weak in some areas. This is part of what makes the destination what it is. At Jenené Lodge we have satellite Wi-Fi for when you need it.

Getting from Nuquí to Guachalito

This is where things get good.

When you land in Nuquí, we’ll be waiting to take you to Jenené Lodge. From the dock, you board a boat that runs along the coast for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

This is not just a transfer. Along the way you’ll see jungle meeting the ocean, open beaches with nothing built on them, and if the timing is right, wildlife along the route.

It’s the transition between the everyday world and the experience you came for.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Nuquí

If you’re planning a trip to Nuquí, Chocó, here are the questions travelers ask most before organizing their journey to the Colombian Pacific.

Planning your trip to Nuquí?

At Jenené Lodge we don’t just receive you — we also help you organize your entire journey so getting here is easy and stress-free.

Our team handles everything from the moment you land, so the experience is seamless from day one.