Utría: A Playground for Whales

The richness of mangroves and the abundance of the Pacific Ocean’s marine wildlife converge in a fascinating way in the Utría National Natural Park, located in the department of Chocó, in the Nuqui and Bahia Solano municipalities. South of the Utría Cove, foothills covered with thick tropical jungle, semi-hidden in the mist, break into the sea while the landscape of the inlet itself changes as the tide rises and falls.

The secret kingdom of the mangrove forest.

The Utría Park is a privileged area for nature tourism due to its countless natural attractions, the beauty of its landscapes, the excellent condition of its ecosystems and its great cultural wealth, all part of the unique heritage of the Pacific Region of northern Colombia. Many activities such as trekking, observation of whales and other fauna, canoeing snorkeling, and diving are among the multitude of activities that visitors engage in.

Characteristics

This is one of the many areas in Colombia with a strong ecotourism vocation thanks to its natural attractions, landscapes of amazing beauty, the excellent condition of its ecosystems and its cultural riches. All of these constitute an outstanding natural and cultural heritage of the northern area of the Pacific region of Colombia.

How to get there

• By Sea: by marine transport services from the port of Buenaventura to Bahía Solano or Nuquí, either trip lasting between 20 and 24 hours.
• By air: from Cali or Medellín to Bahía Solano and Nuquí.

Communities

There are various settlements of Emberá Indian and Black communities in the park and its area of influence. The Emberás developed their principles and rules from their relation to rivers, animals, and mountains. The first members of Black communities arrived in the area attracted by rubber exploitation.

Fauna

There are many mammals in Utría, including ocelots, pacaranas, agoutis, deer, wild pigs, silky anteaters, sloths, and bats. There are reptiles, such as poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and many endemic species of poisonous frogs of the genus Dendrobates.

Flora

The park has several species of timber trees, the main ones being cohíbas (the state tree), loquats, cominos, abarcos, ceibas, carboneros. Caracolíes are used for making boats and oquendos are used by members of Indian and Black communities to make their hanidcrafts.

Activities

• Trail hiking
• Photography
• Diving
• Snorkeling
• Whale watching
• Canoeing

Attractions

• Playa Blanca Island
• Utría Cove
• Almejal Beach
• Chadó and El Tigre waterfalls, in the jurisdiction of El Valle
• Additionally, the area is visited by migratory species like dolphins, whales and sperm whales.
• Four land and five subaquatic paths: Isla Playa Blanca, Punta Diego, Fondeadero de Cocalito, Fondeadero Grande (land-water), Terrón Colorado (canoeing).
• City: Quibdó (San Pacho feasts in September and October).
• Bahía Solano (Festival of the Pacific in August).

Access to the park

Please consult your travel agent or visit www.parquesnacionales.gov.co