Attraction
Playa Huina
The beach at the cape west of the bay is the most popular in the area, with golden sand and calm waters. You can reach it by boat from Bahía Solano or with a guide via a forest path.
Colombia
Bahía Solano
City
Bahía Solano is a coastal town on the northern Pacific coast of Chocó, surrounded by mountainous rainforest and only accessible by plane or boat.
by Felix Gillen
Bahía Solano is a coastal town on the northern Pacific coast of Chocó, surrounded by mountainous rainforest and only accessible by plane or boat. People come here for whale watching, beaches like Playa Huina, and the surf village of El Valle on the edge of Utría National Park. The main town of the municipality is Ciudad Mutis; El Valle is about 18 km south at the end of the only road.
Sights in Bahía Solano
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Attraction
Playa El Almejal
The wide main beach of El Valle is popular with surfers for its waves. The currents can be dangerous for swimmers, and sea turtles nest here.
Attraction
Playa Cuevita
The beach south of El Valle is a nesting site for Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Sea Turtles. You can snorkel among the rocks in the south.
National Park
Utría National Natural Park
The National Park south of El Valle protects bay, mangroves, corals, and rainforest. It is open to visitors; day trips are possible and are registered by park staff. Check admission and opening hours in advance with Parques Nacionales.
Restaurants in Bahía Solano
Restaurant in the town of El Valle, specializing in fish and seafood. It's mid-range priced and regularly mentioned in El Valle guidebooks.
Affordable grilled chicken restaurant in El Valle that also sells handicrafts. A simple spot for a quick meal in town.
Food & Drink in Bahía Solano
Bahía Solano shares the Chocó coast's cuisine: fish, seafood, and coconut. Prepared following recipes of Afro-Colombian communities.
Encocado de pargo
Smoked, shredded Snapper, simmered in coconut milk with onion, garlic, and wild coriander. Instead of Snapper, other fish or seafood can also be used.
Arroz con mariscos
Rice with seafood, tomato, oregano, bay leaf and achiote oil. It is one of the typical dishes of Chocó.
Arroz con coco
Rice cooked in coconut milk, the standard side dish for fried or steamed fish on the Pacific coast. Patacones usually come with it.
Viche
Handcrafted sugarcane spirit from the Pacific Coast, also available in varieties with herbs and fruits. A 2021 law recognizes it as the heritage of Afro-Colombian communities.
Between Sea and Rainforest
Afro-Colombian heritage and indigenous traditions shape the area. Emberá guides from Mecana lead rainforest treks to see monkeys, sloths, and birds.Second half of year: sea turtles lay eggs nightly on Cuevita & Almejal beaches. Cuisine: daily catch, tropical fruits.
Getting There and On the Go
Flight: To José Celestino Mutis Airport from Olaya Herrera City Airport in Medellín; also from Bogotá during high season, plus occasional charter flights from Cartago.Ship: From Buenaventura by cargo ship, long and not very comfortable. To Nuquí, about 2 hours by speedboat.El Valle: The only road leads about 18 km to El Valle.Locally: Beaches and waterfalls are mostly reached by boat, forest trails with a guide. There is only one ATM, take cash with you.Check the current UK FCDO travel advice before your trip.
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