Pacifica Travel Guide

Explore the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and more in Pacifica, Colombia with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Pacifica

Located on Colombia’s Pacific coast, the town of Pacifica is a hidden gem that boasts stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Its secluded location has helped preserve its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and breathtaking landscapes that are virtually untouched by mass tourism.

In this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and more that Pacifica has to offer.

List of Places to Visit in Pacifica

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museo del Oro Tumaco: The museum features a collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts representing the diversity and complexity of the Tumaco culture.
  • San Francisco de Asís Church: A 17th-century church with a fusion of colonial and indigenous architecture.
  • Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba: An archaeological park that features the ruins of Pumapungo, an ancient Inca city.

Natural Attractions of Pacifica: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Nacional Natural Utría: A protected area that includes mangrove forests, rocky outcrops, and beaches that serve as nesting sites for sea turtles and humpback whales.
  • Bahía Solano: A coastal town that offers fantastic activities such as whale watching, scuba diving, and surfing.
  • El Valle: A small village that provides access to hiking trails leading to waterfalls and natural pools.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pacifica

  • Camino Real: A centuries-old ancient Inca trail that spans over 500 kilometers and passes through Pacifica’s lush forests and mountains.
  • Sendero de los Caballos: A popular day hike that highlights Pacifica’s biodiversity, flora, and fauna.
  • Biking Route 23: A scenic trail that runs along the Pacific coastline and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.

Best Things to Do in Pacifica: Activities and Tours

  • Whale watching: From July to November, humpback whales visit Pacifica’s coastline to mate and calve.
  • Surfing: Pacifica has some of the best surf breaks along Colombia’s Pacific coast.
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The crystalline waters of the Pacific offer outstanding visibility and diverse marine life.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pacifica

Day Activity
1 Explore the town of Pacifica and visit San Francisco de Asís Church
2 Hike the Sendero de los Caballos and explore the jungle
3 Surfing lesson in the morning, relax on the beach in the afternoon
4 Whale watching tour and visit to Parque Nacional Natural Utría
5 Scuba diving and snorkeling at Bahía Solano
6 Visit Rumipamba Archaeological Park and learn about the Inca civilization
7 Relax on the beach, shopping, and enjoy Pacifica’s nightlife

Food and Drink Scene of Pacifica

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ceviche: A popular dish made from fresh fish marinated in lime juice, onions, and cilantro.
  • Sancocho: A hearty soup made from yucca, plantains, corn, and beef or fish.
  • Arroz Atollado: A savory rice dish with chicken, pork, vegetables and sometimes seafood.

Local Beverages

  • Chicha: A fermented drink made from maíz (corn) or yucca.
  • Cerveza Artesanal: Handcrafted beer using local ingredients such as cocoa, passion fruit, and coffee.

Where to Stay in Pacifica: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hospedaje El Faro: A beachfront hostel with private rooms and dorms.
  • Hotel Bahía Solano: A moderately priced hotel in the heart of Bahía Solano.
  • Cabaña Paraiso: A secluded eco-lodge surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.

What to Buy in Pacifica: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handwoven Bags and Hats: Made from palm leaves called chambira by the Emberá indigenous people.
  • Gold and Silver Jewelry: Pacifica is home to several goldsmiths who create intricate and unique jewelry designs.
  • Artisanal Chocolate: Made from locally-sourced cocoa, Pacifica’s artisanal chocolates are a must-try souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Pacifica

Pacifica is a town with a rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects the fusion of various indigenous and Afro-Colombian cultures. Local customs include:

  • Greeting people with “buenas” or “buenas tardes”.
  • The celebration of the Virgin Mary with traditional music, dances, and food.
  • The use of “palanqueras” or women who carry fruits and vegetables on their heads wearing colorful dresses.

Best Time to Visit Pacifica

The best time to visit Pacifica is between July and November, when humpback whales migrate to the Colombian Pacific coast to mate and calf.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pacifica

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Use insect repellent and protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
  • Bring cash as credit card payments are not widely accepted in Pacifica.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment, as Pacifica has a fragile ecosystem.
  • Take pictures of the locals without asking for permission first.
  • Swim in areas without a lifeguard or safety equipment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pacifica

Pacifica is a safe town, but you must take the usual precautions to avoid petty crime.

Health in Pacifica

It is recommended to get vaccinated against Yellow Fever before visiting Pacifica. Bring insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and drink bottled water to prevent mosquito-borne diseases and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Getting to Pacifica: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pacifica

  • José Celestino Mutis Airport (BSC)
  • Tumaco-La Florida Airport (TCO)

Bus Stations Near Pacifica

  • Buenaventura Bus Station
  • Cali Bus Station

Other Options

You can also access Pacifica by boat from Guapi or Buenaventura.

How to Get Around in Pacifica

The most convenient way to get around Pacifica is on foot or by bike. Taxis and public buses are also available, but they may not be as reliable.

Where to Go Next from Pacifica: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Nuquí: A small town that offers hot springs, pristine beaches, and whale watching.
  • Isla Gorgona: A protected island that offers diving, snorkeling, and wildlife watching.
  • Popayán: A colonial town famous for its white-washed buildings and rich cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Exploring Pacifica, Colombia is an unforgettable experience that combines natural wonders, adventure, and cultural immersion. This comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the best places to visit, things to do, and more in this hidden gem of the Pacific coast. Plan your trip today and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!



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