I first heard of Capurganá just a few years in the past after I interviewed Ndana Chibanda. Since I worth private suggestions, I made a decision to learn extra concerning the city. Its location instantly piqued my curiosity, and after I lastly acquired the chance to go to Capurganá myself, I totally loved the expertise. Listed here are some feedback and suggestions that you could be discover helpful for those who resolve to go there.
What’s so particular about it?
Capurganá is positioned in Chocó, which is an especially attention-grabbing area when it comes to geography and biodiversity. You will have heard of Lloró, one of many rainiest locations on this planet. Cities like Bahía Solano and Nuquí on the Pacific coast are well-liked locations for whale watching. Chocó has a little bit of shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean near Panama as effectively, and that’s the place Capurganá is. No roads result in this city, so there aren’t any automobiles there.
Isn’t it harmful?
Chocó is the poorest division in Colombia and suffers from a number of main points. That stated, Capurganá has developed lots up to now decade or so. On account of its location, you may’t anticipate the identical comforts as in a giant metropolis, however I discovered the ambiance within the city very relaxed and felt utterly protected there.
We are able to’t ignore the truth that Capurganá is likely one of the beginning factors for the notorious trek by way of the Darién Hole to Bajo Chiquito in Panama. Nevertheless, for those who’re not concerned within the exercise of smuggling folks, there’s nothing to fret about. Vacationers are effectively acquired within the city, and a few locals even hold their home doorways absolutely open, which I imagine is an indication that petty crime isn’t a problem there.
There are direct flights from Medellín
Many guests journey to Capurganá by boat from Necoclí or Turbo. That’s fairly time-consuming and never precisely comfy, so for those who want a quicker method, you may go there instantly from Medellín with Pacífica. The flight itself is an attention-grabbing expertise because the airline makes use of this L-410 plane in-built 1989 in Czechoslovakia.
The airport in Capurganá could be very primary and the runway tends for use by the locals for walks or as a shortcut when going someplace. The hand-written boarding go and no airport safety in any respect completely match the situation.
What are you able to do there?
Rather a lot! There’s a seashore within the city, however most guests go on boat journeys to close by bays (Sapzurro, La Miel, El Aguacate). When you like diving, there are alternatives to take action, primarily from April to November when the ocean is a bit calmer. Capurganá additionally presents wonderful hikes to locations like Reserva Pure El Cielo or La Coquerita. My favorite place within the space is Sapzurro, primarily because of its completely gorgeous seashore.
Is the hike to La Miel in Panama price it?
Sure, I believe so. You may simply go there by boat, however if you’re an avid hiker, a day journey from Capurganá to La Miel and again is doable. That is the official path to observe, which entails paying a small charge. Despite the fact that the hike itself isn’t that troublesome, there are a few passages the place you have to climb up units of stairs, which is a bit demanding in humid climate.
Since going to La Miel means crossing the border to Panamá, you’re supposed to hold your passport or ID. In my case, there was no person on the Colombian facet and the Panamanian officers simply waved me by way of with out checking something, nevertheless it’s higher to be able to have your papers checked out.
What are the drawbacks of visiting Capurganá?
We’re speaking about a spot that’s so distant that utilizing Google Maps doesn’t assist a lot and I like to recommend Bing Maps as an alternative. It’s possible you’ll expertise water shortages and energy cuts whereas staying there. Electrical energy doesn’t run 24/7 within the city, so in case your lodging doesn’t have its personal energy generator, it’ll get extremely popular in your room early within the morning.
There aren’t any ATMs in Capurganá. Some locations do settle for playing cards or financial institution transfers, nevertheless it’s nonetheless beneficial to journey with sufficient money. You may simply go away a lot of the cash in your room if you exit. Once more, I’d like to stress that I felt safer in Capurganá than in massive Colombian cities. Simply be careful for motorbikes as a result of that is positively not the place the place you’d obtain high-quality medical care for those who acquired run over!
Lastly, you have to select your lodging properly. The dock space and a few of the streets north of the airport might compete for the title of the noisiest place on Earth because of the locals’ penchant for enjoying extraordinarily loud music by way of big sound techniques. I stayed in Mi Cabaña El Maderal, which is run by very nice folks, and had no points with exterior noise in any respect. There are a number of locations to remain in Capurganá; simply be sure that to learn the critiques earlier than reserving your lodging so that you just keep away from disagreeable surprises.