Cacao tour

Day 1 - Fly to Nuqui and discover the coast

Meet in Medellín in the morning to take the flight for Nuqui (50 min). Enjoy the stunning untouched landscapes of the Chocó-Pacifico! After, we will enjoy a 1 hour boat ride alongside de coast, to reach the more secluded area where our eco-lodge *Casa Balae* is located.

The afternoon will be spent relaxing, and getting ready for the next day. Your guide will also introduce the basic safety and navigation information, while presenting the marine ecosystem and incredible biodiversity of the region.

Day 2 - Kayak the golf of Tribuga up to the village of Arusi

Today, we will start to explore the coast, doing a day trip toward the southern end of the golf of tribuga, and the village of Arusi.
You will paddle 2h30 to reach the punta arusi where you can find two of the most emblematic marin birds of the choco: the fragata and the piceros pata azul. Another 30 min will bring us to the Poleo restaurant, where francis, the chef will share his creative cooking and his passion for the unique ingredients and products of the Pacific. After lunch we will go to the little village of termales to enjoy a relaxing dip into the natural hot springs. This fantastic day will end by a sunset paddle back to the lodge, and a relaxing evening overlooking the ocean.

Paddling distance: 20km

Day 3 - Cascada del amor, paddling and gourmet coastal food

After breakfast, take a stroll to the Nearby waterfall “ Cascada del Amor”, in order to move the legs and enjoy some freshwater.
In the afternoon, we will start moving north, toward the small village of Coqui, repotted for it’s welcoming comunity, incredible cuisine, and vanilla plantations! Chola, the local host, welcomes us into her house, where we can enjoy a view over the beach, and a humble, but relaxing accommodation. Stroll in the village and meet the local characters. Everyone here has a specialty, and each interaction reflects the profound love and conenection this village harbors with it’s surroundings. At nigth, this symbiotic relashionsph bettween the comunity and the land, will be experienced by taste, with a gourmet meal at the famous Zotea restaurants. This comunity led inicitive has been reconsigned internationally for it’s unique way to create fine dish, based on tradicional recipies and ingredients only found in the near surroundings of the restaurants.

Paddling distance: 10 km

Day 4 - Mangroves, caimans & turtles

Start the day exploring the Mangroves with the tides and the intricate labyrinth of roots that protects this ecosystem!

Let the local guide introduce you the 7 different species of mangroves growing here, and the countless endemic species that thrive among the vegetation. If lucky, you can even observe caimans and turtles from up close! Back on the ocean, we will initiate the return trip towards casa Balae, taking our time to enter protected bays and explore the coral reefs by snorkeling!

Paddling distance: 20 km
Hiking distance: 10km

Start-point

You can meet our team directly at José María Córdova International Airport (EOH Airport) in Medellín, where your expedition begins. Upon arrival, our guides will welcome you at the airport and assist with the transfer to the starting point of the adventure.

What is the weather like?

Medellín is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its pleasant weather all year round. Temperatures remain stable, ranging between 20°C and 28°C during the day.

What is the food like ?

The food is prepared by locals, blending authentic colombian cuisine.

What is the accomodation like ?

The accomodation is a mix of comfortable hostel stays and jungle camping.

During the camping, you will be sleeping in a hammock, protected from insects and from the rain.

What is included?

• Transport: Flights to and from Nuqui-Medellín, boat rides to and from Nuqui
• Guides: Expert local bilingual guides (English–Spanish)
• Accommodation: 3 nights eco-lodge, 1 night in hammock
• Meals: All meals during the expedition (except breakfast day 1 and lunch day 5)
• Equipment: Full kayaking and camping equipment
• Insurance: Medical assistance insurance (valid only during the booked tour)

What is not included?

• Transport to arrive to the start point in Medellín and back.
• Visas
• Personal Expenses
• Last day lunch

What do I need to bring?

• Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, long-sleeves
• River sandals or water shoes
• Swimsuit and small towel
• Sunscreen and natural insect repellent
• Sleeping bag liner, if desired
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Hat & sunglasses
• Drybag for valuables 20L min
• Reusable water bottle
• Comfortable hiking backpack
• Change of clothes and light jacket for the night
• Passport for internationals or ID for nationals. Fiscal document required.

What is the plan for the day ?

Discover the entire cacao process, from the farm and post-harvest stages to chocolate production. Enjoy a delicious traditional regional lunch, take an easy hike to beautiful natural waterfalls, and relax with a cacao therapy experience surrounded by nature.

Start-point

The tour starts at our operational office in Cocorná. For added convenience, optional transportation is available from Hostel Masaya Medellín to the meeting point. Alternative pick-up locations can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional fee depending on the location.

What is the food like ?

Traditional regional lunch.

What's the weather like ?

Enjoy a humid tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and occasional rainfall.

• Bilingual local guide
• Lunch and snacks
• Cacao tasting and processing
• Cacao exfoliation and wellness experience
• Medical assistance insurance (valid only during the booked tour)

• Transportation from Medellín to cacao farm at San Francisco Antioquia
• Personal expenses
• Additional drinks

What do I need to bring ?

• Closed-toe shoes
• Light clothing (shorts or long pants, long-sleeve shirt)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Hat or cap
• Swimsuit
• Quick-dry towel
• Dry clothes and shoes for after the activity
• Passport for internationals or ID for nationals. Fiscal document required.