Nuquí is one of the few places in Colombia where pristine beaches and untouched rainforest still coexist. Located in the Gulf of Tribugá, in the department of Chocó, this municipality has remained isolated from urban development and mass tourism. This isolation has helped preserve one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, as well as a way of life deeply connected to nature.

A Biodiverse Territory Linking Mountains and Sea

The region is part of the Chocó biogeographic zone, one of the most biologically rich areas in the world. Here, tropical rainforest meets the ocean, with mangroves, estuaries, rivers, and coral formations blending into an exceptional ecosystem. Over 1,600 species of flora and fauna have been recorded in this area, including jaguars, tapirs, poison frogs, and endemic birds.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the arrival of humpback whales, from June to October, when they migrate to the warm waters of the Pacific to give birth. In May, however, another rare and fascinating phenomenon takes place: massive schools of sardines gather off the coast of Nuquí, attracting dolphins and whale sharks—the largest fish in the world. Watching them in their natural habitat is an experience only a few places on Earth can offer.

These ecosystems are not only home to extraordinary wildlife but also offer unique opportunities for observing animals in the wild, without artificial settings or altered landscapes.

Communities That Live in Harmony With Nature

Nuquí’s population is composed primarily of Afro-descendant and Emberá Indigenous communities, whose presence has been essential in maintaining balance between humans and nature. These communities have developed ways of life that respect the rhythms of the environment, blending ancestral knowledge with practices adapted to the conditions of the Pacific coast.

Traditional practices such as artisanal fishing, subsistence agriculture, natural medicine, and sustainable forest use are still common. Social life is centered around extended families and respect for elders, who pass down oral knowledge about plants, food, navigation, and care for both body and spirit. Many homes are built using local techniques, raised on stilts to withstand humidity, and mobility is mainly by foot, boat, or river routes.

Afro-descendant communities preserve cultural expressions such as alabaos, arrullos, traditional midwifery, and a cuisine deeply rooted in the territory’s history. The Emberá people maintain their language, spiritual worldview of the forest, and traditions such as body painting with jagua and wood carving. For both groups, territory is not just a physical space, but a living network of relationships among nature, memory, and culture.

To live in Nuquí is not simply to reside in the jungle—it is to remain actively connected to it, to protect it, and to sustain a way of life in harmony with the environment.

A Culinary Project With Purpose: Zotea

The cuisine of Nuquí reflects centuries of shared knowledge. Influenced by African, Indigenous, and Spanish traditions, Pacific gastronomy is rich, diverse, and deeply tied to the land. Ingredients like coconut, plantain, piangua (a type of mollusk), rice, fresh fish, and seafood are prepared using techniques passed down through generations.

It is more than a collection of recipes—it is a living expression of identity. Each dish holds part of the region’s history and natural surroundings. For many families, cooking is a form of cultural resistance. Tasting these dishes in their place of origin—surrounded by forest, sea, and community—makes the experience unique and difficult to replicate elsewhere. What might be considered a luxury elsewhere is part of daily life in Nuquí.

One initiative that preserves and strengthens this heritage is Zotea, a community culinary center located in the village of Coquí. There, local women lead training programs, food production, and traditional cooking. Among them is Chola, a well-known host in the region, who actively contributes to this collective effort with her experience and ancestral knowledge. Zotea is more than a restaurant—it’s a project for cultural and economic autonomy through food.

A Chance to Experience Nuquí From Within

From above, Nuquí reveals its unique geography: a place where rainforest and ocean meet without interruption.

From May 15 to 18, we will visit Nuquí to experience the region from a close and respectful perspective, connecting with its nature, its flavors, and the stories of those who call it home. We will stay at Posada Brisas del Mar, a house built entirely by Chola, where hospitality and traditional knowledge are present in every detail. Just steps from the sea, it offers an authentic experience of local life.

Guided by Elian Martinez—a chef born in Nuquí and active in Zotea—we will share moments in the kitchen, walk through the rainforest, and navigate the Pacific coast. Known for his talent and deep knowledge of Pacific culinary culture, Elian will also be our guide during the journey, offering valuable insight into the region, its ingredients, its history, and its people.

This is a rare opportunity to experience Nuquí in an authentic way—learning from those who know it best: its people.

📩 If you’re interested in joining this experience or want more information, you can contact Elian Martinez directly here.