Los Viajes de Jham
Los Viajes de Jham
Buenaventura is the largest port city in Colombia on the Pacific Ocean and the gateway to one of nature's most stunning spectacles: humpback whale watching.
Photo by @mustiesen
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Every year, between June and October, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific to mate and give birth. It is the star experience: easy to combine with beaches, trails, and local culture.
Photo by @mustiesen
Buenaventura is located in the southwest of Colombia, in the Valle del Cauca department. From here, you can access beaches like Juanchaco, Ladrilleros, and Bahía Málaga.
Fly to Cali: The most common way is to take a flight to Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport), which is said to be in Cali, but is actually in Palmira.
Airport to Cali Terminal: Take the bus from the stops that goes to the Cali terminal, which costs $13,000 COP and takes about 40 minutes.
Cali Terminal to Buenaventura: Go to the bus ticket counter for buses to Buenaventura and buy your ticket, which costs $42,000 COP, and the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Buenaventura to Whale Watching: For whale watching, head to the Buenaventura port and take a boat to Bahía Málaga. I recommend staying in Juanchaco or Ladrilleros, as these areas have the most tourist offerings.
From Abroad: Fly to Bogotá or Medellín and connect to a flight to Cali. From there, travel overland to Buenaventura.
Tip: Exchange currency at the airport or official exchange houses; avoid street exchanges.
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I recommend staying one night in Juanchaco and another in Ladrilleros to explore the area more. There are motorcycles and a tractor that works like a bus to get around these areas. Here are 3 accommodation options that might suit you.
Acuarios Hostal: Offers accommodation right by the beach with a garden, terrace, and common areas.
Pet-friendly and has free Wi-Fi, close to Juanchaco Beach. Click here to check prices and book.
Hotel Reserva Aguamarina: Offers accommodation with a pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, and bar.
Rooms include cable TV, private bathroom, and American breakfast. Click here to check prices and book.
Hotel Costa Real: Offers accommodation with a pool, garden, restaurant, bar, and café.
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, cable TV, private bathroom, and American breakfast. Click here to check prices and book.
🏨 Exclusive discounts on Booking
With Los Viajes de Jham, get 15% off selected accommodations. 👉 View discounted accommodations
Besides whale watching, find pristine beaches, trails, and local cuisine.
Whale Watching: We recommend booking the tour at your hostel or hotel. This way, you will see it with a local, and the experience will be much better. The price is approximately $80,000 COP.
Photo by @mustiesen
Beach and Waterfall Tour: This tour takes you to Playa La Barra, Playa Ladrilleros, Playa Juan de Dios, and Cascada la Sierpe. We also recommend booking it at your hotel.
Pacific Cuisine: Try rice with piangua, seafood casserole, and shrimp empanadas.
Photo by: EstudioWebDoce
Best Time: June to October (whale season).
Bring repellent and sunscreen.
Be prepared for rain: it is a humid area.
Book your tour with certified local agencies.
Is it safe to travel to Buenaventura? Yes, in tourist areas like docks and eco-hotels. Use certified transport and guides, and follow local recommendations.
Can I travel with children? Yes. Ensure life jackets and sunscreen during boat trips.
What about pets? Some accommodations accept pets; confirm in advance. Boat trips can be stressful for animals.
Do I need vaccinations? Not mandatory, but the yellow fever vaccine is recommended as you will visit jungle areas.
What to pack? Swimsuit, sturdy sandals, repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, power bank, ID, and cash.
Now, ready to pack your bags, buy your ticket, and prepare for one of the most beautiful spectacles on the planet. Book in advance and check the availability of tours and accommodations.
🏨 Exclusive discounts on Booking
With Los Viajes de Jham, get 15% off selected accommodations. 👉 View discounted accommodations
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