Quibdó Overview

By Richard McColl

Quibdo’s skyline is dominated by the immense San Francisco de Asis Cathedral that towers over the banks of the Atrato River. The river is the city’s most important means of communication aside from the frequent flights into the airport since Quibdo remains poorly connected to the world by two ill-maintained roads.

Overall and aesthetically Quibdo is an unlovely place with the architecture and infrastructure suffering from harsh climatic conditions that leave its streets potholed and buildings stained as if burnt by the humidity. But for the intrepid traveller these hindrances and words should offer no obstacle as upon arrival you are sure to be the only tourist, and once this is known the people here, mainly of Embera Indian and descendants of African slaves, will adopt you as one of their own.

Accommodation is not as developed and established as you would find elsewhere since Quibdo mainly plays host to soldiers and officials from Mèdicos Sin Fronteras. Be sure to take a stroll along the riverfront in the early evening and wonder at the bizarre fruits that lack names in English.