Situated 128km from Cali, Buenaventura is a sweltering and important port on the Colombian Pacific coast. Make no mistake; Buenaventura is a dangerous place with the guerrilla, paramilitaries and government all jostling for control of this pivotally important communication and transportation hub.

Architecturally unappealing with the city center built mainly on the island of Cascajal, if you find yourself here it is likely that you are lost and way off course or you have come to make a connection to the nearby tourist areas and whale watching retreats of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros.

Despite being known for having a murder rate that is unspeakably high the visitor will be pleasantly surprised with shopping opportunities and the hotels and restaurants open for business on Calle 1.

Should you have to spend a night or more than a few hours here before making the connection to one of the surrounding sights, then be sure to visit the San Andresito area of town for bargain shopping and then to head to the Muelle Turistico to slurp on a freshly squeezed fruit juice and watch the massive tankers power their way out into the open ocean.