Ensenada de Utria National Park

Located in the state of Chocó, the park covers an area of 210 sq. miles with topographical features such as the Utría Fjord and the Baudó Hills that border onto the town of El Valle. The temperature year-roundhovers around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and, due to the mists off the hills and the fact that the area has one of the highest rainfalls in the world, it is humid.

The park consists of areas of rain forest - home to the increasingly rare Choco Tinamou bird - tangles of mangrove swamps, coral reefs and 43,000 acres of Pacific coastline. Marine fauna in the area is very diverse, including 105 species of crustaceans and several species of whales which visit the coral reefs, among them the famous humpback whales. In addition there are two Indian reserves in the area. The whole park displays what the Choco has to offer in the form of hiking, kayaking, bird-watching and breathing in the abundance of life.

Location:
Ensenada de Utria National Park
Colombia

National Park

Getting There
Either fly into Bahia Solano and arrange transport south on the one road in this region of Colombia that leads to El Valle and from there cross the bridge south. Otherwise, contract a boat from Nuqui and enjoy the 2-hour ride to the peninsula.

Travel Tips: Bring water, if in any doubt at all contract a local guide and be sure that the park authorities know you are in the area.

Relative price: Very cheap

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

You Need to Bring: Bring water, insect repellent and walking shoes.

By Richard McColl

With over five years travelling and working in Latin America, Richard feels most at home here in the big Continent. From the former Scottish...

Created: 19 May 2008

Updated: 18 May 2009

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