Pacific Coast Highlights

By Richard McColl

Without a doubt, the Colombian Pacific region offers much to enjoy. On an overland trip coming in from Ecuador or leaving Colombia, a stop must be made at the Las Lajas sanctuary. As if hanging to the side of an abyss, this castle-like structure is an important pilgrimage destination for Colombians. Leaving cultural sites and sounds behind, head to Cali to rumba the night away in the company of seductively beguiling Calenas in the city’s world famous salsatecas. If getting back to nature is on the agenda, look no further than the protected island of Isla Gorgona in Cauca or the towns of Bahia Solano and Nuqui in the Chocó, excellent spots from which to observe the annual migration of humpback whales, do wreck dives, hike in virgin rainforests and swim in crystalline waterfalls.