Capurganá and Sapzurro: Beaches, How to Get There & Things to Do
Capurganá has tropical beaches on the Caribbean Sea, in the Chocó region, very close to the Panama border. It is a destination that draws more travelers every year.
Capurganá and Sapzurro are the last Colombian beaches before the Panama border.
Capurganá is a beach destination in the Chocó region, on the coast of the Gulf of Urabá, very close to the jungle area known as the Darién Gap. The natural beauty of the place amazes visitors, and Capurganá has ideal spots for diving and snorkeling.
How to get to Capurganá and Sapzurro
The towns of Capurganá and Sapzurro are at the far edge of Colombia. There is no road access, leaving only the options of plane or boat.
Capurganá has a small airport with flights from Bogotá, Medellín and other Colombian cities.
The other option is by fast boat from the port of Turbo, a two-hour trip.
There are also boats that carry goods from Cartagena and occasionally take passengers informally; comfort and safety on these boats are not the best.
Tourism in Capurganá
Lodging in Capurganá is very good: besides budget options there are sizable hotels with all the services a traveler might need, along with restaurants and a few shops.
Sapzurro has lodging more geared to backpackers and young travelers, such as hostels and camping areas for tents and hammocks.
Beaches and places to visit
Capurganá sits between the Caribbean Sea with its reefs and the Darién jungle, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, so watching its flora and fauna is an unforgettable experience.
From Capurganá you can reach Sapzurro along a trail through the lush jungle or by one of the boats offering service at the port.
From Sapzurro you can visit the small Panamanian village of La Miel, with its pretty beach and stalls selling fish-based food.
By boat you can reach Puerto Obaldía, the Panamanian town that is the gateway into that country.
Some boats go as far as the San Blas archipelago (Panama), where you can visit the native Guna ("cuna") communities.
Acandí is a picturesque town surrounded by jungle and crystal-clear waterfalls.
Other interesting outings in Capurganá include:
- Piscina de los Dioses
- El Cielo Grotto
- Playa Soledad
- El Aguacate
Travel plans and packages
Most travel agencies in the country offer excursions and packages to Capurganá. Most plans include airfare, hotel lodging and meals.
Hotels
Hotel Bahía Pinorroa
WhatsApp: (+57) 312 792 8151
Phone: (+57) 313 750 4284
Website: hotelbahiapinorroa.com.co
Tacarcuna Lodge
Phone: +57 313 6518457
Website: tacarcuna.com
Hotel Las Mañanitas
WhatsApp: 300-263-7801
Phone: 314-426-1613
Website: hotellasmananitas.com.co
Hotel Los Robles
WhatsApp: +57 314 6328428
Facebook: HotelLosRoblesCapurgana
Map of Capurganá
Frequently asked questions about Capurganá
In the Chocó region, on the Gulf of Urabá, very close to the Panama border. They are the last Colombian beaches before the Darién Gap.
There is no road access. You arrive by plane (a small airport with flights from Medellín and other cities) or by fast boat from the port of Turbo (about 2 hours).
Diving and snorkeling on the reefs, hiking in the Darién jungle, visiting Sapzurro and the beach of La Miel (already in Panama), and enjoying quiet beaches surrounded by nature.
Yes. From Sapzurro you cross on foot to La Miel, in Panama, passing a border checkpoint; bring an ID document.
Capurganá has good hotels and budget options; Sapzurro is more about hostels and camping, aimed at backpackers and young travelers.
Warm, humid weather all year; the drier season (December to April) usually offers better seas for diving and boat transfers.