Quibdó, Chocó: How to Get There, Tourism & Places to Visit
Quibdó is the capital of the Chocó department, on the banks of the Atrato River — a land of warm, friendly people, nature and adventure.
Quibdó is the gateway to Colombia's world of rainforests, rivers and Afro-Colombian communities.
Quibdó is one of the recommended destinations for travelers who want to discover different, off-the-beaten-path places in the country. The Afro-Colombian and Indigenous cultures, the humidity, the tropical rains, the fruit, the Atrato River and the walks through the jungle make Quibdó a truly unique place.
Quibdó lies in one of the rainiest and most biodiverse areas in the world. The Chocó rainforests are stunningly beautiful.
How to get to Quibdó
The best way to reach Quibdó is to fly from Colombia's main cities to El Caraño Airport (Avianca, Easyfly, Satena).
By land there are bus services from Medellín (Rápido Ochoa). The distance between Medellín and Quibdó is 190 km; however, because of the state of the road and the weather conditions the trip can take 8 or 9 hours. Traveling by bus to Quibdó is without doubt an adventure and an experience that shows you another side of Colombia.
There are also boat services from Quibdó to riverside villages.
Tourist information
Quibdó is a remarkable city; its always-lively streets blend the cultures of Afro-Colombians, Indigenous communities and settlers from other regions. The city has a range of hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, cafés and shops.
Quibdó is the main urban center for the communities living along the Atrato and San Juan rivers, so many people come to its markets to trade goods, fruit, animals and more.
In Quibdó's restaurants and eateries you can try a variety of dishes based on fish and vegetables. The fruit is also famous — much of it unknown elsewhere in the country — and it is worth visiting a market to enjoy the range of sizes and colors.
It is fascinating to watch the activity along the riverbank and at the docks.
Things to see in Quibdó
- Riverside promenade and park
- Monument to César Conto
- Cathedral of San Francisco de Asís
- Municipal Palace
- Claretian Convent
- Episcopal Palace
- Monument to Diego Luis Córdoba
Trips on the Atrato River
One of the best ways to get to know the area is a trip on the Atrato River, one of the most important waterways in Colombia. Although there are no organized river tours, it is easy to catch a boat to visit nearby villages or hire a boat directly for an outing.
Map of Quibdó
Frequently asked questions about Quibdó
It is the capital of Chocó, on the banks of the Atrato River, in one of the rainiest and most biodiverse areas in the world. It is the gateway to the rainforests and Afro-Colombian communities of the Pacific.
The easiest option is to fly to El Caraño Airport (Avianca, Satena, Easyfly). By land there are buses from Medellín (190 km, but 8–9 hours because of the road conditions). There are also boats to riverside villages.
Experience Afro-Chocoan culture, walk the Atrato riverfront promenade and visit the Cathedral, try the local food, and take trips along the rivers and into the jungle to nearby communities.
It is Quibdó's great celebration, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi (September–October), declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, with parades, music and Chocoan tradition.
Warm, very humid and rainy almost all year round (it is one of the rainiest cities on the planet); bring a raincoat and insect repellent.
It rains almost all year; a special date is the San Pacho Festival (late September to early October), when the whole city takes to the streets.