Some places stay with you long after you return home. Two years ago, we had the chance to discover one of them: San Francisco de Asís, affectionately known as San Pacho, in the municipality of Acandí, Chocó, on the shores of Colombia’s Gulf of Urabá.
In this corner of the Colombian Caribbean, the sea meets the Darién rainforest, a region that stretches across Colombia and Panama. Surrounded by green mountains, towering trees, and the sound of the waves, we found a place that invites you to slow down and reconnect with what matters.
A journey that begins at sea
There are different ways to get there. One option is to take a boat from Turbo and cross the gulf to San Pacho. Allow around an hour for the journey, although travel time can vary depending on sea conditions and stops along the way. We recommend arranging your arrival with your accommodation before travelling.
The magic begins on the boat: the coastline turns green, and everyday life starts to feel far away.
The beauty of simple things
Our memories of San Pacho are filled with seaside walks, nature all around us, and moments with nowhere to rush. It is a simple destination where you can enjoy good food, find a spot for an afternoon drink, and let the day unfold.
It is also an opportunity to learn, with respect and curiosity, about a region shaped by the histories, traditions, and living cultures of Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities.
A place that felt like home
We stayed at Vaivén de Hamacas, a place we remember with so much affection. Ana and Víctor welcomed us with delicious food and a warmth that made our trip even more special. Finding that feeling of home, far from our own and surrounded by so much nature, was a gift.
At Manguaré, sharing Colombia also means sharing these stories: its landscapes, its people, and the encounters that connect us to our roots.
If you are looking for rainforest, sea, and a slower pace of travel, remember this name: San Pacho, Chocó.
Would you like to know more about this trip or another destination featured on our blog? Send us a message on Instagram at @manguare_accessories. We would love to share more details from our experience.
