- Outstanding tourist sites in the Pacific region
- 1- Malpelo Island
- 2- Nuquí
- 3- Gorgona Island
- 4- Solano Bay
- 5- Green Lagoon
- References
The tourist sites of the Pacific region of Colombia exploit above all the coastal potential of the place. Being an area near the coast, most of the tourist attractions are the beaches and spas.
However, the natural charm that the biodiversity of the Colombian Pacific achieves is also a great tourist attraction.
Beyond the beaches, there are numerous islands where you can dive to admire the marine fauna of the Pacific.
Tourism is one of the current pillars of the Colombian economy, each year the country is visited by 5 million tourists, mainly from North and South America.
Outstanding tourist sites in the Pacific region
Contrary to traditional tourism on beaches and coastal places, lately activities such as diving and excursions to observe animals and natural landscapes have increased.
This alternative known as ecotourism, has become immensely popular in recent years. The enormous biodiversity in the marine fauna attracts many tourists who seek to observe the animal species of the Pacific coasts.
1- Malpelo Island
This island formed by volcanic activity has a surface area of just over one square kilometer.
Thanks to the enormous animal biodiversity found on its coasts, the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary was created, which since 2006 has been a Unesco World Heritage Site.
More than 400 species of fish, including the whale shark, live in this ecosystem. Sea turtles and dolphins can also be found around the island, which makes it a very attractive place for diving.
The land area of Malpelo Island cannot be visited, it is permanently guarded by Colombian military agents.
2- Nuquí
This municipality attracts a large number of people each year, mainly due to ecotourism, surfing, artisanal fishing, hot springs and its famous gastronomy.
Humpback whales can be seen between July and November.
3- Gorgona Island
Known for having housed an old Alcatraz-style prison, it is an island with great appeal for ecotourism.
This is due to the large number of species that can be seen in the waters surrounding the island, such as hammerhead sharks, sea lions and wolves, humpback whales and dolphins.
4- Solano Bay
With its union of jungle, beaches and coral reefs, it is the most recognized tourist site in the Pacific region.
Eco-tourism for whale watching has become common in recent years. Other activities like sport fishing are equally popular.
In Bahía Solano is the Ensenada de Utría National Natural Park, which has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
5- Green Lagoon
It is a volcanic lake located in the crater of the Azufral volcano, about 4,000 meters high.
The high concentration of sulfur in a mine under the lake, makes the color of the water a very bright green, hence the name of the island.
It does not have animal or plant life because its waters are toxic. Its appeal lies in the unique color that its waters take.
References
- 10 Top Tourist Attractions in Colombia (December 19, 2016). Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from Touropia.
- Nariño - Tourist Sites (June 3, 2011). Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from the Pacific Region.
- The best corners of the Colombian Pacific (January 23, 2015). Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from Eloyhanoi.
- Colombia tourism statistics (March 20, 2017). Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from Colombia Reports.
- Tourism in Colombia by Regions (December 11, 2012). Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from Colombia.
- Juan Montoya Alzate (March 1, 2017). More than 5 million foreigners visited Colombia in 2016. Retrieved on October 21, 2017, from El País.