Located in the Gorgona National Natural Park, Isla Gorgona is a paradise you cannot miss on your trip to Colombia. Considered a paradise for ecotourism, this island has important land and marine flora and fauna. It is also a place steeped in history, with several archaeological sites. It was also home to the country’s most feared prison for more than 20 years.
1. Gorgona National Natural Park
The Gorgona National Natural Park Reserve is covers more than 49,000. It is famous for its ecotourism activities, such as hiking, bird watching, diving, or cultural heritage tours. The park includes Isla Gorgona, Gorgonilla Island, three islets and the different marine areas.
The Park has an impressive variety of flora and fauna, with up to 17 species of mammals, 14 species of amphibians, 56 species of reptiles and 148 species of birds, as well as 12 kinds of snakes. In addition, the Gorgona National Natural Park is continuously monitored to ensure the highest safety for tourists and workers.
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2. Features of Isla Gorgona
Isla Gorgona is part of one of the 59 protected areas of the Gorgona National Natural Park. This island has great land and marine heritage as it is part of the “Marine Corridor of the Eastern Tropical Pacific”.
One of the most notable features of Gorgona Island is its lush tropical rainforest that starts from the cloudy peaks and descends directly to the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Isla Gorgona has typical tropical rainforest species, as well as coral formations, a great variety of marine species, nesting colonies of marine birds and migrating shorebirds and seabirds. In addition, you can often see dolphins, sperm whales and humpback whales in its waters.
Gorgona also has a great importance from a historical-cultural point of view, as this island had a pre-Columbian settlement, Tumaco-Tolita, from the 13th century B.C. It is one of the most ancient cultures in the Colombian Pacific and has been fundamental to understand the ethno-history in the region. It is also worth mentioning the establishment of a maximum security prison in the sixties.
- The entrance fee to the Isla Gorgona National Natural Park is 22.000 COP for adults and foreign residents of Colombia. For nationals and foreign residents between 5 and 25 years of age it is 13.500 COP. For foreign tourists it is 53.000 COP. Free entry for children under 5 years old and adults over 65 years old.
What to do in Isla Gorgona Colombia?
To visit this island and do activities, you have to have help from the guides and staff of Isla Gorgona. On the island’s official website you can find several tour and activity packages to make the most of this unique place in a safe way. Thanks to its incredible conditions, the most enriching activities to do on the island are:
1. Hiking routes
On Gorgona Island there are leafy, well-maintained trails to discover the different scenery that the island has to offer. As we have already mentioned, all the routes should only be done with a guide and always during the day, as some animals are venomous. Some of the hiking routes are: La Chonta, Playa Palmera and Pan.
2. Archeological Tourism
This island has important cultural heritage, most of which can be found in the Archaeological Museum. Here you can learn about the culture of the ancient pre-Columbians, their way of life, the tools they used, sculptures and petroglyphs, as well as the great ceremonial rock, the Templete. A collection of splendid artefacts, which introduces you to Isla Gorgona’s history.
3. Diving in Isla Gorgona
Gorgona Island is the second best diving spot in the Colombian Pacific, as well as one of the best underwater destinations in the world. Isla Gorgona has an impressive marine biodiversity, as well as very favourable environmental conditions and exceptional underwater topography. It is an real underwater paradise where you can have an unforgettable experience.
4. Whale watching
Isla Gorgona is one of the best places in Colombia for whale and dolphin watching. Thanks to the incredible water conditions of Gorgona Island, whales feel comfortable in this area of the Pacific and it is possible to see them from the beach or even dive with them.
During the months of June and November these mammals come to this area of the Pacific to rest, reproduce and give birth to their calves. This is one of the essential things to do on Isla Gorgona.
How to get to Isla Gorgona Colombia?
The island is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 50 km off the coast of Cauca in Colombia. It is also 35 km from the closest point to the mainland, so there is no public service to the island. To visit Gorgona Island there are only two departure points, from Guapi, Cauca or from Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca.
- From Guapi, the boat trip takes between one and a half and two hours. This service must be booked in advance and is organised directly by the Gorgona National Park concession.
- From Buenaventura, the trip takes 4 hours by boat on the Pacific Ocean. The trip from Buenaventura is normally for groups of 10 to 20 people.
Tips for your trip to Isla Gorgona
- If you want to go on a tour, you must always be with a guide and only follow the specific trails for that purpose. Otherwise, the Park cannot be held responsible for any accidents that may occur.
- It is also imperative that you get a yellow fever and tetanus vaccination at least ten days before your trip.
- Remember that Gorgona is a protected area, which is why you must avoid any environmental pollution or damage to the ecosystem by picking up litter, as well as not making bonfires or listening to music on amplifying devices.
- It’s important to take out travel insurance.
- Try to promote local produce when buying food and handicrafts.
- Remember to exercise caution and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
- If you take a taxi, it’s best to use the phone numbers and mobile apps of reputable companies such as Easy Taxi or Taxis Libres.
- Listen to the recommendations of tour guides and staff at your accommodation.
How to organise what to see in Isla Gorgona Colombia?
Sign up or download the app to discover all of its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.
Frequently asked questions about Isla Gorgona
During the presidency of Alberto Lleras Camargo, the construction of a maximum security prison was ordered, starting in 1959 and opened in 1960. Isla Gorgona was the destination for the country’s most dangerous criminals until 1984, when the prison was closed.
The island is located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 50 km off the coast of Cauca in Colombia and 35 km from the closest point to the mainland.
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