10 Culturally Immersive Year-Round Things to Do in Buenaventura Colombia

Key Takeaways:

• Buenaventura is a gateway to Colombia’s Pacific coast, full of Afro-Colombian culture, natural beauty, and marine adventures.

• Year-round experiences range from whale watching and mangrove tours to vibrant festivals and seafood feasts.

• It’s an underrated destination where nature, music, and tradition come together in powerful ways.

Buenaventura, the largest port city on Colombia’s Pacific coast, is a vibrant cultural melting pot that’s deeply rooted in Afro-Colombian heritage and coastal life. While it’s known as a vital economic hub, Buenaventura offers far more than industry—it’s a land of music, mangroves, spirituality, and ocean energy. Rich in biodiversity and cultural expression, the city and surrounding region offer a mix of nature tours, island escapes, and soul-stirring traditions that make it one of Colombia’s most authentic coastal destinations. With a tropical climate and frequent rainfall, the lush landscape thrives year-round, making it a compelling place to visit in any season.

Table of Contents

1. Take a Boat Tour Through the Mangroves of Bahia Malaga

2. Witness Humpback Whales Breaching Off the Pacific Coast

3. Discover Afro-Colombian Music and Dance in Barrio La Playita

4. Relax and Reconnect at Juanchaco and Ladrilleros Beaches

5. Explore the Local Flavors at the Mercado Público de Buenaventura

6. Visit the Isla de Palma for Snorkeling and Kayaking

7. Attend the Festival Folclórico del Pacífico

8. Hike the Rainforest Trails of Anchicayá Natural Reserve

9. Take a Spiritual Journey to the Church of San Buenaventura

10. Join a Traditional Chirimía Music Jam in the Streets

1. Take a Boat Tour Through the Mangroves of Bahia Malaga

Bahia Malaga is one of Colombia’s hidden ecological treasures, just a boat ride away from Buenaventura. These mangrove forests are teeming with biodiversity—think tropical birds, monkeys, and rare frogs—making them perfect for eco-tours and quiet exploration.

Boat tours weave through narrow channels under lush green canopies, often led by local guides who share stories of the land and its spiritual meaning. Along the way, you may stop at hidden waterfalls or floating houses that offer fresh coconut and fried plantains. It’s a peaceful, immersive way to see the Pacific’s wild side.

2. Witness Humpback Whales Breaching Off the Pacific Coast

Between July and October, the waters near Buenaventura become one of the best whale-watching spots in South America. Humpback whales migrate here from Antarctica to breed and give birth, often breaching spectacularly just offshore.

Boat tours depart daily from the port or nearby Juanchaco, and the experience is both humbling and thrilling. Seeing these massive creatures leap from the ocean, often with calves nearby, is something you’ll never forget. Even outside whale season, the Pacific waters offer dolphins, sea turtles, and sunsets you’ll want to bottle.

3. Discover Afro-Colombian Music and Dance in Barrio La Playita

Barrio La Playita is one of Buenaventura’s cultural hotspots where the city’s Afro-Colombian identity shines through music and dance. This neighborhood pulses with the rhythms of currulao, a traditional style that uses marimbas, hand drums, and call-and-response vocals.

Visitors can join a community workshop or just enjoy live performances that often take place in public spaces. The energy is contagious, and the locals are proud to share their traditions. Dancing under the stars to coastal rhythms is one of the most joyful things you can do in Buenaventura.

4. Relax and Reconnect at Juanchaco and Ladrilleros Beaches

Accessible only by boat from Buenaventura, the twin beach towns of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros offer rustic charm, golden sands, and warm Pacific waves. These beaches are perfect for swimming, relaxing in hammocks, and watching fishermen cast their nets in the early morning.

The villages offer simple accommodations, delicious seafood shacks, and scenic hikes to nearby viewpoints. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, and sunsets steal the show every night. For nature lovers and those seeking calm, this coastal escape is unbeatable year-round.

5. Explore the Local Flavors at the Mercado Público de Buenaventura

If you want to taste the real spirit of Buenaventura, start at the public market. Here, the aroma of smoked fish, coconut rice, and fresh mariscos fills the air as locals shout out deals and greet each other with warm smiles.

Vendors offer everything from spicy seafood stews to tropical fruits like guanábana and maracuyá. You’ll also find handmade crafts, herbal remedies, and vibrant conversation around every stall. For foodies and culture seekers, it’s one of the most alive and authentic places in the city.

6. Visit the Isla de Palma for Snorkeling and Kayaking

Just off the coast from Buenaventura lies Isla de Palma, a serene island that’s perfect for water-based adventures and beach relaxation. The island is home to clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and quiet coves where you can snorkel among tropical fish and kayak through calm currents.

It’s a great spot for a day trip or even an overnight stay in an eco-lodge or beachfront bungalow. Unlike busier beach destinations in Colombia, Isla de Palma remains relatively untouched, making it ideal for travelers seeking peace, nature, and a little underwater exploration.

7. Attend the Festival Folclórico del Pacífico

Held every August, the Festival Folclórico del Pacífico is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Buenaventura. The multi-day celebration brings together dancers, musicians, chefs, and artists from across Colombia’s Pacific region to showcase their Afro-Colombian heritage.

Expect elaborate costumes, parades, marimba music, and traditional dishes served in open-air markets. It’s a powerful display of resilience, pride, and community spirit. Whether you’re dancing alongside a chirimía band or watching a theater performance in the plaza, this festival is an unforgettable way to experience the soul of Buenaventura.

8. Hike the Rainforest Trails of Anchicayá Natural Reserve

Anchicayá Natural Reserve, located in the mountains outside Buenaventura, is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers. The rainforest is home to rare species like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, colorful tanagers, and toucans, as well as hundreds of orchids and butterflies.

Guided hikes range from gentle river walks to full-day treks with panoramic views of the jungle canopy and Pacific basin. The air is fresh, the forest alive with sound, and the trails often lead to hidden waterfalls where you can take a dip. It’s a great way to reconnect with Colombia’s lush biodiversity.

9. Take a Spiritual Journey to the Church of San Buenaventura

At the heart of the city sits the Church of San Buenaventura, an important religious and historical site for locals. It serves as a gathering point for celebrations, prayers, and community events and reflects the deep spiritual life of the city.

Visitors are welcome to attend mass or simply explore the architecture and peaceful gardens around it. The church stands as a symbol of endurance and faith in a region shaped by challenges and triumphs alike. For a quiet moment or reflective experience, it’s a meaningful stop on your journey.

10. Join a Traditional Chirimía Music Jam in the Streets

Chirimía is a lively Afro-Pacific music style featuring clarinets, drums, and rapid-fire rhythms—and it often spills into the streets of Buenaventura. Locals form spontaneous bands that gather in plazas or outside homes to jam, dance, and celebrate everyday life.

These street sessions are interactive, joyful, and open to anyone who wants to clap, dance, or play along. You don’t need to know the steps—just follow the beat and let the music move you. It’s one of the most joyful ways to experience the warmth and culture of Buenaventura.

What to do if you have kids?

Buenaventura is surprisingly family-friendly for adventurous travelers. Boat rides through the mangroves, beach play at Ladrilleros, and wildlife spotting in Anchicayá make for unforgettable family memories. Many local guides are excellent with children and eager to share nature and culture in interactive ways. Just be sure to bring snacks, sun protection, and patience for boat transfers. The city itself is bustling, but once you reach the natural spots nearby, it’s pure magic for kids and parents alike.

Where can I find free events in Buenaventura Colombia taking place this weekend?

To find live music, festivals, beach parties, and cultural gatherings happening in Buenaventura this weekend, check out https://planmyweekend.ai. This tool helps you discover the best free events in your city—from community dance shows and art exhibits to local food pop-ups and nature outings. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you’ll always find something new to experience for free.

Final thoughts

Buenaventura is one of Colombia’s most underrated treasures, offering deep culture, rich biodiversity, and soul-stirring experiences all year long. Whether you’re whale watching in Bahia Malaga, dancing in La Playita, or savoring coconut fish stew by the sea, the spirit of the Pacific is alive in every corner. This is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel. For travelers who want authenticity, rhythm, and nature rolled into one, Buenaventura delivers in every season.