By Plane: Buenaventura’s small airport, Gerardo Tobar López (tel. 312/825-4233) is about 30 minutes outside of the city center. Satena (www.satena.com) offers infrequent flights from Bogotá and Medellín.
By Road: Buenaventura is the only town of any size with a road connection to it. It’s easily reached on good roads and tunnels through mountainous, rainforest-covered terrain on a 3- to 4-hour drive from Cali. Bus and microbus connections with companies such as Expreso Palmira (www.expresopalmira.com.co; tel. 321/890-3597) and Corredor del Pacifico (tel. 2/1701-5633) run between the two cities throughout the day. The terminal is at the corner of Carrera 5 and Calle 7, in the city center.
By Boat: There aren’t any cruise ships plying these waters, at least not yet, but cargo boats make the trip north to Nuquí and Bahía Solano, a rough 18- to 24-hour trip. Ask around at the Muelle Turistico for leads. Here you can also find fast boats to the nearby beach destinations of Juanchaco and Ladrilleros (COP$54,000), a short ride north of the city, or Isla Gorgona (COP$280,000).
There are several ATMS, as well as pharmacies, around and within a few blocks of the Bulevar, the central plaza bordered by the city’s best hotels.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
