Welcome to the department of Chocó, the heart and soul of the Colombian Pacific.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I took off on my motorbike towards Chocó’s capital city of Quibdó. I surely wasn’t expecting one of the scariest rides of my life — but hey, all part of the adventure, right?
I’d been eager to explore the Colombian Pacific for a while. I’d heard stories of the winding rivers and dense jungles, and I’d actually encountered a chirimía band hailing from Quibdó in my hometown. But nothing could have prepared me for the hospitality, the kindness, and quite frankly, the TALENT that permeates every corner of this department.
Chocó is a department built on resilience. From the early days as a refuge for escaped slaves to the modern impact of guerilla warfare, the residents of Chocó have experienced centuries of systemic oppression and violence. And yet, many residents of Chocó have continued to strive for peace via artistic methods — art, dance, music, even food! In my week in the region I was honored to encounter many examples of this, but there are many, many more I have yet to discover.
In the meantime, grab some viche (or pipilongo) and let’s dive in to the many stories and sounds of Chocó!
More About Chocó
If I’ve written any articles about Chocó, you’ll see them listed here!
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In my journey to visit all 32 departments of Colombia I’ve written extensively about the different places I’ve traveled and people I’ve met. Click below to view all of my guides, stories, and tips from my travels around Colombia.
Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.