Quick snapshot: Give Quibdó a couple of days and you'll understand why it's called the Pacific gateway. Base yourself in the center for local amenities, explore the Afro-Colombian culture, and experience the unique rainforest-meets-city atmosphere. The city is hot and humid year-round, and neighborhoods range from the central commercial area to more residential outer districts. Stay alert in crowded areas, use ride-hailing apps, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Quibdó were a person it would be a rainforest guide who also runs a music venue and always has a story about the Pacific.
🔝 Top 6 Things to Do
1. Experience Afro-Colombian culture in markets and communities
Quibdó has a strong Afro-Colombian presence, with their culture visible in music, food, and daily life.
Why 80/20: Unique cultural experience and cultural immersion.
2. Walk through the central commercial area
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Why 80/20: Core commercial area and local life.
3. Take a day trip to nearby Pacific beaches
Nearby Pacific beaches offer unique coastal atmosphere, accessible by bus or car.
Why 80/20: Pacific beach experience easily accessible from the city.
4. Try local food in a market
Traditional markets with local fruits, vegetables and typical Quibdó food, including Pacific specialties.
Why 80/20: Authentic local food culture away from tourist restaurants.
5. Experience local festivals when they occur
Quibdó hosts various festivals throughout the year celebrating music, dance and local culture, including Pacific festivals.
Why 80/20: Cultural immersion and local traditions.
6. Visit nearby rainforest areas
Nearby rainforest offers hiking and natural attractions, accessible by bus or car.
Why 80/20: Natural escape and rainforest experience close to the city.
🔎 Unusual facts
Quibdó has a strong Afro-Colombian presence, with their culture visible throughout the city.
The city sits at 43 meters above sea level in the Pacific rainforest, giving it a hot and humid climate year-round.
Quibdó is the capital of Chocó department and an important commercial and cultural center.
The city is located in one of the rainiest regions in the world, with very high annual rainfall.
Quibdó hosts the annual Pacific Festival, celebrating the Afro-Colombian culture and traditions of the region.
🕐 Local Time
Loading...
👥 Population
129,237
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (limited, mainly in business and tourist areas)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Quibdó is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and supermarkets; cash is still common in markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Requires extra caution due to location and higher crime rates.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
El Caraño Airport (UIB) — 5 km from center
Small airport close to the city center with easy transport links.
Official Taxi or Ride-hailing
• 10 min
• ≈ COP 15,000–25,000 (€3.40–5.60)
Most convenient option, especially with luggage.
Use official airport taxis from the stand or ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify). Avoid unmarked taxis.
City bus
• 20 min
• ≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Cheapest option but slower and can be crowded with luggage.
Not recommended for first-time arrivals with heavy bags.
SIM & Internet
Good mobile coverage in Quibdó. Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at the airport or in the city.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at airport kiosks or city stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are common in shopping malls, banks and major streets.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take an official taxi or ride-hailing app directly to your accommodation. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Quibdó is relatively affordable, especially compared to major cities, making it attractive for longer stays.
A visitor can get by on COP 50,000–90,000/day (€11–20) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,500,000–2,500,000/month (€340–560) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 2,000–4,000 (€0.45–0.90)
Cheap local coffee in small cups; specialty coffee costs more.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 4,000–8,000 (€0.90–1.80)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 10,000–18,000 (€2.30–4.10)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 30,000–60,000 per person (€7–14)
Without fancy wine. Expect later dining hours.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 10,000–20,000 (€2.30–4.50)
Depends on distance and traffic. Ride-hailing apps are similar.
Public transport
≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Per ride with rechargeable card.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 400,000–800,000/month (€90–180)
Cheaper in outer neighborhoods, more expensive in center.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 800,000–1,500,000/month (€180–340)
Center at the higher end; other areas cheaper.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Quibdó is organized around the center (commercial, mixed) and outer areas (more residential, affordable).
Best for first visit
Central area
— Commercial, local and walkable
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Pros
- Walkable to most commercial areas.
- Many restaurants and shops.
- Good base for first-time visitors.
Cons
- Can be noisy and crowded.
- Less safe at night in some parts.
Residential areas
— Quieter, affordable and local
More residential neighborhoods with local shops and a more authentic Quibdó feel.
Pros
- More local character and lower prices.
- Quieter at night.
- More residential feel.
Cons
- Further from commercial center.
- Fewer English speakers.
Good for digital nomads
Central and northern areas
Best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure.
Some coworking spaces offer day passes and monthly memberships. Good internet infrastructure. Growing digital nomad presence.
Residential areas
More local, cheaper alternative with some cafés, though fewer coworking options than center.
Good for longer stays if you want more local experience and don't mind fewer expat amenities.
Beach areas
Not directly in city
Quibdó is inland, though nearby Pacific beaches are accessible.
Quiet areas
Residential areas outside the center
More residential, quieter neighborhoods with local shops and parks.
Good for longer stays if you want peace and don't mind being further from commercial center.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You want Afro-Colombian culture and rainforest access.
- You're looking for affordable living with unique cultural mix.
Avoid if
- You can't handle hot, humid weather year-round (Quibdó is hot, often 28–35°C).
- You want a completely safe city with zero crime concerns (requires extra caution).
🛡️ Safety
Quibdó has safety challenges, and petty crime like pickpocketing and phone theft is common. Violent crime can be higher than other Colombian cities. Exercise extra caution, especially at night.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting tourists (fake taxis, overpriced tours).
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
- Be extra cautious, especially at night.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Developing hub with a small digital nomad community, known for Afro-Colombian culture and rainforest location, though less established than Bogotá or Medellín.
🚇 Getting Around
Walking is best in the center. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses for longer distances.
- Walk the center easily.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis.
- Buses for longer distances and outer neighborhoods.
- Taxis for short trips within the city.
🎭 Culture
Relaxed and friendly, especially compared to Bogotá, with emphasis on Afro-Colombian culture and Pacific traditions.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
19:00–22:00, though some restaurants serve later.
😴 Siesta
Not common in Quibdó; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting cool weather – Quibdó is hot and humid year-round (often 28–35°C).
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Only staying in the center – other neighborhoods offer more local experience.
- Not respecting Afro-Colombian culture and traditions.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Dónde está la playa más cercana?
Where is the nearest beach?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- June – Pacific Festival with cultural events and celebrations.
- December – End-of-year celebrations and cultural events.
👥 Meet People
Regular language exchange meetups in central areas bars where locals and foreigners practice Spanish and English.
Nightlife Areas
- Central area – local bars and restaurants with mixed local and international crowd.
- Residential areas – local bars and restaurants, popular with younger locals.
- Zona Rosa – touristy area with many bars and clubs.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Quibdó?
No, tap water in Quibdó is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Quibdó safe for solo travellers and digital nomads?
Quibdó requires extra caution due to its location and higher crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing apps, and don't flash valuables. Be extra cautious, especially at night.
What is the best area to stay in Quibdó for a first visit?
For a short first stay, the central area and residential areas are the best 8020 options. The central area offers commercial access and local infrastructure, while residential areas provide better value and more local character.
What is the best area to stay in Quibdó for digital nomads?
Central and northern areas have the best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure, though fewer options than major cities.
How do you get from Quibdó airport to the city centre?
The 8020 option is a taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) which takes about 10 minutes and costs around COP 15,000–25,000 (€3.40–5.60). The airport is close to the city.
What is Afro-Colombian culture?
Quibdó has a strong Afro-Colombian presence, with their culture visible in music, food, and daily life. The Pacific region has a unique Afro-Colombian heritage that's an important part of Colombia's cultural diversity.
Do you need to tip in Quibdó?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis and leaving small change in cafés is appreciated.