| Isla Gorgona |
This once notorious prison island is now a national park and a beautiful place to visit. In my three visits to
the island I have been lucky enough to almost totally avoid fellow travellers and Colombians alike. It is an
incredibly peaceful/ serene place. Upon arriving on the island each guest or group of guests is assigned
a guide for there stay (normally students taking time off from there studies to get some practical
education). They show you the islands main attractions or if you prefer leave you alone to relax in your
cabana or on the beach.. The main attraction of the island apart from its totally chilled out vibe are the
great pacific coast beaches, the ruins of the prison, the hospitality of the national park staff, delicious/
reasonably priced meals in the restaurant overlooking the ocean, hikes through the jungle and the peace
and solitude of the place in general. It is a place that should not be missed.
the island I have been lucky enough to almost totally avoid fellow travellers and Colombians alike. It is an
incredibly peaceful/ serene place. Upon arriving on the island each guest or group of guests is assigned
a guide for there stay (normally students taking time off from there studies to get some practical
education). They show you the islands main attractions or if you prefer leave you alone to relax in your
cabana or on the beach.. The main attraction of the island apart from its totally chilled out vibe are the
great pacific coast beaches, the ruins of the prison, the hospitality of the national park staff, delicious/
reasonably priced meals in the restaurant overlooking the ocean, hikes through the jungle and the peace
and solitude of the place in general. It is a place that should not be missed.
OPTION 1.take the bus from Cali(2hrs) or Medellin/Bogota(12hrs) to Buenaventura. Go to the local harbour for boats transporting people and
goods to the southern and northern coastal towns. Enquire as to when the next boat leaves south which can drop you off at Gorgona. You will
probably be the only one going to Gorgona the rest of the people will be returning home to villages south. It is not a big diversion for the captain
of the boat to take you to Gorgona and he will do so for around 70,000 pesos each way. Boats leave most days, its just a matter of talking with
the people in the harbour who will help you find the right one. They normally leave before nightfall. and it takes around 12 hours. For the return
journey those on the island will arrange it without much trouble.
OPTION 2. visit travel agents in the main cities and find out when the next tour leaves to Isla Gorgona. They will hire a boat and there may also
be diving. Its a good opportunity to meet some Colombian travellers but personally I prefer the independent option 1. These tours may have the
option to fly to Guapi from Cali and then take a fast boat (1hr) to Gorgona. This is not an option for the independent traveller.
goods to the southern and northern coastal towns. Enquire as to when the next boat leaves south which can drop you off at Gorgona. You will
probably be the only one going to Gorgona the rest of the people will be returning home to villages south. It is not a big diversion for the captain
of the boat to take you to Gorgona and he will do so for around 70,000 pesos each way. Boats leave most days, its just a matter of talking with
the people in the harbour who will help you find the right one. They normally leave before nightfall. and it takes around 12 hours. For the return
journey those on the island will arrange it without much trouble.
OPTION 2. visit travel agents in the main cities and find out when the next tour leaves to Isla Gorgona. They will hire a boat and there may also
be diving. Its a good opportunity to meet some Colombian travellers but personally I prefer the independent option 1. These tours may have the
option to fly to Guapi from Cali and then take a fast boat (1hr) to Gorgona. This is not an option for the independent traveller.
The most popular walk from the main accommodation centre is to this beach, Playa Blanca, if I remember correctly. It is a two or so hour walk
through thick jungle. The beach is very nice and the guide will probably crack open a few coconuts to drink. The island in the distance is
Gorgonilla. You are not allowed to set foot on this island.
through thick jungle. The beach is very nice and the guide will probably crack open a few coconuts to drink. The island in the distance is
Gorgonilla. You are not allowed to set foot on this island.
While Isla Gorgona may now be a popular destination for tourists and a protected national park as little
as twenty years ago it used to house the worst prison Colombia had to offer. Like a Colombian version of
Alkatraz but no doubt a lot worse. Up to 3,000 murderers, rapists and political prisoners were held here
at its peak. The ruins are quite sombering.
as twenty years ago it used to house the worst prison Colombia had to offer. Like a Colombian version of
Alkatraz but no doubt a lot worse. Up to 3,000 murderers, rapists and political prisoners were held here
at its peak. The ruins are quite sombering.
Isla Gorgona has been seeing visitors for quite some time as these rock carvings
prove. It was also a stopping point for Pizarro before his raids on the Incas in
Peru. They came for shelter, fresh water and plenty of turtles. The island also
has quite a good musuem
prove. It was also a stopping point for Pizarro before his raids on the Incas in
Peru. They came for shelter, fresh water and plenty of turtles. The island also
has quite a good musuem
An unusual thing about the island is that it is likely you will be relieved of aerosol cans upon arrival. So if you are plan on bringing insect repellent
dont bring the spray variety. They think it harms the environment, very funny. Also you will not be able to wear your hiking boots around the
island. Why you ask. Well the island is home to several varieties of poisonous snakes and they want you to wear high gumboots. They rent them
out per day. This is also the reason why alcohol is strictly forbidden on the island. Don't even try to bring it in. You will be searched on arrival.
Alcohol and snake venom do not mix...now you should have known that. Its a pretty damn romantic place also in my opinion if anyone wants to
impress the girl
dont bring the spray variety. They think it harms the environment, very funny. Also you will not be able to wear your hiking boots around the
island. Why you ask. Well the island is home to several varieties of poisonous snakes and they want you to wear high gumboots. They rent them
out per day. This is also the reason why alcohol is strictly forbidden on the island. Don't even try to bring it in. You will be searched on arrival.
Alcohol and snake venom do not mix...now you should have known that. Its a pretty damn romantic place also in my opinion if anyone wants to
impress the girl
Getting there and away
What to do