Tumaco, officially San Andrés de Tumaco, is a coastal municipality located in the southwest of the Nariño department in Colombia. Known as “The Pearl of the Pacific,” this destination offers an exceptional combination of lush nature, vibrant Afro-Colombian culture, and unforgettable cuisine, featuring dishes made with fresh seafood and traditional coastal flavors. Its peaceful beaches, vast mangrove forests filled with biodiversity, rivers that flow into the ocean, and warm year-round climate make Tumaco an ideal place for those who want to disconnect, enjoy unique landscapes, and explore the deep cultural, historical, and environmental richness of Colombia’s Pacific region.

• Paradise beaches: Enjoy the beaches of El Morro, Bocagrande, and Playa del Bajito, perfect for relaxing, swimming, practicing water sports, and admiring unforgettable sunsets that highlight the beauty of the Pacific.
• Mangroves and ecotourism: Explore the mangroves on guided boat tours, where you can observe birds, reptiles, unique marine species, and learn about the ecological importance of these ecosystems.
• Isla del Gallo: Visit this historic site, known for being the place where the first cry for independence in southern Colombia was declared, and which today remains a symbol of resistance and collective memory.
• Afro-Colombian culture: Take part in workshops on dance, music, cuisine, and crafts that celebrate the traditions and cultural legacy of local communities.

Tumaco’s cuisine is a deep reflection of the culture, territory, and traditions of its Afro-Colombian and coastal communities. Every dish brings together fresh ingredients from the sea, the aroma of coconut, and culinary techniques passed down through generations. Don’t miss trying:

• Shrimp encocado: Shrimp cooked in a delicious coconut sauce with onion, pepper, garlic, and local spices. Its creamy and slightly sweet flavor represents one of the Pacific’s most iconic dishes, perfect to enjoy with rice or fried plantains.
• Seafood cazuela: Made with fresh seafood such as piangua, shrimp, octopus, and fish, mixed with coconut milk, green plantain, and coastal seasonings. It is a hearty and aromatic dish that highlights the region’s marine richness.
• Crab rice: Rice cooked in crab broth, seasoned with regional herbs and spices such as cimarrón and annatto. Its intense flavor and juicy texture make it a favorite among locals and visitors.