About
Quibdó is the capital of Chocó department in Colombia, set in the north-west of the country in South America. It is a city of the rainforest, surrounded by dense forest and the many rivers that run through this part of the country.
The city is predominantly Afro-Colombian, and that shapes much of its character. Music is central to local life, and visitors who arrive during a festival are likely to hear chirimía and currulao rhythms filling the streets. These traditions are worth experiencing on their own terms, whether you come across them in the open air or in a more formal setting.
What a visit feels like
Quibdó is known as one of Colombia's rainiest cities, so it helps to plan for wet weather and to keep your days flexible. Rain can come quickly and heavily, and it is part of what keeps the forests and rivers so green.
- Expect a city defined by its surroundings, with the rainforest close at hand.
- Listen for chirimía and currulao, especially around local celebrations.
- Pack for humidity and rain, and build in time for slower movement.
Why go
Quibdó suits travellers interested in Colombia's biodiversity, its Afro-Colombian culture and its music. It is a place to slow down, to spend time with the sounds of the city and to look out past its edges toward the forest and the water.
