No ATM! Sapzurro and Capurganá have no ATMs or banks, so bring enough cash for accommodation, meals, activities and transport.
In brief
Nestled between lush jungle and turquoise waters, Playa Soledad is the perfect image of a postcard-perfect Caribbean beach, a setting that is rarer in the region than you might imagine. Nestled not far from the villages of Sapzurro and Capurganá, at the northernmost tip of the Caribbean Chocó, this secluded beach gives the impression of being cut off from the world. Here, there are no roads, just a single hotel-restaurant, the rainforest lining the clear sands and a peaceful, azure sea. You can get there on foot via a jungle trail or by lancha, an approach that accentuates the sense of adventure and being at the end of the world.
Playa Soledad charms with its wild and serene ambience, perfect for those in search of peace and disconnection. Wide and lined with palm trees, the beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, or simply lazing in the shade, watching the discreet comings and goings of the fishermen. A short walk away, Sapzurro and Capurganá complete the experience with their human-scale accommodations, local restaurants and singular frontier atmosphere. More than just a beach, Playa Soledad is a real break from time, a must-see on any trip to the Caribbean Chocó.
Our opinion: a secluded beach but far surpassing the others in the area ★★★★
We spent ten days in the Caribbean Chocó and, paradoxically, what had impressed us most up to that point was our disappointment with the beaches. Each time, there was a snag: too many pebbles or rocks, plastic waste, or simply too many people. In short, the postcard beach was long overdue. But since we were there and many travellers were telling us about Playa Soledad, we decided to give it a try. And this time, the surprise was excellent. Although private, the beach is clean, with large areas of sand free of rocks, no algae and, on weekdays at least, reasonable visitor numbers. The water is calm, the setting wild, and the atmosphere much more peaceful than in neighboring villages. After several days of fruitless searching, we had finally found what we’d come for: a true paradise beach, simple and natural, just like the Caribbean we’d hoped to discover in Chocó.
Playa Soledad tourist numbers: Playa Soledad reveals two moods, depending on the time of week. On weekdays, outside vacation periods, it remains quiet, ideal for enjoying the area in peace and quiet. On weekends, public holidays and school vacations, the beach comes alive with visitors from Sapzurro, Capurganá and beyond. Fortunately, its size means you can get away from the crowds and enjoy a little peace and quiet.
Climate in Playa Soledad: The region enjoys a humid intertropical climate, with warm, stable temperatures all year round, generally between 25°C and 32°C. The driest period is from December to April, with more sunshine and less rain, although there are occasional showers. It’s the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, hike in the jungle and explore the surrounding area in good conditions. From May to November, the rainy season takes over, with more frequent and often intense rainfall at the end of the day or in the evening. Heat and humidity remain constant, however. This generous tropical climate maintains dense, verdant vegetation all year round, creating lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Even during the wet season, the region retains all its charm, especially for travelers who love nature and wild adventures.
Our experience
From the small village of Sapzurro, Playa Soledad is one of the region’s must-see attractions. Obviously, we had to discover this famous beach. The day before, we had discussed it with the manager of our accommodation, organizing an outing that would include both Playa Soledad and Bahia Aguacate, located on the way. On D-day, we set off around 09:30 on a small plancha, accompanied by a Colombian family staying at the same hotel. About thirty minutes of sailing separate us from our destination.
“Watch your back!” That’s the first thought that crosses our minds. Even though we’re in Chocó at the end of September, when the sea is calmer, the small waves are enough to make our boat jump, and the hard plastic seats make the ride a bit painful for the back and buttocks. Apart from this slight discomfort, the drive is still pleasant: we skirt the coast, admiring the jungle-covered reliefs that flow into the sea. We pass La Coquerita, Capurganá and Bahia Aguacate, until we reach our final destination.
A floating pontoon appears on the horizon, and thewater becomes very shallow. The beach is not immediately obvious: behind this makeshift pontoon stands a mangrove forest, crossed by a path. It’s time to put our feet down. After a few meters, some people stop us to collect a tourist tax of around 4,000 COP per person, a common practice in the region.
Once payment has been made, we take the path, a short wooden pontoon across the mangrove. The route is fast but pleasant, and on the other side, Playa Soledad is finally revealed. As we move on, the mangrove fades away, giving way to a vast white-sand beach. Compared with other beaches in the region, it is generous and relatively uncrowded. Apart from a small hotel-restaurant with a discreet swimming pool, well integrated into the landscape, there’s nothing to disturb the peace and quiet of the area.
As is often the case in Chocó, we find ourselves with the sea on one side and the jungle on the other, creating a particularly pleasant end-of-the-world atmosphere. Other visitors are also present, but attendance remains reasonable, allowing visitors to enjoy the place to the full.
The gently curving beach begins with a rocky area, ideal for snorkeling and spotting small fish. Then comes the first stretch of sand, with a few deckchairs and tables (provided you eat at the restaurant). Then the mangrove swells down to the sea, dividing the beach in two. The second part, almost like a small peninsula, is surrounded by water on both sides and is less crowded.
Thewater is the perfect temperature, crystal-clear, with no algae or plastic, and only a few pebbles near the rocky area. A true Caribbean beach as we imagine it: paradisiacal. It’s easy to imagine that on weekends, public holidays or Colombian school vacations, the beach can be much livelier and noisier.
We had lunch at the hotel restaurant, featuring Colombian cuisine, with a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian dishes. The staff aren’t very engaging, but that wasn’t the purpose of our visit: we were there to enjoy the place. After around three hours on site, we’re back on the road to Bahia Aguacate.
Playa Soledad was a pleasant surprise, and we can confirm that it’s certainly the most beautiful beach in the region.
Agencies and Guides
You don’t need a guide to explore Playa Soledad. Whether you’re coming from Sapzurro or Capurganá, the excursion is easy to plan on your own: all you need to do is arrange for sea transport. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at your hotel or some of the locals for advice.
See the next section for all the ways to get to Playa Soledad.
How do I get to Playa Soledad?
Whichever option you choose below, we recommend that you discuss it with your host one or two days before the desired date. He or she can take care of organizing the outing, as accommodation providers generally have all the right contacts for information and reservations.
From Sapzurro
By boat
- Lanchas shuttle between Sapzurro and Playa Soledad.
- Playa Soledad is about 30 minutes from Sapzurro en lancha.
- The trip costs around 20,000 COP per person.
Tour of Playa Soledad and Bahia Aguacate
Morning excursions depart from Sapzurro. They take you first to Playa Soledad for lunch (if this option is included), then on to Bahía Aguacate, located between Playa Soledad and Sapzurro. This is an excellent option for discovering both beaches in a single day, while simplifying the organization of sea transport. This is the option we tested and recommend. The time available allows us to take full advantage of each location, and the value for money is very good.
- Duration: approx. 8 hours (departure around 09:00, return around 17:00)
- Price: approx. 120,000 COP per person
From Capurganá
By boat
- Lanchas run between Capurganá and Playa Soledad.
- Playa Soledad is about 20 minutes from Capurganá en lancha.
- The trip costs around COP 15,000 per person.
Tour of Playa Soledad and Bahia Aguacate
Morning excursions depart from Capurganá and take you first to Playa Soledad, where lunch is provided if the option is included, before continuing on to Bahía Aguacate, located between Playa Soledad and Capurganá. It’s a great way to discover both beaches in a single day, without having to deal with the logistics of shipping. In fact, this is the option we tested and recommend: the time allowed for each stop is sufficient to make the most of it, and the value for money is entirely satisfactory.
- Duration: approx. 8 hours (departure around 09:00, return around 17:00)
- Price: approx. 100,000 COP per person
On foot
It’s possible to reach Playa Soledad on foot from Capurganá, but it’s a 4-hour walk, including an uphill section. For the more sporty and resourceful, a good option is to leave early in the morning (departure before 8 a.m. recommended), enjoy Playa Soledad for 3 to 4 hours, then return by lancha.
Where to sleep to get to Playa Soledad?
Acandi, Capurganá and Sapzurro are the nearest villages to Playa Soledad for accommodation. We recommend Capurganá or Sapzurro, which offer more pleasant surroundings and more activities to do on your own, unlike Acandi.
Sapzurro
Sapzurro is one of the closest villages to Playa Soledad, just 30 minutes away by boat. Here’s a selection of the best accommodation in Sapzurro, to suit all budgets.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal Hilltop
Hostal Hilltop in Sapzurro is a youth hostel renowned for its beachfront location and superb views. Customer reviews are generally positive, highlighting the warm welcome, friendly atmosphere and comfortable rooms. On the other hand, installations remain simple, less suited to those seeking greater comfort.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
La Posada Hostal
Posada Hostal is highly rated for its seafront location, cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere, with friendly hosts who help organize activities and excursions. The camping areas and rooms are considered clean and well-equipped, and the catering is appreciated. A few reviews mention variable interactions with staff, but the overall picture remains very positive.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Casa Hotel La Mariela
Casa Hotel La Mariela is highly appreciated by travelers for its cleanliness, comfort and convenient location, just a short distance from the beach. Reviews praise the warm welcome, clean rooms and good continental breakfast, as well as help in organizing local activities. Some travelers note, however, that access to some beaches is just a short walk away.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar in Sapzurro is appreciated for its seafront location, the cleanliness of its rooms and the warm welcome of its hosts. Visitors love the home cooking and the tranquil atmosphere overlooking a little-used beach. A few reviews point to minor local power cuts, but overall it’s an excellent option for a quiet, authentic stay.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Cabañas El Paraíso
Hotel Boutique Cabañas El Paraíso is well noted for its location opposite Ica beach, offering direct access to the turquoise waters of Sapzurro and a peaceful tropical ambience. Reviews highlight the cabañas’ comfort, air conditioning and Starlink Wi-Fi, as well as the on-site restaurant. It’s located next to the Sapzurro military base, where music can sometimes be heard late at night on certain weekends.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
El Fin del Estrés
El Fin del Estrés is a glamping site appreciated for its secluded seaside location outside the village, its clean, comfortable cabañas and the warm welcome offered by the staff. Guests praise the peaceful ambience, Jacuzzi and direct access to the beach. Access may require a short walk from the landing stage, but it’s an excellent option for an authentic, relaxing stay.
Capurganá
Capurganá is just 20 minutes by boat from Playa Soledad. Here you’ll find a selection of the best accommodation in Capurganá, to suit all budgets.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Casa Wago
Casa Wago captivates guests with its exceptional seaside location, clean rooms and warm welcome. The common areas are pleasant and the restaurant popular. On the other hand, Wi-Fi remains limited, and access to the site may require a lancha ride or a short walk, which may come as a surprise to less athletic travelers.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Cabañas Los Almendros
Cabañas Los Almendros is often praised for its cleanliness, peaceful garden and friendly staff, with a top-rated breakfast and very good value for money. The central location provides easy access to the beach. On the other hand, some travelers mention that power cuts or Wi-Fi can be irregular, typical of Capurganá.
$$ – Average budget
Hostal
La Posada del Gecko
Posada del Gecko in Capurganá is rated very highly (~9.1/10) with customers praising its central location, cleanliness, friendly staff and good value for money. Breakfast, spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere are often mentioned. However, some inconveniences linked to local power cuts were reported.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hostal Capurgana
Hostal Capurgana is highly appreciated for its central location, just a few steps from the beach, and its friendly, helpful staff. The rooms are clean and comfortable, the breakfast often well rated and the garden pleasant. Wi-Fi is decent but can be slow, and street noise is mentioned by some travelers, typical of downtown.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Oleajes Capurganá
Oleajes Capurganá gets excellent ratings (~8.7/10) with many guests praising the cleanliness, the warm welcome from the staff (especially Miguel) and the delicious breakfast. Rooms are generally considered comfortable and conveniently located, close to the muelle and the city center. A few travelers mentioned the noise around them at night.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Katamaran
Hotel Katamaran receives overall very positive ratings (~8.5/10), with guests appreciating the seaside location, cleanliness, spectacular views and warm welcome from the staff. Many praise the comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi. Some reviews mention power cuts, no breakfast included.
Notes & tips
Local tax payable
Like many sites in the region, Playa Soledad applies a tourist tax. The fee is modest – 4,000 COP per person – and is paid in cash only, directly at the boat dock.
No ATM!
Sapzurro and Capurganá have no ATMs. So remember to have enough cash on hand.
Bring a bathing suit
Of course, don’t forget to bring your swimsuit (and a towel): essential for making the most of this beautiful beach.
Bring sunscreen
Ultraviolet rays are very strong: remember to bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for effective protection from the sun.
