SCIENTIFIC VACATION AT THE PACIFIC COAST

Travel with a pinch of science - doesn't sound like a vacation? We'll convince you of the opposite! Who travels knows more, especially after a trip to Colombia's Pacific coast, where visitors deepen their knowledge of the sea, the jungle, the mangroves and the local communities in an exciting way.

We offer a 2-day workshop at Hotel La Kuka, where participants accompany researchers in their observations of the humpback whales that migrate here between June-October, learning all about these impressive marine dwellers. 

The Golfo de Tribuga, the part of Colombia's Pacific coast between Pico de Loro and San Francisco de Solano, is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, encompassing a variety of ecosystems (coasts, mangroves, corals, rocky reefs, tropical forests, river mouths, etc.) that are important for the rainforest, marine fisheries, and breeding grounds for numerous species such as humpback whales, sea turtles, fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Cultural richness is also of inestimable value, as this region harbors the ancestral knowledge of African American (~70%) and indigenous (~30%) communities that have resided in the area for more than three and six centuries, respectively. 

Therefore, conservation of natural resources, scientific research, and ecotourism developed by local communities and hotels in the region, are essential components to understanding, respecting, and preserving these ecosystems with minimal impact, especially in the context of climate change that threatens the natural balance of these pristine ecosystems. 

At the workshop at Hotel La Kuka, scientists will share their research findings with participating nature lovers through theoretical-practical workshops in the ocean, jungle and mangroves, as well as dives and other activities. In addition, community leaders demonstrate the positive impact of their initiatives, thus promoting interaction between locals, scientists and visitors, knowledge transfer and connection with this unique ecosystem.

Together with biologists Natalia Botero Acosta (PhD) and María Camila Medina (MSc) from Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, an NGO dedicated to the study of marine mammals, two theoretical-practical workshops will be held this year at the Pacific Ocean on the following dates: 

* August 22-23
* August 26-27

Participants learn all about the history of the NGO, the general situation of the humpback whale population, the results of their research in acoustics, photo-identification, behavioral ecology, genetics and physiology, as well as practical experience on whale watching trips with acoustic surveys. These workshops are complemented by meetings with local community organizations involved in ecotourism and conservation.

Did we spark your interest? Your Neptuno travel agent has all the answers for you.