HISTORY OF GORGONA PARK
Until 1983 and for 23 years, Gorgona Park was a maximum security prison where the most dangerous criminals in Colombia were held. Only a few managed to escape from the island and after a while were captured again.
It was not until 1985 that this land became part of the National System of Protected Areas. The name of the island is due to Francisco Pizarro, since in one of his visits he noticed that the island was the habitat of many snakes, for this reason he compared them with the creatures of Greek mythology.
HOW TO GET TO GORGONA PARK?
The Gorgona National Park is located in the municipality of Guapi, in Cauca, making part of the few islands in the Colombian Pacific. To get to the Gorgona Park you can take one of these two options:
One of the options is that you arrive first at the municipality of Guapi and, at the port, hire a boat service that will take the Guapi river until it reaches the sea. This trip will take about two hours.
Another option is from the port of Buenaventura, hire one of the boat services to the island, from Buenaventura the trip takes about 4 hours.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN THE GORGONA PARK
The region covered by the Gorgona Park is located between 0 and 330 meters above sea level, that is, it has a temperature ranging from 25°C to 30°C. If you visit the Gorgona Park it is recommended to have comfortable clothing for hot – humid weather, do not forget your bathing suit, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear comfortable shoes for the tour of the island.
ATTRACTIONS IN THE GORGONA PARK
The Gorgona National Natural Park is a natural attraction in Colombia, as it captivates tourists with its history of former prison establishments. Visitors to this magical and mysterious place expect to hear stories of prisoners and failed escapes and the conditions in which they lived.
But in spite of having a terrible past, this island was rescued and now it is a dream place where the mountains that surround its seas transform the atmosphere into a harmonious place where flora and fauna will leave you surprised.
In addition, there are also indications that there are pre-Columbian settlements in these lands from the 13th century BC, which means that, culturally, this park is very important.
This park is part of a great scientific research that studies all species of fauna and flora that have been found in the region.
One of the biggest attractions of this park is that it brings together two ecosystems: the tropical rainforest and the coral reefs where hundreds of humpback whales arrive every year to provide the tourist with an unforgettable experience.
WHAT TO DO IN GORGONA PARK?
Gorgona Park has many options for you to enjoy your stay on this wonderful island. What visitors generally do is tour the old prison that is open to the public, it is a great experience, although the cells and the stories of torture of the prisoners do not cease to make an impression.
In the facilities of the park, there is a museum that displays photographs and pieces that recreate what used to be the prison. This museum is called Casa Payán.
Besides this, you will be able to watch humpback whales, birds, mammals, reptiles and an immense number of species that inhabit the park.
You will be able to dive in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and fall in love with the marine fauna and flora hidden in the sea of this magical island. This activity is generally done in the waters of the Yundigua Natural Aquarium.
And, of course, you can not visit the Gorgona Park without making a complete tour of the entire area of the park, you can also hike.
You can do sport fishing and bathe in any of the 25 freshwater streams that are in the park.
GASTRONOMY IN GORGONA PARK
The Gorgona Park has a restaurant in its facilities where you can enjoy the typical dishes of the Pacific region, in addition to trying one of the most delicious fish, caught by natives of the region that support the conservation of fishing resources. The restaurant provides breakfast, lunch and dinner services. The Vive Gorgona concession is in charge of providing this and other services in the park.
WHERE TO STAY IN PARQUE GORGONA?
The Gorgona National Natural Park has become one of the most visited tourist sites in Colombia, which is why accommodation has been arranged in the park’s facilities for visitors.
Vive Gorgona provides lodging services with a beautiful view of the sea. It offers different plans that include food, lodging and transportation.
The hotel rooms have television, private bathroom with shower and toiletries. It has an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant and provides WiFi service. In addition to this, the hotel offers guide services, snorkeling, diving, hiking and fishing.
Website: www.vivegorgona.com
E-mail: info@vivegorgona.com – reservas@vivegorgona.com
Telephone: 321 768 0539 – 311 728 3213
COSTS
To enter the Gorgona National Natural Park you must purchase a ticket which has the following costs:
National or foreign resident in Colombia over 5 years and up to 25: $ 11.500 COP
National or foreign resident in Colombia over 25 years old: $ 20.000 COP
Foreigner not resident in Colombia: $ 47.500 COP
