Centro Ecoturístico Playa Caná

Overview

Description

The Playa Caná Ecotourism Center is located along the beaches of Playona in the Chocó department of Colombia. With its 9 miles (14 km) of beaches, Playona one of the most important destinations in the world for nesting and hatchling sea turtles, such as hawksbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerheads (Caretta caretta), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). In this region, the name for leatherback is caná), hence the name of our Center.

This tropical paradise is an ideal place for people seeking peace and relaxation in a natural setting by the sea, and for those who want to help protect and conserve these endangered species.

Rooms

5

Making a Difference

Percentage of local employees: 100%

In 2007, in the Colombian Gulf of Urabá and in the Darien region, a rural sustainable development process began with more than 640 underprivileged families, including displaced persons, single mothers, African descendants, and repatriated and indigenous peoples. A group of 18 organizations was formed to help strengthen their productive activities and provide alternatives to illicit crops and illegal activities. They were trained to take advantage of sustainable and environmentally responsible livelihoods that could be found in each community, developing productive projects in activities such as artisanal fishing, nature tourism, crafts, rubber cultivation, and beekeeping. The Playa Caná Ecotourism Center is one outcome of this initiative.

The Playa Caná Ecotourism Center has a unique environmental program for the conservation and preservation of leatherback turtles, the world’s largest sea turtle, which nests on the beach where the Center is located. There is a hatchery for the turtle eggs collected by a community organization called the Acandí Local Investigators Group. In the hatchery, the eggs are protected from natural and human predators until they hatch are released. Tourists can participate in this program, observe turtle nesting with community guides, help relocate eggs to the hatchery, or visit the center at turtle hatching time, which occurs from March to June.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Medellín (MDE)

Nearest local/national airport: Acandí (ACD)

Travel time to nearest airport: 1 hour

First, you must travel to the beach of Goleta by boat, either in a public skiff from the town of Turbo or a private boat from Necoclí. Both municipalities are in Antioquia department. From the beach, you can take a 45-minute walk or hire a cart to the lodge.

Additional Information

Date This Information Was Provided

January 2013.