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Kyla B
Los Angeles, California

The BEST place to stay in Capurgana

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 8 Jul 2015
To give some context, the vast majority of my traveling involves work trips to New York and San Francisco, where I stay in very nice (think $500/avg per night) hotels -- so, I have what is probably a higher than average standard when it comes to accommodations.

That said, this was the single most memorable vacation I've ever taken, and this hotel played a big part it in. Just keep in mind:

1) The rooms are sparse. And I mean SPARSE. Tile floors, no hot water (we're talking COLD showers!), and the only furnishings are a couple of nightstands and a bed. The biggest surprise was the "mattress" on the bed -- it's not really a mattress, it feels more like some sort of slightly padded piece of cardboard.

BUT...

None of that matters. In fact, I would have been somewhat disappointed if this had been any more luxurious. No kidding. The island is so unbelievably secluded and tropical that this type of accommodation feels exactly right. It also helps that the rooms are extremely clean, which is really all that matters.

The amazing staff more than makes up for the cardboard beds, too -- everyone is incredibly friendly and helpful. My boyfriend and I didn't speak a word of Spanish, and no one really spoke any English, yet every person was patient and kind.

By the way, YOU MUST take a boat trip to the Sanblas Islands in Panama. I mean, it's not even an option to skip this. It was by far the highlight of our trip and something I still think about often. The hotel arranges the trip -- which seems to be run by some locals out of a somewhat dodgy boat -- but it'll be the best day of your life. No joke.

Bottom line: If you're at all put off by how challenging it is to get to Capurgana -- get over it. It's worth the plane ride to Medellin and the next plane ride (on a tiny charter plane, to boot) to Capurgana and the donkey ride to the hotel (there are no cars) and the bumpy boat ride to Sanblas. Just do it - you will NOT regret it.
Date of stay: December 2014
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
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      Reviews (97)
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      15 - 20 of 97 reviews
      Reviewed 30 June 2015

      We changed to this hotel after spending the first few nights at the Tacarcuna lodge, which was also fine but very limited in resources (breakfast extremely plain, poor security for rooms, and surrounded by a plaza that blared out music at top volume 24/7). Coming to Hotel Nautilos was very relaxing in comparison, you have the advantage of the sea breeze which is absolutely essential as temperatures go up to 40 degrees celcius, rooms are clean and well equipped, staff were very friendly, and they arranged buffets on the beach and other events that you can take part of if you wish. There was also a pool (yet never cooling because of the temperatures) and we had a beautiful view from our room overllooking this and the beach, which is right outside the hotel.
      Tip: if you stay here, also visit the Coco Loco shed on the beach and have a beautiful rum and coconut drink (in a coconut) overlooking the sea.
      The staff at the hotel were also the friendliest and most professional tourism personnel we came across in Capurganá. Apart from them, we had quite a horrible week arguing with rude locals who constantly try to charge you three times the price for everything, or charge you for things you do not have to pay (be aware: you do not have to pay for overweight at the docks if you have some, that would be with the airport), simply for being foreigners. Colombians in general treat their tourists very badly, using them as money banks, but this experience literally took the price. Be on your guard, and if you're not prepared to argue (or have the spanish to do so), I would not recommend going, the destination is not worth it. The beautiful parts to the area are the islands around capurganá, including crossing over to Panama, Capurganá should just be used as a stop over to get to these.

      Date of stay: June 2015
      • Trip type: Travelled with family
        • Sleep Quality
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      7  Thank Swan15
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Reviewed 25 April 2015

      this hotel is located right in front of the beach unlike most accommodations in capurnaga.
      the rooms are large with very comfortable beds and are kept very clean.
      we did the plan without lunch and dinner meals which let us eat lunch picnic style wherever we happened to be exploring mid-day. at dinnertime, we were able to to explore other restaurants in the small town. we did enjoy the breakfast buffets offered by hotel nautilos.
      be sure to enjoy the hike to el clelo waterfall and swimming hole. bring your river shoes or chancletas as any other shoes will get soaked.
      the hotel has a nice pool and jacuzzi, although the latter was not heated.
      the staff is very friendly and will help you plan your adventures in the area.

      Date of stay: April 2015
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Service
      1  Thank Ivancarasco
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Reviewed 6 March 2015

      Great place to relax, it is quiet, it is not a place to have parties, It's beautiful, the hotel is great and clean, the people at the hotel is the best, the food is very good, mixed and home made... I'll definitely come back!

      Room tip: Rooms at the second floor have better view to the ocean.
      Date of stay: February 2015
      • Trip type: Travelled with family
        • Rooms
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      1  Thank Natalia N
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Reviewed 10 January 2015

      My husband and I got the all-inclusive plan and took 2 day-trips (one to La Miel/Sapzurro and another to San Blas.) Firstly, I agree with most of the travelers, food, bar and service were great. They offer tasty buffet-style meals and infinite cocktails. Plus, since we spent new year's eve there, they had special celebrations and meals. It was awesome!

      Staff is nice and knowledgeable of the area. They took us to La Miel and Sapzurro, and we liked more the latter because water was calmer, and Chila's ice-creams are super yummy.

      But if you want to do something unforgettable, I highly recommend a trip to San Blas. After a short immigration process, you will see a beautiful natural phenomenon, an "island that is being born", and you can have a picnic snack there. Then, you will visit an indigenous community, and you will tour their town. Finally, you will go to an amazing desert island that is like a Caribbean paradise! It is the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. We are absolutely satisfied with the hotel and their plans.

      FYI Nautilos schedules their own flights so you can have a bit more of time flexibility, if needed. The flight is fun and unique!

      Room tip: We had a lovely room from you could see and hear the sea with a private bathroom. But they have no hot water (as in most of the "hot" places in Colombia.)
      Date of stay: December 2014
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Location
        • Cleanliness
        • Service
      2  Thank Angélica M
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Reviewed 8 January 2015

      This is an excellent choice for a relaxing break at the beach, it's worth paying for the all-inclusive package. The three meals were huge and the food excellent, although you have to be prepared for a lot of fish and fish soup. There is a constant supply of drinks which you can take out to the beach with you. The rooms are comfortable and clean and all seemed to have a view out to sea. The staff worked extremely hard to make sure that the guests had all they needed. When we were there there was no loud music at all, unlike in other places in Colombia. The only trip we did was to Sapzurro and La Miel in Panama which was worthwhile although the lunch was not as good as we had become used to in the hotel. Overall highly recommended.

      Date of stay: January 2015
      • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
        • Sleep Quality
        • Rooms
        • Service
      Thank roddylander
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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