The villages of Lechugal and Marimonda, to the north of Necoclí, are home to attractions like the Marimonda Lagoon, the Cerro del Águila (Hawk Hill) and various Turtle-nesting beaches.
The Marimonda and el Salado Lagoons, as well as nearby wetlands, are excellent sites to observe aquatic species, including a great variety of herons and egrets, like the photogenic Agami Heron. In the forests that ring the lagoons, its possible to see various species of monkey, like the Cotton-top Tamarin and Spider Monkeys, and the Three-toed Sloth is “common”. One of the specialties of the area is the Neotropical Otter that can be seen with patience in the lagoons or in the creeks that feed into them. Among the large number of birds species present, the Scarlet Macaws are a real highlight alongside the Great-horned Owl, the largest Owl in South America. In March and April, thousands of migrating Turkey Vultures congregate on the Cerro del Águila, creating quite a spectacle. For keen birdwatchers, the Northern Screamers and Chestnut-winged Chachalacas are must see species.
| How to get there: The best way to reach the area is in a 4×4 vehicle from Necoclí during the dry season (Jan-Mar). During the wet season, the access road can become almost impassable. From Necoclí take the Calle del Cementerio and head north for approximately 15 km until arriving in Marimonda, where access to the Lagoon can be arranged through the local community. Continuing beyond Marimonda the road passes through Lechugal and alongside the Cerro del Águila, before ending on the beach. The best option for visiting the area is to contact the local ecotourism agency, Ecohuellas (ecohuellas.sas@gmail.com). Alternatively, public transport is provided by Jeeps that typically leave from Necoclí twice a day. |
| Where to stay: Necoclí is a perfect base for visiting the area and a range of accommodations like the Hotel Kaluwala (hotel.kaluwala@gmail.com) or la Casa Hotel Punta Caribana (puntacaribana@gmail.com) are available. The latter hotel also offers cabañas on the beach close to the El Salado Lagoon. Another alternative is to organize basic accommodation in Marimonda or Lechugal through Ecohuellas (see above). |
| Local guides: Several individuals from Marimonda and Lechugal have received guide training and they are best contacted through Ecohuellas (ecohuellas.sas@gmail.com). We strongly advise against visiting the area without a local guide due to occasional security issues. |
| Trails: One of the best options for wildlife watching in the area is to explore the Marimonda lagoon by boat. Alternatively, the short walk towards Cenizas always yields a wealth of bird species, such as the Great-horned Owl, as well as views of the lagoon. In and around the Cerro del Águila there are a number of long and physically challenging trails, which are excellent for observing up to four different species of monkeys. |
