Happy TravellerWelcome to Quibdó, the capital city of Chocó Department in Western Colombia. Located on the Atrato River, Quibdó is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a unique Afro-Colombian culture. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Quibdó, its extreme climate, transportation options, and notable residents.
History:
Quibdó has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times when the Chocó rainforest and mountains divided the Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations. The high rainfall and extremely humid climate did not attract the Spanish colonists, and it was not until the nineteenth century when there was interest in finding a shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that the Chocó region again became of significant interest to European colonial powers. Gold and platinum were discovered in the Atrato Valley, and this ensured Quibdó’s growth and status as the chief town in the region. Another crucial development at this time was the migration of freed black slaves into the Chocó, who primarily worked in shifting cultivation to cope with the extreme leaching from the super-humid climate. They also fished and harvested forest products.
Climate:
Quibdó has an extremely wet and cloudy tropical rainforest climate without noticeable seasons. It has the highest amount of rainfall in South America of any city of its size or greater. The extreme rainfall occurs because the Andes, to the east of the city, block the westerly winds driven by the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Throughout the year, owing to the Humboldt Current off the West coast of South America, these winds remain centred in the north of the continent at Quibdó’s longitudes. The result is that the extremely unstable, ascending air from the Intertropical Convergence Zone is consistently forced to rise over the Chocó plain; as it cools, enormous quantities of moisture precipitate as rainfall. What is more, due to the exuberant nature and biodiversity in the region, a biotic pump phenomena causes the Chocó low-level-jet, another important factor in driving atmospheric moisture from the Pacific into the Colombian Andes. Rain falls almost every day from clouds in intense thunderstorms; the region has a wet season year-round. Sunny periods seldom last more than a few hours after sunrise. Quibdó has only 1,276 hours of sunshine annually, and it ranks as one of the cloudiest cities in the world. Its sunniest month is July, with typically a total of 135 hours of sunshine for the entire month.
Transportation:
Quibdó is served by El Caraño Airport with flights by three commercial airlines. The airport is located approximately 7 km from the city center. Taxis and buses are available for transportation to and from the airport. Within the city, taxis and buses are the most common modes of transportation.
Notable residents:
Quibdó has produced several notable residents, including Jackson Martínez, a former professional footballer who played as a striker, Elvis Rivas, a footballer, Wbeymar Angulo, a professional footballer who plays for the Armenia national football team, and Edwin Mosquera, a professional footballer who plays for Atlanta United.
In conclusion, Quibdó is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the Afro-Colombian culture and a chance to experience extreme weather conditions. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and notable residents, Quibdó is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Colombia.
