In this episode, we journey to Nuquí, one of the most remote and biodiverse corners of Colombia’s Pacific coast. It’s a place where the rainforest crashes into the ocean, where there are no roads, and where life moves to the rhythm of tides, rain, and community.

Our host revisits a 2008 expedition to the region—complete with a disastrous boat ride, rainforest hikes, dugout canoe journeys, and encounters with the pioneering eco‑lodges that helped shape sustainable tourism in Chocó.

We also explore how Nuquí has evolved over the past 15 years, marked by improved access, stronger community leadership, and a growing movement toward conservation and responsible travel. Yet despite these shifts, Nuquí remains wild, raw, and unforgettable.

• A firsthand story of arriving in Nuquí by boat during a torrential Pacific storm
• The rise and fall of El Cantil, one of Colombia’s early eco‑tourism pioneers
• How local entrepreneurship reshaped coastal life in a region without roads
• A magical journey up the Río Joví by dugout canoe to a hidden waterfall
• What’s changed since 2008—from flights to whale‑watching to community‑run tours
• How new eco‑lodges like La Kuka are continuing the legacy of sustainable travel
• Why Nuquí still feels wild and untouched despite increased tourism
• The enduring truth behind Colombia’s old tourism slogan: “The only risk is wanting to stay.”

• Nuquí is accessible only by plane or boat—and the boat option is not for the faint of heart
• Chocó is one of the rainiest places on Earth, shaping both daily life and travel
• Humpback whales migrate here from July to October, making it one of Colombia’s top wildlife experiences
• Afro‑Colombian and Indigenous communities now lead many tours, surf lessons, and jungle hikes
• Sustainable tourism is growing, with lodges partnering directly with local families and conservation groups
• The region remains pristine and remote—a rare “off the map” destination in a crowded world

Nuquí, Colombia, is more than a destination—it’s a case study in community‑driven tourism, environmental stewardship, and the delicate balance between access and preservation. This episode offers a window into a coastline that feels almost prehistoric, yet is evolving through the leadership of the people who call it home.

• Wild, remote travel stories
• Eco‑lodges and sustainable tourism
• Rainforest and ocean adventures
• Cultural travel led by local communities

Episode Title: Bishkek: The Green City Under Tian Shan

Episode Summary:

In this episode of GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, senior writer Chin Liang teams up with Talgat from Datka Travel to uncover the overlooked charms of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. While most travelers rush to the countryside for horse riding and yurt stays, Bishkek rewards those who linger with leafy boulevards, Soviet‑era architecture, vibrant festivals, and mouthwatering Central Asian cuisine.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• 🌳 Green City Design: How Soviet planners shaped Bishkek into a “model socialist city” with tree‑lined boulevards and parks.
• 🎡 Panfilov Park: A mix of war memorials and retro amusement rides that blend history with fun.
• 🌸 Nowruz Festival at Ala‑Too Square: A spring celebration filled with flowers, costumes, dancing, and the sweet wheat treat Sumalak.
• 🏛️ Hidden Gems: Talgat’s insider tips, including the striking Wedding Palace and the massive Dordoi Bazaar with over 60,000 stalls.
• 🏔️ Day Trips from Bishkek: Scenic escapes to Kegeti Gorge, Kol‑Tor Lake, and Chunkurchak Gorge for hiking, horseback riding, skiing, and photography.
• 🍲 Food Culture: From plov and laghman to samsa and manty, Bishkek’s cuisine is about hospitality and sharing. Restaurant highlights include Papuri, Supara, Twelve Kamin, and Faiza.
• 🚎 Getting Around: Marshrutkas, buses, and Yandex rides make navigating Bishkek simple—even if you don’t speak Russian or Kyrgyz.
• 🖼️ City & Mountains: The dramatic backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains against Stalinist‑era buildings creates a daily watercolor scene.

Key Quote:

Why Listen:

This episode is perfect for travelers curious about Central Asia, those planning a Kyrgyzstan adventure, or anyone who loves discovering how history, culture, and nature intertwine in a city often skipped by tourists.

🚆 Episode Overview

In this episode, we journey by train from Massachusetts to Wilmington, Delaware—arriving at the Joseph R. Biden Station in the heart of the city. Wilmington may be small, but it’s packed with history, culture, and surprises. From the spotlight of the 2020 election to the legacy of the DuPont family, this city offers a fascinating blend of small‑town warmth and corporate power.

🌆 Highlights You’ll Hear About

• Arriving Downtown by Rail: The ease and charm of stepping off the train right into the city center.
• Wilmington in the Spotlight: How the 2020 election put this city of 70,000 on the world stage.
• Riverfront Adventures: Biking the Jack Markell Trail, beer gardens, and the youthful energy along the Christina River.
• The DuPont Legacy: Touring Hagley Museum’s black powder mills, gardens, and patent models.
• Bucolic Delaware: Country drives past colonial bridges, farmland, and Biden’s family home.
• Corporate Delaware: Why Fortune 500 companies flock here—no sales tax, low property tax, and the Court of Chancery.
• Dining Delights: From Buckley’s Tavern to Bardea’s inventive small plates, plus cocktails at De‑CO.
• Hotel DuPont & Le Cavalier: Grandeur, gilded ceilings, and French‑inspired cuisine.
• Longwood Gardens: A breathtaking conservatory and outdoor wonderland just across the Pennsylvania line.

✨ Key Takeaway

Wilmington is a city of contrasts—corporate powerhouse and small‑town charm, Biden’s hometown and DuPont’s empire, youthful energy and colonial history. Whether you’re biking the riverfront, savoring small plates, or wandering through Longwood Gardens, Wilmington proves that Delaware, though small, has a big story to tell.

📸 Photos

See images from the trip: Max Hartshorne’s Wilmington gallery

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• VisitWilmingtonDE.com
• It’s Time Delaware
• WilmToday
• Longwood Gardens

🎙️ Listen & Subscribe

Catch this episode wherever you get your podcasts, and join us for more journeys that uncover hidden charms across the globe.