Parc national naturel d'Utría (Colombia)

An 'open air breeding ground' is the best way to describe the Utria National Park, which is a huge tropical rainforest that borders the Pacific, a few kilometres from Bahía Solano and El Valle.

It's here, in the warm Pacific currents, that the majestic humpback whale comes to mate and give birth between the months of July and November. By coming here, whales don't need to give birth in freezing artic waters and, during their first months in the warm Pacific, their calves can build up the thick layer of fat that they'll need for the future. They'll have plenty of time to swim in cold waters further down the line!

Apart from its star attraction - the whales - the Utria National Park or 'Parque Nacional Ensenada de Utría' in Spanish, is home to some stunning beaches including the Playa Blanca and Playa Cocalito, as well as some amazing coral reefs. You can go diving, or, if you don't have a diver's permit, there's always snorkelling. Make sure you visit Punta Diego and the waterfalls at San Pichí. This place is one not to miss during a tour of Colombia.