Plan your visit
Plan your Guajira expedition
Prepare for remote travel, basic facilities, and extreme weather. Proper packing is essential.
Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas tours
Departures from Riohacha, La Guajira
GPS 12.4333, -71.75
Open directionsGetting there
Guided 4x4 vehicles are mandatory for safe travel across unmarked desert tracks.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Guided 4x4 tour departing from Riohacha | 3 days / 2 nights | 1,100,000 - 1,430,000 COP | The safest and most reliable way to navigate the unmarked desert tracks. Do not attempt in a standard rental car. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The dry seasons run from December to April and June to August. This is the safest time to travel. During the rainy months, desert tracks flood and become impassable even for 4x4s.
What to bring
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There are no ATMs past Riohacha.
Carry plenty of small Colombian Peso bills.
How the day runs
Typical routes cover specific milestones each day.
The classic route to the northernmost point.
- Depart Riohacha
Meet your 4x4 and driver.
- Manaure Salt Flats
Stop for 45 minutes to see artisanal salt extraction.
- Uribia
Stock up on extra water and snacks.
- Cabo de la Vela
Visit Pilón de Azúcar and watch the sunset at El Faro.
Deep into the desert to the continent's tip.
- Leave Cabo de la Vela
Drive north toward Bahía Hondita.
- Taroa Dunes
Spend 2 hours at the massive sand dunes.
- Punta Gallinas Lighthouse
Photograph the northernmost point marker.
Facilities and Packing
Expect highly basic facilities. You will use bucket showers, and fresh water is incredibly scarce. Use it sparingly. Electricity only runs for a few hours at night via generators, so a headlamp is necessary.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing with long sleeves for sun protection. Bring high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat with a strap, and a buff to shield your face from dust. See Packing List for the full list.
Easiest way to do it
The Magic and Ancestral Guajira-Cabo de la vela & Punta Gallinas-2 nights 3 Days
72 h 4.0 (25)
- Travel insurance
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$311per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Is it safe to visit La Guajira?
Yes, when traveling with an organized 4x4 tour. Local Wayuu drivers know the shifting tracks and local protocols. Independent driving is strongly discouraged.
Can I sleep in a bed in Punta Gallinas?
Beds are extremely rare. The standard accommodation is a traditional chinchorro (a large woven hammock) strung up in a Wayuu ranchería.
Can I fly a drone?
Drones are restricted in many indigenous areas. You must request explicit prior permission from the local community leaders before flying.