La Guajira

North coast desert

Extreme landscape
La Guajira is the northernmost region of Colombia. Capital is Riohacha, a city of some 300,000 inhabitants, 175 km from Santa Marta and 92 km from Palomino. Riohacha is the gateway to “Alta Guajira, a sparsely populated, isolated and extremely arid area. The landscape consists of desert plains, deserted beaches and high sand dunes.

The Wayuu community
La Guajira is habitat for the Wayuu, the largest group of Indians in Colombia. This is one of the poorest and least visited areas of Colombia. The Wayuu have survived in the extremely arid region for hundreds of years, including by fishing and raising goats. As a traveler, you can learn about Wayuu culture by spending the night in a Rancheria, an authentic Wayuu accommodation. Despite La Guajira being one of the least visited areas of Colombia, the area is becoming increasingly popular with travelers, attracted by its extraordinary nature and Wayuu culture.

On an adventure
If you go to La Guajira, then you are really going on an adventure. It is an off the beaten track destination with little infrastructure. Driving is off-road and you sleep in hammocks or simple huts, often without running water and with limited electricity. You have the beaches largely to yourself in la Guajira. You can kitesurf in Cabo de la Vela, “sandboard” in the Tarao dunes and bird watch in Parque Nacional Natural Macuira, the “wettest” area of La Guajira. If you travel to Punta Gallinas, you can do so with an organized tour from Cabo de la Vela or from Riohacha. Going to Punta Gallinas with a tour is absolutely a must, given the limited infrastructure. Plus, with a guide, you’ll get an insider’s look at Wayuu culture. Check out the different options here.