La Guajira Travel Guide
Plan your trip to La Guajira with our detailed guide, featuring cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay and more.
- Introduction to La Guajira
- List of Places to Visit in La Guajira
- Hiking/Biking Routes of La Guajira
- Best Things to Do in La Guajira: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for La Guajira
- Food and Drink Scene of La Guajira
- Where to Stay in La Guajira: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in La Guajira: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of La Guajira
- Best Time to Visit La Guajira
- Do’s and Don’ts of La Guajira
- Safety and Health
- Getting to La Guajira: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in La Guajira
- Where to Go Next from La Guajira: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to La Guajira
La Guajira is a picturesque region located in Costa Norte, Colombia’s northernmost part, bordering the Caribbean Sea and Venezuela. This remote destination offers travelers the opportunity to explore incredible landscapes, discover indigenous cultures and cuisine, and experience outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking.
Here is a comprehensive guide to planning your trip to La Guajira, featuring top places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink, accommodation options, and more.
List of Places to Visit in La Guajira
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- The Wayuus Culture Museum: a museum showcasing the rich history and traditions of the indigenous Wayuus people, located in Uribia.
- Calabazo Historical Center: a colonial town featuring beautiful architecture, located between Uribia and Riohacha.
- Cerrejon Mines: an open-pit mine that produces high-quality coal and provides a unique insight into the mining industry.
Natural Attractions of La Guajira: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Cabo de la Vela: a small fishing village located on the tip of the Guajira Peninsula, offering stunning views of the sea and desert.
- Punta Gallinas: the northernmost point of South America, featuring beautiful beaches and dunes.
- The Macuira National Park: a protected area home to diverse flora and fauna, featuring hiking trails, and scenic views.
Hiking/Biking Routes of La Guajira
- Punta Gallinas to Camarones: a multi-day trek through the desert and beaches that offers a unique adventure in the wild.
- Macuira National Park: features several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the desert landscape.
Best Things to Do in La Guajira: Activities and Tours
- Kite Surfing in Cabo de la Vela: the area has strong wind currents, making it an ideal spot for kite surfing.
- Wayuus Community Tour: visitors can experience the Wayuu’s way of life in Rancherias, where they will learn about their traditions, customs, and enjoy their cuisine.
- Visit the Flamingos: the coastal lagoons provide a natural habitat for pink flamingos, which are a sight for sore eyes.
Week-Long Itinerary for La Guajira
Day 1-2: Explore the city of Riohacha, Visit the Wayuus Culture Museum and local markets.
Day 3-4: Hike to the Macuira National Park, enjoy the scenery, and watch the sunset.
Day 5-6: Visit Punta Gallinas, preferably by 4x4. Visit the Lighthouse and enjoy the vast open space.
Day 7: Visit the beautiful Calabazo Historic Center and step back in time.
Food and Drink Scene of La Guajira
Must-Try Dishes
- Arroz con suero: a rice dish cooked with fermented milk and cheese, a traditional Wayuu recipe.
- Sopa de arroz con cabeza de pescado: a fish head soup served with rice and plantains, a local delicacy.
Local Beverages
- Chicha: a fermented drink made from corn or rice, a traditional Colombian beverage.
- Aguapanela con queso: a hot beverage made from sugarcane, and cheese, a tasty treat on chilly days.
Where to Stay in La Guajira: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
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Cabo de la Vela: There are several hostels and guesthouses available, including Casa en el Agua, and Hospedaje Luz Mila.
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Riohacha: There are several hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Riohacha, including Hotel Waya Guajira, and Casa Amarilla.
What to Buy in La Guajira: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Wayuu Bags: Hand-woven by Wayuu women, these bags make a unique souvenir.
- Hammocks: The Wayuu Tribe creates colorful and intricately designed hammocks that are comfortable and stylish.
Local Culture and Customs of La Guajira
- The Wayuu tribe is the largest indigenous group in La Guajira and has a unique culture and way of life, they speak both Wayuunaiki and Spanish.
Best Time to Visit La Guajira
The best time to visit La Guajira is between November and February when the weather is mild, and there is no rain.
Do’s and Don’ts of La Guajira
Do:
- Visit the wayuus community and experience their way of life.
- Be polite, friendly, and respectful to the locals and their traditions.
Don’t:
- Litter on beaches or in public spaces.
- Assist or take photographs of local children without permission.
Safety and Health
Safety in La Guajira
La Guajira is a safe destination to visit, but it is always recommended to take the same precautions you would take in any other travel destination.
Health in La Guajira
It’s recommended to apply bug repellent since mosquitos are prevalent. Ensure drinking bottled water and sanitizing your hands as often as possible.
Getting to La Guajira: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near La Guajira
Simón Bolívar International Airport is the closest airport to La Guajira, which is located in Santa Marta.
Bus Stations Near La Guajira
Buses from Riohacha are available to La Guajira’s main destinations.
Other Options
There is a maritime option from Cartagena to the nearby Santa Marta airport, which involves catching a bus to Riohacha and then a moto-taxi to Cabo de la Vela.
How to Get Around in La Guajira
Public transportation options are limited, so moto-taxis are popular with visitors. However, It is best to rent a 4x4 vehicle to get around La Guajira.
Where to Go Next from La Guajira: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Visiting the beautiful Santa Marta is a popular option as it offers white sandy beaches and the famous Lost City Trek. Alternatively, visitors can travel to neighboring El Cabo de la Vela and explore the desert’s vast expanse.
Conclusion
La Guajira offers a unique travel experience, hosting stunning landscapes, majestic views, and culturally significant destinations. Whether you aim to explore scenic outdoor adventures or indulge in the diverse cuisines, La Guajira is an unmissable destination. With our comprehensive guide, building the perfect itinerary for your trip has never been easier.