Riohacha Travel Guide

Plan your trip with our extensive travel guide to Riohacha featuring must-see places, hiking, biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, and much more.


Riohacha is a picturesque port city and capital of the La Guajira region in Colombia. It is situated on the Caribbean coast of Northern Colombia. The charming town has a rich history and offers a plethora of adventures, cultural experiences, and stunning natural attractions. In this guide, we’re going to take you on a virtual tour of Riohacha.

Introduction to Riohacha

Riohacha is a bustling small coastal town that is well-known for its beautiful beaches. It is an excellent destination for tourists who want to get away from the crowded and famous Colombian destinations such as Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogota. Riohacha offers perfect weather, beautiful scenery, cultural and historical landmarks, and an abundance of outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in Riohacha

Riohacha offers an abundance of places to see and things to do. Here is a list of must-visit sites in Riohacha:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Riohacha is full of rich culture and history. Here are some culturally significant attractions to explore:

  • Casa Turchi (Turchi House): An impressive art-deco building that was built in the 1920s and is now home to a museum dedicated to the region’s Wayuu indigenous culture.
  • Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: A magnificent church dedicated to the patron saint of Riohacha, featuring unique architecture.
  • Museo Etnográfico del Caribe (Caribbean Ethnographic Museum): Located within the university campus, the museum showcases the rich indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities’ art and culture.
  • Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: A grand Catholic Cathedral, whose construction started in the 16th century and finished only in the 18th century due to various setbacks.

Natural Attractions of Riohacha: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Riohacha is full of stunning natural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit natural places to explore:

  • Playa De Los Ángeles: A stunning and secluded off-the-beaten-track beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand.
  • El Cerrejón: The largest open-pit coal mine globally is in Riohacha’s vicinity. Here, you can take a guided tour and learn about the coal mining process, which plays a significant role in Colombia’s economy.
  • Parque Nacional Natural Macuira: A nature reserve filled with exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife, including the region’s unique bird species.
  • Riohacha Boardwalk: A scenic boardwalk that stretches for miles, with vistas of the seafront and charming views of the sunset.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Riohacha

Riohacha has fantastic nature trails and biking routes, and here are a few of the best:

  • Camino Ancestral, Palomino: Known as the ancestral road, the hiking trail passes through dense rainforest, desert, and waterfalls and is an excellent way to know the diverse natural beauty of the place.
  • Almirante Padilla Park: The park is a perfect getaway for those looking to hike while enjoying wildlife watching and bird spotting.
  • Kite surfing: Riohacha’s windy beaches make it a great destination for kite surfing.

Best Things to Do in Riohacha: Activities and Tours

There is no shortage of activities and tours to choose from in Riohacha, but here are some of the best:

  • Boat Tour of Guajira Peninsula: A three-day tour to one of Colombia’s most remote and untouched areas up north. On this tour, visitors can witness the unique Wayuu culture.
  • The Flamingo Sanctuary: A guided tour starting from Camarones island of the Riohacha coast to visit the sanctuary where over 8,000 flamingos migrate every year.
  • Desert Tour: This tour takes you to explore the vast and arid desert region of Riohacha on a 4x4 vehicle. Visitors can witness the magnificent desert sunset and also learn about the region’s agricultural practices.

Week-Long Itinerary for Riohacha

Here is a sample itinerary for visitors to Riohacha over a week:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Riohacha, rest, explore the town
Day 2 Explore Casa Turchi, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
Day 3 Take a trip to stunning Playa De Los Ángeles or El Cerrejón
Day 4 Explore Parque Nacional Natural Macuira and enjoy bird watching
Day 5 Visit the Riohacha Boardwalk and enjoy a sunset view
Day 6 Go on a hike on the ancient trail or take a desert tour
Day 7 Take a boat tour of Guajira Peninsula and witness the unique Wayuu culture

Food and Drink Scene of Riohacha

The food and drink scene in Riohacha is unique, and visitors must try some of these must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cazuela de mariscos: A local seafood stew that is a must-try.
  • Arepas de huevo: A popular breakfast dish, typically consisting of a fried, stuffed arepa and an egg.
  • Cheese salad: A dish consisting of local cheese topped with honey, arepas, and fruits.

Local Beverages

  • Cerveza Costeña: A popular local beer in Riohacha.
  • Chicha: A traditional corn-based beverage made by the indigenous community of La Guajira.

Where to Stay in Riohacha: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Riohacha has several options for visitors looking for accommodation, and here are some of the best:

  • Casa Grande Hotel: A luxurious hotel with beautiful sea views, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.
  • Hotel CasaBlanca: A budget-friendly hotel in a prime location in Riohacha near the beach.
  • Taroa Hostel: A perfect pick for backpackers, located in a bustling part of town.

What to Buy in Riohacha: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Riohacha offers plenty of souvenirs and local products to take back home. Visitors must explore the local markets to buy handmade jewelry and textiles made by the indigenous communities or the farmers’ regional produce from the countryside.

Local Culture and Customs of Riohacha

The people of Riohacha have a rich and unique culture. The Wayuu indigenous community forms a significant part of Riohacha’s cultural heritage. Visitors must show respect to and be mindful of the local customs, norms, and attire.

Best Time to Visit Riohacha

Riohacha has warm and welcoming weather all year round, making it an ideal vacation spot. The best time to visit Riohacha is between December and March, which is the peak tourist season and when many Colombian families head to Riohacha for their vacations. July to September are also excellent months for visitors because of the pleasant weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Riohacha

Do:

  • Learn some Spanish words and phrases before you travel.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Carry change when shopping at local markets.

Don’t:

  • Be unaware of your surroundings.
  • Underestimate the strength of the sun - it can get intense on the beaches.

Safety and Health

Safety in Riohacha

Riohacha is a relatively safe place for tourists, but visitors must take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and theft. Always be mindful of your belongings and avoid walking alone in the less-visited areas of town.

Health in Riohacha

Visitors to Riohacha must drink bottled or purified water and avoid consuming food from street vendors. If you are traveling from outside of Colombia, it is recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.

Getting to Riohacha: Transportation Options and Logistics

Riohacha is well-connected to most Colombian cities, and visitors can choose from various transportation options such as:

Airports Near Riohacha

  • Almirante Padilla Airport is the nearest airport to Riohacha and operates several domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Riohacha

  • Riohacha has a designated bus station, where buses operate from various cities across Colombia.

Other Options

  • Visitors can also reach Riohacha via taxi or private car.

How to Get Around in Riohacha

Riohacha is a walkable city, and visitors can explore most of the sights on foot. For longer distance travels, visitors can opt for taxis or buses.

Where to Go Next from Riohacha: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Riohacha offers easy access to several nearby destinations which are worth visiting, such as:

  • Cabo de la Vela: A small fishing village known for its stunning desert like scenery and unique Kitesurfing and diving opportunities.
  • Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: A park known for hiking trails and stunning views of the coastline.
  • Santa Marta: A charming bustling city that serves as a gateway to famous Colombian attractions such as Minca, Ciudad Perdida, and Taganga.

Conclusion

Riohacha is a hidden gem in the Northern coast of Colombia that deserves a visit. It offers a host of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and stunning natural attractions, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a laid-back Colombian experience. Plan your trip and follow this travel guide and discover the beauty of Riohacha and more.

The beach of Riohacha The beach of Riohacha Mochillas sellers Mochillas sellers