The La Guajira peninsula in Colombia is a fascinating off-the-beaten-path destination that combines stunning desert landscapes, turquoise Caribbean waters, diverse ecosystems, and a strong indigenous culture. Take a scenic road trip to explore this unique piece of earth. Make sure to spend a night in a hammock under the vast desert sky, where you can gaze at countless stars!
Riohacha is the capital of the La Guajira región. This pleasant city with its small houses and charming center, located right by the Caribbean sea, makes a great base for exploring the La Guajira peninsula. A good option is taking a multi-day tour with a local agency in Riohacha, which typically includes Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
Below you will find a curated list of the 15 recommended things to do in Riohacha and in other parts of La Guajira.
Photo by Travelhapp, Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira
Wander through the streets around the Cathedral (Basilica Menor de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios), enjoy the unique small town architecture of this friendly regional capital and relax at beautiful Plaza Padilla.
Photo by Carlos A. Revelo Ris, CC BY-SA 3.0, Riohacha Cathedral (mod.)
Take an afternoon walk by the Malecón, Riohacha’s sea promenade, dip your feet into the warm Caribbean waters and watch the sunset from Muelle Turístico.
Photo by Mohamed Cuello, CC BY-SA 3.0, Riohacha Sea Promenade (mod.)
La Guajira is the heartland of the indigenous Wayuu people. Visit Wayuu communities with a local guide and learn about the unique Wayuu culture, history and traditions. The Wayuu artisans are appreciated all over Colombia for their elaborate beautiful handicrafts. You can learn about Wayuu culture for example at Centro Etnográfico Guachaquero, 20 minutes by taxi from the center of Riohacha (view on Google Maps). To find local guides, check the Experiences section on Travelhapp (tab “local guides”).
The cuisine of Riohacha offers a delicious blend of indigenous and Caribbean influences. Try local specialties such as coconut rice with seafood, ceviche and goat stew (cabrito).
Photo by Alejandro Diaz, CC BY-SA 2.0, Riohacha sea (mod.)
This little known nature reserve just outside of Riohacha, by the Cienaga Buenavista, is characterized by its biodiversity, including beaches, lagoons, and fascinating flora and fauna. In the area you can observe the unique phenomenon of seawater flowing towards the mainland. La Raya is a great place for bird watching. It is strongly recommended to visit La Raya in a group and with a local guide. For information how to get there, see Orlando Carcamo’s article (in Spanish).
The La Guajira Peninsula is a popular kitesurfing destination among Colombians. You can find several kite-surf schools in Riohacha and between Riohacha and Mayapo, for example Wayuu Water Sports Colombia (view on Google Maps), Caribbean Kite Trip (view on Google Maps), Kite Center Eoletto (view on Google Maps), and Brisa Kite Colombia (view on Google Maps).
Photo by Harold Granados, Kitesurfing
Mayapo, located about 30 minute by taxi from Riohacha, offers tranquil and pristine beaches, beautiful sunsets, and a relaxed atmosphere. Take a long walk by the beach to discover your favorite spot in this hidden Caribbean paradise.
Photo (mod.) by Natalia Saavedra, Mayapo beach, CC BY-SA 4.0
The protected “Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos” in Camarones, about 20 minutes by taxi from Riohacha, offers a unique opportunity to observe flamingoes up close in their natural habitat. Take a boat tour to observe these beautiful birds, explore the mangroves and lagoons of the area and connect with nature.
If you want to contribute to the local communities of La Guajira, you can find interesting volunteering options around Riohacha and Camarones. We love Talento Colectivo’s innovative school project “Para los niños del Mundo” (For the children of the world) which combines art-based learning and healthy nutrition for the children of the area, including indigenous and immigrant children. Check out Talento Colectivo’s Facebook Page.
Photo by Paula Restrepo, Project “Para los niños del Mundo”
The following sights are located in other parts of La Guajira, one hour to seven hours away from Riohacha.
The Manaure Salt Flats (Salinas de Manaure) offer a captivating landscape characterized by vast white salt plains stretching into the horizon and colorful pools right next to the sea. Visitors can learn about the traditional salt extraction process cultivated by the local communities. Manaure can be reached in about 2 hours by bus from Riohacha.
Photo by alexat25, Manaure Salt Flats (mod.), Canva Pro license
Cabo de la Vela is known for its stunning desert landscapes by the Caribbean sea and its strong indigenous Wayuu culture. From the lighthouse you can enjoy breathtaking views. Water sport lovers can engage in activities such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Photo by Travelhapp, Cabo de la Vela
The tranquil waters of the sheltered Honda bay (Bahía Honda) offer a peaceful environment for swimming and, snorkeling. Relax at the pristine beach while admiring the stunning coastline.
Remote Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of South America. It bewitches visitors with its rugged, untouched natural beauty featuring desert landscapes with huge sand dunes, lagoons, and colorful Caribbean sunsets. Close to Punta Gallinas you can find the impressive Taroa Dunes.
Photo by Travelhapp, La Guajira wildlife
The Macuira National Natural Park, located in the northern part of La Guajira, is a biodiverse reserve that showcases contrasting ecosystems. The park is primarily known for its desert vegetation, but it also encompasses the Macuira mountain range, covered with lush cloud forest, which creates an oasis within the desert. The park is home to several sacred sites of the Wayuu indigenous people.
Photo by jkraft5, Macuira National Natural Park (mod.)
The Nature Reserve Montes de Oca is located in the Serranía del Perijá mountain range, southeast of Riohacha. This reserve is a hidden paradise featuring various ecosystems and enchanting trails that lead along magical waterfalls and stunning limestone formations. The reserve is home to approximately 67 mammal species, including sloths, anteaters, monkeys and secretive big cats, such as pumas and jaguars. The reserve (view on Google Maps) is located near Maicao, about 2 hours by bus from Riohacha.
In Colombia it’s super easy and cheap to get from one place to another by bus, which is great for solo travelers. In Riohacha, as in all Colombian cities, it’s advisable to do your explorations by foot before the night falls and apply your typical precautions when traveling alone. Check out our Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Colombia and Solo Travel Guide.
Some activities, like hikes and expeditions, are better done in a group. Moreover, in Colombia tours often get cheaper the more people participate. Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to team up with other solo travelers near you.
The La Guajira peninsula is still relatively unexplored by tourists. Please ensure that you travel responsibly and sustainably to respect the local communities, and be especially considerate in your interactions with local children. See our responsible travel guidelines.
Riohacha features a semi-arid climate marked by consistently hot temperatures throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically vary between 32 °C (80°F) and 35 °C (35°F) and nighttime temperatures fluctuate around 24 °C (75°F), with May to September being the hottest months.
Most rain typically falls between September and November with a peak in October. Please note that some roads can become inaccessible when it rains heavily.
The north of Colombia is dense with attractions, hidden gems and emerging destinations. In less than 4 hours by bus you can reach several fascinating places from Riohacha.
Palomino: Palomino is a popular backpacker destination, located about 1,5 hours by bus from Riohacha, on the way to Santa Marta. This chilled-out village is nestled between the sea, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the jungle. Tubing on the Palomino River into the open sea is a popular activity. Palomino also serves as an alternative and less frequented gateway to the famous Lost City. If you don’t like the backpacker vibe next to the sea, you can stay at the other side of the main road, close to the mountains. The nearby village Don Diego offers a more tranquil river tubing experience than Palomino.
Tayrona National Natural Park (ca. 2 hours by bus from Riohacha): Tayrona National Natural park is one of Colombia’s top attractions and a little piece of paradise. The main entrance to Tayrona National Park (“Zaino”) lies on the way towards Santa Marta. We strongly recommend to spend 1-2 days in or near the park for a close connection with nature. See our tips for your solo trip to Tayrona National Natural Park.
Santa Marta (ca. 3 hours by bus from Riohacha): Santa Marta and nearby Minca are fantastic places to explore the fascinating jungle-covered Sierra Nevada mountains and the clear waters of the deep Caribbean sea with their rich marine life. It’s easy to spend a week or more in this area without getting bored if you are a nature enthusiast. Have a look at our recommendations for Things to do in and near Santa Marta.
Valledupar: You can reach the folkloric capital of the Cesar department and birthplace of Vallenato music in about 3.5 hours by bus from Riohacha. Valledupar is a hidden gem with a lot of interesting things to see and do.
Last Update: November 20, 2024
Read more:
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