Privacy Policy

Colombia

Classic Colombia / Land of Coffee & Tayrona / Archeology & History / By the Sea / Nature Tour
Bogota / Cartagena / Amazon / Coffee Region / Pacific Region / Guajira / Rosario Islands
Tayrona Park / San Agustin / Ciudad Perdida Trek / Los Nevados Trek / Guajira Adventure

La Guajira

The Guajira peninsula is the northern most point in Colombia and South America spanning an area of 20,848km2. It is bordered by the Caribbean
Sea to the North, Venezuela to the East and to the West and South the Colombian Departments of Magdalena and Cesar respectively. This peninsula that makes up the Department of the Guajira is divided into three sections: the lower and south, where the departmental capital of Riohacha is located, it was founded in 1545 as Nuestra Señora Santa María de los Remedios del Cabo de la Vela; Mid Guajira borders Venezuela and Upper Guajira is the dramatic collision point of deserts; and the upper where the ocean creating paradisiacal locations such as Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.

The Guajira is a place that never ceases to surprise due to its extreme contrasts: the brilliant white of the vast salt flats of Manaure – small mountains of white salt glistening beneath the merciless sun -, pink ibis with white and black flecks colour the sky in cacophonous flight between the lagoons in the Flora y Fauna Los Flamencos nature sanctuary and then there is the deep black of the coal extracted from the mine at El Cerrejon. Aside from salt and coal the Guajira is bathed by a crystalline sea that laps onto beaches of desert sand. The cacti that grow enhance the justifiably savage imagery and the long rises of the sand dunes are a reminder that this is an inhospitable land of myths and legends. The Wayuu indigenous people of the Guajira and their legends make this territory all the more intriguing. They are nomads who live autonomously across the porous border that divides Venezuela and Colombia with no concern for national borders. The Wayuu are a matriarchal society organized into clans and that place supreme importance in their traditions, in particular that of the “palabrero” who is designated to resolve conflicts between the clans. Wayuu men are polygamous but before entering into a marriage the man has to reach an agreement with the bride’s family regarding a dowry of goats and precious stones. The Wayuu live in what are known as “Rancherias” small communities made up of family members that dedicate their time to fishing and weaving. This region is renowned for producing colourful handmade hammocks and “mochilas” of resounding beauty and artistry.

Visiting the Guajira is an immersion into a local culture rich in traditions, simplicity and native customs. Things here are tough but the basics are
done well making one’s visit pleasant and unforgettable.

Day 1 | Riohacha
Arrival at Riohacha’s airport and transfer to the hotel. Riohacha or süchiimma, as it is known in the local Wayuu dialect, is small and tranquil town situated along the narrow bay known as the Boca de Camarón. The town was founded in 1545 as Nuestra Señora Santa María de los Remedios del Cabo de la Vela After lunch, half day visit to the Santuario de Flora y Fauna Los Flamencos, located some 20km from Riohacha in the county
of Camarones, a territory that in the past belonged to the Guanebucanes indigenous people. This is an important lagoon system for spotting the pink ibis, pink coloured flamingos and it also has beautiful beaches. In a traditional fishing boat the trip continues to the Centro de Investigación y Educación Ambiental for the conservation of marine turtles which are endangered and are freed into the wild once they have matured to an age and can survive. Return to Rioacha and overnight stay. Meals: - / - / -

Day 2 | Riohacha - Cabo de La Vela
After breakfast leave heading northwest from Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela (180 km, 4 hrs approximately), a remote fishing village along the tip of the Guajira peninsula. Break the journey after 60km to visit the salt flats at Manaure. These tall mountains of brilliant white salt play tricks on the mind with their extreme contrasts alongside the sea, sand and sky. Later in Uribia, the indigenous capital of the Department, see the fine artistry and handicrafts of the Wayuu such as their hammocks and mochila bags are on display. Continuing the trip through the desert following the road alongside the railway tracks the length of which freight trains haul tons of coal from the mine at El Cerrejon to Puerto Bolivar for exportation. Towards the end of the railway line the road leads off into the desert passing Wayuu dwellings and plentiful numbers of cacti. After lunch, take a trip to the Faro viewpoint where a lighthouse beams out over the sea from this rocky promontory and allows for fantastic sunset views. Moving on to Pilón de Azúcar beach, where the blue sea is only interrupted by golden sands. From the top of the point at Pilón there is a 360ª view. From here to one side are the sea and the sand and to the other the salt flats. Return to Cabo de la Vela, overnight stay in a Ranchaeria, with basic services.
Meals: B / L / D

Day 3 | Cabo de La Vela - Riohacha
The Wayuu believe that Cabo de la Vela is the route which the souls of the dead begin their journey into the unknown. Free morning for individual activities in the area. After lunch, return to Rioacha. After 4 hours transfer, arrival and check-in. Overnight stay. Meals: B / - / -

I want to book this!

Day 4 | Riohacha
After breakfast, transfer to the airport. Meals: B / - / -

Hotel Arimaca
Address: Avenida La Marina calle 1No 8-75, Riohacha, Colombia

The Hotel Arimaca enjoys a location in front of the Caribbean Sea with easy access to the commercial, cultural and gastronomic area of the city.
Location: Hotel Arimaca is situated in the commercial area of the city.
Facilities: 42 standard rooms with Air conditioning, private bathrooms, sea view balconies and T.V., electric plant.
Services: Room service, Iguaraya Restaurant specialized on sea food, Flamingo bar, meeting room with capacity for 100 people and a swimming pool.

Hotel Majayura
Address: Carrera 10 1-40, Riohacha, Colombia

The Hotel Majayura is a modern hotel situated in Riohacha, near to the commercial, administrative and historic areas.
Location: Located a few meters from the city’s main avenue, near to the beach
Facilities: 34 Air conditioned standard bedrooms, (12 doubles, 12 twins, 6 triples, and 4 quadruples), all rooms with
private bathrooms, air conditioning, sea view, telephone, T.V., internet and mini bar, and 2 suites with typical hammocks and living room.
Services: Restaurant, room service, Portete y Vela restaurant, Internet and meeting room.

Hotel Gimaura
Address: Calle 1 Avenida La Playa, Riohacha, Colombia

The Hotel Gimaura is a two-story lodge with big rooms set around a garden or overlooking a field.
Location: The hotel is located few meters from the sea, near to Convention Center Anais mais.
Facilities: The hotel offers 42 air conditioned bedrooms and 5 cabins with private bathrooms, telephone, TV, and mini bar.
Services: Restaurant, room service, Internet and meeting room, swimming pool, playground for children.