La Guajira
Colombia's northernmost peninsular department, where desert, dunes and sea meet, and the homeland of the Wayuu people.
La Guajira occupies the Guajira Peninsula at Colombia's northern tip, bordering Venezuela to the east, with Riohacha as its capital. The climate is dry, and the north offers a striking landscape where desert, dunes and coastline merge. This is the traditional territory of the Wayuu people, famous for their hand-woven colorful bags. Cabo de la Vela is ideal for kitesurfing, sunset watching and staying in traditional hammock lodgings, while farther north Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of mainland South America. In the south, near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, there is also a flamingo sanctuary. Exploring the northern peninsula usually requires joining a 4x4 tour. Riohacha has an airport, and you can also travel there by road from Santa Marta.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Colombia Caribbean Coast: Historic Towns, Jungles & Beaches – Travel east from Cartagena to Minca, Tayrona, and Palomino, linking historic towns, mountain forests, and jungle bays.
- Sierra Nevada Lost City Trek – A 4-day, 3-night trek into the mountains from Santa Marta to the ancient ruins of Teyuna, staying at campsites along th…
- La Guajira Peninsula: Desert to South America's Northernmost Point – Depart from Riohacha on a 4WD journey through the Wayuu desert, passing Cabo de la Vela to Punta Gallinas.