Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela are two of the most iconic destinations in La Guajira, located in the northernmost part of Colombia. Their desert landscapes, Caribbean beaches, towering sand dunes, and the rich cultural heritage of the Wayuu people make this region an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique adventure away from conventional tourist destinations.
Although both places share the distinctive character of the Guajira desert, each offers unique experiences, from watching the sunset in Cabo de la Vela to exploring the impressive Taroa sand dunes and the remote landscapes of Punta Gallinas.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela, which places to visit, how to get there, how to plan your itinerary, and what to keep in mind before embarking on this adventure through Upper Guajira. Tours to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela have become a favorite among Colombian and international travelers looking to discover the most remarkable tourist destinations in La Guajira, Colombia.
How to get to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela?
To visit Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela, two of the most remarkable destinations in Upper Guajira, it’s important to plan your trip in advance. Given the road conditions, long stretches of desert, and the region’s unique terrain, the best option is to arrange your trip through a tour operator familiar with the area. Book your transportation ahead of time, especially during peak travel seasons, and confirm your arrival time with the agency organizing your tour to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, is the main starting point for planning your journey to these destinations. Your first step is to reach the city, either by road from other parts of Colombia or by air through Almirante Padilla Airport.
Once in Riohacha, you can arrange the transportation, excursions, and accommodation needed to explore the Guajira desert. Before booking, make sure your tour operator is legally registered and that the itinerary clearly outlines the transportation arrangements and activities included in your trip.
How to get to Riohacha?
Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, Colombia is one of the main starting points for planning your trip to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas. You can reach the city by plane or by road, depending on your departure location, budget, and available time.
To help you plan your journey through Upper Guajira, we’ve put together some recommendations for traveling to Riohacha from Bogotá, Cartagena, and Santa Marta, including transportation options to help you start your adventure comfortably.
Traveling to Riohacha from Bogotá
If you’re traveling from Bogotá, one of the most convenient options is to take a direct flight to Riohacha, when available. The flight usually takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, although travel time may vary depending on the route and flight conditions.
Once you arrive in Riohacha, you can head to the tour agency you booked with or take some time to explore the city’s attractions before continuing to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas. We recommend coordinating your arrival time with your tour departure schedule in advance to avoid any unexpected delays.
Traveling to Riohacha from Cartagena
If you’re in Cartagena, traveling by bus is a convenient option. You can check available routes and schedules at the Cartagena Transportation Terminal or look for legally registered transportation companies that offer services with pickup from authorized locations.
Before purchasing your ticket, compare travel times, stops, and arrival schedules. You can also check available flights; however, make sure to confirm whether direct flights operate on your travel dates, as some options may include layovers and increase your overall travel time.
Traveling to Riohacha from Santa Marta
From Santa Marta, you can travel to Riohacha by intercity bus. One option is to check the companies operating from the Santa Marta Transportation Terminal, where you can find information about schedules, fares, and ticket availability.
You can also look into tourist transportation services offered by legally registered companies. Some provide pickup from selected accommodations when arranged in advance. This option can be convenient if you prefer a more comfortable and organized travel experience.
If you’d rather leave the logistics to professionals, you can contact a tour operator such as Expotur to ask about transportation options from Santa Marta to Riohacha and coordinate your arrival before beginning your journey through Upper Guajira.
What to Bring to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela
Although much of the journey to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela takes place in 4×4 vehicles, the conditions of the La Guajira desert require some precautions. Intense sunlight, high temperatures, dust, and long stretches of unpaved roads can make the journey more challenging than expected.
Before setting off on your adventure through Upper Guajira, here are some essential tips for traveling to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela. These recommendations will help you prepare for the journey, stay hydrated, and enjoy the landscapes and activities without letting the heat, insects, or a lack of essential supplies affect your experience.
Sunscreen
Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela are desert and beach destinations; this is why you should always protect your skin from the strong sun. Also, you can protect yourself a little more from the sun’s rays by wearing a cap or hat, and also sunglasses.
Water
It is important when leaving from Riohacha to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela, take a bottle with water to stay hydrated during the trip. There will always be drinks available for sale in the lodgings.
Light backpack
Although much of the tour is done inside the vehicles and you can leave your belongings in the points it stops (if you do the tour with Expotur) for travelers to take pictures, take only what is necessary for the trip.
If you decide to do the tour to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela Colombia with Expotur, you do not need to worry about your additional luggage or having to pay more in a lodging to be kept until you return from the tour; You can leave that extra luggage, safely and without additional cost, in a section of our office in Riohacha, which we have set aside so that you can make the tour to Cabo de a Vela and Punta Gallinas calm and without unnecessary weight.
Comfortable clothes
Keep in mind that you will visit a desert region where the temperature is considerably high during the day. Therefore, we recommend you to wear comfortable clothes, either lycra, raincoat or shorts. For the night you can take something more covered, since it can be a bit cold.
Swimwear
Depending on the agency you choose, both in Punta Gallinas and in Cabo de la Vela, stops will be made so you can take a refreshing bath, swim a little or take good pictures in the incredible sunsets.
Sneakers and Sandals
The two options are necessary, since there is a mountainous sector in which it is necessary to walk up. On the other hand, you will need sandals when taking a bath on the beach or for your feet to rest at night. You can also use “trekking boots” or a good pair of trainees’ so you do not have a flat sole, since you could slip and hurt yourself.
Personal grooming kit
It is necessary to bring your towel, soap, shampoo, deodorant and as well as any other element of personal hygiene that you consider necessary or that is part of your usual use. You can also take Band-Aids, pills for headaches or dizziness (those that your doctor usually recommend), in case the sun or the route affects you.
Camera
You can not go to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela without a camera, even if it’s your cell phone. Remember that you must have enough space, the incredible landscapes that you will find during this adventure will need a lot of memory in your electronic device.
Power bank
The lodges have energy; however, as of 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m., the generators are disconnected. In case your camera or cell phone requires it, having a backup battery is not bad.
Insect repellent
At night, depending on the season, there will be less or more mosquitoes. For that reason, it is good that you use repellent.
Extra money
You will find some kind of grocery stores with snacks, beer, water, ice cold in the lodges. If you do the tour with Expotur, the guide will make a stop out of Uribia in a place where you can buy the items mentioned above. In general, this store has more variety and, in some cases the prices are lower.
Lantern
The lodges have energy generators; however, there is a stipulated time to turn off the lights. In case you want to go to the bathroom at dawn you will need light so as not to get lost or stumble on the road.
Books or small board games
In the evenings, after bathing and having dinner, you have free time to get to know yourself a little more with your adventure companions, nothing better than a board game to relax a bit and integrate more with people. On the other hand, we know that sometimes the day and the sun can be exhausting and that you will only want to lie down and read a little before going to sleep, in this case your favorite book may be the best option.
Frequently asked questions about Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela Colombia
Whenever we are going to travel somewhere, we want to know everything we need, to be sure that our experience will be the best, that is why in Expotur we have a list of frequently asked questions that tourists ask themselves before going to Punta Gallinas or going to Cabo de la Vela.
If you decide to go to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela with Expotur we want you to know that the price you pay includes:
Travel insurance
Transport
From our office in Riohacha to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela; and the one back to the office in Riohacha.
Sandboarding
During the tour of Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela Colombia, we will visit the Taroa Dunes. It is in this beautiful arena where we will have the opportunity to perform Sandboarding, an activity that consists of descending through the dunes with special boards similar to those used for Snowboarding.
Feeding
Depending on the number of days (3 or 4) you decide to make the tour, it will include breakfast (from the second day), lunch (every day), dinner (not included the last day, since you’ll already be back in Riohacha). If you have any food restriction, you should only notify it in our office.
Lodging
The accommodation during the tour is in hammocks, at Rancherías (small villas built by the Wayuu).
Guidance
We have guides / drivers, Spanish speakers, experts from the region and on the way through the desert. It is worth noting that part of the amount you pay for the tour to Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela Colombia goes to support the local economy and to improve the quality of life of the locals.
Interested in taking a tour to Punta Gallinas or Cabo de la Vela?
Choose the tour that best fits your schedule and travel plans. Keep in mind that the Punta Gallinas tour also includes a visit to Cabo de la Vela, allowing you to explore both destinations on the same trip.
Additional tips to go to the tour
Photos to the members of the Wayùu community. Before taking the photo you must ask for their authorization, since for them it can be disrespectful.
Trash. Help us to preserve the environment and respect the environment that others inhabit. Therefore, any waste that you generate in the trip keep it in your backpack until you find a bin to deposit it correctly. The same if you are at the rancherías.
Always respect the wildlife and local customs.
It is strictly forbidden to participate in behaviors that interfere with the safety and comfort of other tour participants; the consumption of hallucinogenic drugs or alcohol in excess is prohibited.
You need to know the use of female or male escorts (prostitution) is not acceptable on an EXPOTUR tour. The use of minors for this type of service is penalized by the authorities in Colombia and is sufficient reason to expel the participant from the tour.
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