Ancient Alta Guajira | Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and Wayúu Culture—4 Days
An experience built from the ground up by the region and its communities.
Each route is an invitation to discover nature, culture, and local traditions, promoting conscious, respectful, and meaningful tourism.
💱 Approximate equivalent
Approximate amounts based on the current exchange rate. Payment in local currency.Value of Reserves:
The booking we require an initial deposit per person $150.000 COP
The initial deposit is non-refundable.
Request your discount coupon when you have 3 or more people in your reservation.
Ancient Alta Guajira: Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and Wayúu Culture—4 Days
Discover the Alta Guajira on a 4-day expedition from Riohacha. This experience takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in northern Colombia, including Cape Vela, Punta Gallinas, the Taroa Dunes, and cultural encounters with Wayúu communities.
DAY 1 | From Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela: Desert, Salt, and Sea.
Your shipment begins between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. with pickup at your lodging, terminal, or airport in Riohacha.
The route begins with the iconic Salinas de Manaure, where the white landscape of the salt flats contrasts with the Guajiro sky. Later, you'll pass through Uribia, recognized as Colombia's indigenous capital.
As we travel north, the landscape shifts between cactus forests, desert trails, and traditional ranch communities, offering a first glimpse into the region’s culture and geography.
After lunch, you'll arrive at the Cape Vela Places to visit:
- Pilón de Azúcar
- Playa Dorada
- Ojo de Agua
The day ends with a sunset view from the lighthouse, a traditional dinner, and a rest at a Wayúu village (on a hammock or bed, depending on availability).
Day 2 | Heading to Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America
After breakfast, we’ll begin our 4×4 tour toward Punta Gallinas.
Along the way, we'll pass through:
- Jepirachi Wind Farm
- Bahía Portete
- Bahía Honda
- Bahia Hondita
This afternoon we'll visit the impressive Dunes of Taroa, one of the most iconic landscapes in the Upper Guajira.
Later we'll arrive at the Punta Gallinas Lighthouse to watch the sunset at one of the most remote spots on the continent.
Dinner and lodging at a local ranch.
Day 3 | Coastal Return and Encounter with a Wayúu Community
After breakfast, we'll begin our return trip to the coast, stopping at natural lookouts and traditional salt pans along the way.
At noon, we'll have some free time in Mayapo to have lunch and relax by the sea.
In the afternoon, we'll continue on to a Wayúu community that has been selected to provide a more immersive cultural experience.
The welcome package includes:
- Presentation of Local Traditions
- Tasting of traditional beverages (subject to availability)
- Traditional Yonna Dance
- A space to learn about crafts and weaving techniques
- A Conversation on Worldview, Territory, and Ancestral Knowledge
The evening ends with a traditional dinner, a bonfire, and shared accommodations.
Day 4 | Ancestral Wisdom and Return to Riohacha
The morning begins with a traditional breakfast and cultural exchange activities with the community.
Depending on local conditions, you'll be able to take part in experiences such as:
- Interpretive Walk Through the Area
- Introduction to Wayúu Weaving
- Traditional Face Painting
- Conversations About Medicinal Plants and Community Life
Back to Riohacha around mid-morning.
You'll return with photographs, new insights, and a deeper connection to one of Colombia's most fascinating cultural regions.
Discount Coupon
When you make your reservation, you can receive a discount coupon if your reservation includes 3 or more people:
- 3 People – $1,300,000 per person
- 4 People – $1,240,000 per person
- 5 People – $1,225,000 per person
- 6 People – $1,193,000 per person
- 7 People – $1,230,000 per person
- 8 People – $1,180,000 per person
What's Included?
- 4×4 Transportation equipped and trained for the field. Pickups begin in the city of Riohacha
- Accommodations in a traditional hammock (If you'd like a bed, you can request one; please note that there is an additional charge of $50,000 COP (per person)
- Food: Three 3 breakfasts, four 4 lunches, three 3 dinners. The menus consist mainly of traditional dishes: fish, chicken, beef, and goat. Vegetarian or vegan options are available (under request at the time the reservation is confirmed).
- Activities an immersive experience in the desert and the Wayuu community
- Experienced Driver Spanish-speaking.
- Travel Insurance during the expedition.
- Free luggage storage service in Riohacha
What Is Not Included?
- Transportation not included in the itinerary.
- Breakfast on the first day or dinner on the last day.
- Foods such as lobsters, prawns, garlic shrimp, seafood platters, beer, and liquor (These are also considered extras and must be paid to the restaurant.).
- Bilingual Guides (French or English).
- Souvenirs and unspecified expenses.
Price and Booking Terms
Tour price:
From $ 1,340,000 COP per person
- Available starting 2 people (subject to confirmation)
- Small groups for a more authentic experience
📌How do I make a reservation?
To confirm your spot on this trip, you must:
- ✅ Payment of $150,000 as the initial amount
- ✅ Submission of basic traveler information
- ✅ Confirmation of available dates
- ✅ A second deposit ($1,190,000 COP) must be made before the tour begins.
- Card Payments are subject to a 5% surcharge.
Cancellations:
- The The advance payment of $150,000 COP is non-refundable, since it guarantees your spot with the local communities and handles the logistics in the area.
- You can give up your spot to someone else giving advance notice.
Tips for Your Experience
- Large or wheeled luggage is not allowed on the tour.
- Please note that changes are made to the itinerary during the rainy season (approximately from September through November), and if access to PUNTA GALLINAS is restricted due to rain, the visit there will be replaced with other activities, which will be communicated to you a few days before the tour begins.
- La Guajira has basic amenities, but its people are ready to make you feel at home and ensure you have the best trip possible, living like a local. Sleeping in hammocks and taking in incredible scenery will make you want to explore more of the Alta Guajira.
- If you've chosen to stay in a hammock, we recommend bringing a light blanket for the evenings because it gets very windy—and if you can bring a pillow, even better.
- During peak season, it's best to book bed-and-breakfast accommodations well in advance, as it's very difficult to find this type of lodging at the ranches due to the limited availability.
- Bringing along some snacks, such as cereal bars, sandwiches, fruit, and nuts, is a good way to give your body energy.
- Bring a 5-liter jug of water.
What equipment should I bring?
- Headlamp.
- Sunscreen and lip balm (ideal if it's natural).
- Insect repellent.
- Water bottle, thermos bottle or camelback.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Small backpack, maximum 20L for luggage during the tour.
- Basic personal hygiene items.
- Traveler's documents: passport, identity card, or citizenship card.
- Bring your personal medications.
- Money in cash.
What should I wear?
- It's important to wear comfortable clothing, preferably lightweight, quick-drying fabrics.
- Shorts (2 to 3).
- Short-sleeve or long-sleeve T-shirts, depending on your preference.
- A sweatshirt or long sports leggings for the evening.
- Three pairs of socks (3 pairs)
- Personal towel.
- Closed-toe, comfortable shoes that are easy to dry and great for walking (Preferably not new).
- You can wear sandals (optional but recommended).
- Swimwear.
- Hat or cap.
Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQ)
How long is the tour to Punta Gallinas?
The expedition lasts 4 days and 3 nights, beginning and ending in Riohacha.
Do people sleep in hotels?
Not necessarily. Depending on the route and availability, accommodations may be in traditional rancherías, either in beds or hammocks.
Is this a private or shared tour?
We typically operate on a shared-service basis with small groups to ensure a more intimate and organized experience.
What should I bring?
Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a flashlight, sandals, and cash for personal expenses.
Can this be done with children or older adults?
It depends on mobility, ability to adapt to the heat, and tolerance for long trips in a 4×4 vehicle.
Other Destinations in La Guajira
Tour of Cabo de la Vela, La Macuira, and Punta Gallinas
Private Experience.
Rates for Groups of 5 or More
4 Days & 3 Nights
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