The short answer: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas work well as a three-day, two-night trip from Riohacha, in a shared 4x4 and sleeping in hammocks. You cross salt flats, desert and turquoise beaches to the northernmost point of South America.
It is part of our La Guajira guide and our Santa Marta guide. For the plan and a quote: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, 3 Days, 2 Nights.
Day 1: Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela
You leave at 8:00 am. On the way you pass Manaure, its salt flats and the salt mountains, Uribía, the Indigenous capital of Colombia, cactus forests, the Carrizal desert and ranches with herds of goats and sheep. You have lunch at Cabo de la Vela and in the afternoon visit Arcoíris beach, Pilón de Azúcar, Dorada beach and Ojo de Agua. Sunset is from the Punta del Faro, under colorful skies. Dinner and night in hammocks.
Day 2: Punta Gallinas
After breakfast you leave at 7:30 am for Punta Gallinas, past the Jepirachi wind farm and the Bahía Honda and Bahía Hondita deserts. You have lunch facing Taroa beach, swim at the Taroa dunes and at 5:00 pm climb to the Punta Gallinas lighthouse, the northernmost point of South America, for sunset. Dinner and night in hammocks.
Day 3: back to Riohacha
Breakfast and departure at 7:30 am with a stop at the Casares viewpoint, lunch in Uribía and arrival in Riohacha around 3:00 pm.
How to travel and where to sleep
- 4x4 Toyota in a shared seat for 6 people.
- Meals included and nights in hammocks. If you want a room, book in advance.
- Travel insurance covering accidents inside the vehicle.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat or cap, light clothes and a layer for the night, swimsuit, plenty of water, repellent and cash for crafts. Wayuu crafts are best bought directly from the people who make them.
Combine it with the coast
La Guajira pairs well with Santa Marta: Tayrona and Minca first, then the desert. Also read the Lost City guide if you want to add a trek. Tell us your dates and we will send you a personal quote.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas?
Three days and two nights from Riohacha: on day one you reach Cabo de la Vela, on day two you go to Punta Gallinas and on day three you return.
Where do you sleep?
In comfortable hammocks, both at Cabo de la Vela and at Punta Gallinas. If you prefer a room, book ahead.
How do you travel?
In a 4x4 Toyota in a shared seat for 6 people, with meals included.
What do you see on the way?
Manaure and its salt flats, the salt mountains, Uribía (the Indigenous capital of Colombia), cactus forests, herds of goats and sheep, the Jepirachi wind farm and the Bahía Honda deserts.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, light clothes, a swimsuit, plenty of water, repellent and cash.
Want help planning this trip?
Tell us your dates and interests and we will send you a personal quote.
Registered tour operator · RNT 74577
