Cabo De La Vela and Punta Gallinas are two places that appear regularly on traveler’s itineraries. Why is it so popular? Should you add it to your Colombia itinerary?

I’ve been 3 times to the La Guajira desert, and you will find in this post all you need to know to visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.

Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas: Important

Where is it: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas are in the La Guajira desert, on the Eastern Caribbean Coast.

Cabo de la Vela: It’s a small fisher town only accessible by jeep. It’s a famous place for kitesurfing. There are a few kitesurf schools. However, it will be easier for you if you stay in Riohacha.

Punta Gallinas: It’s the northernmost point of South America. There are tours leaving from Santa Marta and Riohacha.

Points of interest: The landscapes are quite astonishing, and the atmosphere is mesmerizing. Furthermore, you get the occasion to learn a bit about an indigenous community: The Wayúu.

Private tours: These guys are excellent. I’m sure you’ll like their amazing tours in La Guajira.

What I don’t like: You stay many hours in a jeep every day and you don’t exchange much with locals.

Can you do it on your own: You can arrive in Cabo de la Vela on your own, then you must take a tour to go to Punta Gallinas.

How many days: It’s a 3-day tour if you want to visit Cabo de la Vela + Punta Gallinas.

Safety: The tour is 100% safe, but don’t wander on your own near the border with Venezuela.

Weather: From September to November, the dirt road becomes a mud road because of the rain.

Where to stay: In Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, you will sleep in hammocks most of the time. You won’t find many of them on the internet. Before starting your adventure, relax in a cute bungalow by the beach. They are close to Dibulla.

• Awatawaa
• Playa Kai

Or you can decide to stay in Riohacha the night before heading to La Guajira. Tours usually leave from this town.

• Laguna Sala
• Bona Vida

Our best Guajira tips:

• Plan your expedition to La Guajira from Dibulla.
• Try to include PNN Macuira on your tour.

The Wayuu’s Territory

As you know, it’s not easy to live in the desert. It’s a harsh and hot environment, water is a scarce resource, and it’s hard to cultivate lands.

It’s a harsh environment

However, the indigenous who are living there in La Guajira fought for more than 400 years everyone who tried to expulse them from their home.

The Wayuu, as they call themselves, are fierce warriors, proud of their culture and tradition. They represent 20% of Colombia’s total Amerindian population. They are usually living in Rancherias – Clustering of 5 – 6 cabanas – and they keep their distance from each other – to avoid mixing goats.

The Wayuu handicraft

Like most of the indigenous, they convey their cultural heritage through fantastic stories – A Man’s job – and superb handcraft creation – A woman’s job.

Wayuus are famous for the weaving of colorful bags, also named Wayuu’s Mochila – Ah, by the way, do you know how to say Backpacker in Spanish? …. Mochilero!. These bags are not made randomly. Each pattern and color have significance. The Wayuu lady has to master them all after she got her first period – She will stay in her house few months, only surrounded by other women, to learn everything about their knowledge and how to be a perfect Wayuu wife – Yep, it’s quite strict.

These bags represent one of the main incomes for families. Nowadays, tourism is playing a significant part too.

Because of their culture and situation, they’re living at the margins of society. It results in a high uneducated percentage of the population and alcohol problems. And thanks to big companies who are collecting important quantities of coal, they have fewer lands to cultivate near the river – I’m so proud of you big guys! It’s ironic. I hate them.

To resume, if you want to help them, be smiling, respect their culture, don’t work with kids and buy a Wayuu bag or a hammock 🙂

There is a Wayuu culture festival every year in Uribia, usually from 31/05 to 02/06.

To-do list before going to La Guajira

If you leave with an organized tour to the La Guajira Desert, you will be asked to take only a small bag (to make it more comfortable in the jeep).

You must not forget:

• Buy gallons of water (10 L). You will save money, and it’s more ecological than little bottles. If you want to earn some good Karma point, you should buy one for the kids too 😉
• Only take a refillable water bottle if you go on a tour.
• Sunscreen
• Swimming short
• A hat
• Extra batteries or a power bank if you want to take pictures and play Candy crush at night
• A thin blanket or a jumper – Towels are fine too. You will probably sleep in a hammock. It’s nice to have something to put on you when it’s windy
• Bring your own food if you’re vegetarian. You won’t have access to the kitchens.
• Cash – There is no ATM in Cabo de la Vela or Punta Gallinas!

The town of Uribia will be your last chance to buy the last things you need for your trip to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas in La Guajira.

How to reach Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira?

From Santa Marta to Cabo de la Vela

Let’s start with the farthest, which is Santa Marta.

1. If you’re arriving in Santa Marta, you can take another bus directly in the direction of Riohacha. It’s also possible to take it next to “La Bomba”. It’s a gas station outside the city.
   Around 3 hours / 21 000 COP
2. In Riohacha, you need to take a shared taxi to get to 4 Vias – It’s a crossroads.
   1 hour / 5 000 COP
3. In 4 vias, if you are lucky and not alone, you can take a 4×4 going directly to Cabo de la Vela.
   Around 2 hours – 30 000 COP. 
4. If you have no friends, you must take another shared taxi to get to Uribia.
   1 hour / 20 000 COP
5. From Uribia, there are 4×4 and trucks going to Cabo de la Vela. You will be buried under a mountain of chips.
   2-3 hours / 40 000 COP 

From Palomino to Cabo de la Vela

You have to wait for a bus on the side of the main road. You will stop in:

• 4 Vias – 2 hours / 30 000 COP
• Riohacha – 1 hour / 20 000 COP

Then you have to follow the previous instructions.

In my opinion, Palomino is a perfect spot to start an expedition to Cabo de la Vela / Punta Gallinas. You can let your backpack at the hostel and only travel for a few days with your day bag. You’re going to a desert. You don’t need a thousand things – mainly water, swimming shorts, and money.

Furthermore, you gonna be happy not to carry your backpack everywhere in La Guajira as you have to take shared taxis, jeeps, and speedboats. Life is better when you’re traveling light. You can also laugh about the other travelers and their giant bags.

Do you know: Germans have a particular word for this situation. It’s “Schadenfreude.” I love it!

From Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela

You can arrive by bus to Riohacha from:

• Santa Marta
• Palomino
• Dibulla

Moreover, there is a small airport in town with direct flights from Bogotá. The airline companies are Avianca and Viva Air.

Be careful, there are only a few flights per day. And the prices can quadruple if you’re booking them at the last minute – if you’re lucky to get one. Especially during the high season. The best way to check the availability is to use the function “explore” on Google flights.

Price and time: Around 200 000 COP / 1h45

Then, you follow our previous instructions to get to Cabo de la Vela.

Rent a moto and drive to Cabo de la Vela

I’ve heard it’s also possible to rent motorbikes and travel by yourself in La Guajira Colombia. I don’t have any information about it, but I would be glad to edit my detailed guide if you’re writing your experience in the comment section!

2# Where to stay in Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira

There are plenty of places where you can sleep in Cabo de la Vela. Many locals are renting hammocks on the beach. To get a room is possible too.

Keep in mind that you are in the La Guajira desert. Don’t imagine yourself having a bath, a jacuzzi, or a shower.

Prices: 

• Hammock: 10 000 COP
• Bed or Ranchero (Large hammock): 15 000 COP
• Breakfast: 12- 15 000 COP
• Lunch & Dinner: 20 – 25 000 COP

Your best shot to get a private room is to go to the Caracol hotel.

There are no hostels in Cabo de la Vela. If you want to find a friendly place to share and exchange with other people, take a look at the kitesurfing schools.

Take a look at Tawi Kite center.

3# Things to do in Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira

Travelers come to Cabo de la Vela for two main reasons:

• Kitesurfing.
• Visit Punta Gallinas and Macuira National Park.

If you plan to arrive in Cabo de la Vela by yourself, consider staying 2 nights to enjoy the place and organize your excursion to Punta Gallinas.

Have a swim at the beach Pilón de Azúcar

There is a beautiful beach a little up north. You can take a moto-taxi to get there. Take one moto-taxi per person, even if they say they can fit two people. Enjoy the view, it’s fantastic.

The sea will be calmer in the morning. The moto-taxi will wait for you.

Price and time: Moto taxi: 5000 COP (one way) – 15 min

Watch the sunset from the lighthouse

It’s a lighthouse located outside Cabo de la Vela. You can stop there when coming back from your beach session in Pilon de Azucar. Be there at sunset. You won’t regret it 😉

Price and time: Moto taxi: 5000 COP (one way) – 10 min

Kitesurfing in Cabo de la Vela

Cabo de la Vela is a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. It’s always windy, and the sea is as flat as a lake.

There are a few kitesurfing schools in Cabo de la Vela. You can take classes – Package of hours – and you can get the accommodation for free (or at least a discount).

Take a look at Tawi Kite center.

The average price for a 1-hour kitesurfing class: 120 000 COP

It’s also possible to rent the equipment: Around 80 000 COP/ 1 hour.

Edit 2019: Most of the Kitesurf Schools are now Riohacha. However, they still organize kitesurf camps to Cabo de la Vela: Praikite and kiteaddictcolombia.

Trip to Punta Gallinas

This is a two-day trip to the Guajira Desert, at the northernmost point of South America.

Must read: The best tours to explore La Guajira

4. How to leave from Cabo de la Vela, La Guajira

You can’t. You’ll stay with the indigenous Wayúu forever.

I’m joking. 😀

If your plan was only to get to Cabo de la Vela – Without visiting Punta Gallinas -, you have to go back to the civilization on your own. No worry, it’s simple.

Many jeeps bring workers every day to Uribia. You need to wake up around 5 am and take one of them. You can ask your host to help you, or you can wait on the roadside.

Punta Gallinas in La Guajira

As I said earlier, Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of South America. There is nothing around except the desert’s silence. You don’t go there for the landscapes – Even if there are fantastic. No, you go there for the experience because it’s far from everything, and very few people have left their ephemeral footprints in the dunes.

The hostel in Punta Gallinas is basic, and you will sleep in a hammock. But you won’t care because sunrise, sunset, and stars will be yours only.

Good to know: Sep/ early Oct, the route might change as below due to bad road conditions caused by rain.

• Cabo – Puerto Bolívar by Car.
• Puerto Bolívar – Punta Gallinas by Lancha Only.
• Tours in Punta Gallinas are still run by car.

1# Which tours to Punta Gallinas should you book

If you check on the internet “Punta Gallinas tours”, I’m sure you have found tens of results. I can’t evaluate each company as I don’t even know them.

However, I can give you a few guidelines to help you make a choice.

Let’s start by choosing your departure city.

• Santa Marta
• Riohacha
• Cabo de la Vela
• Dibulla
• Palomino

Tour to Punta Gallinas from Santa Marta

• Most of the Punta Gallinas tours last 3 days / 2 nights
• You stay 1 night in Cabo de la Vela and 1 night in Punta Gallinas
• You stop on the way to admire Uribia and the salt collection in Manaure
• You spend many hours in the car
• It costs around 250$ all included

Tour to Punta Gallinas from Riohacha

• Most of the Punta Gallinas tours last 3 days / 2 nights
• 1 night in Cabo de la Vela and 1 night in Punta Gallinas.
• It costs around 180$ all included

You can also ask around in order to meet a local with a private jeep. They will offer you to be your driver for 2 days. But, the price would be expensive if you’re alone. In a group, you can pay as little as 150 000 COP each – only for the 3 days transport.

Note: there is a tour in the Alta Guajira that I would love experiencing. It allows you to admire the national natural park La Makuira – an oasis made of lush vegetation and waterfalls -, nestled in the middle of the La Guajira desert. The contrast of colors with the white-sand dunes is breathtaking.

Tour to Punta Gallinas from Cabo de la Vela

You don’t need to book it in advance.  You don’t even have to look for it. A local will come to you within an hour.

It’s usually possible to leave the next morning – Departure at 5 am.

Even if you’re alone, they will put you in a jeep with other travelers. It’s around 8 people for each jeep. But if you’re in a group, you can bargain more.

The tour will end in Uribia the next day.

The Punta Gallinas tours from Cabo de la vela only include the price of the transport for the 2 days. But, no worries, a hammock will be available for you in Punta Gallinas.

You can ask the driver if it’s possible to stay one more night in Punta Gallinas. You have to notify him before starting the tour. Thus, he can organize a jeep with a place available for your return from Punta Gallinas.

2# How much does it cost to stay in Punta Gallinas

All tours from Cabo de la Vela travel to the same rancheria. There is always a hammock or a Chinchorro for their passengers ;). Besides, there is a shop to buy water, beers, and chips and order breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

All expenses below are included if you leave with an organized tour (except for beers).

• Hammock: 20 000 COP
• Chinchorro: 30 000 COP
• Lunch/Dinner: 30 000 COP
• Lobster: 40 000 COP
• Breakfast: 12 000 COP
• Baby beer: 4 000 COP

3# Things to do in Punta Gallinas

All the Punta Gallinas tours leaving from Cabo de la Vela are doing the same itinerary

Day 1 in Punta Gallinas

Day 2 in Punta Gallinas

4# How to leave Punta Gallinas

The jeep will bring you to Uribia. From there, you just have to follow the indications explained before. Here.

Itinerary Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas

Here are my recommendations if you want to enjoy Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas on your own.

Keep in mind that you need 3 days minimum to visit Punta Gallinas from Palomino.

—————————— Day 1————————–

• Early morning (Around 10 am) – Departure from Palomino to Cabo de la Vela
• Around 4 pm – Arrival at Cabo de la Vela
• Looking for accommodation in Cabo de la Vela, beers, sunset, and kitesurfing

—————————— Day 2 ————————–

• Morning – Beach at Pilon de Azucar
• Afternoon – Book a tour to Punta Gallinas the next day
• End of the Afternoon – Sunset at El Faro (Lighthouse)

———————— Day 3 & Day 4————————-

• Punta Gallinas Tour – Check out the previous section
• Around 2-3h pm: Arrival at Palomino

Budget Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas (without a tour)

Every budget is different according to the travelers’ needs. If you’re traveling on a shoestring budget, a tour to Punta Gallinas can be a little expensive for you. Especially if you’re booking a tour from Santa Marta.

Budget for Cabo de la Vela (+)

Budget for Punta Gallinas (+)

Total: 425 000 COP / 3 days & 3 Nights

Don’t forget there is no ATM in Cabo de la Vela or Punta Gallinas.

Q&A Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas

Is there any tienda where to buy fruits vegetables and other stuff?

There are small shops where you can easily buy water and chips. However, it will be harder to find vegetables. You should buy them in Uribia.

Is it possible to go in one day from Punta Gallinas all the way to Cartagena? 

No, it’s impossible. The best option would be to stop 1 night in Palomino and 1 night in Cabo de la Vela.

It’s also possible to find hostels in Riohacha.

Is it possible to get my flight from Riohacha the day we leave Punta Gallinas?

Yes, you should catch it easily if it’s scheduled for after 7 pm.

Can I find a hostel in Cabo de la Vela with a shared kitchen?

I don’t think so.

How do we organize the return from Punta Gallinas by car if we stay for more than one night?

You have to ask the jeep’s driver if it’s possible at the beginning of the tour. Most of the time it is doable as he is coming back every day with new travelers.

In a nutshell, Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas

There are all kinds of landscapes in Colombia. The country is famous for its Caribbean beaches, its huge mountains, the lush vegetation in the Amazon rainforest, etc… But only a few people know there is a fantastic desert nestled on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia.

By going to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, you will travel to a different part of Colombia. A place where the environment is harsh and can’t be mastered. The Wayuu have adapted their culture and way of life to survive on these lands for hundreds of years. It’s not easy every day, but they deal with it and keep a warm smile on their face.

If you’re looking for a resort and chilling at the beach, you could be disappointed. But if you want to live a different experience and be lost in the silence of the desert, I’m sure you will appreciate it.

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