Visit Punta Gallinas: How to Get There and Why [Guide]
Editeur
Update
Punta Gallinas is the northernmost point of South America. With its breathtaking desert landscapes, stunning beaches, and fascinating Wayuú culture, it’s an unforgettable experience if you’re up for adventure and choose the right agency—some are particularly bad.
Since 2015, I’ve ventured into the La Guajira desert three times, and here are my recommendations.
Edit 05/2024: We completely revised this article.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT PUNTA GALLINAS, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
Punta Gallinas is one of the most beautiful and serene places on the planet.
Punta Gallinas is located at the northern tip of the La Guajira Peninsula in Colombia, bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, in the department that bears the same name. The cape belongs to the municipality of Uribia, about 150 kilometers northeast of the city of Riohacha, the departmental capital.
The history of Punta Gallinas is deeply connected to the Wayuú people (referred to as Guajiros in Spanish), the first settlers of the La Guajira Peninsula. They are the largest indigenous group in Colombia, accounting for 45% of the La Guajira department’s population.
The Spanish never subdued the Wayuú during the Conquista, which allowed them to preserve a certain level of independence. They speak their own language as well as Spanish and have a vibrant oral culture. Their judicial system was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
Travelers come to Punta Gallinas for its striking landscapes and magical sunsets, to meet a proud traditional community, and to live a genuine adventure featuring long jeep rides in the desert—on bumpy tracks that can make the trip tiring.
Punta Gallinas is also a small paradise for kitesurfers, with ideal wind conditions to practice their passion in a picturesque setting.
In Punta Gallinas, daytime temperatures average around 28°C and rarely fall below 20°C at night. The climate is oppressive and windy year-round, with the hottest months from August to October.
To ensure your travel plans aren’t disrupted, it’s best to avoid October and November, the rainy season months when muddy roads make access to Punta Gallinas impossible. May can also see significant rain.
It’s also wise to avoid the high season, spanning mid-December to mid-January, Holy Week, and long weekends (national holidays).
It depends on whether you come alone or with an agency. I highly recommend the latter if you want to avoid too many surprises.
Agencies offer tours in La Guajira that include a night at Punta Gallinas, and in my opinion, that’s more than enough—unless you’re coming for kitesurfing.
If you really decide to come to Punta Gallinas on your own, you could stay for two nights, but you’d better be good at Spanish to get along with your driver and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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THINGS TO DO IN Punta Gallinas
Discover breathtaking landscapes.
It’s one of the most fascinating natural attractions in La Guajira.
It’s impossible not to be captivated by the massive sand dunes that literally fall into the Caribbean Sea in a vibrant palette of yellow and blue. The atmosphere is warm and windy.
Don’t resist the urge to run or slide down a dune on a sandboard all the way to the sea—it’s an exhilarating experience.
Our agency included a stop at a nearby restaurant, which I found very pleasant.
The Mirador de Casares, located in the Bahía Hondita Bay, offers an incredibly picturesque view with an extraordinary palette of colors blending the blue and green shades of the sea with the ochre, yellow, and pale pink tones of the land. The scene is even more astonishing in the light of early morning or sunset.
There’s nothing especially noteworthy here other than the joy of standing at the northernmost point of Colombia and South America. If you stop by, add a stone to one of the many cairns, as is customary.
The remarkable landscapes of Punta Gallinas are ideal for dreaming while admiring beautiful sunsets.
Once you’re settled in your rancheria for the night, walk through the cacti at twilight to see the sun set into the Caribbean Sea.
© Tomplanmytrip
THINGS TO DO IN Punta Gallinas
A unique people and a kitesurfing paradise.
You’ll be fascinated by the Wayuú, a people organized in a matriarchal society whose deep respect for nature grants them the status of guardians of La Guajira.
Only through a tour with a good agency was I able to meet and learn about the richly educational traditions of this rather reserved people—we spoke with the turtle protection officer, and his wife tried to teach us how to weave a Wayuú mochila.
However, to be honest, you won’t have the most interactions with the Wayuú in Punta Gallinas. Only a few families live there, and they are responsible for accommodation. They won’t come to talk to you. If you’re interested, ask your agency if they plan a stop in a Wayuú rancheria, and even better, try to visit the Macuira National Park.
It’s impossible to leave La Guajira without taking one or two “mochilas“, handcrafted Wayuú bags that symbolize their heritage. They make lovely souvenirs and are a modest contribution to the local economy. Aleja has three, and my mother and two sisters each have one.
These colorful bags are woven over several days by Wayuú women, and the patterns represent their dreams or what they see in nature. The best mochilas are woven with a single thread—others are made with two threads for quicker production, but they are slightly less durable.
With reliable winds, calm waters, and breathtaking landscapes, La Guajira is gaining popularity among kitesurfing fans. The top spot is unquestionably Punta Gallinas, which boasts perfect wind conditions (25-35 knots) and a gorgeous natural setting.
Punta Gallinas features three sites: the lagoon (near Luz Mila), La Boquita (just downwind from Luz Mila), and the Taroa dunes. The latter is recommended for experts only, as the waves can be powerful.
You can reach Luz Mila independently or book a multi-day excursion with our favorite local expert. This expert organizes kitesurfing stays in Punta Gallinas.
© Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY IN Punta Gallinas
In Punta Gallinas, you’ll sleep in simple and authentic accommodations.
The Ranchería is a rustic type of hostel that provides an authentic taste of local life and customs.
Don’t expect luxury or even typical hotel amenities. Electricity, often provided by solar panels, is only available between 6 PM and 11 PM, and the water is sometimes a mix of fresh and saltwater. There’s no air conditioning, but the nights are cool enough to sleep comfortably.
The Ranchería offers three sleeping options: a simple hammock, a “chinchorro” (a more oversized, more comfortable hammock popular with the Wayuú), or a private room with a standard bed.
If you’re coming from Cabo de la Vela, you’ll stop here. The food is decent, the view of the lagoon is stunning, and the staff is skilled. The rooms could use some updates, but they are comfortable enough.
The views are beautiful, the food is satisfactory, the team is welcoming, and the rooms are very comfortable. I loved staying here on my last trip to Punta Gallinas.
Luz Mila is mainly frequented by kitesurfing enthusiasts due to its proximity to a well-known spot.
© Tomplanmytrip
WHAT TO EAT IN Punta Gallinas
The food in Punta Gallinas is pretty simple, and the menus offer limited choices.
Veggie lovers might be a bit disappointed because, as you can imagine, fresh vegetables are rather scarce in the La Guajira desert.
If you’re a vegetarian, bring some canned food or biscuits.
During your stay, you’ll eat typical Wayuú dishes such as fish stews (“pescados guisados”) and “el friche,” a dish made from boiled and then fried goat meat.
This is likely the only spot in La Guajira where you can order freshly caught lobster. Keep in mind that it won’t be included in your tour package.
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HOW TO GET TO Punta Gallinas
Traveling to Punta Gallinas is always an adventure.
It’s the best option if you want to simplify your life. Reliable vehicles, experienced drivers, and a well-planned itinerary are essential in an environment where natural conditions make travel difficult.
You can choose between a private tour and a group tour (6 people + 1 driver), which is less expensive.
I recommend not waiting until you are in Riohacha to make your reservation to save some time.
On our website, you can contact our favorite local expert directly to organize your stay in the La Guajira desert.
This is the only option if you want to reach Punta Gallinas without an agency. First, you need to get to Cabo de la Vela, where independent drivers frequently offer trips to Punta Gallinas. Departures usually start around 5 AM, and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.
I took this route on my first two visits to Punta Gallinas. It’s somewhat cheaper, but I always had a grouchy driver whose jeep broke down in the desert.
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SAFETY IN Punta Gallinas
You can visit Punta Gallinas safely. However, I advise against going alone with a rental car. You might get lost and won’t know how to deal with the Wayuú.
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MY LAST TIPS
Here are my tips for getting ready for your adventure to Punta Gallinas.
Travel light and smart; that’s the key to your trip to Punta Gallinas. Forget giant bags that will only cause problems, and opt for a backpack that will allow you to carry the essentials easily.
Among the basics, don’t forget:
- Comfortable clothes (light long-sleeve shirts to protect you from the sun and sand), a small sweater for the evening, and a hat or cap.
- A headlamp and an external battery (electricity will be scarce at night).
- Essential medications (Imodium) and toilet paper + hand sanitizer.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent.
Numerous agencies offer tours in La Guajira, and although they include the same sites, the quality of service can vary greatly—believe me, I learned this the hard way!
Once you arrive in Riohacha, you will probably be approached by several agencies, some of which operate without proper authorization (and thus without insurance).
Here are the essential criteria to consider before making your choice if you don’t want to be disappointed with your experience in Punta Gallinas:
- Sturdy, well-maintained vehicles like 4x4s, and it’s even better if they have air conditioning.
- Experienced drivers who prioritize passenger safety.
- A straightforward program with well-managed logistics, including contingency plans and a good network of local contacts.
- A responsible and sustainable tourism approach that promotes the sites and culture of one of the poorest regions in Colombia.
- A detailed package outlining essentials such as water, an experience with the Wayuú, the type of accommodation (hammock, bed), and the meals provided.
The main advantages of going on a tour are fewer unexpected issues and better organization. Know that going alone won’t save you much money, and if you don’t speak Spanish well, you’ll have a hard time getting by.
Exploring Punta Gallinas with an agency also means meeting the Wayuú people and their culture, which I believe is an essential added value for a successful experience in Punta Gallinas.
There are no ATMs in Punta Gallinas. After Riohacha, the only ATM is in Uribia, and it is often out of service. So, bring cash, preferably in small denominations, to buy drinks and souvenirs.
Punta Gallinas, you either love it or hate it:
- A demanding environment: You’ll spend long hours in a jeep. Additionally, flexibility is crucial when dealing with potential surprises. Unexpected events are part of the adventure. The comfort is basic.
- A poor region: You might be shocked by the sight of children begging for water or food by the roadside. La Guajira is the poorest region in Colombia.
- A waste management issue: Irresponsible tourism, the lack of awareness among the local population, and inadequate waste treatment systems contribute to this problem, which you’ll likely notice. Taking your trash with you will help combat this sad reality.
© Tomplanmytrip
ItinERARIes
How to include Punta Gallinas in your adventure in Colombia. It’s best to start from Riohacha.
This classic itinerary will take you to Cabo de la Vela (1 night) and Punta Gallinas (1 night). It allows you to see all the points of interest in these two destinations and is the ideal option if you don’t have much time. Departures are daily, so it’s easy to join a group.
This tour will take you to Cabo de la Vela (1 night), Macuira (1 night), and Punta Gallinas (1 night). Note that few travelers think to include Macuira in their La Guajira itinerary. In my opinion, this is a mistake. I was thrilled by this beautiful green oasis in the middle of the desert, which offers an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. I recommend planning ahead if you want to add this gem to your Punta Gallinas trip, as there are only a few departures each month.
© Tomplanmytrip
Favorite Tours including Punta Gallinas
Directly contact the best local agencies for this destination
La Guajira : Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas & Macuira park 4d
Colombia
4 Days
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Enjoy 4 days of adventure in the La Guajira desert, with a mix of classic and new destinations.
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La Guajira: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas 3d
Colombia
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Imagine 3 days of adventure in the Guajira desert, discovering the must-see spots.
View this tour
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This is the most useful post i ve ever read about how to get to Punta Gallinas. Just what i was looking for. Now I just have to pray for it to go well and be on time in my next destination.
Thank you so much!!!!
Hi Patri! Thx for your comment 🙂 – don’t worry, everything gonna be alright ^^
Hi Tom! Just came back from Cabo and wanted to thank you for this extremely detailed post and tips. Made my journey way easier and clear. Gracias!!
I’m glad to hear it mate! I hope you had a great time 😉
Thanks for this page! It helped me a lot to organise my whole dessert trip.
I just want to let everyone know that some of the prices changed significantly.
By Mid September 2022 (low season by the way):
Transport costs:
– Riohacha – Uribia (colectivo): $ 20.000
– Uribia – Cabo (4×4): $ 40.000
– Cabo – Punta Gallinas: $ 180.000 (car) / $ 200.000 (lancha)
Whaou, Thanks a lot Vivien. I will update this article right now 😉
Hi, Tom! Thanks for your excellent posts which help me a lot in Colombia. I just came back from Punta Gallinas and here are some updates on price. Appreciate you providing such a good platform so travelers can also share tips here!
Sep./Oct. 2022 price (in COP)
1. Bus Palomino – Riohacha 20 mil (same for colectivo)
2. Bus Palomino – 4 Vías 30 mil
3. Colectivo 4 Vías – Uribia 10 mil (after negotiation)
4. Colectivo Uribia – Cabo 40 mil
5. Colectivo Uribia to Riohacha 20 mil
6. Breakfast in Cabo 12-15 mil
7. Lunch/Dinner in Cabo 20-25 mil
8. Breakfast in Punta Gallinas 12 mil
9. Lunch/Dinner in Punta Gallinas 30 mil
# I Highly recommend Hostal Kijoru in Punta Gallinas. Fun and unique activities provided and they’re for free.(depends on season and conditions I guess) Optional tour available. Friendly people, always give great attention! And food is delicious. Beautiful view from the hostel!
And in late Sep/ early Oct, the route changes as below due to bad road condition caused by rain.
Cabo – Puerto Bolívar by Car
Puerto Bolívar – Punta Gallinas by Lancha Only
Tours in Punta Gallinas are still run by car
Whaou Elsa, thanks a lot. It’s adorable! I will update my post right now.