Most of my life, I have lived outside Colombia. In 2012, I returned to this beautiful country with the goal of traveling across the territory and enjoying its attractive landscapes. This was our journey to La Guajira.
Last year, I had the opportunity to take a Journey to La Guajira, in my opinion, one of the most sublime places on Earth. This trip was a complete adventure. We went to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallina.
How the Journey Started
One of my concerns was the extreme heat and how we would sleep in the rancherías, a type of local hostel. Our trip lasted four days. I went with one of my best friends, Ana Sofía, and a friend of hers, Javier, whom I had not met before.
At first, I thought, “This is going to be a little strange,” but I trusted my friend. I can say that, so far, this has been one of the best trips and adventures of my life. It is important to mention that you do not always travel well with everyone. Those who have traveled know the importance of good company.
The journey began like this: I picked up Ana Sofía at her house. Then, we arrived at the Puente Aéreo airport, where we met Javier.
Luckily, the trip started very well, five-star style, since he had access to Avianca’s VIP lounge. Our flight was headed to Riohacha, La Guajira, located in northern Colombia, bordering Venezuela and the Caribbean Sea.
As I always say, it’s better to be prepared. We hired guides from the Emel Camargo agency, who provided airport pickup and transportation.
In Riohacha
As soon as we arrived, the guides took us to our hotel, El Taroa, a four-star accommodation.
After settling in, we were very hungry. Fortunately, there was a restaurant on the hotel terrace with views of Riohacha’s Malecon. From there, we watched vendors selling crafts, sunglasses, Wayuu backpacks, necklaces, and bracelets.
We unpacked what we needed for the day. Of course, I had forgotten my sunglasses. Walking one block, I found a man selling them. This was very important, considering the sun and the temperature, which ranged from 38 to 42 °C.
The constant breeze helped make the heat feel less intense. As typical tourists, we walked along the Malecon, exploring places to have a drink, enjoy beers, or dance. Our hotel had the best atmosphere anyway. After several hours, we prepared for the next day. The guides were scheduled to pick us up at 8 a.m.
Our first stop would be Cabo de la Vela, about four hours of pure desert. In the morning, a Dutch couple joined our tour. This was just the beginning of our Journey to La Guajira.
Cabo de la Vela
Our first visit was to a place where salt is produced. School children explained the process with great enthusiasm. It was very sweet, and they showed us how they did it. The guide mentioned that they do it to ask for money. However, to avoid spoiling them, it was better to give them food or water. For those who are not from Colombia, this department is rich in minerals, though it lacks water, food, and other basic needs.
That day, we continued toward Cabo de la Vela. In the afternoon, we reached the ranchería, passing by kitesurfing schools. To my surprise, many national and international tourists were practicing the sport. We arrived at lunchtime and ordered the fish of the day. Everyone received their meals on time except Javier, the hungriest of all, who was served last.
Later, we visited nearby beaches and climbed rocks to the top. The wind was so strong that Ana had to hold me so I wouldn’t be lifted. We ended up holding hands, enjoying the landscape.
I then descended the rocks, scared but laughing with my friends. Further along, there was a higher, more challenging viewpoint. I told them to go up while I watched and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. That night, we slept in a ranchería with three mattresses and a small bathroom.
Punta Gallina
The third day began with a nutritious breakfast before heading to Punta Gallina. During the journey through the desert dunes, we stopped to stretch our legs and met other tourists from the same agency. We had lunch somewhere along the way. Finally, we reached the beautiful beaches of Punta Gallina, where we had fun climbing and descending the dunes like children.
At one point, we encountered some lost American tourists. We helped them reach the ranchería. That night, there were only two mattresses and a hammock. Javier slept outside, and at 3 a.m., a goat woke him up.
Our last day consisted of returning through the desert. We made a stop at windmills producing energy. Exhausted but happy, we returned to Riohacha. The next day, we took the flight back home, continuing our daily lives with unforgettable memories of a country with a culture very different from Bogotá’s.
Returning Home and Memories
The journey ended with us reflecting on everything we had experienced. The desert, the beaches, and the rancherías had shown us a side of Colombia completely different from Bogotá. Every moment felt unique.
The food, the people, and the landscapes created memories that will stay with us forever. The heat, the wind, and even the little challenges of the trip only made the adventure more unforgettable.
Looking back, the Journey to La Guajira was more than a trip. It was an immersion into a culture, a land, and a way of life unlike any other.
Every detail, from the smiles of local children to the vast dunes and the turquoise waters, contributed to an experience that was both humbling and exhilarating.
Finally, as we returned home, exhausted but happy, I realized that journeys like this are what make life extraordinary.
The Journey to La Guajira left me with a deep appreciation for Colombia’s diversity, its natural beauty, and the warmth of its people. It reminded me that travel is not just about seeing new places — it’s about connecting with them, feeling them, and carrying them with you long after the trip is over.
