Riohacha - Beach town and gateway to the Guajira Peninsula

Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira Department in northern Colombia, is a vibrant coastal city where desert landscapes meet the Caribbean Sea. Known for its stunning beaches, colorful sunsets, and rich Wayuu indigenous culture, Riohacha offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity.

The city’s Malecón, a scenic seaside promenade lined with palm trees and artisan stalls, serves as its social and cultural heart. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America, or experience traditional Wayuu crafts and cuisine.

Riohacha’s warm climate and relaxed atmosphere make it a gateway to adventure and cultural discovery. The city has a population of just 220,00 people. But despite its modest size, the city exudes a Caribbean charm.

Stroll along the scenic Malecón boardwalk overlooking the Caribbean Sea, stroll onto the long pier jetting far outo the sea in the center of the town's boardwalk, explore the Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies church. Visit the handicraft market in town for colorful Wayuu mochilas and traditional crafts. At night there are dozens of  Wayuu artisans selling their arts and crafts along the boardwalk. Inside the town visit local food and fish markets. And all along the boardwalk there are numerous restaurants selling everything from seafood to pizza.

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While tours of the Guajira Penninsula are promoted and sold all along the Carribean - from Cartagena to Santa Marta, Riohacha is probably the best place and the cheapest place to book a tour to the Guajira Penninsula. There are a number of travel agencies in town and along the boardwalk selling tours.  One could arrive in town and find a jeep tour for the next day. This gives you the rest of the day to explore Riohacha.

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While the beaches in town are good for swimming, better beaches exist just outside of town The beaches of Mayapo are just a 30 minute drive north of the city.  Here the water is turquoise blue, calm and perfect for swimming. The beaches are sandy and stretch for miles. Many travelers visit Mayapo for a day then return to Riohacha.  But there are a number of hotels, cabins and restaurants right on the beach.

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One can go see the Flamingos at the Flamencos Fauna and Flora Sanctuary located in the town of Camarones just 30 minutes south of Riohacha. There, in an area encompassing 7,000 hectares, hundreds of flamingos can be found feeding on the brine shrimp that give the flamingos their pink color.  One can easily find a car and driver to take you out to the sanctuary for a view of the flamingos.

Riohacha is a beach town mostly ignored by the thousands of beach-loving tourists just  couple hours by bus south. But they don't know what they're missing.

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