La Guajira, Colombia
Reach the geographical northernmost tip of mainland South America. Navigate massive sand dunes, sleep in traditional hammocks, and explore the isolated Guajira desert.
5.0 from 53 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Most visitors book a multi-day guided trip to handle the off-road navigation.
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Explore
Discover the main stops along the northernmost coastline.
3 spotsNorthernmost EdgeThe geographical edge of the South American continent.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsTaroa Sand DunesGolden sand dunes that slope directly into the Caribbean Sea.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsDesert Staging PointsKey culturally significant stops on the multi-day journey to the cape.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
There are no paved roads, ATMs, or reliable cell signals in the deep desert.
Bring ample cash in small denominations for tolls and supplies.
Plan your visit
A full visit takes 3 to 4 days. You cannot do this as a day trip from Riohacha.
Visit between December and September. October and November bring heavy rains that turn tracks to mud.
You need a 4x4 vehicle with a local guide. The desert tracks are completely unmarked.
Multi-day tours typically cost 800,000 to 1,430,000 COP. Bring extra cash for water and community tolls.
Punta Gallinas is the exact northernmost point of mainland South America. It sits deep within the remote La Guajira Desert. The landscape features dramatic coastlines and the famous Taroa Sand Dunes, which roll directly into the Caribbean Sea. A simple lighthouse, El Faro, marks the physical edge of the continent.
The region is entirely off-grid and inhabited primarily by the indigenous Wayúu people. Visitors typically sleep in large traditional hammocks known as chinchorros. See our guide on Sleeping in Chinchorros for tips on staying comfortable during the chilly desert nights.
Because there are no paved roads or signs, getting here requires a capable 4x4 vehicle and a local driver. Read our breakdown on Independent vs Tour to decide how to plan your transport.
We check if tours provide the necessary 4x4 vehicles and experienced local drivers.
We clearly list whether a package takes 3 or 4 days from your starting point.
We verify if the tour includes chinchorro hammocks or offers bed upgrades for the night.
From Viator
53 reviews of the guajira expedition on Viator
I liked it, amazing and stunning landscapes, good driver, music allowed, an experience to be reflexive and think, too much to tank.
Excellent experience from start to finish, our guide, Arnoldo, was knowledgeable funny and a skilled driver. The entire department is absolutely gorgeous and this tour provided ample opportunity to see the depth of the beauty and experience the depth of the culture of the indigenous people. Is well worth every cent.
What a great tour! It would probably have been even better had I known better spanish or payed for a translator / bilingual guide, but Jerry and one other passenger, who knew some english, did their outmost best to keep me in the loop. The sights were amazing, the Wayuu people fascinating and the ride was as comfortable as you can get on these bumpy roads.
Travel tips
Tour Cost BreakdownCompare prices for guided 4x4 tours versus independent travel.Read Transport GuideLearn how to travel from Riohacha to Punta Gallinas in 2026.Read Best time to goFind out why avoiding the rainy season is critical for this trip.Read Desert Packing ListEssential items for extreme sun, wind, and off-grid desert conditions.Read Independent vs TourCompare guided trips with independent travel to Punta Gallinas.Read Sleeping in ChinchorrosWhat to expect when sleeping in traditional Wayúu chinchorro hammocks.Read You access it via 4x4 tracks through the La Guajira desert. Most people book a 3-4 day guided tour from Riohacha. Independent travelers can take public transport to Cabo de la Vela and hire local drivers for the final leg. Read more on Transport Guide.
It is generally safe if you travel with a local Wayúu guide. You should never attempt to drive off-road independently, as the tracks are unmarked and it is very easy to get lost. Always respect local customs and pay the informal tolls.
Punta Gallinas is the physical northernmost point of the mainland South American continent. The exact location is situated at latitude 12°27'N and is marked by a simple lighthouse called El Faro.
A typical 3-4 day guided tour from Riohacha costs between 800,000 and 1,430,000 COP. This usually covers your 4x4 transport, meals, and hammock accommodation. See our breakdown on Tour Cost Breakdown.
The journey takes roughly 5 to 7 hours of total driving time, but it is split over two days. Tours usually spend the first night in Cabo de la Vela before making the 2-3 hour drive to the cape the next morning.
Yes, but you still need local transport. You can take a collective taxi from Riohacha to Uribia, then a truck to Cabo de la Vela. From Cabo, expect to pay 130,000 to 150,000 COP for a round-trip 4x4 ride to the cape. See Independent vs Tour.
Book your 4x4 expedition and pack plenty of water.
