Plan your visit
Plan your trip
Prepare for extreme heat, heavy winds, and off-grid conditions. Getting to the edge of South America requires careful planning.
Getting there
You cannot reach the cape by standard car or public bus.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Book a 3-4 day organized 4x4 tour departing from Riohacha or Santa Marta, including transport, a driver-guide, meals, and accommodation. | 3-4 days total | 800,000 - 1,430,000 COP | The easiest and most common way to visit, handling all navigation and logistics in the off-grid desert. |
| Car: Take a collective taxi from Riohacha to Uribia, then a 4x4 truck to Cabo de la Vela, and arrange another 4x4 with a local guide to Punta Gallinas. | 2-3 hours from Cabo de la Vela | 130,000 - 150,000 COP (round-trip from Cabo) | Price is for transport only; meals and accommodation are extra. Do not attempt to drive your own rental car without a local guide, as tracks are unmarked. |
| Boat: Take a boat from Puerto Bolívar (accessed via Cabo de la Vela) across the bay to Punta Gallinas. | 2 hours | approx. 140,000 COP round-trip | Availability depends on weather and passenger demand; arranged locally in Cabo de la Vela. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Visit between December and September. This is the dry season, making the desert tracks passable. Avoid October and November completely. During this rainy season, the unpaved tracks turn to deep mud, making navigation extremely difficult or impossible.
What to bring
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Water is scarce and expensive deep in the desert.
Stock up on large 5-liter bottles in Uribia before heading further north.
How the day runs
Typical 3-day tour structure
The typical route from Riohacha to the northernmost point and back.
- Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela
Drive via Uribia, stop at Pilón de Azúcar, and sleep in Cabo de la Vela.
- The Final Push to the Cape
Drive rugged tracks to Bahia Hondita, El Faro, and the Taroa Dunes.
- Return to Civilization
Long 4x4 drive back through the desert to Uribia and Riohacha.
Essential Packing and Rules
You must pack for harsh desert conditions. Bring lightweight long-sleeve shirts, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a hat with a chin strap to combat the fierce winds. Since electricity is limited to generators, a portable power bank is essential. Pack out all your trash, as waste management does not exist here. See our full Desert Packing List.
Respect local Wayúu customs. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of the indigenous people. Carry extra water and small snacks; you will encounter informal rope tolls manned by local children along the desert tracks. Do not trespass onto private rancherías without an invitation.
Easiest way to do it
Guided Tour of 3 Days and 2 Nights in Alta Guajira with Accommodation
72 h 4.9 (308)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Health insurance
From$410per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do you get to Punta Gallinas Colombia?
You must take a 4x4 vehicle. Most visitors book a 3-4 day tour departing from Riohacha. Independent travelers can string together collective transport to Cabo de la Vela and hire a local driver there.
What is the accommodation like in Punta Gallinas?
Accommodation is very basic. Most visitors sleep in traditional large, woven hammocks called 'chinchorros' at local rancherías. Beds are sometimes available for an extra fee, but they are limited.
Are there ATMs in Punta Gallinas?
No. There are no ATMs or card payment facilities anywhere near the cape. You must bring plenty of Colombian Pesos in small denominations for tolls, extra water, and tips.