In short
- Organized 3-4 day 4x4 tours handle all logistics from Riohacha.
- Independent travel involves taxis to Uribia and 4x4s to Cabo de la Vela.
- Boat transport is available from Puerto Bolívar but depends on weather.
In this article
Getting to Punta Gallinas involves navigating rugged, off-grid tracks in the La Guajira desert. There are no paved roads leading to the cape. Most visitors start their journey 150 kilometers southwest in Riohacha. From there, you either take an all-inclusive tour or arrange multiple local transfers.
How do you get to Punta Gallinas on a guided tour?
The easiest method is booking a 3-4 day organized 4x4 tour from Riohacha.
Tours include transport, a driver-guide, meals, and accommodation. Prices range from 800,000 to 1,430,000 COP per person. This option handles all navigation on unmarked desert tracks.
How do you travel independently from Riohacha to Uribia?
You start by taking a collective taxi from Riohacha to Uribia.
Uribia is the last major town before the deep desert. The drive takes about one hour. Buy large 5L water bottles here because prices double further north.
How do you get from Uribia to Cabo de la Vela?
From Uribia, you hire a 4x4 truck to reach Cabo de la Vela.
Trucks wait in Uribia until they fill with passengers. The journey takes about two hours on unpaved tracks. Cabo de la Vela serves as the main overnight stop before the final push.
How to get from Cabo de la Vela to Punta Gallinas?
You must hire a local Wayúu guide with a 4x4 for the final desert crossing.
The drive takes two to three hours from Cabo de la Vela. Round-trip transport costs 130,000 to 150,000 COP. Do not drive a rental car independently, as tracks are completely unmarked.
Can you take a boat to Punta Gallinas?
Yes, you can take a boat from Puerto Bolívar across Bahia Hondita.
Puerto Bolívar is accessed via Cabo de la Vela. The boat ride takes about two hours and costs roughly 140,000 COP round-trip. Availability depends entirely on weather and passenger demand.
When is the best time for the drive?
Travel between December and September to avoid getting stuck in mud.
October and November are the rainy season in La Guajira. The desert tracks turn to deep mud. This makes vehicle access extremely difficult, even for experienced local drivers.
Questions travellers ask
Can you drive to Punta Gallinas in a rental car?
No. You should not travel off-road independently. The tracks are unmarked and it is very easy to get lost. Always hire a local Wayúu guide.
How long does it take to get from Riohacha to Punta Gallinas?
Organized tours typically take 3 to 4 days for the entire round trip. Driving directly takes roughly 4 to 5 hours of total travel time, broken up by stops.
Are there tolls on the road to Punta Gallinas?
Yes. Local children man informal rope tolls along the desert tracks. Bring small snacks or extra water to pay these community tolls.