In short
- Chinchorros are massive, tightly woven traditional Wayúu hammocks.
- They provide the primary accommodation at remote desert rancherías.
- Desert nights get chilly, so bring a light sweater or blanket.
In this article
Punta Gallinas is an off-grid desert environment with very limited infrastructure. Standard beds are rare, so tours arrange overnight stays in traditional Wayúu hammocks known as chinchorros. Understanding how to use them ensures a better night of sleep.
What is a chinchorro hammock?
A chinchorro is a large, hand-woven hammock made by the indigenous Wayúu people.
These hammocks are much wider and thicker than standard camping hammocks. Their large size allows you to sleep diagonally or completely flat. The tight weave blocks the strong desert winds that blow across La Guajira.
How cold does it get at night?
Desert nights in Punta Gallinas are chilly and windy.
The temperature drops significantly after the sun goes down. The strong coastal winds continue through the night. You need to pack a light sweater or a blanket to stay warm in your chinchorro.
What are the rancherías like?
Rancherías are remote, off-grid indigenous settlements.
These camps have very basic infrastructure. Electricity relies on generators and is only available for a few hours. Water is scarce, so you must bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes, and a microfiber travel towel.
Can you sleep in a bed in Punta Gallinas?
Beds are sometimes available for an extra fee, but they are very limited.
Most 3-4 day tours include chinchorro accommodation by default. If you require a bed, you must request and pay for it separately when booking your tour. Keep in mind that rooms are still basic and lack air conditioning.
Do you need a sleeping bag for a chinchorro?
A full sleeping bag is usually unnecessary.
A light sweater or a travel blanket provides enough warmth. The thick fabric of the chinchorro retains some body heat and shields your back from the wind. Packing light is important since you travel in shared 4x4 vehicles.
How do you sleep comfortably in a chinchorro?
The best way to sleep in a chinchorro is to lie diagonally.
Lying at a slight angle flattens the center of the hammock. This position prevents your back from arching too much. Keep your headlamp and water bottle nearby, as the camps get completely dark once the generators shut off.
Questions travellers ask
Are there private bathrooms at the rancherías?
No, bathrooms are shared. Water is scarce and expensive, so showers are very basic.
Will I have electricity to charge my phone near my chinchorro?
Electricity is limited and often generator-based. Pack a portable power bank to charge your devices.
Do tours cover the cost of the chinchorro?
Yes, standard 3-4 day tours (costing 800,000 to 1,430,000 COP) include your chinchorro accommodation.