Guajira is a department of striking contrasts, both in its beauty and its ruggedness. Best known for its desert, it also boasts part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and, of course, numerous beaches on the Caribbean Sea.
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La Guajira General information
La Guajira Travel Guide
Guajira is Colombia’s northernmost department. To be exact, it is located in the extreme north-east of the country and takes the form of a peninsula, between mountains, the Caribbean Sea and desert.
The Guajira desert is home to Colombia’s largest indigenous community: the Wayuus. Guajira is a complex territory, both politically and socially: it is the poorest department in the country.
- Foundation: 1789
- Capital: Riohacha
- People: Guajiros
- Natural region : Caribbean
- Population: 1 million
- Indigenous population : 270.000 Wayuus (also Arhuacos, Koguis, Wiwas and Kankuamos)
- Average altitude: 50m
- Climate: warm
- Dry season: December to March and June to August
- Rainy season: March to May and September to November
- When to go: all year round
Best things to do in La Guajira
La Guajira Travel Guide
Guajira is a department whose tourist offer raises many questions. Because of the difficulty of the terrain, because of the poverty in which the population lives, and because of the way in which local agencies have developed their projects.
As far as the Guajira desert is concerned, we really advise you to read our post to prepare yourself and find out what to expect.
Best places to visit in La Guajira
- Palomino
- Punta de los remedios
- Los Flamencos Nature Reserve
- Riohacha
- Cabo de la vela
- Punta Gallinas
- La Macuira Natural Park
- San Juan de Cesar
All our posts about La Guajira
La Guajira Travel Guide
Where to stay in Guajira
La Guajira Travel Guide
Riohacha
Appartement
Casa Origen
Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
This is where we stayed during our 10 days in Riohacha. This perfectly located house, two blocks from the beach, offers several beautifully decorated rooms for rent with air conditioning. Tthe hosts, Jeanne and Julian, offer superb local experiences.
Palomino
Eco Lodge
Coco Beach Palomino
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP/Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
We tried out this hotel, a little way from the village, which has its own beach. For those who want the peace and luxury of stepping out of their room to take a dip in the water or sip a cocktail in the shade of the coconut palms, it’s perfect.
Palomino
Hostal
Hostal Media Luna
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A hostal recommended by a reader located on the Sierra Nevada side, on the other side of the road so a little far from the beach, but nothing to worry about. The advantage of its location: peace and quiet! Enjoy the hummingbirds dancing in the garden 😉 By the way, it’s the ideal starting point for exploring Seydukwa.
Palomino
Hostal
Finca Escondida
Dormitory : $50.000 to $100.000/Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
A well-known hotel for those who want to wake up with their feet in the sand and their eyes in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea… a relaxing, surfing atmosphere and a meeting place for a drink or a bite to eat!
Palomino
Hostal
Coco Sankala Hostel
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
A hostal in the heart of the village of Palomino, so not far from the beach either, in a bamboo and thatch-roofed atmosphere. Dormitories and double rooms.
Riohacha
Hostal
Bona Vida
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
A Riohacha success story, Bona Vida now has 4 or 5 (we don’t know) different locations in the city. Always in a colorful atmosphere and with the famous “pancake” breakfast for which it is famous.
Punta de los remedios
Eco Lodge
Awatawaa Ecolodge
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
Finally, another luxury option, completely lost at the tip of the point, quite far from the village but offering great facilities. Lovers beware.
Punta de los remedios
Hostal
Guajira Beach HoStel
Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
Here’s the low-budget option, a hostal set up in the village by the beach, a mix between a classic hostal with dormitories in a house and bungalows overlooking the sea, a little rootsy but certainly very nice!
Punta de los remedios
Eco Lodge
Playa Kai Glamping
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
This is where we stayed, and if you’ve read our article, there’s not much to add! 😉 Please note, however, that we’re not talking about backpacker rates, but more Ecolodge-style pleasure rates.