Cabo de la Vela, located on the peninsula of La Guajira, is one of the most pleasant tourist destinations in Colombia. It is a place where the desert and the sea come together to offer spectacular landscapes and unforgettable adventures.

What is Cabo de la Vela

In the northern extreme of Colombian territory, in the region of La Guajira and before reaching Punta Gallinas, this unmissable destination is found when visiting our country. It is one of the most peaceful and paradisiacal beaches, located in the largest desert area of Colombia which it shares with the Caribbean Sea.

Its privileged location in the Colombian Caribbean makes it home to the most unforgettable landscapes, where you can find the beauty of different ecosystems and ideal conditions for tourist activities that you will love.

Panoramic view of a sunny day and the crystal clear waters of the beach at Cabo de la Vela.

From Pilón de Azúcar you can enjoy a refreshing breeze and a colorful sunset.

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How to get to Cabo de la Vela?

View of a sunny day at Pilón de Azúcar beach in Cabo de la Vela.

Enjoy a pleasant rest in the hammocks that are found on the beach.

To reach this destination, the ideal is to take a flight from any major city in Colombia to Riohachacapital of the La Guajira region. From here, you can take land transportation that in three hours will take you to this wonderful destination.

Depending on the route you take, you can appreciate different landscapes. If you take the road to the port of Maicao, you can see in some parts of the way beautiful pink flamingos and various birds that pose in the middle of the marsh, and even pass through one of the most "Instagrammable" places in La Guajira: Las Salinas de Manaure. A desert landscape where countless salt hills sit on pools of water creating different textures, effects, and colors. A spectacle you cannot miss.

Similarly, if you take an alternate route you will find different tourist lodges –many made with bahareque and yotojoro (the heart of the cactus)– and the famous rancherías (rural villages) of the Wayúu indigenous people who make up approximately 38% of the population of this region.

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What to do in Cabo de la Vela?

A man practicing kitesurfing in Cabo de la Vela.
Credit: William Rg/Shutterstock.com

Dare to practice kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing at this destination.

Due to its privileged geographical location, this destination has trade winds (those that blow between the tropics) and, for this reason, there are many tourist activities you can do:

  • Water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing at El Cabo beach.

  • Climb the rocky hill El Pilón de Azúcar, the most iconic place in this area, from where you can enjoy a wonderful landscape while enjoying a refreshing breeze.

  • Buy local crafts like bags or Wayúu backpacks, a sample of handcrafted textiles from Colombia.

  • Appreciate the most colorful and incredible sunset by climbing to El Faro. From here you can also enjoy a wonderful view of Playa Ojo de Agua.

  • Visit La Macuira National Natural Park, an authentic vegetative oasis in the middle of the desert. Let yourself slide in the middle of its immense dunes. Without a doubt, one of the unmissable tourist places on your trip to La Guajira.

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Recommendations

Once you decide to embark on your trip to this wonderful destination, you should keep in mind that this region is located not only in the northern extreme of Colombian territory but of the South American continent (specifically Punta Gallinas). For this reason, and for being the largest desert area of the country, we recommend the following:

  • When arriving in Riohacha or at the stop in Uribia, stock up on supplies, your favorite snacks, and plenty of water to enjoy the rest of the journey, as it is difficult to find them further ahead.

  • Due to the high temperatures, it is very important that you take adequate protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.

  • Book your return transportation in advance, preferably in the morning hours, or hire a driver to make different journeys in the region without worries.

Discover this destination in the La Guajira region and get to know one of the most fascinating destinations in Colombia. We're waiting for you!