Cabo de la Vela, Guajira: how to get there and what to do

Discovering the Charm of Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira

Welcome to our blog, where we will explore one of the most captivating treasures of Colombia: Cabo de la Vela. This magical corner, located in the La Guajira peninsula, combines the aridity of the desert with the majesty of the Caribbean Sea. Are you ready to immerse yourself in this oasis of natural beauty and adventure? Join us!

What is Cabo de la Vela and where is it located?

Cabo de la Vela is a paradise you must discover, where the Caribbean winds caress the virgin beaches and the sunsets paint the horizon with unforgettable colors. This destination is located in the La Guajira region, at the northernmost tip of Colombia, before reaching Punta Gallinas. Here, the desert and the sea intertwine to offer spectacular landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

How to get to Cabo de la Vela

To reach this dreamlike corner, follow these steps:

1· Fly to Riohacha: from the main cities of Colombia, take a flight to Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira. From here, your land adventure begins.

2· Scenic route: the land journey from Riohacha to Cabo de la Vela takes approximately three hours. You will have two route options:

• Via Maicao: along the way, you can admire pink flamingos and birds in the swamp. Also, don't miss the Salinas de Manaure, a desert landscape of salt hills that looks like it's from another world.

• Alternate route: on this route, you will find tourist inns and the traditional Wayúu rancherías, which make up a large part of the local population. The yotojoro and bahareque are typical materials of these constructions.

Climate and Best Times to Visit

Cabo de la Vela enjoys a warm and dry climate year-round. Temperatures hover around 32 °C, so don't forget your sunscreen and good hydration. The best times to visit are between November and April, when the winds are ideal for water sports and the sunsets are simply magical.

Must-Do Activities

1· Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, and Surfing: thanks to the trade winds, Cabo de la Vela is a paradise for water sports lovers. Get on a board and glide over the waves or choose kitesurfing to feel the adrenaline in every jump. We recommend booking a kitesurfing session here, it will be a very entertaining experience.

2· The Sugar Pilón: climb the iconic rocky hill and behold the vastness of the Caribbean Sea. From here, you will enjoy a refreshing breeze and a sunset that will take your breath away.

3· El Cabo Beach: relax in its hammocks and chinchorros while listening to the gentle murmur of the waves. This tranquil beach is perfect for disconnecting and recharging your energy.

4· Salinas de Manaure: the Manaure salt flats are part of the ancestral territory of the Wayúu indigenous communities, inhabited by their ancestors since times before colonization. Part belongs to the local communities and others are managed by the government. In this place, you can learn about its history and utility through the centuries.

What dishes you should try in Cabo de La Vela

1· Goat stew in coconut milk: this dish from the Colombian Caribbean, especially from La Guajira, is prepared by adding a goat in a large pot. This dish incorporates oil, onions, garlic, chili, tomato, tomato paste, mustard, vinegar, cumin, salt, and, most importantly, coconut milk.

Additionally, it is interesting to know that the Wayúu people also inhabit Venezuela, so this dish is common in both countries. This dish combines the most traditional and exotic aspects of La Guajira's gastronomy in Colombia.

2· Malangada*: this dish from La Guajira, Colombia, consists of boiled hen with malanga, a tuber similar to potato or cassava. It is also prepared with garlic, green onion stalk, and red onion.

This dish is very significant for the people of Urumita and the Villanueva community, as it represents a tradition and custom for them. Although it originates from La Guajira, it has also become popular in the department of Cesar, one of the 32 provinces of Colombia.

3· Fried fish (stingray): Colombian fish are essential in the culture of La Guajira. Due to its location on the Caribbean Sea, fish is a fundamental component of local gastronomy. Among the most consumed are red snapper and snook, although the reason and stingray also hold great importance.

4· Shark salpicón: one of the most exotic foods in Colombia. Would you like to try it? It may sound a bit strange depending on where you are from, but for many people, it is a true delicacy. In addition to offering an explosion of flavors, it also provides a high content of energy and nutrients.

It is prepared by cooking shark meat, which is then shredded and squeezed until a kind of soup is obtained. Chopped cilantro and carrot are added, and finally, everything is mixed in oil to make a sauce that accompanies the dish. It can be enjoyed with rice or saltine crackers, and lemon can be added to taste.

Day trip in Cabo de La Vela

There are different day trip options in this beautiful place, we recommend you choose one that includes the most important aspects for a day trip: transportation, best activities, meals, insurance, and guide.

We recommend this Day trip in Cabo de la Vela from Riohacha, which includes:

• Tour duration: 10 hours.

• Transportation: 4x4 (From Riohacha).

• Meals: Traditional Wayuu lunch.

• Tour of points of interest: monuments, churches, sacred places for the community, Cabo de la Vela town.

• Local Guide Driver.

• Travel Insurance.

• Snacks.

As you can see, it includes everything a good day trip should have so you can enjoy this beautiful place in Colombia without worries.

Discover other activities in La Guajira

To make the most of your visit to La Guajira, there are other incredible experiences you cannot miss. For a day of complete relaxation and walks in nature, check out the Day trip in Palomino. We also recommend going to the Tour to the Flamingo Sanctuary in La Guajira. Click on the links to learn more about these interesting places during your vacation.

Come to Cabo de la Vela!

In summary, Cabo de la Vela is a gift from nature that you must experience. From its golden beaches to its movie-like sunsets, this destination awaits you with open arms. What are you waiting for? Come discover the magic of Cabo de la Vela!