La Guajira

CULTURE

Vallenato: Heritage Treasure of Humanity

In La Guajira, vallenato is lived with strength and emotion. This genre, recognized as World Heritage Site, The music of the band fuses Colombian, African and Spanish roots, forming part of the soul of the Colombian Caribbean. In every corner of the department, its lyrics tell stories of the desert, love and daily life. Festivals, parrandas and spontaneous encounters with accordions and cajas invite you to feel the authentic rhythm of a tradition that is more alive than ever.

Every December, San Juan del Cesar celebrates the National Festival of Vallenata Music Composers, an unmissable event that brings together talents from all over the country in competitions of unpublished songs and verse duels. For six days, music, tradition and joy fill the atmosphere. You can also enjoy other vallenato festivals such as the Francisco El Hombre in Riohacha and the Cuna de Acordeones in Villanueva. Experience the authentic rhythm of the Caribbean.

NATURE

Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas: Between the Sea and the Desert

In Uribia, Cabo de la Vela captivates you with its calm beaches, warm waters and perfect environment for relaxing and kitesurfing. Enjoy panoramic views from Pilón de Azúcar and relax on beaches like Ojo de Agua and Playa Dorada. Further north, Punta Gallinas offers Taroa dunes for hiking, 4×4 tours or sand surfing, providing a unique experience of desert and sea that will connect you to the nature at its best.

Colombian Caribbean Birdwatching Route: Los Flamencos Flamingoes Flora and Fauna Sanctuary 

The Colombian Caribbean Birding Route invites you to explore the Los Flamencos Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, in the municipality of Ríohacha, a paradise for bird lovers. Here you can observe more than 170 species, including pink flamingos and the Guajiro Cardinal, in their natural habitat. Navigate through its wetlands made up of coastal lagoons, enjoy its unique biodiversity and live an unforgettable ecological experience in one of the most fascinating destinations in the Colombian Caribbean.

Salinas de Manaure:

The salt flats located in the municipality of Manaure are a unique destination that combines natural beauty and tradition. These salt flats offer a surreal landscape with mountains of salt piled up and colorful lagoons that vary according to the time of year. Visitors can learn about the artisanal salt extraction process carried out by the Wayúu community that has been passed down for generations and enjoy a peaceful and picturesque setting. An unmissable stop on your trip to the Colombian Caribbean.

Macuira National Natural Park:

Macuira National Natural Park, in the municipality of Uribia, is an ecological oasis in the Colombian desert that invites you to discover 25,000 hectares of forests, cloud forests and dunes. With more than 140 bird species, including 17 endemic species, it is the ideal destination for ecotourism. Here you can enjoy hiking, observe fauna and flora, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Wayúu people, learning about their relationship with nature and their ancestral culture. A unique place for those seeking to connect with nature and culture.

Other beaches of interest:

La Guajira invites you to discover its most authentic beaches. In Mayapo, enjoy kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing, or ride a bicycle along the coast. In Dibulla, experience the connection between beach, river and mountain with ecological hikes, kayaking and bird watching, all in a serene environment, perfect for those seeking nature and tranquility in front of the sea.

ANCESTRAL COMMUNITIES AND RURALITY

Heart of the Wayúu culture: Indigenous communities and peoples

In Uribia, the indigenous capital of Colombia, Wayúu culture is lived in every detail. There you can learn the wayuunaiki, their language ancestral, and the art of the Palabrero, a World Heritage Site. Their weavings, backpacks, stories and rituals reflect a vibrant and authentic identity. To visit this territory is to enter into a living culture that proudly maintains its history, spirituality and connection with nature. A unique destination for those seeking deep and memorable cultural experiences.

Ancestral Knowledge System: Indigenous Peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

In the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Arhuaco, Kogui, Wiwa and Kankuamo peoples preserve an ancestral knowledge system, a World Heritage Site, that guides their spiritual life and their relationship with nature. Through rituals, songs and offerings, they connect with rivers, mountains and sacred places. The Mamos and Sagas, spiritual guides, interpret the messages of nature.

Holidays:

La Guajira invites you to enjoy its festivities, where tradition, identity and joy meet. The Wayúu Culture Festival, in June, celebrates the living heritage of this indigenous people with dances, weavings and ancestral knowledge. In February, the Riohacha Carnival fills the city with parades, costumes and Caribbean rhythms. And in February, the Patron Saint Festival of the Virgin of Remedies combines faith and culture in a deeply rooted celebration. Experience the energy and soul of La Guajira.

GASTRONOMY

Traditional cuisine:

The gastronomy of La Guajira will captivate you with its authentic flavors. The friche, with goat/goat meat and rice, is a traditional delicacy. Rice with shrimp, prepared with local spices. The fried fish with yucca combines the freshness of the sea with the softness of the yucca. And finally, the goat stewed in coconut milk, with its tender meat cooked in coconut sauce, onion and spices, is a feast of flavors. A gastronomic experience not to be missed.

CRAFTS

La Guajira is a paradise for lovers of the authentic craftsmanship. You will find colorful basketry pieces, made with natural fibers that give shape to baskets, traditional hats, waireña sandals, chinchorros and hammocks that reflect the cultural richness of the region, offering unique souvenirs full of history. Be sure to take home a work of art from La Guajira.

Wayúu backpacks and wiwas: Andean weavings

Wayúu backpacks are authentic handmade pieces woven by the women of the community, with geometric designs and vibrant colors that reflect the worldview and traditions of this indigenous people. On the other hand, the Wiwa backpacks, woven with fique and cotton by the Wiwa community of the Sierra Nevada, stand out for their symbolic designs, representing the connection with nature. Both are unique souvenirs for those looking for a piece of tradition.

Colombian Caribbean Symbol: Sombrero Vueltiao (Vueltiao Hat)

The vueltiao hat is a symbol of the Colombian Caribbean identity, it has its origin in the Zenú indigenous community. It is made with arrow cane and woven by hand. This cultural symbol of Colombia, accompanies the departments of La Guajira, Magdalena and Cesar in their cultural festivities becoming a living expression of the Colombian Caribbean.