La Guajira Tour

Day 1

• Land in Santa Marta/Check-in Hotel in Palomino

• Accommodation: Dreamer Hostel Palomino

Day 2

• Beach day in Palomino

• Accommodation: Dreamer Hostel

Day 3

• Riohacha

• Accommodation: Hotel La Vieja Sara 

Day 4

• Cabo de la Vela 

• Accommodation: Rancheria Utta

Day 5

• Punta Gallinas

• Accommodation: Hospedaje Luzmila

Day 6

• Return to Riohacha

• Accommodation:  Hotel La Vieja Sara

Day 7

• Palomino

• Accommodation: Dreamer Hostel

Day 8

• Tayrona National Park and Santa Marta Finale

• Accommodation: Casa Tunido Santa Marta

Day 9

• Return flights from Santa Marta airport 

Day 1: Welcome to Santa Marta & Palomino
Upon your arrival at Santa Marta’s International Airport, our friendly team will be waiting with a private transport van to take you on the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Palomino, a laid-back coastal town nestled between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. On arrival, we’ll check into Dreamer Hostel, a perfect mix of comfort and adventure. This cozy spot features a pool, easy access to the beach, a delicious restaurant, a fun bar, and even yoga classes—great for unwinding after your travels.

Once everyone is settled in, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at the hostel. Depending on your arrival time, this will be a relaxed introduction to Colombian cuisine with some local specialties. Afterward, we’ll go over the trip briefing so everyone knows what to expect for the upcoming days.

Lodging: Dreamer Hostel, Palomino
Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Day 2: Embracing "Colombian Time" in Palomino
After a relaxed breakfast at Dreamer Hostel, today is all about unwinding and getting into the rhythm of Colombian time. We’ll start with a beach walk, where you’ll explore Palomino’s unique coastline, with the two rivers meeting the ocean at each end—a stunning sight. The beach is perfect for strolling, taking photos, and dipping your toes in the warm Caribbean waters.

For those interested in more action, there’s the option to take part in a surf lesson. Later, we’ll stroll through the town, visiting artisan shops, enjoying the vibrant local bars and restaurants, and soaking in the local culture.

As the evening rolls in, we’ll gather for a sunset happy hour on the beach to enjoy drinks and watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the ocean. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Lodging: Dreamer Hostel, Palomino
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Journey to Riohacha & Indigenous Culture
After a morning breakfast at Dreamer Hostel, we’ll begin our journey to Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, just a short 1.5-hour drive away. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our comfortable accommodations at Hotel La Vieja Sara, where you’ll have time to relax before our afternoon excursion.

Later, we’ll venture out to visit a traditional “ranchería” (an indigenous Wayuu home). Here, we will enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by the indigenous women and experience a tasting of Chirrinchi, a locally brewed liquor. The community will also give us a demonstration of their artisan crafts, where you can see how they create their colorful woven bags and other items. This visit will be complemented by a cultural conversation, with translations in Wayuunaiki, Spanish, and English.

We’ll return to Riohacha in the late afternoon, where you can enjoy a relaxed dinner in one of the local restaurants, preparing for the next leg of our journey into Alta Guajira.

Lodging: Hotel La Vieja Sara, Riohacha
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 4: Off-Road Adventure to Cabo de la Vela
After breakfast at Hotel La Vieja Sara, we’ll begin our 4x4 adventure to Cabo de la Vela, a remote and stunning destination in the northernmost part of Colombia. The drive will take us through the desert terrain, passing the indigenous capital of Colombia, Uribia, before reaching Manaure, where we’ll stop to visit the artisan salt flats.

We’ll then continue our journey through the desert for another 2-hour drive, eventually reaching Cabo de la Vela, a tranquil spot known for its striking landscapes, kiteboarding, and rich Wayuu culture. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local ingredients before setting off to El Dorado Beach, where you can enjoy a swim in the pristine waters and stroll along the beach.

Later, we’ll hike 10 minutes up to El Pilón de Azúcar, a spiritual hill for the Wayuu people, offering panoramic views of the desert and the coast. We’ll watch the sunset from the Cabo de la Vela lighthouse, offering stunning views as the desert meets the sea.

Our night will end with a delicious dinner at Ranchería Utta, where we’ll enjoy the warmth of the Wayuu hospitality in a cozy environment.

Lodging: Ranchería Utta, Cabo de la Vela
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

Day 5: Punta Gallinas – Northernmost Point of South America
We will depart early at 7:00 a.m. after a hearty breakfast at Ranchería Utta, driving deeper into the desert toward Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America. Along the way, we’ll make stops at Bahía Portete and Bahía Honda, where the beach meets mangrove—ideal for a relaxing moment and some stunning photos.

At La Dunas de Taroa, we’ll spend the afternoon enjoying the sand dunes, where you can choose to climb, sandboard, or even go 4-wheeling (depending on your preference). The area is truly unique, with towering dunes leading down to the Caribbean Sea. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in this magical place, surrounded by the desert landscape.

In the late afternoon, we’ll head to the Punta Gallinas lighthouse, where we’ll watch the sunset at this breathtaking location. The views are nothing short of spectacular.

Our accommodation for the night will be Hospedaje Luzmila, a rustic and cozy spot offering cabins or hammocks, where we’ll end the day with a home-cooked dinner and share stories of our desert adventure.

Lodging: Hospedaje Luzmila, Punta Gallinas
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

Day 6: Returning to Riohacha
After breakfast at Hospedaje Luzmila, we’ll start our journey back to Riohacha, leaving Punta Gallinas behind. The 4.5-hour drive through the desert will include a stop in Uribia for a traditional lunch prepared by locals. This will be a great opportunity to sample authentic dishes prepared in traditional Wayuu style.

Once we arrive in Riohacha in the late afternoon, you’ll have a free evening to explore or relax. You can choose your own restaurant, stroll along the beach, or just unwind after a long day.

Lodging: Hotel La Vieja Sara, Riohacha
Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7: Flamingos & Return to Palomino
After breakfast in Riohacha, we’ll head back to Palomino, but not before making a stop in Camarones, a small town famous for its flamingo population. A local guide will take us on a flamingo tour, showing us the best spots to observe these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.

We’ll enjoy a traditional lunch in Camarones before continuing our journey to Palomino, where we’ll check back into Dreamer Hostel. After a fun-filled day, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax and unwind on the beach or enjoy the hostel’s amenities.

Lodging: Dreamer Hostel, Palomino
Meals: Breakfast and traditional lunch in Camarones

Day 8: Exploring Tayrona National Park
After breakfast at Dreamer Hostel, we’ll head to Parque Tayrona, one of Colombia’s most breathtaking national parks. The drive will take us to the El Zaino entrance, where we’ll start our easy 2-hour hike through the jungle to Playa del Cabo. Along the way, we’ll pass other beautiful beaches, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

Once we arrive at Playa del Cabo, we’ll have time to relax and swim in the clear blue waters before enjoying a delicious beachfront lunch. Afterward, we’ll begin the hike back to the entrance and head to Santa Marta for our final dinner of the trip. This will be a festive way to reflect on the amazing experiences we’ve shared.

Lodging: Casa Tunido, Santa Marta
Meals: Breakfast and final dinner

Day 9: Safe Travels
After breakfast, we’ll arrange private transport to the airport for your flight. Whether you’re heading back home or to your next adventure, we hope you take with you unforgettable memories of this incredible journey through La Guajira and the Caribbean coast.

Meals: Breakfast

• Price per person: USD $3,250 

• A 40% deposit is required to reserve your place 

• This price includes:

  • private transportation

  • personal guides throughout the entire trip

  • breakfast daily + welcome/finale dinners 

  • lunches specified in the detailed itinerary above

  • lodging

  • local SIM card provided upon arrival 

  • entrance fees to included activities

Disclaimer

• You are responsible for your flights to the place of the start of the tour. Please email us with any flight and travel questions!

• Travel insurance is heavily suggested. Wild Wander Tours suggests a travel insurance plan with 100% of the trip cost insured, a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage, and $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation. 

• Cancellation Policy

  • If you cancel the trip 30 days or less before the start of the trip, there will be no refund. Travel insurance may cover you for any cancellation reasons covered by your plan. 

  • If you cancel the trip 31-60 days before the start of the trip, 30% of the trip cost will be refunded. Travel insurance may cover you for any cancellation reasons covered by your plan. 

  • Cancellation policies apply as soon as we have received your payment. Trip interruption and cancellation insurance is required.