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| Other
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 Portete
Bay
The
bay is known for its
splendid white
beaches. Nearby is
Port Bolívar, loading
point for the coal
that is shipped by
rail from the
Cerrejón mine for
worldwide
distribution.
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 Uribia
This
city is inhabited by
the native Wayúu, a
people whose
thousand-year-old
cultural and political
traditions are deeply
rooted. The women do
beautiful embroidery
work in bright colors
that is attractive to
tourists as souvenirs
of their visits,
handicrafts such as
Guajira shawls,
slippers with large
pompoms, back packs,
"chinchorros"
or hammocks, and
"atarrayas,"
or round fishing nets.
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From
the northernmost extreme of South America, in
the Department of la Guajira, Colombia beckons
to intrepid travelers who, attracted by the
adventure, enter the desert after enjoying its
beaches. Punta Gallinas is the starting point
for an excursion through one of the country’s
most captivating landscapes, sublime and
unforgettable to those who dare to take up its
challenge.
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Access |
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This
northern department is not difficult to reach;
it is accessible by land, air and sea.
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Tourist Attractions |
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 Riohacha
and its tourist wharf
In
Riohacha, the department’s capital, a good
hotel infrastructure allows travelers to enjoy
its hospitality and the beauty of its beaches.
The enjoyment of sunrise or sunset along its
tourist wharf is a privilege for those who
dream of the seaside. A visit in the city to
the Cathedral of Our Lady of Remedies, Padilla
Square and the Monument to Francisco el Hombre
will complement the lovely landscapes and
beaches.
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 The
Cerrejón
This
is the name given to the world’s largest
opencut coal mine. Its technological
development has spearheaded the progress of
the region and of tourism in general, as the
mine is a must for visitors who want to enjoy
Exotic Guajira.
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 Manaure
The
thousand-year-old Wayúu culture, occupant of
these lands, extracts the salt from seawater
by non-industrial methods, piling it up in
huge mounds to be sold later throughout the
country. The visit to this area is by land,
over an unpaved road extending from Riohacha
in a journey taking about two hours.
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 Macuira
Natural National Park
Macuira,
a national park since 1977, covers 25 000
hectares in La Guiajira’s only mountain
chain. Ranging in altitude from 0 to 450 masl,
it enjoys a warm climate of about 27 degrees
centigrade. Inasmuch as the park is under the
direction of the Administrative Unit for
Special Natural National Parks of the Ministry
of the Environment, visits must be
communicated to the offices of this unit,
where travelers will be given more
information. Since access is by land, visits
are not recommended during the rainy season;
the best time of the year for a visit is
between November and February. There are two
routes to the park, one starting from Riohacha
with stops at Manaure - Bahía Portete -
Buenos Aires and Nazareth along the way, while
the other is the Riohacha – Maicao route
with a turnoff 5 kilometers before reaching
Maicao to take the Uribia – Cerrito Bahía
Portete – Buenos Aires – Nazareth route.
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 Los
Flamencos Plant and Animal Sanctuary
The
flamingoes, with their handsome salmon pink
plumage and mud nests built at heights of up
to 60 cm are the main attraction of this
sanctuary. Covering 7 000 hectares with
altitudes of 0 to 5 masl, its average
temperature is 27 degrees centigrade. The
swamps in Los Flamencos are known as
Manzanillo, Laguna Grande, Ciénaga del Navío
Quebrado and Tocoromanes. The park can be
reached by taking the main road, the Caribbean
trunk line, to the city of Riohacha and
driving from there to Camarones, and on to the
administrative center. Flights take off every
day from Bogotá for Riohacha.
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