• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

  • Start Here
    • About
    • My Story
    • Travel Bible
  • Travel Tips
    • Travel Gear
    • Dan’s Checklist
    • Medellin Tips
    • Culture Shock
    • Travel Safety
  • Destinations
    • Mexico
    • Colombia
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Jamaica
    • Brazil
  • Resources
    • Safety Gear
    • Learn Spanish
    • Travel Journals
    • Backpacking
    • Latin Culture
Home / Travel Guides

Things to do in Riohacha: La Guajira

Travel Guides Last Updated · Dec 9th, 2022 · Daniel James

wayuu statue riohach

Are you looking for things to do in Riohacha, La Guajira in Colombia?

Read about its grand beach, palm trees, and lively but yet laid-back atmosphere, this guide offers ideas on how to spend your time here.

As a strategic stop for most travelers to get to a place like Cabo de la Vela, what is there to do here in this laid-back city?

Table of Contents

  • Riohacha, Colombia Travel Guide
    • Centro Histórico / Plaza José
    • Cabo de la Vela
    • Malecon Beach
    • Shop for a Wayuu Bag
    • Take a self at Riohacha Sign
    • Walk out on the boardwalk
    • Punto Gallinas
    • Mayapo Beach
    • Find Seashells on the beach
    • Coffee and cake at Casa Vieja
    • Walk along the pier
  • Riohacha Travel Tips
    • Places to stay in Riohacha
    • Bona Vida Hostel La Quinta
    • Other things to Consider
    • Got Travel Insurance for Riohacha?
  • Riohacha, Colombia Travel Guide

Riohacha, Colombia Travel Guide

As part of my one-week in Colombia itinerary, I decided to come to Riohacha to see what it has to offer.

If you’re a traveler or backpacker that may either be just passing through or want to spend a couple of nights here.

This guide was designed for you.

Below you’ll learn about the destinations and things to do in Riohacha, Colombia.

Centro Histórico / Plaza José

So, let’s imagine you’ve just arrived in Riohacha! Depending on what time of day you get here you’ll likely gravitate towards the Malecon.

Catedral at Plaza Jose

Located in between the market and the beach you’ll pass Plaza José which is the central square.

Admittedly there is not much on offer here in terms of attractions, however, you should ogle at the statue and maybe even take a sip on an ice-cold coconut.

Also, the church offers an amazing view, and worth taking a few photos of it’d facade.

Cabo de la Vela

As you may already know, Cabo de la Vela is the main reason many people come to the Riohacha department.

The city of Riohacha serves as a base for travelers who want to take a rest the night before or the day after heading to Cabo de la vela.

cabo de la vela colombia
cabo de la vela colombia

If you have plans of heading to Cabo de la vela you’ll find many offers to get there from Riohacha.

In many cases, it’s wise to purchase a tour or excursions or tour before you arrive, in this case, I’d wait until you arrive here.

Prefer to have something solidified before arriving? Check out this tour that covers most of the unique landscapes in La Guajira Desert.

In fact, you can even negotiate the price along with the number of days you wish to spend at Cabo de la vela.

It’s recommended that you do two nights as there as other stops you can take along the way.

Malecon Beach

After arriving at Riohacha beach from Palomino I was in awe with the size and space available.

riohacha beach
Riohacha beach palm trees

In fact, it seemed like the perfect beach after seeing what the tide has done to the beach at Palomino which is not the best beach for relaxing.

The view of tall Palm trees and swift ocean breeze made a perfect combination.

Carry some durable flip-flops with you, though, as the sand can get really hot I almost burned my feet and had to hopscotch over to the shade.

Shop for a Wayuu Bag

My first memory of arriving in Riohacha, right before looking at the ocean was the stacks of Wayuu bags lined up in neatly packed rows.

wayuu bags riohacha
Wayuu bags at Riohacha Beach

Residing in northern Colombia and northwest Venezuela, the women of the Wayuu tribe have been weaving these bags for generations.

Every single bag that you see is different and unique, Riohacha is the perfect place to pick one up.

I saw tribal designs, colors, and patterns here that I have not seen sold in other parts of Colombia. Pick one up for around $35,000COP which is half the price you find the Wayuu Bags for in major cities.

Take a self at Riohacha Sign

Many people miss this! I recommend you brush up on your Spanish and ask one of the locals for directions.

I love Riohacha sign

For some strange reason, it’s located right at the end of the Malecon. When facing the beach walk right and keep moving until you reach the sign that reads I Love Riohacha.

Walk out on the boardwalk

Whether day or night, taking a stroll along the boardwalk was one of the favorite things to do in Riohacha.

riohacha malecon
Boardwalk at Riohacha Beach

The boardwalk allows you to walk out into the sea to get infinity views of the ocean and a cool breeze. It is located close to el camellon where you can find restaurants and people selling unique handicrafts.

Punto Gallinas

Now if you already know about Punto Gallinas, hats off to you. This is one place in Colombia the average travelers and backpackers don’t make it to.

As one of the most northerly points of the South American continent, you’ll need to block out a few days for this trip.

Did you read about my adventure to Tataco desert? Well, this is another dessert that’s much larger so you must be prepared.

Mayapo Beach

If you plan on spending more than one or two nights in Riohahca then you must head over to Mayapo beach.

mayapo beach colombia
Friendly kids I met at Mayapo beach

For just 7,000COP you’ll find a taxi to take you here from the market area.

Mayapo Beach is in the middle of nowhere and as you transport yourself the scenery beings to change into a more desert-like atmosphere.

I recommend you spend a few hours here and keep your options open in case you feel like returning sooner.

This beach is very rustic and the sea is fairly rough, but it’s worth a visit.

Find Seashells on the beach

This for me was quite therapeutic. Fishing for shells on the beach isn’t something I usually do, however, I could not help notice the sheer quantity of shells scattered all over the beach.

shells on the beach riohacha
Collecting shells on the beach

They were all stuck to the bottoms of my feet. My thinking wasm why not embrace this and see what type of shells I can find.

Collecting one or two unique shells to carry back as a gift, is always a nice token to give for a friend or family member.

Coffee and cake at Casa Vieja

If you’ve been in Medellin or any within the coffee region you may feel you’ve missed out on your fair share of ‘good coffee’ whilst being on the Caribbean coast.

casa vieja riohacha
Find Organic Colombian Coffee at Casa Vieja

Lucky for you there are a few decent coffee shops scattered around. In Riohacha the best place and only place (close to the beach) I found was Casa Vieja.

Once you’ve tried a Colombian coffee (and one of the amazing cakes) from here you may want to stay in Riohacha a bit longer.

They serve coffee from two local coffee farms, one of which was organic. Plus, you can also buy some of the beans to take with you.

Walk along the pier

I’ve listed this as separate from the boardwalk because you have to keep walking to see all of what is on offer.

riohacha colombia
Statue at the beach in riohacha

Along with the Malecon you’ll not only see more street vendors but also various monuments and statutes which are important representations of the indigenous and tell a story about the people of Riohacha.

Riohacha Travel Tips

After traveling to this region I wrote a few tips that may help make your visit to Riohacha and La Guijara a more enjoyable stay.

Places to stay in Riohacha

There are some great places to stay in Riohacha. For me, I wanted to stay close to the beach.

I took at look around at various of places to stay in Riohacha and took alike to the following:

Bona Vida Hostel La Quinta

santiago chile hostels

Reasons to stay here:

  • Hot Showers
  • Tour Booking Services
  • Exceptional Breakfast

Price via Booking

This hostel is perfect for couples! Their lovely terrace is also an ideal place to relax in the evening before getting a peaceful night’s sleep.


You can see my list of best hostels in Riohacha if you want to see which other you may like.

However, if you want to be in a place that has a fresh modern feel, a swimming pool, and connect other cool people, Bona Vida Hostel is definitely at the top of my list when I return.

Other things to Consider

One last tip is that I recommend you are smart with what you pack for this region.

I traveled super light and did my best to have adequate space to buy some gifts.

Check out my ultralight packing list for more ideas!

Here are just some of the things I carried to Riohacha:

  • Sunglasses – The Type that fold to save space.
  • Cargo Shorts – Equipped with deep pockets.
  • Sun Hat – One with UV protection.
  • Water Bottle – Prefabaly one with a decent filter.

Those four items I found were imperative for me to feel comfortable.

Remember it gets extremely hot in this part of the continent and the further into the desert you go the hotter it gets.

Got Travel Insurance for Riohacha?

travel insurance
🔒 World Nomads provides Travel Insurance

Designed by travelers, for travelers, World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities so you can explore your boundaries.

Riohacha, Colombia Travel Guide

So, now you should have a better idea of what to do in Riohacha, Colombia.

I hope this guide can help you plan your trip and organize what you’re going to do in this Caribbean location.

See more of my Colombia travel blogs for inspiration on where to go and what to do in this amazing country.

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

interesting facts about bolivia
cultural facts about bolivia
Missing something? Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from?

💬 Leave a nice comment or let’s start a conversation below!

“Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Filed Under: Travel Guides Tagged With: Colombia, South America

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behavior of a group of people.

Primary Sidebar

Meet Dan 👋🏽

south america travel with dan

After spending years on the road Dan is now offering to help you find your feet in Latin America; inspire you to learn Spanish and get you started on your adventures. Learn how to travel longer and stronger!

Yes Dan, help me!

Need something specific?

Recent Posts

  • Safest States in Mexico 2023 Guide
  • Is Punta Cana safe? 2023 Travel Guide
  • Is Guatemala safer than Mexico?
  • Tulum vs Cancun
  • Is San Luis Potosi safe? 2023 Guide

Footer

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Work with Dan

  • Be a Travelpreneur
  • About This Blog
  • Ask Me Anything

Travel Tips

  • South America Safety
  • Connect with locals
  • Dan’s Travel Bible

Get Inspired

  • South America Itinerary
  • Central America Safety
  • Solo Travel Tips

Learn Spanish

  • Learn Spanish Conversation
  • Become Fluent in Spanish
  • Top Places to Learn Spanish

© 2023 · Daniel James · Built on Genesis · See my site Policies

Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used.

This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
96 shares