Mochiliante
Mochiliante
If you've ever dreamed of a place where the desert meets the sea and golden beaches take your breath away, Cabo de la Vela in La Guajira is the ideal place. But before you start your journey, there are some tips that will help you make the most of this magical corner of Colombia.
We'll tell you how to get there, where to stay, and what to do to make it a great trip. After reading this guide, you'll surely be ready to embark on this adventure.
Cabo de la Vela is in the north of Colombia, in La Guajira. This small fishing village, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, welcomes you with incredible landscapes, quiet beaches, and a captivating Wayúu culture. The average temperature in the area ranges between 27°C and 30°C, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the sun all year round
Getting to Cabo de la Vela Guajira can be quite an adventure, but that's part of the charm. Here's how to do it:
From Riohacha:
First, you need to get to Riohacha by flight or public transportation
In Riohacha, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle to the Old Market and tell the driver to drop you off where the cars leave for Uribia. The minimum taxi fare is $7,000 COP, while from the airport it is usually $15,000 COP.
At the Old Market, take a vehicle to Uribia, this costs $20,000 COP and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Once in Uribia, tell the driver to drop you off where the 4x4 trucks leave for Cabo de la Vela. The journey to the Cape costs $50,000 COP and takes about 1 and a half hours.
And that's it, you've arrived at Cabo de la Vela! We recommend telling the driver the name of the hostel where you will be staying. If you don't have a place to stay yet, keep scrolling, we have a discount for you!
From Santa Marta, Palomino, Barranquilla and other cities
The easiest way is to go to the nearest transport terminal and take a direct bus to Riohacha. You can also check websites like RedBus or Pinbus to check prices and departure times. Another option is to take a flight from your city to Riohacha or nearby cities like Barranquilla or Santa Marta
Once in Riohacha, continue with the step "From Riohacha".
If you plan to travel between today and September 30, 2025 , by booking through Booking with Mochiliante, you can get a 20% discount or more on your next getaway by clicking here
When it comes to accommodation, Cabo de la Vela has a varied offer, ranging from budget hostels to more comfortable accommodations with sea views. Here are two options we found:
Rancheria Utta: It has a garden, private beach area, shared lounge and restaurant in Cabo de la Vela. This hostel with a bar is close to notable places like Playa del Ojo de Agua (1.7 km) and Playa del Cabo de la Vela (1.8 km), and also has sea views. Click to book
Vbelasofia: 15 minutes from Playa del Cabo de la Vela, it offers accommodation with a garden, free wifi, restaurant, terrace and shared lounge. It also has free parking, karaoke and event spaces. Click to book
We recommend you to bring cash, as there are no ATMs in the village and most places do not accept credit cards
Cabo de la Vela is a paradise for lovers of adventure, sun and tranquility. Here are some must-do activities, to do these activities you can take a tour where you are staying or you can also take a motorcycle in the village that makes the tour:
Visit the Sugar Loaf: This hill is one of the icons of Cabo de la Vela. You can climb to the top and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the sea and the desert. The beach at its feet is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Rainbow Beach: Here the waves crash against the rocks creating a magical effect where the colors of the rainbow are reflected.
Ojo de Agua Beach: A quiet beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and resting
Sunset at the Lighthouse: The sunset at the Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse is simply magical. It is one of the best places to see the sun set on the Caribbean horizon.
Cabo Beach: Thanks to its location, the sea water is perfect for swimming, with waters so calm that it looks like a natural pool.
Bring enough water and snacks: The climate is hot and dry, so it's important to stay hydrated. Although there are shops in the village, the offer is limited.
Protect yourself from the sun: Don't forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. The sun here is quite strong.
Plan your transportation: If you go on your own, make sure to organize the departure times of the 4x4 vehicles well so you don't get stranded.
Respect the Wayúu culture: Cabo de la Vela is home to the Wayúu community. Respect their customs and support their crafts.
Ranchería Night: If you spend the night in the Cape, we recommend asking about this activity. They will tell you about their culture, dances, traditions and much more. If, like us, you enjoy learning about new cultures, this plan is perfect for you
What is the best time to visit Cabo de la Vela?
The best time to visit is from December to April, when there is less rain and the days are sunnier. However, keep in mind that it is high season, so you can expect more tourists.
Is there cell phone signal and internet in Cabo de la Vela?
The signal is a bit limited and the internet scarce, so we recommend you take advantage of the opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature. Although, in our case, we did manage to get some signal with our phone operators: Wom and Claro.
Can you camp in Cabo de la Vela?
Yes, there are some areas where you can camp. Just make sure to bring all your necessary equipment and, above all, respect the environment to preserve this beautiful place.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave us a comment and we will be happy to answer.
We hope this guide has been useful for planning your visit to Cabo de la Vela, Guajira. This corner of Colombia is a natural treasure that awaits you with open arms 🌅. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment. Happy travels, Backpacker (Mochiliante)! 😁😉🫡
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