Alta Guajira: 3-Day Wayuu Culture & Taroa Dunes Trip

Summary

Wayuu weaving, salt flats, Taroa dunes and Caribbean sunsets

You’ll walk salt flats with local workers near Manaure, share fireside stories with Wayuu hosts in Cabo de la Vela, climb Taroa dunes where Sahara sands meet Caribbean waves, and stand at Punta Gallinas — South America’s northern edge. Expect laughter around simple meals and moments of silence under huge skies.

What’s the experience like?

Hands scooping up crystals from the Manaure Salt Flats — that’s how our trip started. I’d seen photos before, but standing there with the sun bouncing off those white pools, it hit different. The local workers didn’t seem to notice us much at first, just kept moving in their rhythm. Our guide (I think his name was Luis?) explained how this whole process has been passed down for generations. I tried to say “salt” in Wayuunaiki — Li laughed when I butchered it, but she appreciated the effort.

The drive to Cabo de la Vela felt long but weirdly peaceful. Sand everywhere, then suddenly a burst of yellow at Playa Dorada. Lunch was simple fish and rice at our accommodation — honestly, after all that road dust, it tasted perfect. Later we walked up the sugar pylon hill; some of us hiked, others just hung back snapping photos. The wind up there is no joke. That night by the campfire with the Wayuu women weaving and telling stories… I remember the smoky smell mixing with sea air and someone’s phone playing vallenato too quietly to really hear.

Next morning: breakfast just as the sky turned pink (I’m not usually a morning person). We stopped at Bahía Honda and Portete Bay — I kept losing count of which bay was which because they all kind of blur together in your memory after a while. But you don’t forget the Taroa Dunes. It’s wild seeing sand from the Sahara meet cold Caribbean water — apparently March to May is when most of it blows over. I tried running down one dune but ended up half-rolling instead; still have sand in my shoes.

Punta Gallinas lighthouse surprised me — not so much for the view (which is big and open), but more for knowing you’re literally at South America’s tip. Dinner that night was quiet; everyone seemed tired in a good way. Last day we hit Mayapo beach early — wind strong enough to mess up your hair for days, kitesurfers out already. Then a quick ride back to Riohacha or wherever people were heading next. I still think about that last stretch of empty road before real life crept back in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cabo de La Vela and surroundings

• Visit Manaure Salt Flats
• Stop in Uribia for snacks and bathroom
• Travel to Cabo de La Vela and have lunch
• Enjoy rainbows at the water rocks
• Hike or photograph the sugar pylon
• Relax at Playa Dorada beach
• Watch sunset at the beach
• Optionally see sunset at alternate location

Day 2 — Journey to Punta Gallinas and bays

• Breakfast and depart for Punta Gallinas
• Pass Wind Farm and visit Bahía Portete
• View Bahía Honda and possibly have lunch
• See Bahía Hondita and Taroa Dunes
• Visit Mirador de Casares viewpoint
• Arrive at Punta Gallinas Lighthouse
• Watch sunset at Punta Gallinas Lighthouse
• Dinner and rest at local accommodation

Day 3 — Visit Mayapo beach and return

• Leave inn early morning
• Enjoy Mayapo beach and water sports
• Travel to Riohacha accommodation or continue

Top questions

How many nights are included on this Alta Guajira tour?

This tour includes 2 nights’ accommodation with local hosts.

Is lunch provided during the day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu?

No, this tour takes place in Alta Guajira and does not include Machu Picchu or Cusco.

Can you swim at Playa Dorada or Taroa Dunes?

You can swim at Taroa Dunes’ beach but not at certain rocky spots; always follow local advice.

Are there cultural activities with Wayuu people?

Yes, you’ll join craft weaving sessions and listen to Wayuu stories around a campfire.

What’s included in terms of transport?

All ground transportation between sites is included during the 3-day itinerary.

Is health insurance part of this Alta Guajira package?

Yes, basic health insurance is included for all participants during the trip.

Are infants or pregnant travelers recommended on this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or babies due to weather and terrain conditions.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back in Riohacha or you can continue your adventure elsewhere from there.

What’s included

Your three days include pickup from Riohacha area accommodations or meeting point, all ground transport across La Guajira’s wild north coast, two nights’ stay with local hosts (private rooms or shared depending on group size), meals as per itinerary including fresh fish lunches and simple breakfasts, guided visits through salt flats and bays, cultural activities with Wayuu artisans like weaving demonstrations by firelight, plus basic health insurance throughout your journey.