Special Interest/Coast & Islands
GUAJIRA
Main activities/interests: Adventure - Culture
The Guajira Peninsula occupies the northeastern area of the country, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Venezuela. It is divided into three regions based on geographic characteristics: the Southern Guajira where its capital Riohacha, founded in 1545, is located; Mid Guajira with mostly flat and arid environment and the Upper Guajira mostly semi-desertic where the ocean creates amazing sceneries such as Cape of la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
with cactus that enhance the scenery and sand dunes that are a reminder that this is a land of myths and legends. The Wayuu indigenous people of La Guajira and their legends make this territory intriguing. The Wayuu live in what are known as “Rancherias”; small communities that spend their time fishing and weaving colorful handcrafted hammocks and mochilas (woolen bags) of resounding beauty and artistry.
We recommend
La Guajira pleasantly surprises with its extreme contrasts: the shiny white of the vast Visiting La Guajira is an immersion into salt flats at Manaure, pink flamingos can fascinating traditions, cultures, myths and be observed flying between lagoons at the native customs. Flamingos Fauna & Flora nature sanctuary; and the black deep coal extracted at El Cerrejón coalmine. Aside from salt and coal, La Guajira is bathed by a crystalline blue sea upon golden beaches of desert sand
54
Magic Sunsets
Culture Festival
Knitting in Uribia
Healing cactus fruit
Cabo de la Vela is a site to visit; a mystic encounter between the desert and the sea creates unique sceneries in this splendid spot. Nothing better than witeness a sunset in Cabo de la Vela on a hammock at the beach. The perfect setting for meditation or sharing the moment with someone special
Each year, sometime between May and June, The Wayúu show the world their enormous cultural wealth through a mix of traditional music, rituals, customs, handicrafts, forums, expeditions, and games, all of which have fostered the preservation of ancestral customs, traditions, and folklore.
Uribia is the locality with the largest Wayúu settlement and, also, the right place to admire their most representative handicrafts, hammocks and shoulder bags (mochilas). Typical motifs are geometrical figures that represent the natural elements (animals, plants, stars, tracks) that surround Wayúu life.
Since Guajira is a desertic area, there are many cactuses. The fruit of the Guajira Cactus is known as Iguaraya and seems to have healing properties for digestion. It is traditionally used by locals to make juices and wines with a distinctive Wayuu taste.
MACONDO DMC