Travel light - the journey can be bumpy and is quite fragmented - do you really need that extra pair of trousers?
Take public transport - it’s part of the adventure! However if you do want to travel in a bit more comfort, we can organise tours here at El Rio
Avoid peak Colombian holidays such as Christmas and Easter - the normally deserted beaches become crowded
Whilst in Cabo, make sure to visit the Pilon de Azucar for spectacular views and the best beach in the area - the Playa de Azucar
Eat local dishes such as barbecued “langosta” (large langoustine) and goat - perhaps not to everyone’s taste but essential Wayuu fare
Stop off at Camarones on your way between El Rio to Riohacha to see hundreds of flamingoes in their natural habitat - check in advance; flamingoes are migratory so are only there during certain monthsPrepare to get dirty. Running water north of Cabo de la Vela is non existent and is heavily regulated in the town itself
Prepare to be dirty. Running water north of Cabo de la Vela is non existent and is heavily regulated in the town itself
Take your time and visit Nazareth - it may be tough to get to, but this small town that sits on the edge of the Macuira national park, home to huge sand dunes surrounded by dense forest and larger than life locusts, is often the travellers that dare visits’ favourite place in the whole province. The mysterious “rock of destiny” (Piedra del Destino) is nearby…
Take: warm clothes (it cools off at night), sun cream, sunglasses, trainers and cash - there are no cash machines beyond Riohacha
Pick up a pair of desert shoes, espadrille style shoes made of old tyres that have plenty of gaps to allow the sand in and out - saves endlessly having to empty sand out of your shoes

For more information check out our article on travelling to La Guajira!