Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela

Punta Gallinas is the northern tip of Colombia and of South America: plateaus, dunes and rocky cliffs rising from the sea, embracing Hondita Bay. Its exotic beaches and mangrove belts hold the charm of a place still virgin and solitary.

The route takes in the Manaure salt flats, Uribia — Colombia's indigenous capital — sunset at the Cabo de la Vela lighthouse, the Pilón de Azúcar beaches, Puerto Bolívar, Punta Soldado, the Taroa dunes and the Punta Gallinas lighthouse.

This needs saying plainly: it is a demanding adventure route without the comforts of conventional tourism. Water is scarce, power comes from generators and solar panels, the road is unpaved and dusty, and it is hot and sunny by day and cold at night. There are no hotels: you sleep in a chinchorro in the Wayuu communities you visit. Those who understand that before setting out come back delighted.