Season: The best time to visit Alta Guajira is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During this time, temperatures are cooler and rain is less frequent. The months of September to December, as well as the month of May, are usually rainy, and there may be restrictions on access to areas such as Punta Gallinas and La Macuira Park. In these cases, these activities are replaced by others that are announced days before the trip.
Accommodation: Trips to Alta Guajira include an overnight stay in Wayuu ranches (rustic accommodations but with everything you need for rest), generally with shared bathrooms and showers if you have accommodation in a hammock (it is recommended to bring a light blanket and a small pillow for better rest). When you stay in a bed, this has a room with a private bathroom. There may be restrictions on the supply of water and electricity, as well as other services such as WiFi. The water flow in showers and bathrooms is low and is not fresh water, it is brackish. A beach towel or microfiber towel is very useful. There is electricity in the ranches, you can charge your phone or camera at certain times. There is no fan, air conditioning or TV in the rooms or common areas.
Food: The menu of dishes in this area of the country is not so extensive given the conditions of isolation of the place. Generally, proteins such as sea fish, chicken and goat are used, accompanied by rice and green plantain. The drink that accompanies lunch and dinner is usually a soda or water. Restaurants usually sell beer and other drinks at an additional cost to the package. Vegetarian and vegan menus are scarce but can be organized depending on the availability of ingredients (generally many grains). These types of menus must be requested when confirming the reservation. In some restaurants, there is the option of dishes with an additional cost such as lobster or seafood. The consumption of these is under the responsibility of the traveler, avoid consuming endangered species.
Transport: The tours are carried out in 4x4 vehicles adapted to the terrain conditions, generally with air conditioning, and with capacity for up to 6 people. As it is a shared trip, the vehicle rotates during the journey. The tours range from 3-6 hours per day as long distances are covered. If the traveler arrived in Riohacha in his/her own vehicle, the tour operator will help him/her arrange a reliable parking space at an additional cost, which must be indicated in the reservation. If the traveler arrived on the same day of the start of the trip to Riohacha, he/she must arrive on his/her own to the local operator's office; the address is indicated days before the trip.
Activities: Although the visit to the main tourist sites of Alta Guajira is included in the visit, they usually offer other activities such as sandboarding in Taroa Dunes. This activity is extreme and is carried out under the responsibility of the traveler, the tour operator of the trip is not responsible for any accident.
Sustainability: Alta Guajira is a fragile and vulnerable territory. It is important to be a responsible traveler and contribute to its conservation. Avoid generating or throwing away trash, take it back home. Make responsible use of natural resources (water, electricity), which are scarce in the area. Respect wildlife and ecosystems. Buying handicrafts is a way to support local communities. Respect the culture and traditions of the Wayúu community. Avoid taking photographs of people without their permission.
Additional pick-ups or transfers during the tour: As stated in the itinerary, the included transportation includes pick-ups at accommodations in the urban area of Riohacha. If you are located in areas such as Palomino, Camarones or Mayapo, among others, transportation is at an additional cost. As the trip ends in Riohacha at around 4:00 pm, if the traveler needs to be in the city before that time, lunch on the last day is not included and early transportation to the city has an additional cost.
Other travel tips: The accommodations have lockers or luggage storage to store personal items. Keep in mind that your accommodation will be in a hammock in areas shared with other travelers. You can bring your own lock or rent one on site. If you are going to sleep in a hammock, you can bring a light blanket and a pillow.
Travelling with children: Children aged 0 to 4 years old travel free of charge but share services with their parents, but this is not really a recommended trip for children of this age, given the activities and daily travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodations. Children aged 5 and up pay the adult rate as they occupy a seat in the vehicles and receive all services during the trip.
Traveling with pets: This trip is not suitable for traveling with pets given the daily activities and travel times as well as the conditions of the accommodations, and out of respect for other travelers with whom the vehicle is shared.
Private tours: The rates for this experience are private, as it is not a common route on tourist tours in La Guajira.

We hope these recommendations help you prepare your trip to La Guajira, Cabo de la Vela, La Macuira Park and Punta Gallinas. Have an unforgettable trip!

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