Is Riohacha Worth Visiting? My Quick (Honest) Guide

I was told not to go to Riohacha.

When I asked my Colombian friend, whom I met in Santa Marta if Riohacha is worth visiting, he told me it is dangerous, there is not much to see there, and that if I want to take a trip to Cabo de la Vela, it’s better to do it from Palomino. 

And as much as I often listen to the advice of locals, rather than those who have never been to the place and just read the stuff on the internet, something told me that this time i shouldn’t listen to this advice.

So I booked a couple of nights in Riohacha before my Cabo de la Vela trip and an additional 2 nights right after. I wanted to see what this town is really like. I wanted to see if Riohacha was worth visiting at all. And I am so glad I did!

Riohacha isn’t a town that is a destination in itself. Most travelers would use it as a base for the La Guajira organized tour and as such it is indeed the best choice!

But Riohacha is very much overlooked and is definitely a very interesting city! 

So in this Riohacha travel guide I will express my opinion on the town and its safety, and share with you some of the cool things to do in Riohacha, Colombia.

Should you visit Riohacha?

Riohacha is definitely not at the top of all the list of most incredible places to see in Colombia. If you only have a few days or a couple of weeks in the country you should definitely dedicate them to seeing places like Colombia coffee region, Bogota, Cartagena, or Tayrona National Park. 

But if you are maybe a slow and curious traveler and have some more time on your hands, and if you are heading towards La Guajira anyway, don’t skip this town. Riohacha represents a part of the country that is rarely explored, and as such it can truly add to your perception of Colombia.

Riohacha is the capital city of the La Guajira Department in northern Colombia, located on the Caribbean coast at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea and the Guajira Desert.

La Guajira is one of the most fascinating places I have visited both culturally and environmentally.

Riohacha was originally inhabited by the Wayúu people, an Amerindian ethnic group that remains prominent in the region. With a population of around 380,000, the Wayuu people have a rich history and unique culture that has persisted despite numerous challenges including Spanish colonization.

Today Riohacha blends Indigenous Wayúu traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and Afro-Caribbean cultural elements into a fascinating mixture of Colombian hotpot.

Riohacha serves as the main access point to the Guajira Peninsula, a region of very distinctive geological and ecological features. The peninsula includes vast salt flats, expansive dunes, and remote coastal areas such as Cabo de la Vela, and Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America, characterized by its unique topography and biodiversity.

But Riohacha is a town that reveals itself slowly to travelers and its ‘’beauty’’ is definitely not immediately obvious.

I put beauty in quotes for a reason. Riohacha is raw, rough around the edges, and at times, it can feel unwelcoming. But it is Colombia. Colombia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and Riohacha is a big part of this puzzle. If you are looking for the beauty of Caribbean resorts, Riohacha isn’t a place you want to visit. 

But if you are looking for a beauty of authenticity, resilience, deep-rooted culture, and pride – you will find it here.

Is Riohacha Safe?

Why is Riohacha not considered to be safe?

Riohacha is relatively close to the Colombia-Venezuela border, an area known for instability. This region experiences issues such as smuggling and human trafficking. Also, the department is one of the poorest in Colombia. Unfortunately, crime often goes hand in hand with poverty.

Having said that, Colombia has taken significant steps to improve tourist safety. If only you follow some common sence safety rules, Riohacha is a great town to visit.

What did I do to ensure my safety?

I used only ATMs that belonged to a bank and went inside, and only during the day. I kept my belongings close and avoided flaunting expensive items. I also made sure that I stayed in a good hostel with good reviews and 24-hour reception.

If I took walks after dark, I stuck to the main promenade area where there are many locals and tourists.

If you follow those rules, you will have nothing to worry about and you will enjoy exploring Riohacha and the fascinating La Guajira.

Is Riohacha a good base for Cabo de la Vela trip?

Riohacha is the best base for the Cabo de la Vela trip. Whether you are planning on taking an organized trip or traveling independently, you will find the most travel agencies, and transportation options from Riohacha.

Also, this region is vast and it can take a long time to get to places like Punta Gallinas or Cabo de la Vela. Even from Riohacha. It’s best to minimize the time spent in the car by starting your trip from Riohacha.

How many days in Riohacha?

Riohacha is not a city where you will find heaps of things to do. But allow this town at least one full day to explore it, and feel the vibe. I stayed three full days but this was also because I wanted to rest a bit after the La Guajira trip. But two nights/one full day is enough to see all that city has to offer.

What to do in Riohacha?

You are most likely here because you are thinking of taking the Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas trip, and it is definitely THE best thing to do in La Guajira. Riohacha is an excellent base for this trip.

But I suggest staying for a couple of days in Riohacha and exploring what this interesting town has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Riohacha, Colombia.

Walk down the Malecon (especially for sunset!)

Walking along the seafront in Riohacha is wonderful. The Malecon (promenade along a waterfront) runs along the beach and is one of the best things to do in Riohacha for sunset!

On the way you can stop at Catedral Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and be sure to walk all the way to the ”I love the Riohacha” sign. This is where you will find Parque Nicolás de Federman as well as some great seafood restaurants.

Stop by one of the beach bars

As you walk along the beach you will find a few great beach bars where you can stay for lunch or a beverage of your choice. The prices are very reasonable in Riohacha so there is no reason not to!

And shop Wayúu mochilas

Also along the coast, you will find many street sellers offering snacks, souvenirs, and of course colorful Wayúu bags.

Wayúu culture is significant in Riohacha and across the whole region. The Wayúu community plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting their traditions through art, storytelling, and craftsmanship.

The iconic Wayúu mochilas, intricately handwoven bags, are one of the most recognizable symbols of this culture. These bags are not only vital economic products but also represent deep cultural and spiritual connections, as their patterns often represent ancestral stories and personal identities.

Eat ceviche!

There are a few top-notch seafood restaurants in Riohacha and if this is the cuisine of your choice, you can’t miss ceviche!

Ceviche is a popular Latin American dish consisting of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juice, typically lime or lemon, and often mixed with onions, chilies, or tomatoes. The raw fish is ”cooked” in lemon or lime and is absolutely delicious!

Check out the beach!

The beach in Riohacha is great to look at, especially during sunset but it is not the best for swimming. It can be a bit rough, not the cleanest, and full of crabs!

I took a quick dip, but I didnt enjoy avoiding the crabs so I wouldn’t say it was a blissful beach experience. But the beach is great for sunset walks. Don’t miss walking along the long pier which gets super popular during sunset hours.

Venture to the local market

On one of the days I decided to venture to another part of the town where the massive local market, El Mercado Nuevo was located. It was one of the best and most authentic local market experiences I have had in Colombia.

Clearly, I was the only tourist there and as much as I did collect a few looks I never felt unsafe and no one ever bothered me. 

This place was crazy busy with locals, the music was blasting and you could buy anything you could have ever dreamt of!

I didnt take any photos for you as I wanted to blend in as much as I could and snapping photos all around wasn’t part of that plan.

But I walked all the way there, all on my own, a solo girl, and did not feel unsafe. Yes, I held on to my belongings and was generally aware of my surroundings but I have fond memories of this experience.

Take a trip to Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos

If you have a spare day to take a cool day trip you should visit The Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos. It is a protected area located on the Caribbean coast, near the town of Camarones in the department of La Guajira, and is a haven for wildlife, particularly for bird species such as the American flamingo.

The sanctuary is part of a dry tropical forest ecosystem and the area also has mangroves, lagoons (like the Laguna Navío Quebrado), and rich coastal vegetation.

It is a very popular day trip to take from Palomino but you can also take it from Riohacha. Many local agencies offer this tour.

Explore beaches of Mayapo

Another great place to visit on a day trip from Riohacha are beaches of Mayapo. Unfortunately, this is one part of La Guajira I really wanted, but didnt manage to see, but I have heard the beaches are spectacular and totally worth visiting! The beach is pristine, the sand white and the water crystal clear!

The Mayapo beaches are located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of Riohacha and can be easily visited by tour or even by local bus. You will find colectivos going to Mayapo from Riohacha market square.

Mayapo also has plenty of restaurants and a few hostels, as well as some kitesurfing activities, so you could even stay for a day or two!

Where to stay in Riohacha?

There are few pretty cool hostels in Riohacha as the town becomes more and more popular among backpackers and travellers. I stayed at Bona Vida Hostel, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the bunk beds, the breakfast was included and the terrace with hammocks and bar was pretty awesome. The price was unbeatable.

You can also find very affordable private rooms in Riohacha. Walena Hotel has lovely rooms for only 18$ and Guajira House is a bit more pricy but is stunning with lovely decor and a garden.

NOVO Hotel Boutique offers an unbeatable location, swimming pool, and delicious breakfast.

Where to next?

If you follow my Colombia itinerary you are probably heading towards Palomino! Maybe you are wondering if it’s still worth visiting, then be sure to check out my Palomino post!

Cartagena is one of the must-see places to visit in Colombia and if you visiting for the first time – here is a breakdown of all the best places to stay in Cartagena for first-time travelers.

One of the must-visit places in Colombia is Tayrona National Park! And on the way be sure to stop for a few days in  Santa Marta. And while there you will definitely not wanna miss a trip to magical Minca!

Oh and if you are planning on visiting the Colombia coffee region be sure to read my coffee region guide as well as guides to towns like Salento, Jardin, or Filandia.

Happy Colombia travels!

Pati