Riohacha city - La Guajira

Distance from Bogota: 1.121 Km.

Riohacha, capital of La Guajira, is situated 160 Km away from Santa Marta; was founded in 1945 by Nicolás de Federman on the bank of Ranchería.

Its economy depends of commerce, fishing and tourism. It has good infrastructure and strategic location, is the main point of reference for arriving to stunning places and beautiful beaches with white sands.

Climate

It has dry climate and high temperatures, contrasting with marine breeze and winds from the northeast. The raining season is in September and November and doesn’t rain a lot. The average yearly temperature is 27ºC and 30 ºC and the maximum one is 45ºC.

How to arrive

For arriving to Riohacha, you can take flights from Bogotá arriving to Almirante Padilla, airport. By land, it is possible to arrive to Bus Station in Riohacha. Its strategic location allows have a lot of visits of the entire world.

- Almirante Padilla Airport,  (5) 7273854 - 7273855

- Bus Station,  (5) 7272739

Tourist attractions

Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (cathedral)

It is considered cultural heritage, has gothic architecture in marble, inside there is the altar of Remedios Virgin, mostly known as “La Vieja Mello”.

Tourist Dock

The tourist dock is situated in La Marina Avenue, was built in 1937, is 1.200 meters long and has good lighting for taking night walks.

Monument in honor to “Francisco El Hombre”

The monument is situated in the small square of Carrera Nº 7, was built in honor to the creator of accordion and considered the pride of vallenato folklore.

Boca de Camarones

It is located in the Caribbean coastal, between Camarones corregimiento and the mouth of Tapia river, is 7.000 hectares long, was declared Sanctuary because of the abundance of pink flamingos.

Callejón de las Brisas (back alley)

It is a back alley located in the hotel zone, between streets 1 and 2 and Carrera 7. It was built during administration of Jorge Ballesteros. In the surrounding area, there are taverns, restaurants, travel agencies, hotels and some stores.

Cultural events

Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (festivity)

Many years ago, the festivity was carried out from January 20 to February 9, many people participated in the celebration; and there were night festivals, corralejas, street dances and horse races.
The Virgin is one of the oldest traditions of Riohacha people, is well known because of its miracles. There are masses and processions in the town center.

National Festival of Divididí (festival)

The festival of Divididí is carried out in August, many musical groups participate, and there are parades and popular dances. The event is in honor to divididí, a native tree that represents one of the main supports of wayuú culture because stands out the culture and economy of the region.

The festival began in 1969, its name comes from the wild tree, whose fruit is similar to a pod and contain a substance called “tatino”, used for national armories. Nowadays, the festival is carried out from June 28th to July 1st, the day of La Guajira anniversary.

Gastronomy

The characteristic of Riohacha gastronomy are delicious dishes that contain young goat, roasts, stews or sancocho; the roast of turtle, chicha de maiz (maize liquor) and the chirinchi.