Attraction
Pilón de Azúcar
The distinctive rocky hill by the sea is Cabo de la Vela's most famous viewpoint. For the Wayuu, it is a sacred place.
Colombia
City
Cabo de la Vela is a Wayuu fishing village on the La Guajira peninsula, three hours overland from Riohacha. You come for the desert by the sea, the viewpoint Pilón de Azúcar, sunsets at the lighthouse, and year-round kitesurfing.
by Felix Gillen
Cabo de la Vela is a Wayuu fishing village on the La Guajira peninsula, three hours overland from Riohacha. You come for the desert by the sea, the viewpoint Pilón de Azúcar, sunsets at the lighthouse, and year-round kitesurfing. You stay in simple posadas and hammocks.
Sights in
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Point of Interest
Cabo de la Vela Lighthouse
The lighthouse is one of the best spots for sunset. From here, you overlook Ojo de Agua beach.
Attraction
Playa Ojo de Agua
Small beach below the lighthouse, enclosed by rocks and desert. It's a standard stop on tours.
Beach
Playa Dorada
Cabo de la Vela Beach, one of the town's main attractions, along with Pilón de Azúcar and Ojo de Agua.
Restaurants in
Inn with a restaurant in the village center. Rooms are in traditional Wayuu huts. The restaurant serves three daily meals, known for fish and large langoustines that often serve two.
Food & Drink at Cabo de la Vela
In La Guajira's desert, Wayuu families cook in simple wood and straw eateries. Primarily, fresh-caught fish and lobster.
Mixed Fish Salpicón
Finely flaked fish, often ray, with freshly baked Arepas. This is the typical breakfast at Cabo de la Vela.
Langosta
Lobster is served here in large portions that can be enough for two people. It is affordable compared to coastal cities.
Deep-fried fish
Fried fish like Sierra, Mojarra, Róbalo or Pargo is on the menu at Wayuu eateries. It usually comes with rice and Patacones.
Fallow
The most famous Wayuu dish, made from goat meat, offal, and fat. In La Guajira, it is considered the region's signature dish.
Jepirra and Wayuu
The Wayuu call the area Jepirra. According to their beliefs, the souls of the deceased cross over to the afterlife here, and the Pilón de Azúcar is sacred to them.In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda's expedition, with Juan de la Cosa as pilot, reached the cape. In the surrounding Rancherías, you can buy woven Mochilas and other Wayuu crafts.
Getting There & Around
From Riohacha: approx. three hours overland, usually by 4x4 or with a tour.Uribia: last place to buy water, food, and cash; the local ATM is frequently out of service.Return trip: organize in advance, ideally for the morning, or book a driver.Onward to Punta Gallinas: 4x4s depart around 5 AM, the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.
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