THE SET-UP

Although the winds can get up to 35 knots on the stronger days, the wind blows offshore, so as long as you’re competent on those days the water remains super flat at all times and it’s shallow too, so you’re never out of your depth. Punta Gallinas has similar conditions and you can also score some cross-on wave riding at the dunes of Taroa where the bay wraps round. Further south around Riohacha, the capital city of the region, the wind blows side onshore from the east with long beaches and perfect, tucked-away lagoons. Other spots around Riohacha include Mayapo, 20 minutes to the northeast, where the wind is usually a little stronger. Alternatively head southwest to Camarones which has similar conditions. There are plenty of opportunities for downwinders and you can kite the 24 kilometres from Riohacha to Camarones and then roughly the same from Mayapo to Riohacha.

Spots are quite spread out on the peninsula. The region around Cabo de la Vela is a sacred place to the indigenous Wayuu people who believe the area is a gateway to the afterlife for their ancestors. As such, the area remains beautiful and undeveloped.

This part of Guajira is certainly for the adventurous as there’s no running water or electricity, but most accommodations have generators that run at certain times of day and there are water pumps for showers. Take cash as there are no ATMs and embrace the social media-free experience during your stay! The area’s generally safe but be mindful of your valuables as you would be anywhere else.