Cementerio Ulerri, Numain Maleiwa

Plaza principal de URIBIA – LA GUAJIRA “la capital indígena de Colombia …

## Cementerio Ulerri, Numain Maleiwa: Visiting Sacred Wayuu Land Near Uribia, La Guajira

Cementerio Ulerri, Numain Maleiwa appears in mapping datasets as a small cemetery site in the rural territory of Uribia, La Guajira, Colombia. The coordinates you have (12.23336, -71.46675) place it within the wider Wayuu homeland on the La Guajira Peninsula, in what is today the municipality of Uribia. Uribia is widely described as the “indigenous capital of Colombia” and a cultural hub for the Wayuu, the country’s largest Indigenous people. Expedition

Because there is no detailed public documentation specifically about “Cementerio Ulerri, Numain Maleiwa,” the most honest way to approach this place is to understand it as part of a living Indigenous territory rather than as a conventional tourist “museum.” What you can reliably plan for is a visit to the region around Uribia and, if and only if invited by local hosts, a respectful encounter with Wayuu sacred landscapes such as cemeteries.

Below is what is factually established about the area, combined with practical guidance for traveling there responsibly.

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## Where You Are: Uribia and the Wayuu Territory

Uribia lies in northern La Guajira, on the arid peninsula that juts into the Caribbean at the very top of South America. It is the largest municipality in La Guajira by area and administers much of what’s called Alta y Media Guajira. Academic

Key context:

– Wayuu homeland: The La Guajira Peninsula is the ancestral territory of the Wayuu (or Wayúu), who live on both sides of the Colombia–Venezuela border. Estimates put the broader Wayuu population at over 400,000–600,000 people, making them Colombia’s most numerous Indigenous group. Latin America
– Semi-desert climate: La Guajira is one of Colombia’s driest regions, with low annual rainfall and extended droughts. Multiple reports highlight how climate change and water scarcity now intensify existing vulnerabilities, especially around food security and health. my Colombia
– Sacred geography: In Wayuu cosmology, cemeteries and certain coastal landmarks, such as Cabo de la Vela (Jepira), are deeply sacred spaces linked with the journey of the dead. Travels

Understanding this bigger picture is crucial before you think of approaching any burial ground in Wayuu country.

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## Why Wayuu Cemeteries Matter

Although there is no open scholarly or tourism-focused description of “Cementerio Ulerri” itself, there is well-documented information about Wayuu funerary practices and the role of cemeteries in community life.

### Two-Stage Burials and Ongoing Bonds

Several ethnographic and cultural sources agree on a few core aspects of Wayuu funerary tradition: Colombia

– Death is a long relationship, not a single event.
The Wayuu often practice a two-stage burial. The first burial is followed, years later, by a second exhumation, cleaning of the bones, and reburial in a secondary ossuary. Only after this second burial is the spirit considered to have completed its journey.

– Cemeteries are sacred clan spaces.
Cemeteries are linked to extended matrilineal clans and rancherías (small rural settlements). They are seen as the dwelling places of ancestor spirits and are central to Wayuu spirituality.

– Women play a central ritual role.
Women frequently lead mourning rituals, washing and preparing the body, and organizing the logistics of burials, reinforcing the matrilineal nature of Wayuu society. Colombia

Because of this, many Wayuu leaders stress that outside disturbances to cemeteries are not just physical threats; they are spiritual ones. This has been explicitly mentioned in recent conflicts where development projects were perceived as threatening sacred burial sites. Independent

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## Can You Visit Cementerio Ulerri?

Given the lack of official visitor information and the sacred nature of Wayuu cemeteries in general, you should not treat Cementerio Ulerri as a regular sightseeing stop.

Realistically, there are only two respectful scenarios:

1. You are invited by a Wayuu family or local authority (for a community event, research collaboration, or hosted cultural experience).
2. You are traveling with a reputable, Wayuu-endorsed operator that explicitly includes a cemetery visit in a community-approved context.

Anything else runs a serious risk of being intrusive.

### Ethical Ground Rules (Applies to Any Wayuu Cemetery)

These are general best practices in Indigenous territories, grounded in documented Wayuu cultural norms and common principles of ethical travel:

– Assume it is not open to visitors by default.
If there is no sign, infrastructure, or clear community-hosted context, treat it as private sacred land.

– Always seek explicit permission.
Permission should come from a recognized community authority (often associated with the ranchería or resguardo in question). La Guajira has Indigenous reserves like the Resguardo Indígena Numain Maleiwa where decision-making is collective and formalized.

– No photos without consent.
Photographing graves, ceremonies, or mourners without permission is widely considered disrespectful and can breach both custom and personal privacy.

– Dress and behavior:
Discreet clothing and quiet behavior are appropriate. Avoid alcohol, loud music, and any drone use near cemeteries unless explicitly requested by the community.

– Do not remove anything.
Taking stones, offerings, or even apparently “discarded” objects from a burial area is incompatible with most Indigenous norms in the region.

These points are not specific rules issued for Cementerio Ulerri, but they align with published descriptions of Wayuu spiritual beliefs and the special status of cemeteries. Travels

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## How to Reach the Region (Uribia and Surroundings)

Since there is no dedicated transport or signage to “Cementerio Ulerri” itself, planning focuses on reaching Uribia and then coordinating locally.

### Step 1: Get to Riohacha

Most travelers first reach Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, by bus or plane from Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, or Santa Marta. Colombia

### Step 2: Riohacha → Uribia

From Riohacha, several sources describe:

– Shared taxis, colectivos, or organized 4×4 tours heading toward Uribia, sometimes stopping at the salt flats of Manaure along the way. Colombia
– Typical travel time of a few hours depending on route and stops.

Uribia itself is a functional desert town with a distinctive circular plaza and road layout and serves as a staging point for further travel into Alta Guajira, including Cabo de la Vela and more remote rancherías. Bri

### Step 3: Uribia → Rural Wayuu Territory

Going beyond Uribia into rural Wayuu land (which would include areas like Numain Maleiwa) generally involves:

– 4×4 vehicles on unpaved desert tracks, often without formal road signs. Travelers are strongly encouraged to go with local drivers or tour operators familiar with the routes and cultural protocols.
– Extra planning for water, sun protection, and basic supplies due to the lack of services along the way.

Because specific directions to Cementerio Ulerri are not published in reliable sources, the only accurate advice is to coordinate on the ground with trusted local partners.

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## What to Expect in La Guajira’s Desert Landscape

While the exact visual layout of Cementerio Ulerri is undocumented in open sources, the broader environment is well described:

– Semi-desert and desert terrain:
Expect scrubby vegetation, sandy or rocky tracks, and strong sun exposure. my Colombia

– Strong wind and heat:
Cabo de la Vela and the surrounding coast are known for intense sun and steady winds (one reason kitesurfing is popular there). Colombia

– Sparse infrastructure:
Many rancherías and rural areas rely on basic or community-run systems for water and electricity. Recent initiatives highlight community-led solutions like wells, drip irrigation, and climate adaptation projects, which can change over time. País

Because conditions in La Guajira are evolving in response to climate pressures and social programs, any specific details about infrastructure, water access, or community projects should be checked as close to your travel date as possible.

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## Traveling Responsibly in Wayuu Territory

Here are practical guidelines that are consistent with current reporting about Wayuu communities and the challenges they face:

1. Prioritize community-led tourism.
Look for tours and stays explicitly run by Wayuu families or cooperatives in rancherías. This helps keep benefits within the community and supports local autonomy.

2. Be mindful of social realities.
Multiple investigations report high levels of food insecurity, child malnutrition, and underinvestment in services among Wayuu communities in La Guajira. Voices
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit, but it does mean that conspicuous extravagance or “poverty tourism” is inappropriate.

3. Support fair craft purchases.
Wayuu weaving (mochilas, hammocks, textiles) is a major cultural and economic pillar. Buying directly from artisans at transparent prices is one of the most constructive things visitors can do.

4. Check for consent around photography and storytelling.
Some Wayuu individuals and communities actively seek visibility; others are wary, especially given ongoing environmental conflicts and misrepresentation in external media. Respect a “no” and avoid publishing images of minors without household consent.

5. Stay updated on security and access.
Road conditions, fuel availability, and local security can change. Before heading into remote parts of Alta Guajira, verify current advice from local authorities or established community-based operators.

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## Nearby Experiences to Combine With Your Visit