Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela

Updated June 11, 2025

La Guajira Desert & Punta Gallinas 4-Day Tour – Gran Colombia Tours

# Expotur (Riohacha): Punta Gallinas, Dunas de Taroa & Cabo de la Vela — What to Know Before You Book

If you’re using Riohacha as your launchpad into Colombia’s far north, Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela is a locally based tour operator with an office at Cra. 5 #3A-02, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia. Colombia

This specific route matters because it links three of La Guajira’s “hard-to-self-organize” highlights—Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas, and the Taroa Dunes—with logistics that are typically the biggest friction point for independent travelers (4×4 roads, long distances, and limited services once you leave the city).

Below is a practical, detail-first guide to what this tour agency is, what the destinations actually are, and what you should verify before you commit.

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## Quick facts: Expotur in Riohacha (verified)

Name: Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela
Category: Sightseeing tour agency
Address: Cra. 5 #3A-02, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia Colombia
Email: [email protected] Colombia
Phone (WhatsApp listed): (+57) 320 511 1458 Colombia
Public rating shown in listings: 4.5 (review count varies by platform and time) Rated Online

Outdated-data flag: ratings/review counts, office hours, and even WhatsApp numbers can change. Treat the above as “correct as published by the sources,” and re-check right before you go. Colombia

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## What Punta Gallinas is (and why it’s famous)

Punta Gallinas is a headland in La Guajira and is widely cited as the northernmost point of mainland South America. It sits in Uribia municipality, and multiple references note a lighthouse (Faro de Punta Gallinas) that is 18 meters tall and opened in 1989.

This matters for planning because Punta Gallinas isn’t just “a viewpoint.” It’s a remote zone where the payoff is the geography: desert meeting Caribbean, long open horizons, and stops like Bahía Hondita (frequently included on organized itineraries through the area). Colombia

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## What the Dunas de Taroa are (and why they’re different)

The Taroa Dunes are highlighted by Colombia’s official tourism site as an experience in the Punta Gallinas area, with views toward the Caribbean Sea and distinctive landscapes. Travel

Separately, Expotur describes the dunes as part of Colombia’s desert region where sand meets the sea—useful context for why this stop often becomes the “signature moment” of the whole loop. Colombia

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## Cabo de la Vela: what’s confirmed (and what’s commonly done there)

Colombia’s tourism authority frames Cabo de la Vela as a destination known for sun/beach/nature and specifically calls out windsurfing as part of the offer. Travel

That’s a helpful reality check: Cabo isn’t a “city stop.” It’s typically positioned as a base to see coastal lookouts and beaches, then continue onward to the far north (Punta Gallinas) if you’re doing the longer loop.

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## A real, sourced example itinerary (Expotur’s 3-day Punta Gallinas tour)

Expotur publishes a 3-day Punta Gallinas tour description that gives unusually concrete details—useful for assessing pace, drive time, and whether the stops match what you want. Highlights from the itinerary include: Colombia

### Day 1: Riohacha → Cabo de la Vela
– Departure from Riohacha (described start around 8:30 a.m.) and travel by vehicle toward the Alta Guajira route. Colombia
– Manaure salt flats are included in the described route, with a guided explanation of salt extraction. Colombia
– In Cabo de la Vela, the page describes visits to Playa Arcoíris, Pilón de Azúcar, Playa Dorada, and the Cabo lighthouse for sunset. Colombia

### Day 2: Cabo de la Vela → Punta Gallinas
– Morning continuation from Cabo toward Punta Gallinas through desert landscapes. Colombia
– The itinerary mentions passing/photographing Parque Eólico Jepirachi (wind turbines). Colombia
– Coastal bays referenced along the way include Bahía Portete, Bahía Honda, and Bahía Hondita. Colombia
– Lunch is described in a local ranchería on arrival. Colombia

### Day 3: Taroa Dunes + Punta Gallinas lighthouse → return to Riohacha
– Early visit to Dunas de Taroa with the option (as described) to descend the dunes and swim at the beach. Colombia
– Visit to the Faro de Punta Gallinas, explicitly framed as the landmark marking the northernmost point. Colombia
– Return route includes Uribia and an arrival time “around 3:00 p.m.” in Riohacha in the description. Colombia

Outdated-data flag: itinerary timing, included meals, and exact stops can change by season, road conditions, and whether you book private vs shared. Use this as a baseline, then confirm the current version with the operator. Colombia

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## Cultural and inclusivity notes that actually affect the trip

This route passes through territory strongly associated with the Wayuu people (widely referenced in descriptions of the area and Punta Gallinas).

Practical, respectful behaviors that reduce friction and improve outcomes:
– Ask before photographing people, homes, or ceremonial spaces; “what feels normal” in beach towns can be intrusive in ranchería contexts.
– Carry small cash for community-run services and stops; Expotur explicitly recommends cash due to limited ATMs/digital payments on the route. Colombia
– Don’t treat communities as a backdrop. If your tour includes a ranchería stay/meal, clarify what is included and how payments flow.

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## What to pack for La Guajira’s desert-coast conditions (advice, not a claim)

Even on organized tours, you’ll feel the region’s dryness and exposure. A tight kit:
– Sun protection (hat + sunscreen), light long sleeves
– Refillable water bottle (and extra water if advised)
– Dust protection for electronics (simple zip bags help)
– Cash in small denominations
– Simple sleep essentials if staying in rustic lodging (earplugs, a light layer)

Expotur’s own guidance emphasizes planning ahead, avoiding heavy backpacks, staying hydrated, and staying with the group. Colombia

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## Booking checklist: what to verify before paying

Because you’re dealing with remote logistics, confirm these in writing (WhatsApp is fine):
– Shared vs private tour format (and minimum group size if shared)
– Exact inclusions: meals, lodging type, entrance/guide fees (if any), pickup point in Riohacha
– Baggage rules and what happens to extra luggage if you’re continuing onward
– Road/weather contingencies (re-routing and refund/reschedule policy)
– Language of guiding (Spanish/English availability)

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## Location recap for your CMS fields (as provided)

– Post title: Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela
– Slug: expotur-punta-gallinas-dunas-de-taroa-cabo-de-la-v
– City: Riohacha
– Address: Cra. 5 #3a-2, Riohacha, La Guajira, Colombia Colombia
– Coordinates: 11.5520946, -72.9070801
– Type: Sightseeing tour agency
– Rating (platform-dependent): 4.5 Rated Online

If you want, paste your RealJourneyTravels internal URL patterns (or two existing Colombia posts), and I’ll swap those “internal link opportunities” into fully formed, correct internal links without guessing.

Key Highlights

Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela

Location

Places to Stay Near Expotur | Punta Gallinas | Dunas de Taroa | Cabo de la Vela

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