Punta Gallinas, Northernmost headland of South America in La Guajira Peninsula, Colombia.
The La Guajira Peninsula extends into the Caribbean Sea, featuring sand dunes, desert landscapes, and rugged coastline at coordinates 12.46°N 71.67°W.
The Spanish colonizers did not manage to control this region, allowing the Wayuu people to maintain their independence and traditions throughout the centuries.
The Wayuu communities in Punta Gallinas continue their traditional practices, including weaving mochilas and maintaining a matriarchal social structure.
Access to Punta Gallinas requires advance planning, with trips typically involving a 4x4 vehicle journey through desert terrain and basic accommodation in rancherías.
The Taroa sand dunes near Punta Gallinas rise from the desert and drop directly into the Caribbean Sea, creating a natural border between land and ocean.
Elevation above the sea: 1 m
GPS coordinates: 12.45778,-71.66778
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:46
Colombia presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural formations include the Tatacoa Desert with its red sandstone canyons, the seasonal colors of Caño Cristales river, and the coastal dunes at Punta Gallinas marking South America's northernmost point. Coffee-growing regions such as Jardín preserve traditional Antioquian architecture, while islands like Providencia and Gorgona protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems in both Caribbean and Pacific waters. From the arid landscapes of La Guajira Desert inhabited by Wayuu communities to the neo-Gothic architecture of Las Lajas Sanctuary bridging a river canyon, these locations demonstrate the country's contrasts. Visitors can explore mountain trails, observe astronomical phenomena in clear desert skies, discover colonial goldsmithing traditions, and witness humpback whale migrations. Each destination contributes to understanding Colombia's environmental and cultural range, offering experiences that vary from remote wilderness areas to well-preserved historical settlements across different elevations and climates.
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