The lighthouse
An iron tower from 1989.
Anfecaro — CC0 · Anfecaro — CC0 · Uhkabu — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ixchel247 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fabian Abtonio Hoyos Pulido (Fahoyos127) — CC BY-SA 4.0
Punta Gallinas is a headland at the far end of the Guajira Peninsula and the northernmost point on the mainland of South America. It lies in Uribia municipality, about 150 km north-east of Riohacha, in open orange desert that few visitors reach. The Wayuu people have lived on this land for a long time and still run most of the lodging and food here. In 1989 the northernmost lighthouse in South America went up, a red and white iron tower 18 metres high, beside an old building with a map and a sign bearing the name of the place, where visitors stop for photographs. The view is simple and wide: red and yellow land ending in the sea, and small stone stacks left by visitors near the lighthouse. Tours usually include the Taroa dunes, where high sand runs straight down into the sea. You may see coastal birds. The quiet is complete, far from any city. The area is 59.7 km in a straight line north-east of Cabo de la Vela and 105.2 km north-east of Uribia. There is no paved road, so go only by four-wheel drive with a local guide, and tours usually last three or four days. Fresh water is limited, so carry enough, along with cash, a hat and sunscreen. Respect the Wayuu and ask before photographing people.
An iron tower from 1989.
High sand running into the sea.
Small piles near the sea.
Far north of the Guajira Peninsula, Uribia municipality
Yes, it is the northernmost point on the South American mainland, not counting islands.
Usually three or four days from Riohacha or Santa Marta, passing Cabo de la Vela.