Location: Riohacha
Top Things to do in Riohacha
What to do and see in Riohacha, Colombia: The Best Places and Tips
Riohacha (Spanish pronunciation: [rjoˈa.tʃa]), Rio Hacha or Rio de la Hacha (English: River of the Axe or Axeshore - Wayuu: Süchiimma, "Süchii" means river, and "mma" means land, Riverland), is a city in the Riohacha Municipality in the northern Caribbean Region of Colombia by the mouth of the Ranchería River and the Caribbean sea, capital city of the La Guajira Department. Founded by conquistador Nikolaus Federmann in 1535, Riohacha was named after a local legend "The legend of the Axe". Owing to the powerful rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the area is mostly desertic and inhabited by Amerindians, predominantly by members of the Wayuu ethnic group. During colonial times Riohacha was a very important port due to the discovery of vast numbers of pearls. In the second half of the 20th Century, the city became one of Colombia's medium important, maritime commercial ports as well as a multicultural center for La Guajira Department. The city is mentioned several times in One Hundred Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera, and Chronicle of a Death Foretold, novels written by Gabriel García Márquez.
Restaurants in Riohacha
1. Punta Gallinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By TimCEHV - Eindhoven, The Netherlands
I've booked the 3-day tour from Santa Marta with Turcol.
The tour itself was a little disorganized (see my review of Turcol Travel).
During this tour, the first stop was Cabo de la Vela. Since it was low-season, the place was deserted and looked like an old western movie. After having a lunch, you get to visit some other deserted places with breath-taking views and end the day with watching the sunset on a rock. After dinner and some beers, called it a night in a hammock on the beach.
The second day we left at 5 AM for the trip to Punta Gallinas and the Taroa Dunes. After dropping my bags at the "hospedaje", we visited these locations. In the afternoon a boat takes you out to view some flamingos and go to another deserted beach to watch the sunset.
The third day is only travel, so be prepared :)
2. Camellon de Riohacha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Barkervillegirl - South America
This is the place to be! Highlights include a long pier, a big beach, a walkway where the locals sell their beautiful handicrafts and some interesting bars and restaurants. I don't recommend walking here midday because you will end up baking. Early evening is a good time. That's also when the locals come out and enjoy the cooler temperature. I found a nice restaurant to eat at, and I lingered over a beer whilst enjoying the view.
4. Playas de Mayapo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
5. Plaza Padilla
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By RICARIZA - MIAMI, FL
It is a nice plaza, the sculpture of Padilla is very nice and it has a nice ambience at night, but nothing stands out really.
6. Playa de Palomino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By TomaszKozakowski - Warsaw, Poland
There are a few possibilities to enjoy your time at the Beaches of Palomino. The one in the city is crowded and full of locals trying to sell you everything you need. The one close to military area by the river at the end of the village is more relaxing and allows swimming both in the sea and in the river.
7. Centro Comercial Suchiimma
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By pitsab599 - Valledupar, Colombia
Not many stores. Has ATMs. Its right across from the bus terminal and so you can hang out there instead of the bus terminal.
8. El Mercado Nuevo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Gwen721 - San Salvador, El Salvador
Si quieren adquirir productos Wayuu a buenos precios y garantizar que su dinero ayude directamente a sus fabricantes pues este es el lugar. Estuve en varios lugares en la Guajira y este fue el lugar donde mejor precios ofrecen. Las mochilas pequeñas van desde los 10mil pesos y las grandes valen 30mil pesos (muy barato) y de paso lo mas satisfactorio es poder ayudar a los artesanos del lugar que se sustentan de la venta de estos productos. Es seguro y céntrico poder llegar. Recomendado.
