Major city · Colombia
Riohacha
Spend 2 days in Riohacha: one day for beach, market and Wayuu crafts, another for a short tour to Los Flamencos or a nearby ranchería.
Riohacha is a small coastal town on the Caribbean, serving as the gateway to La Guajira desert. Its walkable centre offers a beach, colonial churches and a lively boardwalk. Day trips to Los Flamencos sanctuary (20 km) or Wayuu rancherías add cultural depth. Two days cover the main sights and a short excursion without feeling rushed.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry, cooler sea breezes)
- avoid May–Nov (rainy, hotter, occasional storms)
- Airport
- RCH
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Riohacha123 ▾
- Police, ambulance, fire123
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Riohacha, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyRiohacha is generally safe for daytime visitors; keep valuables hidden, avoid isolated beaches after dark, and use registered taxis.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police, ambulance, fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportRCH Almirante Padilla Airport (3 km (1.9 mi) SW of centre; daily Avianca/LATAM flights to Bogotá).RCH Almirante Padilla Airport (1.9 mi (3 km) SW of centre; daily Avianca/LATAM flights to Bogotá).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable; taxis cost about COP 5,000 from the bus terminal.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealStreet‑food snack (arepa, empanada)COP 7,000–12,000
- BeerBeer (local brand)COP 3,000–5,000
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (city centre, 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (city centre, 3.1 mi (5 km))COP 5,000–7,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCOP 30,000
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomCOP 120,000
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel double, a night, per roomCOP 180,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 30,000 · Mid COP 60,000 · High COP 120,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- RCH Almirante Padilla Airport (3 km (1.9 mi) SW of centre; daily Avianca/LATAM flights to Bogotá)RCH Almirante Padilla Airport (1.9 mi (3 km) SW of centre; daily Avianca/LATAM flights to Bogotá)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: May–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Jun (6 rain days), driest Jan (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Riohacha: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
2 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
2 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
3 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Sep
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
5 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
4 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
3 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable; taxis cost about COP 5,000 from the bus terminal. Mototaxis cannot enter the old centre. For trips outside town hire a taxi or join a local tour (check availability).
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Los Flamencos sanctuary (Camarones)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Taxi or tour from Riohacha, ~20 km (12 mi), 30‑40 minTaxi or tour from Riohacha, ~12 mi (20 km), 30‑40 min
Bird‑watching and pink flamingos; tours need advance booking.
Wayuu ranchería
goDoor to door: ≈1.5 h total
Local tour, 30‑45 min drive
Cultural immersion, crafts and traditional food.
Cabo de la Vela
cautionDoor to door: ≈5 h
Colectivo to Uribia (1 h) then local transport, total ≈4 h
Long travel; better as an overnight base.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Nueve Uno Hostel
Beachfront, air‑conditioned dorms; COP 30,000 per night
Bona Vida Hostel
One block from main plaza; dorms COP 30,000, no A/C
Casa Patio Bonita
Courtyard rooms, breakfast included; higher‑end option
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP 30,000–45,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP 45,000–80,000 excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed2 × 2 nights × COP 35,000 | COP 140,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × COP 60,000 | COP 240,000 |
| Taxi from airport to centre2 × COP 5,000 · check | COP 10,000 |
| Day‑trip to Los Flamencos (incl. guide)2 × COP 60,000 · check | COP 120,000 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × COP 80,000 · check | COP 160,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | COP 67,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 184,300 per person per day, bed included | COP 737,000 |
Air‑conditioned rooms cost more.
2026 estimate in COP; flights and long‑distance buses excluded.
Prices of common things
| Street‑food snack (arepa, empanada) | COP 7,000–12,000 |
| Meal at budget restaurant | COP 10,000–20,000 |
| Beer (local brand) | COP 3,000–5,000 |
| Taxi (city centre, 5 km) | COP 5,000–7,000 |
| ATMs withdrawal fee | COP 2,500–5,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Night buses may be infrequent; confirm schedules in advance.
- Some hostels host long‑term refugees; shared rooms can be crowded.
- During high season the beach can be crowded with locals.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire
- 123
Pocket card
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RiohachaRiohacha
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire123
Embassy
US consular services are in Bogotá; Colombian emergency number 123 works nationwide.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre (taxi): about COP 5,000, 10 min (check)
- Bus Terminal → beach (taxi): COP 5,000–7,000, 5 min
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (ˈɡɾasjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the bathroom? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbaɲo)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay with card? (ˈpweðo paˈɣaɾ kon taˈɾxe.ta)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Riohacha. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, cooler sea breezes) · avoid May–Nov (rainy, hotter, occasional storms) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport‑to‑hostel contract for RCH: check flight times, taxi fallback.
- Walking clusters: beach boardwalk, historic centre, market, Wayuu boulevard.
Sources
- officialRiohacha official tourism site
- secondaryWikidata – Riohacha
- secondaryWikivoyage: Riohacha, revision 5244041 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Riohacha
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