The most northern point of South America is Punta Gallinas on the Guajira Peninsula. We thought that if we were going to drive all the way to the most southern tip of Argentina, we might as well start from the top of the continent. To me, highlight of the the Guajira was our final days here when we finally reached the pink sand dunes that tumbled into the ocean. This entire part of the coast was wild, desolate, exotic and captivating. We spent a three more nights exploring the sand dunes and camping under starts.
There were a lot of goats, the only thing that could survive the harsh environment, we also saw a lot of victims of the desert.
Camp spot near the dunes. The water here had strong currents, so we had to swim with caution.
Toby taking a leap of faith down a huge dune near the only camp site where we had zero visitors. For a day these dunes and beaches were ours.
Taroa Dune
There are a lot of massive sand dunes on this coast, but my favorite was the one you could drive your truck on. It was huge and made me feel like I had been transported to Namibia. I never imagined I would be seeing something like this in Colombia.
Warning, lots of sand dune photos coming, I had trouble editing them, so I just put all my favorites in.
Driving on the dune with the green ocean behind us.
Our XP glamor shot =).
The dunes literally just disappear into the Caribbean. Stunning!
Sam running up the dunes.
Carpe Viam and us having a blast driving on the dunes.
Me, Toby and Chloe, it felt like we were on another planet.
Getting stuck
So I think I mentioned before, you should travel this area in pairs, because at some point someone will more than likely get stuck.
First Toby sank deep and we all had to dig them out.
And then we sank. We were able to just dig a little and back out of this, our truck is a beast and we were aired down really low.
And then down the road we had to save some super nice Colombians who were REALLY stuck. First time we have used our winch on the trip, but not the first time we have had to pull people out who drive their two wheel drive vehicles on crazy roads.
Punta Gallinas
Does it look like you are on the most northern point of South America from Punta Gallinas? Not really. But it reminded us how far we have come and how far we still have to go.
The only building marking the location. Warning, don’t go inside, there are dead goats in there! Ick.
Toby trying to get the money shot.
All of us at the most northern point. I hope we can take the same picture together in Ushuaia. And no we did not pose in height order on purpose lol.
There were a lot of dead goats here in various stages of decay, so many that we decided we needed to find another camp spot for the night.
We ended up camping here for the night and it was our favorite camp spot of the week. No wind, perfect temperature and very silent.
Some final favorite memories of the Guajira….
Flamingos in the wild eating shrimp in the briny waters of the desert.
Sunsets over the Caribbean every night.
Scarlet ibis flying in flocks overhead. They were so pink, it was a crazy contrast to all the yellow dirt and blue sky.
Crazy landscapes that felt like we were on another planet.
The stars at night. WOW. The stars were just amazing.
The time we spent here really set the bar for South America. We now feel like the real adventure is beginning.