Punta Gallinas
Uribia, La Guajira, Colombia
Punta Gallinas marks the northernmost point of mainland South America, a stretch of desert coastline in La Guajira, Colombia, where dunes drop straight into the Caribbean. This is Wayuu territory, dotted with rancherías rather than towns, and there's no paved road anywhere near it. Getting here is most of the point, not just a means to an end.
The sheer remoteness and the dunes meeting the sea make it unlike anywhere else on this list, but it takes a genuine multi day commitment to reach, no half measures out here.
How we score beachesBook the trip as a multi day tour rather than trying to arrange it independently. The route runs through Cabo de la Vela first, and lodging out here is basic, hammocks in a Wayuu rancho rather than a hotel.
There's no direct road. Most trips go by 4x4 from Riohacha through Uribia to Cabo de la Vela, then continue by 4x4 or boat on to Punta Gallinas itself, a full day of travel each way.
This is remote, unpaved desert terrain with no formal path infrastructure at all. Not suited to strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who isn't prepared for a rough, multi hour overland or boat trip to arrive.
December through April is the dry season across La Guajira, with the least rain for the overland route, though this desert coast sees little rainfall in any month. Wind stays strong and near constant year round, part of what draws the dunes here in the first place.
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