Guajira

Lomax says on Jan 29, 2005, 04:53:

Cabo de la Vella Tiakatia, I have not been there recently; last time was 6 months ago (July 2004) so I cannot inform you about the security situation nowadays.

We went there from Santa Marta by car. Actually it was a cab after we had asked the taxi central to verify with its drivers what there price would be for a two day trip (as far as I can collect, we settled the price at $150,000 for two days). This ended up in my girl friends cellular phone overloaded by calls from taxi drivers issuing their price. We have arranged a private, recommended by some locals, on the side (actually he came from Guajira and was currently living in Santa Marta). Actually the road situation (at that time) was safe and we have not experienced any problems.

We stayed in Cabo de la Vella in some hammocks at a rest house located in front of the police station. From there we have seen the whole area and I can tell you: it is definitely worth a visit. Brilliant area and if you have a chance, please go.

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Gator says on Jan 29, 2005, 13:17:

Well worth the trip Take the bus to Riohacha and spend the night. The trip to see the stark contrast to the rest of the topography of Colombia is worth it.
Beaches are outstanding but there are miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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utopiacowboy says on Jan 29, 2005, 16:10:

The first thought that came to my mind was a trip escorted by Elmo. Of course she would have to spend part of the trip on all fours but c'est la vie. Uh, oh, I hope Elmo didn't hear that last part.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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TiaKatia says on Jan 31, 2005, 17:57:

Thanks! Lomax, do you know if you could have rented a car in Santa Marta for this? How long was the drive?

Gator, where do you take the bus from? Also Santa Marta?

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chiche says on Jan 31, 2005, 18:00:

go for it i have been recently there and it was great, but we only stayed for a day and came back to Santa Marta

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Lomax says on Feb 1, 2005, 14:22:

Sta Marta - Cabo de la Vella TiaKatia, as far as I could remember we took 5 hours to get in Cabo de la Vella (may also be something more) by car and we left Sta Marta at 4.30 am to avoid the heat during midday. The road to Riohacha is fine (am still surprised by the six lane highway for 2 kms before entering that city, so that the highway could also be used for aeroplanes to land). From Riohacha to Cabo de la Vella is more touch - remember that the roads are not paved overthere, so a 4wd or pickup is recommended).

Renting a car is not recommendable. I have checked this in Sta Marta and the rates were very (and I mean very) expensive as far as I can recollect. We figured out that our taxi trip would be less expensive. Please also note that there will not be any parquerado's in Cabo de la Vella and that the risk of being stolen (out of cars) seems to be a slightly higher than in Sta. Marta (for this reason our driver made very clear (and negotiated) that his car had to stand in front of the police station overnight; please note that this may only be the impression of our driver and not necessarily have to be based on facts).

Buses are departing from Sta. Marta bus terminal, a little bit to the east of the city on the road to Tayrona. Have a lot of fun!

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