Colombia

[mattpope]

Nearly back in Colombia again and was planning on getting to Peninsula Guajira (most northern point of South America).

A Colombian friend in the UK thinks this area is not very safe but she has been out of the country for a while and does not have up to date info. Anyone else been this way in recent times? Any info gratefully received.

Any other bikers out there in the vicinity of Venezuela/Colombia? Haven't seen another bike since leaving Uruguay 10000 miles ago.

Cheers.

Matt

[DanTheMan]

Hola Matt!

I was up there just after New Year and didn't have any problems at all.
Went with a few other guys from the Moto-club here in Medellin and found it to be intresting but not as beutiful as some other deserts.

Havent been to the top myself but we did some short trip around Cabo dela Vela and from there we were told its a full days ride
on bad roads/tracks to reach the point.

Dont know what border your going thru, but if you'll cross at the most northerly one I wouldn't recommend you to stay in Maico on the Colombian side.
During a short Visa-run to Venezuela I ended up staying there and for the first time, and probably the last in this beutiful country, I got a creepy feeling that this place was no good.

Also, and I dont want to exaggerate cause this is only information I was told by one! local, but the section between Cabo dela Vela in La Guajira and Parque Tayrona (Which is a very beutiful N.P. en route to Santa Marta)is best done in one go as road-robbery by Indians apparently has accured on this section.

I suggest that you do the bordercrossing as early as possible and head inland
for a bit as the borderarea incl. Maico is a little bit dodgy if you ask me.

Safety in all respect but most important IMHO is that you ask around for the roadconditions before heading up to the Peninsula so that the sandy roads hasn't turned in to a big mudhole.
After all, it's the rainyseason in Colombia right now but I dont have a clue if that effects this region aswell.

PS Is coming up or are you still planning to go straight to Bogota? DS

/Dan

[JTA]

I just came (8 days ago) form the peninsula, wich was an huge quagmire due to unusual rainfall. There are beautiful spots there, but it is very easy to get lost as there are no signed roads at all. The Cabo de la Vela can be reached with no difficult, but the interesting part is the "Alta Guajira" (northernmost part of the peninsula), and to get there you will probably need a local guide.

Maicao is one of the uglyest towns in the country (probably in the world), with no particular interest. On the other hand, I will recomend El Cerrejón mine, the biggest open mine in the world, a few hours from there. If you are still around Colombia, drop me a line and I´ll be pleased to help you.