Riohacha: Gateway to the Guajira Peninsula

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Riohacha was founded on August 6, 1545, by the Spanish conquistador Nikolaus Federmann. Initially named Nuestra Señora Santa María de los Remedios del Río de la Hacha, the city served as a strategic port for the Spanish colonizers due to its proximity to the Caribbean Sea.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Riohacha was a frequent target for pirates and privateers. Notably, in 1569, the infamous English pirate Francis Drake attacked the city, plundering its resources and causing significant destruction.

Riohacha played a role in Colombia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. The city was an important base for revolutionary leaders such as Simón Bolívar, who used it as a strategic point to launch operations against Spanish forces in the early 19th century.

Riohacha is the cultural heartland of the Wayuu people, an indigenous group that has inhabited the region for centuries. The Wayuu are known for their vibrant textiles, unique social structures, and rich oral traditions. Their influence is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the city.

The 20th century saw significant economic development in Riohacha, particularly through the exploitation of natural resources such as salt and pearls. The city also became an important commercial hub for the export of coffee and other agricultural products.

In recent decades, Riohacha has transformed into a popular tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant festivals, and cultural richness. The city hosts numerous events, such as the Festival of the Dividivi, which celebrates local traditions and attracts visitors from around the world.

The closest international airport to Riohacha is Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH), located just 10 minutes from the city center. The airport has domestic flights connecting from major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. Alternatively, you can take a long-distance bus from various Colombian cities. Buses from Bogotá to Riohacha take around 18 hours. You can also rent a car and drive; the roads are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for long distances.

Within Riohacha, taxis and mototaxis are the most common modes of transportation. Taxis are relatively inexpensive, but always make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Mototaxis are even cheaper and can navigate through traffic more easily. Public buses and minibuses (colectivos) are also available for travel within the city and to nearby towns. Renting a bicycle is another good option for exploring the city at your own pace.

The official currency in Riohacha is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it's a good practice to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities before heading to Riohacha.

Riohacha is generally safe for tourists, but like any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in secluded or unfamiliar areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and be cautious of pickpockets. Areas to exercise extra caution include the outskirts of the city and some remote beaches, as these areas have higher crime rates. Always use registered taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Riohacha. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The main hospital in Riohacha is Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Hospital.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and be quiet. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Hola'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as arepas and seafood. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Riohacha like a local, visit the lively market at Plaza Padilla where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal crafts. Engage with locals who are usually friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Wayuu indigenous community and learn about their customs and crafts. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Malecon, the seaside promenade, especially at sunset. Try to attend local festivals like the Festival de la Cultura Wayuu to immerse yourself in the local culture.