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All Colombia Uribia Punta Gallinas Lighthouse

Punta Gallinas Lighthouse

A lighthouse marking the northernmost point of continental South America.

Uribia, Colombia

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Punta Gallinas Lighthouse   Luis Alveart
Structure with map of La Guajira in Punta Gallinas   pipeafcr / Atlas Obscura User
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Punta Gallinas, also known as "Cape Hens," is the most northern place in mainland Colombia and continental South America. The headland drops to the Caribbean Sea from various levels. 

In addition to the turquoise blue waters that contrast the vibrant yellow surroundings of the La Guajira Desert, an 18 meter (59 feet) square skeletal lighthouse overlooks the landscape. The lighthouse was constructed in 1989 and was designed to mark the extreme points of the continent and alert nearby boats. 

Today, the spot is known for its breathtaking sunsets and kitesurfers on the hunt for favorable winds. 

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Punta Gallinas can be accessed via boat or all-terrain-vehicles from Cabo de La Vela and Riohacha.

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August 19, 2019

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Sources
  • https://econnectioncolombia.com/en/la-guajira-colombia-tours-punta-gallinas-wayuu/
  • https://www.ibiblio.org/lighthouse/col.htm
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_Gallinas
  • https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/the-ultimate-guide-for-visiting-la-guajira-colombias-northern-desert/
  • https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/dunnet-head
  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Faro+Punta+Gallinas/@12.4567192,-71.671682,16z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8e8e6c0a7ad225bd:0x90d8da7c1158c9ba!2sPunta+Gallinas!3b1!8m2!3d12.4577778!4d-71.6680556!3m4!1s0x8e8e6c0a7a86c52b:0xd83c211c18331e73!8m2!3d12.4576634!4d-71.6678336
  • https://www.google.com/maps/place/Faro+Punta+Gallinas/@12.4597992,-71.6719395,16z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x8e8e6c0a7ad225bd:0x90d8da7c1158c9ba!2sPunta+Gallinas!3b1!8m2!3d12.4577778!4d-71.6680556!3m4!1s0x8e8e6c0a7a86c52b:0xd83c211c18331e73!8m2!3d12.4576634!4d-71.6678336
Punta Gallinas Lighthouse
Unnamed Road
Uribia, 441039
Colombia
12.457663, -71.667833
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Colombia

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Places 96
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Explore the Destination Guide

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Colombia

South America

Places 96
Stories 25

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