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Travel & Hospitality Awards - Americas 2023

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Did you ever think you’d find a desert in South America? Well, you can – in what’s arguably the most<br />

exciting corner of all Colombia. This vast and diverse land of jungle, mountains, salt flats, sand<br />

dunes, and stunning Caribbean beaches is just begging to be discovered.<br />

Part of the backpacker route for a while now, La Guajira<br />

is a welcoming and laid-back place to visit, whether you<br />

want to get out there and explore or simply kick back with<br />

a drink and enjoy the sunshine.<br />

The indigenous Wayuu people who have traditionally<br />

inhabited the region play an important role in the culture<br />

and economy, including fantastic handicrafts like their<br />

intricately-woven mochilas bags. Although it’s not a rich<br />

region of the country, it’s a fascinating place to explore<br />

that still retains some traditions not found in the big cities.<br />

For the intrepid explorer, you can tour the desert area on<br />

a guided motorbike or 4x4 adventure to reach Colombia’s<br />

most remote national park, Macuira. This bizarre<br />

landscape of shifting sand dunes and craggy mountains<br />

is home to a tropical microclimate that must be seen to<br />

be believed.<br />

And if you need somewhere to take a load off and wash<br />

the sand out of your hair, then Palomino Sunrise is the<br />

place to stay. Based in the tiny town of Palomino on the<br />

north coast of La Guajira, it’s a collection of comfortable<br />

cabanas and family rooms based around the pool and<br />

just a few steps away from the beach.<br />

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