# La Guajira Department, Colombia – Municipalities & Population

> Source: https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/

Department · Colombia 

# La Guajira Department

La Guajira Department is a department of Colombia. It had an estimated **1,041,773 people** in 2025 on 20,616 km² (about 51 per km²). Its main town is Riohacha. It is divided into 15 municipalities. 1,621 named villages and localities are recorded here, and 2,375 mapped services such as hospitals, banks and schools.

- 1,041,773people (2025)
- 20,616km²
- 15municipalities
- 2,375mapped services

## How many people live in La Guajira Department?

La Guajira Department had an estimated **1,041,773 people** in 2025 — 2.0% of Colombia, 19th of 33 departments. There are 1,045 women for every 1,000 men (close to the Colombia figure of 1,055). Spread over 20,616 km², that is about **51 people per km²**, 21st of 33 departments.

31.6% of people are children under 15 and 5.7% are 65 or older; the median age is about 25 years (it is 33 across Colombia). For every 100 people of working age (15–64) there are 59 children and older people.

0–4 ****107,765**

5–9 ****111,045**

10–14 ****109,953**

15–19 ****100,539**

20–24 ****95,205**

25–29 ****90,217**

30–34 ****79,513**

35–39 ****69,645**

40–44 ****60,840**

45–49 ****50,407**

50–54 ****41,290**

55–59 ****35,147**

60–64 ****30,571**

65–69 ****22,712**

70–74 ****15,601**

75–79 ****10,212**

80–84 ****5,851**

85–89 ****3,023**

90–94 ****1,384**

95+ ****568**

Source: [Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) via OCHA HDX, population 2025 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-col).

## Where is La Guajira Department?

La Guajira Department lies in [Colombia](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/). It borders 2 other departments: [Cesar Department](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/cesar/) and [Magdalena Department](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/magdalena/). By area it is the 25th largest of 33 departments in Colombia. It covers 1.8% of [Colombia](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/). The centre of La Guajira Department is about 776 km in a straight line from Bogotá, the capital. The centre point is at 11.4281° N, 72.5917° W.

Source: [Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-col).

## Things to see in and around La Guajira Department

OpenStreetMap lists 57 named sights in La Guajira Department: 17 attractions; 11 beachs; 9 viewpoints; 6 memorials; 5 monuments; 3 nature reserves; 2 national parks; 1 waterfall; 1 theme park; 1 museum; 1 cave.

- Museo de la Sal Ichi · museum
- Tane · waterfall
- Parque Nacional Natural Macuira · national park
- Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta · national park
- Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta · nature reserve
- Reserva Natural de la Sociedad Civil Hacienda El Cequión · nature reserve
- Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos · nature reserve
- La Raya Beach · beach
- Ojo de Agua · beach
- Playa Arcoiris · beach
- Playa Dorada · beach
- Playa El Pilón de Azúcar · beach
- Playa Epirop · beach
- Playa Palomino · beach
- Playa Puerto Bolívar · beach
- Playa de El Cabo · beach
- Playa del Pilón de Azúcar · beach
- Punta La Vela · beach
- Barco abandonado · viewpoint
- Mirador Casares · viewpoint
- Mirador de Casares · viewpoint
- Mirador de Emilio · viewpoint
- Mirador de mauren · viewpoint
- Piedra Tortuga · viewpoint
- Portete · viewpoint
- Rainbow beach · viewpoint
- Rainbow beach · viewpoint
- Campo del Sal · attraction
- Centro Recreacional Piscinas El Pedregal · attraction
- Comedero pájaros · attraction

…and 27 more.

Source: [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

Named attractions, museums, viewpoints, historic sites and natural features mapped in OpenStreetMap. Places of worship are not listed.

## Know before you go: La Guajira Department

- Time zoneUTC−5, no daylight saving · America/Bogota
- CurrencyPeso (COP)
- Country calling code+57
- LanguagesSpanish
- Plug typesType A, B · 110 V
- Driving sideRight
- Postcode format6 digits (######)

### Nearest airports

- Almirante Padilla Airport (RCH) · Riohacha38 km
- Alfonso López Pumarejo Airport (VUP) · Valledupar132 km

### Daylight

Days are longest in Jun (about 12.8 hours, sunrise around 05:26) and shortest in Dec (about 11.5 hours, sunrise around 06:01, sunset around 17:29).

Month Sunrise Sunset Daylight 

Jan 06:13 17:44 11.5 h 

Feb 06:11 17:57 11.8 h 

Mar 05:58 18:01 12.0 h 

Apr 05:39 18:01 12.4 h 

May 05:27 18:05 12.6 h 

Jun 05:26 18:14 12.8 h 

Jul 05:34 18:18 12.7 h 

Aug 05:39 18:10 12.5 h 

Sep 05:39 17:51 12.2 h 

Oct 05:39 17:32 11.9 h 

Nov 05:46 17:23 11.6 h 

Dec 06:01 17:29 11.5 h 

Source: [GeoNames country and time-zone files (CC BY 4.0)](https://www.geonames.org/); [Wikidata (CC0) — plug types, mains voltage, driving side; retrieved 2026-11-02](https://www.wikidata.org/); [OurAirports (public domain)](https://ourairports.com/data/).

Airports with scheduled passenger flights; straight-line distances. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of each month in local standard time. Check entry and visa rules with official government sources before travelling.

## Municipalities of La Guajira Department

Municipality People per km² Area km² Localities Services 

[Riohacha](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/riohacha/) 218,482 71 3,089 260 984 

[Uribia](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/uribia/) 203,745 26 7,877 734 227 

[Maicao](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/maicao/) 200,070 113 1,768 114 361 

[Manaure](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/manaure/) 100,437 62 1,619 183 114 

[San Juan del Cesar](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/san-juan-del-cesar/) 53,679 41 1,314 77 110 

[Fonseca](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/fonseca/) 48,199 102 474 55 89 

[Dibulla](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/dibulla/) 45,177 26 1,751 63 276 

[Barrancas](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/barrancas/) 41,357 52 801 77 76 

[Albania](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/albania/) 34,867 64 546 31 10 

[Villanueva](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/villanueva/) 31,685 122 260 27 42 

[Hatonuevo](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/hatonuevo/) 23,837 111 215 19 20 

[Distracción](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/distraccion/) 15,369 66 232 21 19 

[Urumita](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/urumita/) 12,179 49 246 18 24 

[El Molino](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/el-molino/) 8,546 35 242 28 17 

[La Jagua del Pilar](https://wherepedia.org/colombia/la-guajira/la-jagua-del-pilar/) 4,144 23 180 7 6 

Source: [Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-col); [Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) via OCHA HDX, population 2025 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-col).

## Villages and localities in La Guajira Department

Open gazetteers list **1,621 villages, towns and localities** in La Guajira Department. The largest with a recorded population: Riohacha (188,014), Maicao (166,603), San Juan del Cesar (40,069), Barrancas (38,232), Fonseca (32,220) and Albania (26,940). Settlements here lie between about -65 m and 2,867 m above sea level (median 52 m).

- Abre El Ojo
- Achintukua (La Sierrita)
- Adaluz
- Ahipinapa
- Ahuayamal
- Aichumahana
- Ailaparihi
- Aima
- Aipiruhu
- Aipiuralain
- Ajaraiahuria
- Ajumana
- Alapa
- Alapoui
- Albania
- Alepiapa
- Alialu
- Almirante Padilla
- Alto Pino
- Aluuotirö
- Amaigur
- Amaiquiro
- Amakimahana
- Amarasirapan
- Amaurica
- Amuchen
- Amuchi Shou
- Amurco
- Amámahana
- Amáreruhu
- Amúrurua
- Anaime
- Analipa
- Anaralito
- Anay
- Anerrutamahana
- Antiguo ETCR Pondores
- Anuariachóm
- Anutshi
- Anúachom A
- Anúachom B
- Apariuohu
- Apatta
- Apotoruitpa
- Apotureca
- Apurraraho
- Arainaguo
- Araparen
- Araua
- Araurica
- Araurío
- Aremasain
- Aremasáuahu
- Aritayeín
- Ariuarapuhu
- Arpajaco
- Arroyo Arena
- Arroyo Guerrero
- Arroyo Hondo
- Aruatapahin
- Aruba
- Arákachom
- Aránapuruohu
- Aráparen
- Aráshouri
- Arémasahin
- Aríaitpa
- Aríjunasahin
- Arírapah
- Arírapaha
- Arúachani
- Arúahin
- Arúatapahi
- Arúatapay
- Asentamiento
- Asentamiento kogui
- Asijares
- Astanay
- Asunción
- Atapup
- Atasure
- Atfanapu
- Atiatihe
- Atkusirro
- Atpana
- Atpatirro
- Atáchom
- Atájapo
- Aujero
- Auluth
- Auyana
- Awana
- Aílanapaha
- Babilonia
- Bahía Hondita
- Bandera
- Banganita
- Barbacoas
- Barracón
- Barranca
- Barrancas
- Barriales - Nuevas Ideas
- Barrialito
- Barrio Santander
- Barrito Blanco
- Bejuco - Diezmero
- Betoncho
- Boca Grande
- Boca de Monte
- Boca de Tigre
- Boca del Monte
- Bonga
- Boquina
- Botocor
- Botomana
- Botonchón
- Botoy
- Brasil
- Buayarumaná
- Buena Vista
- Buenavista
- Buenos Aires
- Caballais
- Cabo de La Vela
- Cabra
- Cacho
- Caimito
- Cajomares
- Calabacera
- Calabacito
- Calonka
- Camarones
- Camarote
- Camilo Torres
- Camisamana
- Campamana
- Campana
- Campana Nueva
- Campoflorido
- Camuya
- Canasumana
- Canavon
- Canaán
- Caneguaga
- Canga
- Cangrejito
- Capuchirapo
- Caracasaca
- Caracolí
- Caramana
- Carbonalito
- Cardonal
- Carecaremana
- Carencho
- Cariguanaso
- Carorones
- Carraipia
- Carraipía
- Carretalito
- Carreteramahana
- Carrizal
- Carujo
- Casa Japón
- Casa Peña
- Casa de Aluminio
- Casa de las Sabanas
- Cascajalito
- Cascajito
- Caserío Chancleta
- Caserío Indigena Laguna Sala
- Caserío Juan Y Medio
- Caserío La Arena
- Caserío Las Casitas
- Cashushujuna
- Casimeche
- Casquillo
- Castilletes
- Casusujuna
- Casutuchon
- Caula
- Caurina
- Causarijuno
- Cayushima
- Cañaboba
- Cañahuate
- Cañaverales
- Caño Dulce
- Caño Seco
- Ceibacal
- Ceibacá
- Ceibal
- Centro Histórico
- Cerrejón
- Cerrillo
- Cerrito
- Cerro Peralta
- Chalua
- Chamasirrahu
- Chamohu
- Chancleta
- Chanequía
- Charalito
- Chareracar
- Chauainamahana
- Chauúttamahana
- Checherlosamahana
- Chemerrain
- Cherua
- Chihot
- Chikepu
- Chimaré
- Chipa
- Chipá
- Chiquinquirá
- Chole
- Choles
- Chonchupuri
- Chorrera
- Chumáhana
- Chuorrótsirra
- Chuotpana
- Chupuisep
- Chusirasá
- Chéyuopu
- Cicaíno
- Cielito Lindo
- Cielo Azul
- Cinco Hermanas
- Ciénaga
- Coctamana
- Cojincito
- Colocanay
- Comejenes
- Comojenes
- Comunidad Chispana
- Comunidad Indigena La Raya
- Comunidad Indigena Wayuu Pasito La Raya
- Comunidad Jassaichon
- Comunidad Parajain - Parlain
- Comunidad Pirruwaitamana
- Comunidad Santa Fe
- Comunidad Waipe
- Comunidad de Manantialito
- Conejo
- Contadero
- Coquivacoa
- Coralito
- Corazonal
- Corral - Orejero - San Benito
- Corral de Piedra
- Corraleja
- Corralejo
- Corual
- Costa Rica
- Cotoprix
- Coushowen
- Crucetal
- Cuatro Bocas
- Cuba
- Cucurumana
- Cuestecitas
- Cuira
- Cundinamarca
- Curarir
- Curazao
- Curinachi
- Cuririri
- Curuapo
- Dibulla
- Distracción
- Divino Niño
- Divisa
- Domingueka
- Dos Caminos
- Dos de Febrero
- Ebanal
- Edilson Deluque Pinto
- Eirrakajahuria
- Ekuáhu
- El Abajo
- El Abra
- El Acueducto
- El Aeropuerto
- El Ahuaco
- El Arriba
- El Arroyo
- El Barcino
- El Barrial
- El Bebedero
- El Burro
- El Calabazo
- El Caney
- El Carbonal
- El Cardón
- El Carey
- El Caribe
- El Carmen
- El Carmen de Fonseca
- El Carrizal
- El Castellano
- El Cedro
- El Centro
- El Cerro
- El Chorro
- El Cielo
- El Colegio
- El Comodín
- El Contento
- El Cooperativo
- El Corral
- El Darién
- El Descanso
- El Diezmero
- El Diluvio
- El Dividivi
- El Ebanal
- El Ejemplo
- El Encanto
- El Eneal
- El Faro
- El Garrapatoso
- El Guayabito
- El Guayabo
- El Hatico
- El Hatico de Las Cabezas
- El Hatico de Los Indios
- El Horno
- El Jordán
- El Juguete
- El Libertador
- El Limbo
- El Limonal
- El Limoncito
- El Limón
- El Machín
- El Mamey
- El Manguito
- El Melón
- El Molino
- El Morro
- El Muerto
- El Nopal
- El Olivo
- El Oso
- El Pajaro
- El Palmar
- El Pantano
- El Paraiso
- El Paraíso
- El Pasito
- El Paso
- El Pavico
- El Peñón
- El Pital
- El Piñón
- El Plan
- El Portón
- El Porvenir
- El Pozo
- El Problema
- El Pueblito
- El Puente
- El Puy
- El Pájaro
- El Quinto
- El Refugio
- El Reparo
- El Reposo
- El Rosario
- El Río
- El Saino
- El Salado
- El Silencio
- El Socorro
- El Soldado
- El Sucre
- El Suán
- El Tabaco
- El Tablazo
- El Templado
- El Tesoro
- El Totumo
- El Tropezón
- El Tunal
- El Venticuatro
- Emimahana
- Emírrashi
- Entre Ríos
- Epehin
- Epellulli
- Epina
- Epipa
- Ernesto Che Guevara
- Erronko
- Errumahana
- Erruretuhu
- Farias - Los Tamacos
- Faría
- Fermín
- Flanquita

…and 1,221 more.

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/); [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

## Landscape and landmarks of La Guajira Department

Named natural and historic features inside La Guajira Department, from the GeoNames gazetteer.

### Water

340 rivers and streams; 22 lakes.

- Acequia Chiquita
- Acequia El Arroyito
- Acequia El Canal
- Acequia Grande
- Acequia de Gómez
- Acequia de Nica
- Acequía
- Acequía
- Arroyo Achoujuri
- Arroyo Aguacatal
- Arroyo Aguas Blancas
- Arroyo Alambique
- Arroyo Anacleto
- Arroyo Arenoso
- Arroyo Arrayanes
- Arroyo Aruatapahi
- Arroyo Arúahara
- Arroyo Atravesado
- Arroyo Babilonia
- Arroyo Barrancón
- Arroyo Barrito Blanco
- Arroyo Bayomba
- Arroyo Bruno
- Arroyo Caimancito

…and 338 more.

### Coast and islands

37 headlands; 3 lagoons; 2 beaches.

- Cabo Falso
- Laguna El Buey
- Laguna Grande
- Laguna de Navío Quebrado
- Playa de Los Holandeses
- Playones de Cardón
- Punta Aguja
- Punta Arenas
- Punta Caricare
- Punta Carrizal
- Punta Castilletes
- Punta Cañón
- Punta El Seguión
- Punta Espada
- Punta Espirop
- Punta Gorda
- Punta Gorda
- Punta Guamachito
- Punta Huanámal
- Punta Huarupay
- Punta Huayapain
- Punta Ishep
- Punta Jija
- Punta Jir

…and 18 more.

### Hills and mountains

90 mountains; 75 hills; 2 peaks.

- Cerro Bistautama · 3,743 m
- Cerro El Mico · 2,981 m
- Cerro La Teta · 2,960 m
- Cuchilla de Macheteado · 2,949 m
- Cerro Pintado · 2,670 m
- Cerro de Cuba · 2,249 m
- Alto La Popa · 2,192 m
- Cerro Las Flores · 2,100 m
- Cerro El Peligro · 1,849 m
- Loma San Pedro · 1,813 m
- Cerro Los Piquitos · 1,702 m
- Cerro La América · 1,637 m
- Alto Volador · 1,520 m
- Cerro Climagüarrúa · 1,488 m
- Cerro Capuchino · 1,428 m
- Cerro Chivilangue · 1,419 m
- Cerro de Boquina · 1,339 m
- Cerro Picachudo · 1,231 m
- Cerro Agua Fría · 1,197 m
- Cuchilla El Chorro · 1,161 m
- Cerro Viejo · 1,075 m
- Loma los Bañaderos · 1,039 m
- Loma Los Caballos · 988 m
- Cerro La Mangaga · 982 m

…and 143 more.

### Forests and nature

1 nature reserve.

- Parque Nacional Natural de Macuira

### Getting around

14 airfields; 4 airports; 1 port.

- Almirante Padilla Airport
- Arírapaha
- Cerro La Teta
- Fonseca
- Huaina
- Humpa
- Ipapure South
- Ishésut
- Jorge Isaac Airport
- La Majayura Airport
- La Salina
- Manaure
- Puerto Bolivar
- Puerto Bolívar
- Puerto Estrella
- Puerto López
- Punta Espada
- Riohacha
- San Juan Del Cesa

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/).

Places of worship are not listed. Elevations are from the GeoNames terrain model and are approximate.

## Weather in La Guajira Department and the best time to visit

In La Guajira Department, the warmest month is Aug (average 30 °C) and the coolest is Jan (27 °C). About 675 mm of rain falls in a year; the wettest month is Oct (153 mm) and the driest Feb (5 mm). The most comfortable months for a visit are **November to February**.

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Month Average °C Rain mm 

Jan 27 7 

Feb 28 5 

Mar 29 14 

Apr 29 28 

May 29 85 

Jun 29 58 

Jul 29 35 

Aug 30 55 

Sep 29 105 

Oct 28 153 

Nov 28 94 

Dec 27 35 

Source: [NASA POWER climatology, retrieved 2026-10-29](https://power.larc.nasa.gov/).

## Hospitals, banks and other services in La Guajira Department

Places mapped inside La Guajira Department in open map data, by type — each number opens the full list with locations.

- Hospitals76
- Banks52
- ATMs1
- Petrol pumps26
- Hotels399
- Shopping malls14
- Schools1,316
- Colleges and universities23
- Cinemas5
- Pharmacies34
- Restaurants380
- Police stations18
- Dental clinics31

Source: [Overture Maps places (CDLA-Permissive-2.0) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)](https://overturemaps.org/).

Coverage depends on what has been mapped; contact details are not shown.

## Quick answers

- Where is La Guajira Department?In Colombia
- What is the population of La Guajira Department?1,041,773 (2025 estimate)
- What is the median age in La Guajira Department?About 25 years (2025 estimate)
- What is the population density of La Guajira Department?About 51 people per km²
- What borders La Guajira Department?Cesar Department and Magdalena Department
- What is there to see in La Guajira Department?Barco abandonado, Campo del Sal, Castas Indígenas, Centro Recreacional Piscinas El Pedregal
- What time zone is La Guajira Department in?UTC−5
- What currency is used in La Guajira Department?Peso (COP)
- What language is spoken in La Guajira Department?Spanish (main languages nationally)
- How many villages are in La Guajira Department?1,621 named settlements (GeoNames, OpenStreetMap)
- What is the elevation of La Guajira Department?Settlements lie between -65 m and 2,867 m
- What is the highest point in La Guajira Department?Cerro Bistautama (3,743 m, GeoNames elevation model)
- What is the best time to visit La Guajira Department?November to February
- How many hospitals are in La Guajira Department?76 mapped
- How many banks are in La Guajira Department?52 mapped
- How many ATMs are in La Guajira Department?1 mapped
- How many petrol pumps are in La Guajira Department?26 mapped
- What is the P-code of La Guajira Department?CO44 (OCHA common operational dataset)