Bahia Portete National Natural Park is a protected natural area along the northernmost Caribbean coast of the La Guajira region of Colombia. The park is also known as Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park.
Understand
[edit]This is a large park covering an area of more than 14,000 hectares. It was declared as part of the Colombian national parks system in 2014.
History
[edit]The park is part of the historical tribal lands of the Wayuu indigenous culture, who live throughout La Guijira in Colombia and in adjacent parts of northwestern Venezuela. The Wayuu were fierce warriors who perpetually resisted efforts by the Spanish Empire to subjugate them. Even in modern times, the Wayuu maintain a distrust of the Colombian and Venezuelan governments and violent outbreaks periodically occur. Many Wayuu communities cooperated with the Colombian government to establish the park as a protected natural area.
Landscape
[edit]Coastal beaches with sand dunes, mangrove swamps, and aquatic grasses dominates the coastal areas while the inland areas are desert landscapes with sand dunes, dry grasses, small shrubs, and several kinds of cactus.
Flora and fauna
[edit]217 species live in the park, with birds comprising most of that number, along with 25 reptiles and amphibians and a scant handful of mammals. Plant life includes mangroves in coastal wetlands, aquatic grasses, and cactus.
Climate
[edit]The climate is hot and arid with intense sunshine during the day. Most of northeastern Colombia is covered by the La Guajira Desert. The average temperature is 28 to 30 °C and warm sea breezes frequently blow in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Get in
[edit]The nearest airport with commercial flights is in Riohacha (RCH IATA). Buses and colectivos from Riohacha go to Uribia where you should be able to get a colectivo or taxi toward Cabo de Vela that can take you to the park.
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]Camping
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]La Guajira has experienced security issues for several years. The department has a high murder rate and a high incidence of robberies. Visitors to the region should exercise increased caution. Travelers will find safer beach destinations around Santa Marta and Barranquilla. Be aware of mosquito-borne tropical disease in La Guajira. A yellow fever immunization certificate is required.
The park is a desert environmentː bring plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate footwear, and a hat.