Adventures with the Wayuu

Colombia is so fascinating. The desert of La Guajira is impressive to say the least. A time warp to the distant past of indigenous communities. We met incredible people in the Maicao. Slept in hammocks. Washed ourselves with buckets. And learned a bit about their way of life. All in the name of research, travel, and Mochila bags.

The arid landscape of northern Colombia

Village girl in indigenous clothes.  All the women, young and old wear colorful mumu like dresses.

Also known for their hammock weaving, the Wayuu people have exceptional skills in crochet and color placement.  This is how we slept. 

Fascinated by how a simple slip knot can hold a human suspended in the air.   All of the Hammocks were held this way.  The more you pull it the tighter it gets.

In this village there were approximately 20 peacocks.  This is their security system.

WThe Wayuu kitchen, sink and all.

wThis is their stove.  Sat on top of a concrete slab.

A performance by the younger daughters and son of the community.

Wayuu women crochet while they wait for sales.  The black faced woman is wearing a sort of algae on her face that is like a sunscreen.

We stayed one night on the beach.  Here's our room with a view and a walk in closet secured with a lock.  This is a beautiful hostel, where we had the best lobster dinner.

Wayuu Market in Riohacha