The Salt Works

Location:
Manaure, Colombia

Other Activity Types:
Mines

By Lorraine Caputo

The road along the beach connects the two salt works in town. To the East (right) is the industrial one, with high, white mountains glistening in the sun. It is the largest salt extraction in Colombia, covering 4,200 hectares and garnering up to 700 thousand tons of this mineral per year. At the opposite end of the beach road, just past the barrio popular are the charcas, or salt flats, of the local Wayuu community. Rectangular plots are carved into the sand. As the water within them evaporates, they turn a brilliant fuchsia rimed with crystallizing salt.

Getting There
It is easy to walk to both of these salt works, or you can hire a bike or motor taxi to take you. Tours to the Guajira make an obligatory stop at the salinas.

Travel Tips: At the industrial works, guides are available for hire to take you through the site.

Do not underestimate the power of the sun here. Cover up well, drink plenty of fluids and rest in the shade.

Price Description: Free, except for cost of guide at the industrial works.

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Bring along lots of water and some snacks; sun block, hat, and swim gear if you want to take a dip; camera.

Observing flamingos and other waterfowl at Musichi, Poportín, El Cardón and Carrizal; Santuario de Flora y Fauna Los Flamencos; Cabo de la Vela and its natural sites; Nazareth and Parque Nacional Natural Macuira.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso