Table of Contents
Why is La Guajira a desert?
It is the continent’s largest desert north of the equator. Most of the region is within Colombia’s La Guajira Department, though a small portion is in the Venezuelan state of Zulia. The area holds immense coal reserves which are exploited in a zone known as El Cerrejón. It is also home to the indigenous Wayuu people.
Does it rain a lot in Colombia?
The rains normally occur in two brief periods (in April and in October–November, respectively) but rarely exceed 30 inches (760 mm) annually. The average temperature is hot—more than 81 °F (27 °C)—with the daily range greatest where the humidity is low.
What is the rainy season like in Colombia?
A year has two clearly identifiable times: rainy season and dry season. The rainy season comes in April to May and October to November, and dry season is usually in December to January and July to August, though this can vary considerably. Colombia is strongly influenced by the El Niño and La Niña climatic phenomena.
What is a Spanish Guajira?
American Spanish (Cuba), literally, peasant woman.
Why is the Monte desert a desert?
The major river is the Río Colorado and its tributary the Río Desaguadero, which meet in the south of the region and provide its principal source of irrigation water for wine crops. These rain shadow effects are the primary reason for the aridity of the region and the formation of the Monte and other nearby deserts.
Does it rain a lot in Cali Colombia?
A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the months: April, October and November. On average, April is the wettest month with 131.0 mm (5.16 inch) of precipitation. On average, July is the driest month with 32.0 mm (1.26 inch) of precipitation.
How much rain does Colombia get per year?
Average annual rainfall is 2,630 mm; but there is significant variability across the country. The West Pacific coast and in the Andean interior receive the highest rainfall amounts (approximately 6 mm–7,000 mm per year), while the drier steppe climates in the north and south west receive less than 500 mm per year.
Why is Bogota so cold?
And yes, Colombia is near the equator. However, Bogota is a high altitude city. At around 2,600 meters (8,360 feet) above sea level, it can get quite chilly. Nighttime temperatures can go down into the mid-’40s (that’s a chilly 7 degrees Celsius), and indoor heating is rare.
What is Colombia’s vegetation?
Vegetation also responds to rainfall patterns. A scrub woodland of scattered trees and bushes dominates the semiarid northeast. To the south, savannah (tropical grassland) vegetation covers the Colombian portion of the llanos. The rainy areas in the southeast are blanketed by tropical rainforest.
How do you say La Guajira?
The Intendance of La Guajira was created in 1898….La Guajira Department.
| La Guajira Department Departamento de La Guajira (Spanish) Mma’ipakat Wajiira (Wayuu) | |
|---|---|
| Established | July 1, 1965 |
| Capital | Riohacha |
| Government |
What is Guajira dance?
Guajira (Flamenco) is a palo based on the Cuban Punto Guajira Cubana. It is in 12 beats and feels like it starts on 12. The guajira is traditionally danced. The dancer will often use a large Spanish fan. The fan is twirled and otherwise manipulated throughout the dance, adding an elegant and flirtatious air.
Why is the Monte desert so dry?
Due to the region lying on the eastern, or leeward, side of the Andes and west of the Sierra de Córdoba, it experiences very little rain. These rain shadow effects are the primary reason for the aridity of the region and the formation of the Monte and other nearby deserts.
What is La Guajira Peninsula?
La Guajira Peninsula is a desert environment located along the northern coast of Colombia. This is a desert region that is the northern tip of Colombia and South America. And the region is home to the indigenous Wayúu people. Keep in mind this is a hostile desert climate that has made it pretty isolated since colonial times.
Why is La Guajira’s desert border so dangerous?
One of the main gateways for Venezuelan migrants, La Guajira’s desert is a chaotic border where smugglers operate in the open, international aid is weak, and there is little to offer to either the indigenous population or those arriving from Venezuela.
What to do in La Guajira in Colombia?
The indigenous Wayúu tribe lives in La Guajira. And the Wayúu are famous nationally in Colombia for their handcrafted bags. Here are seven of the most popular things to see and do in La Guajira: 1. Hike up Pilón de Azucar It takes about 10 minutes to hike up to the top of Pilón de Azucar (Sugar Loaf Column), which is near Cabo de la Vela.
Where do the Wayúu live in Colombia?
Cabo de la Vela is a remote Wayúu fishing village even further away with several beaches and few people and is popular with tourists. In addition, a few tourists go further north to Punta Gallinas, the most northerly point in South America. The indigenous Wayúu tribe lives in La Guajira.