Riohacha – Palomino - 96 km
The day became one of those beautiful, happy cycle touring days. The weather was
pleasant (mid-30s) with a slight tailwind, and sublime scenery accompanied us.
Midway, the thorn trees abruptly vanished and were replaced by tropical vegetation
consisting of lush green foliage and trees. Teeny Palomino, surprisingly, had a
hostel due to the nearby Serra Nevada National Park and idyllic Caribbean beaches.
The park was unusual as it had the highest coastal mountains in the world. These
mountains rose 5,775 metres above sea level, and were a mere 42 kilometres from
the coast.
Both the hostel and the travellers were interesting. The majority looked the hippie
type, dreadlocks and all. Speaking to them and listening to their beliefs and ideas
were fascinating. It was easy to identify with their ideologies.
A short walk through the forest brought me to an indigenous settlement where
people still wore traditional clothes and went about their daily life in their traditional
way. They were extremely camera-shy and quickly disappeared upon seeing
strangers. But then, it must be mentioned that these tribes have resisted contact
with outsiders for centuries. I subsequently learned that some 30,000 indigenous
people, mainly Arhuaco, Kogui and Wiwa, lived there.