* Very low rainfall: Deserts usually receive less than 10 inches (25 cm) of rain per year.
* High evaporation rates: The amount of water that evaporates from the soil is much higher than the amount of rainfall.
* Sparse vegetation: Due to the lack of water, deserts have very few plants.
* Extreme temperatures: Deserts often have very hot days and cold nights.
While Colombia has areas like the La Guajira Peninsula that are very dry and semi-arid, they don't meet all the criteria of a true desert. These areas typically have some rainfall, and vegetation is present, though sparse.