South America Colombia Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tayrona National Park

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tayrona National Park

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Colombia is a country full of treasures for tourists to enjoy, and one of those is certainly the idyllic Tayrona National Natural Park (“Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona” or “Parque Tayrona” in Spanish). This beautiful park along Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast is home to beach after stunning beach, concealed by jungle forest and dramatic hills. With its picture-perfect scenery, Tayrona National Park offers a nice change of pace from Colombia’s bustling cities. 

If you’re planning a trip to Tayrona National Park, it’s definitely best to be prepared, as this remote paradise isn’t the most straightforward destination. Not only do you have to contend with getting to the park and finding your way around within it, but there are plenty of other aspects to plan for that you may not have considered. So, to show you exactly how to have a successful trip, we’ve put together this guide to Tayrona National Park.

Brief Background on Tayrona National Park

Before we get into the details of how to visit this magical place, it’ll be useful if you know a little more about the park itself. Tayrona National Natural Park, as it is formally known, is one of Colombia’s most popular national parks, thanks to its spectacular scenery and incredible biodiversity. 

Found on the eastern end of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the park has the impressive mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as its backdrop. Established as a nature park in 1964, Tayrona includes 150 square kilometers of land and 30 of marine reserve. Besides its natural bounty, the park and neighboring mountains are home to various Indigenous communities and the ruins of several past settlements.

The park has two entrances, the main one being ElZaino and the other Calabazo. You’ll likely pass Calabazo to reach El Zaino, but entering through it puts you quite far from the park’s main sights.

View on tropical sea by National park Tayona in Colombia
streetflash / shutterstock.com

Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park

As Tayrona National Park continues to grow in popularity, it’s important to consider the timing of your visit. Ideally, you’ll go not only when the weather is nice, but also when you don’t have to compete with huge crowds for camping and beach spots.

Tayrona has its best weather from January through March, with mostly dry skies and relatively mild temperatures. Of course, the nicest weather draws the biggest crowds. The park’s high season is mid-December to mid-January, as well as mid-June to mid-July. For the ideal mix of dry weather and smaller crowds, February and March are the best times to visit Tayrona National Park.

Although the temperature and high humidity in this part of Colombia don’t vary much, you can expect a lot of rain from mid-August through November. While this means smaller crowds, it’s usually best to avoid those months, especially if you’re looking forward to suntanning on the beach or camping.

Beautiful bay with white sand beach, blue water and big boulders in Tayrona national park in Colombia
Olga Kot Photo / shutterstock.com

How Long It Takes to Visit Tayrona National Park

Deciding how long to visit Tayrona National Park can be tricky, but it mostly comes down to what you want to do there. If you just want to do some basic sightseeing and see what the park has to offer, one day will do. However, many people stay two or three days in Tayrona, lounging on the beach, swimming, and finding new hiking trails to explore.

The entrance is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except during the park’s three rest periods), but you’re not limited to those hours if you stay overnight in the park. 

How Much It Costs to Enter Tayrona National Park

You’ll need to pay for a pass each time you enter Tayrona National Park. The cost of the pass for foreign nationals fluctuates by season and has increased several times in recent years. Expect to pay up to 62,000 Colombian pesos (about $13.60) for the park pass in the low season and up to 73,500 COP in the high season or on a holiday. This entrance fee doesn’t include the costs of camping or transport.

View on Iguana on a rock in National park Tayrona in Colombia
streetflash / shutterstock.com

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

Tayrona is quite removed from the highest-traffic tourist spots throughout Colombia. The first step in getting there is to make your way to the city of Santa Marta. Santa Marta and the sleepy neighboring town of Taganga are right at the park’s doorstep, serving as gateways to both Tayrona and the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida.

The most direct approach is a domestic flight to Santa Marta’s Simón Bolívar International Airport. It doesn’t offer a huge number or variety of flights, though, so you may need to come through one of the bigger airports in Cartagena or Barranquilla instead. Cartagena is about a five-hour bus ride away from Santa Marta, while Barranquilla is a little over 1.5 hours away. However, the bus stations in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are all quite far out from their city centers, adding to the transportation time and cost.

Once in Santa Marta or Taganga, you have a few options for how to get to Tayrona National Park. The simplest way is the regular bus that leaves from Mercado Público in Santa Marta and takes about an hour. This bus will say “Palomino” on the front, as the coastal town of Palomino is its final stop, but it also stops at Tayrona’s El Zaino entrance. This same trip by taxi will cost considerably more, but it may be worth it if you have a somewhat large group or want to save time. 

A more adventurous way to get to or from Tayrona National Park is to take the speedboat that connects Cabo San Juan, Tayrona’s most popular beach, with Taganga (which you can reach from Santa Marta with regular minibuses and taxis). The ride takes 30 minutes to an hour and can get quite rough, depending on the conditions out on the water.

Map of Tayrona National Park

The below map of Tayrona National Park is not necessarily the best but it should give you a better understanding of where things are geographically located. Note that Ecohabs is in Cañaveral.

Tayrona National Park Map

How to Get Around Tayrona National Park

Covering 150 square kilometers of jungle and hillside along the coast, Tayrona National Park is not an entirely easy place to get around. Thankfully, most of the major tourist spots are in the east end and relatively simple to get between. Depending on which part of the park you’re going to, you can get around by shuttle bus, on foot, or on horseback.

By Shuttle Bus

The main park entrance, El Zaino, is just off National Route 90 – a long way from the park’s beaches and most interesting spots. The shuttle bus, which costs around 5,000 COP, will take you farther into the park to the first beach at Cañaveral.

On Foot

If you prefer to start your Tayrona visit on foot, you can walk the 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from El Zaino to Cañaveral. You might want to save your walking energy, though – most other places in the park are only accessible by foot along dirt trails, sand, and staircases. You’ll likely have to hike up and down the jungle-covered coast to reach Tayrona’s beautiful beaches. While it may not look very long on a map, the hike to Cabo San Juan involves plenty of uphill walking, made even more tiring by the tropical humidity. It takes up to two hours to walk from Cañaveral to Cabo San Juan, so plan accordingly. 

On Horseback

Another way to go is to saddle up and ride to Tayrona’s beaches on horseback. Just where the shuttle drops people off at Cañaveral, you can hire horses to take you to Cabo San Juan or reserve them to bring you back in the afternoon. Rather than following the coastal route, which includes staircases, the horses are guided along trails farther inland. In other words, you won’t get as much of a view as you would on foot, but this is still a good option if you’re not keen on walking everywhere.

The walking path through the jungle in Tayrona National Park, Colombia
SL-Photography / shutterstock.com

Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park

Perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make for a visit to Tayrona National Park is where to stay, given the overwhelming array of options. The right choice depends largely on whether you want to visit as a day trip or spend several days in the park.

Staying Inside Tayrona National Park

If you plan to visit the park for more than one day, it’s best to stay in the park itself. Your basic options are staying in one of the park’s hotels, pitching a tent at one of the campgrounds, or sleeping in a hammock. That’s right – it’s possible to sleep in a hammock overnight if you reserve one early enough. Camping in a tent is a more private experience, of course, and costs roughly the same. Whether you bring your own tent or rent one at the park, you can set it up at a designated campground by one of the beaches, such as Cabo San Juan or Arrecifes. For a more comfortable stay, though, consider one of the hotels in the park.

If you really want to treat yourself, Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona is the way to go. This hotel near the El Zaino entrance has beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and delicious food at its gourmet restaurant.

For a balance of comfort and cost, consider the Hotel Jasayma Tayrona. This eco-lodge is bursting with character, and its wonderful staff and surroundings will ensure you enjoy your stay in the park.

For a nice beach view, head for Camping Castilletes Parque Tayrona, a bed-and-breakfast on Playa Castilletes. With its scenic location, clean rooms, and great food, this is a terrific base for a day or two of sightseeing.

Early morning on a beach in Parque Tayrona, Colombia
Micha Weber / shutterstock.com

Staying Outside Tayrona National Park

If you only plan to spend the day in Tayrona, your options go beyond the park, either to the establishments just outside the El Zaino entrance or back to Taganga and Santa Marta. Staying right outside the park is quite convenient, as you won’t have far to travel at the end of the day. Similarly, Taganga is just on the edge of the park and can be an affordable place to stay. On the other hand, Santa Marta is the big city of the area, with plenty of accommodations and facilities for travelers.

To wrap yourself in luxury, stay at Hotel Boutique Don Pepe in the center of Santa Marta. With the beautifully furnished rooms and private terraces, it’s easy to unwind here after a long day of exploring.

For excellent value for money, it’s hard to say no to Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus. This four-star hotel in downtown Santa Marta boasts spacious rooms and exceptionally welcoming staff. 

A great choice for backpackers just outside the park is Eco Hostal Yuluka, which offers both dorms and private rooms. There’s plenty to enjoy here, including a swimming pool and an in-house restaurant.

For more accommodation options in or near Tayrona National Park, check out Booking.com. This site consistently offers the best rates, and its customer service is on point.

Campground at Tayrona National Park in Colombia
Micha Weber / shutterstock.com

Tips for Visiting Tayrona National Park

Here are our tips for visiting Tayrona National Park to help you make the most of your trip.

Learn the Park Rules Before You Go

As with any national park, you’re expected to follow certain rules at Tayrona. For instance, swimming at any beach is prohibited after 6 p.m., and some of the beaches don’t allow swimming at all. It’s also forbidden to bring in alcohol, and guards will search your bags for contraband before you enter. You can read the full park rules here.

Arrive Early

The park opens at 8 a.m., so that’s the best time to arrive. If you come later, you’ll probably have to wait in a long line to enter. Entry to the park can be quite drawn out, as you have to watch an orientation video once you buy your pass, and then there’s the line for bag inspection. You don’t want to lose too much time just getting into the park proper, so come as close to 8 a.m. as possible.

Bring the Essentials

Whether you visit for the day or stay overnight, think carefully about what you’ll bring. First of all, be sure to bring your passport, which is necessary for entry. You also need to bring plenty of cash, as all services in the park only take cash and costs can add up quickly.

Other essentials for your park visit are bathing suits, beach towel, sunscreen, and hats for the beach. You’ll also want good walking shoes, especially if you take the long hike from the El Zaino entrance. Don’t forget insect repellent either, as tropical parks like this are rife with mosquitoes.

Speaking of mosquitoes, you may be asked to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate when you enter Tayrona. Yellow fever is still very present in these parts of the world, so make sure to get vaccinated before leaving home.

Food is fairly expensive in the park, so it’s worth bringing in snacks and portable meals to cut back on costs. Most importantly, pack plenty of water. Even when you’re not hiking, you need to stay hydrated in the heat.

Tropical beach in Tayrona National Park in Colombia with a Colombian flag visible
Jess Kraft / shutterstock.com

Best Things to Do in Tayrona National Park

Now that you’re prepared to head off to Tayrona, it’s time to get to the actual itinerary of your visit. The best things to do in Tayrona National Park are mainly visiting beaches and hiking the trails through the jungle. You can fit these highlights into a single day or spread them over several days to take your time.

Cañaveral and Jungle Walk

Cañaveral is where Tayrona’s coastal trail starts. The trail switches between gentle dirt paths surrounded by vibrant jungle and hillside staircases covered in boulders. Once you reach the higher points of the trail, you’ll be treated to some superb views of the coast, including over to Punta Castilletes. Later parts of the path will take you into unusual beachside thickets and well-worn dusty tracks, keeping the walk interesting.

Playa Arrecifes

The first beach you’ll arrive at on the trail is Arrecifes, a long stretch of flat shoreline occasionally divided by piles of boulders. You probably won’t see many people here, as swimming isn’t allowed and it’s not in a cove, making it one of the more exposed beaches. Still, it’s a nice place to walk, especially with the small lagoon on one side.

Playa La Piscina

Can’t wait any longer for a swim? Well, La Piscina (which literally translates as “the pool”) is where you finally get to splash around. This kid-friendly beach is ideal for swimmers of all capabilities, boasting warm, calm, and reasonably shallow waters and being sheltered by rocks farther out. In fact, it seems to be the go-to beach for locals visiting Tayrona.

Cabo San Juan

Cabo San Juan is undoubtedly Tayrona’s most popular beach and signature photo spot. Shaped like a curved “V,” Cabo San Juan is actually two beaches connecting at a rocky point. At the top of this point is a fantastic lookout spot and a hut full of hammocks. With palm trees gently leaning over the beaches, Cabo San Juan couldn’t look more like a tropical paradise. Since this beach allows swimming and has park facilities nearby, it’s where many visitors base themselves.

Playa Brava

Lying west of Cabo San Juan, Playa Brava is one of the lesser-seen beaches in Tayrona, partly because the landscape hides it so well. The isolated setting with a backdrop of deep jungle and hills makes Brava one of the park’s most scenic and atmospheric beaches.

Brava isn’t on the same coastal trail as the other beaches. You need to venture deep into the jungle from Cabo San Juan past the huts and ruins of Pueblito before you can find the trail toward Brava. As such, Brava is easiest to reach if you come in through Tayrona’s Calabazo entrance and have more than one day in the park.

Bahía Concha

Unlike Tayrona’s other beaches, Bahía Concha is easy to reach from Santa Marta. You can actually drive to it from the city and don’t even need the national park pass to enter. However, it isn’t as nice as some of the park’s other beaches and lacks their strong jungle atmosphere.

Other Beaches

We’ve only touched on a few of the beaches in Tayrona so far, mainly those that are easy to reach or allow swimming. But there are many others to seek out if you have the time. For example, Playa Cañaveral is a small beach below the cabins of Ecohabs Tayrona, while Playa Castilletes has a bit of a wild, remote vibe.

Speaking of wild, just up the coast from Cabo San Juan is Playa Nudista (also known as Boca del Saco). While it’s not officially a nude beach, many visitors treat it as such, taking advantage of its usual lack of crowds. Swimming is allowed when lifeguards are present.

Tayrona has many more beaches off to the west, most of which are only accessible by boat. The journey might be worth it, as these beaches’ isolation makes them some of the park’s most beautiful spots. Bahía Chengue, Playa Gairaca, and Playa Cristal fall into this category, with Playa Cristal being a nice place for snorkeling.

Well, there’s your guide to visiting Tayrona National Park! With all this information, you should have a great trip to this fantastic Colombian destination.

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Comments

  • Courtney Muro

    Thanks for the info! Do you happen to know if they’re going to close in March this year? I heard they might close and extra time and it was going to be March. Thanks!

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