Closing of Tayrona Park
In agreement with the indigenous groups, Tayrona Park closes several times a year to allow nature to restore itself, and for the natives to carry out their rituals.
Closing dates: February 1 to 15 // June 1 to 15 inclusive // October 19 to November 2 inclusive
In brief
Tayrona, perhaps the most cited place (along with Cartagena) among the must-sees on a trip to Colombia! Here, the Caribbean Sea mingles with the lush forest of the Tayrona National Nature Park. It’s much more than just a place to visit, it’s an experience that tickles all the senses, a plunge into culture that goes beyond all expectations. Imagine white sandy beaches fringed by coconut palms and trails through dense tropical vegetation – with many animal species having found refuge in this protected area. Home to the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities who have cherished this natural treasure for generations, we’ll explore the hidden nooks and crannies, giving you tips for a no-holds-barred adventure. Get ready to visit Tayrona, which is more than just the famous Cabo San Juan beach.
Tayrona National Park
- County: Magdalena
- Altitude: 0 – 900 m
- Area: 150km2 (land and sea)
- Year of creation: 1964
- Accessible from: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Palomino
- Tip: spend at least 1 night in the park.
Our verdict: a beautiful place, but… ! ★★
Tayrona Park is a natural paradise of striking contrasts. The beaches, while beautiful by no means a benchmark for the Caribbean, nonetheless offer an interesting getaway for its environment. Trails through dense jungle add a dimension of adventure, but hiking can be demanding for some visitors, especially in the heat. Camping facilities are basic and sometimes “concentration camp”, distorting the surrounding nature. Biodiversity is spectacular, with a variety of birds and monkeys offering a unique experience. However, overcrowding can alter the tranquillity of some areas, especially during the high season. But don’t panic, we’ll help you discover the park in a different way!
When to visit Tayrona Park
Tayrona Park can be visited all year round. Please note, however, that the park is closed from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15 and October 19 to November 2.
Tayrona’s tourist numbers: if you’re looking for peace and quiet, choose weekdays. Avoid the months of December-January, Holy Week, weekends and public holidays, when tourist numbers soar (yes, Colombians travel too!).
Climate in Tayrona: the climate in Colombia’s Tayrona Park is generally tropical and warm throughout the year. The dry season, from December to April and June to August, offers sunny days ideal for visiting the park, while the rainy season, from May to November, can make the trails slippery, although the vegetation is more lush. However, even in the dry season, humidity levels remain high, and it’s not impossible to see a downpour. Temperatures are stable all year round, between 30 and 35°c during the day. The sea temperature varies between 26 and 29°c.
Legend: Blue: entrances / exits – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation
Discovering Tayrona Park
History
Tayrona National Nature Park, a jewel on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is steeped in fascinating history. The first traces of human occupation date back some 3,000 years, with the presence of the Tayrona natives. They left a rich cultural heritage, illustrated by impressive archaeological structures such as the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), located in the nearby Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains.
On the other hand, nestled in the heart of the Tayrona National Nature Park, El Pueblito, also known as “Chayrama,” reveals the fascinating remains of the Tayrona civilization dating back over 1,000 years. This archaeological site offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and bears witness to the architectural ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants. Visitors can explore stone terraces, ring-shaped stone constructions, interior roads made of large carved slabs, staircases and bridges built in stone with different types of design and degree of elaboration, revealing advanced urban planning and clues to the cultural and religious practices of the Tayrona civilization. The journey through dense jungle adds an adventurous dimension to this plunge into history, offering travellers a palpable connection with the region’s indigenous past.
Geography
Tayrona National Nature Park, located on Colombia’s northern coast, is a geographical treasure trove combining a breathtaking diversity of landscapes. Covering some 150km2, the park is framed by the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the east, a mountain range that rises to over 5,700 metres, making it the highest coastal mountain in the world. This imposing mountain barrier provides a spectacular backdrop and greatly influences the local climate, creating a variety of microclimates within the park.
Descending from the mountains to the coast, Tayrona Park also offers a very pleasant coastline. White-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, such as Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes, as well as the less-frequented Playa Cristal and Los Naranjos, stretch along the Caribbean coastline. Wave-sculpted rock formations, secluded coves and mangroves contribute to the park’s geographical richness. The trails inside the park, winding through dense rainforest, add an adventurous dimension to the exploration.
Biodiversity
Tayrona National Nature Park abounds in exceptional biodiversity, offering refuge to a multitude of fascinating animal species: around 60 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Among the notable residents, capuchin howler monkeys move nimbly through the trees, while white-crested tamarins, with their small stature, add a charming touch to the canopy.
The park’s forests are also home to emblematic species such as the armadillo, the anteater and the jaguar, the chosen predator of the food chain. Toucans, with their bright colors and impressive beaks, enliven the skies, as do parrots and birds of prey. Boas constrictors and dendrobate frogs have also found their place among the iguanas.
The park’s rivers and lakes are populated by American crocodiles, fascinating reptiles that play a crucial role in balancing the aquatic ecosystem. In marine waters, sea turtles, including the hawksbill turtle, come to lay their eggs on the park’s beaches, contributing to the conservation of these vulnerable species.
The coastal corals are home to an astonishing diversity of marine life, from multicolored tropical fish to elegant rays and reef sharks.
These examples represent just a fraction of the biological wealth of Tayrona National Nature Park, an ecosystem where nature reveals its splendor in every corner, encouraging the urgent need for its preservation.
What to do in Tayrona Park
Tayrona Park’s most beautiful beaches
It’s not as simple as it sounds. Tayrona National Park, with an area of 150 km², encompasses much more than the section of beaches frequented by us and most visitors. Magnificent beaches such as Playa Cristal, Neguanje, Playa Brava and Playa 7 Olas seem inaccessible from the main El Zaino entrance, or even from the secondary Calabazo entrance.
However, it’s crucial to note that some of Tayrona’s most beautiful beaches are dangerous for swimming due to strong currents, as evidenced by warnings and signs reporting fatal incidents. Here are the beaches that most travelers will have the opportunity to visit during their stay in Tayrona:
Castilletes + Cañaveral: although these two beaches touch, they are located “close” to the El Zaino entrance, off the main path, making them less frequented by backpackers. Favoured by Colombian holidaymakers, they are easily accessible during the 9 piedras walk.
Arrecifes: although one of Tayrona’s largest beaches, this long stretch of wilderness didn’t arouse our enthusiasm, although it’s pretty all the same. Close to a large, quality campsite, it’s the first stop on the jungle trek. Swimming here is dangerous.
La Piscina: a hidden gem, this crescent-shaped beach offers safe swimming and a peaceful setting, less crowded than Cabo San Juan.
Cabo San Juan: Tayrona’s most renowned and sought-after beaches can be found here, offering famous double-mirror views, palm trees, soft, pale sand and safe Caribbean waters for swimming. It’s the main place to stay for backpackers, with the chance to sway in the sea breeze from the popular rock-top hammock hut.
Punta Piedra + Playa Nudista: a 10-15 minute walk from Cabo San Juan, these quieter beaches are well worth a visit to escape the crowds. Although nudism is permitted, it is not always practised. Swimming is not recommended.
Playa Brava: accessed via the Calabazo sector, after crossing El Pueblito. The path is mostly uphill. Playa Brava is not crowded. It’s actually an overnight stopover for 2 or 3-day treks. Swimming is not recommended.
Los Naranjos: the easternmost beach in the park, bordering the park itself. Although swimming is forbidden here because it’s dangerous, it’s a pleasant way to observe the wildlife. You’ll be practically alone on this one, and a footbath is still possible!
Hiking in the park
The park covers some 150 km². We explore the park on foot, and frankly, it’s the best way to discover Tayrona.
In 1 day: no real choice, as most people take the same route: the trail from El Zaino to the famous Cabo San Juan beach. It takes around 3h-3h30 to get there (from the El Zaino entrance), and takes you through the jungle and along the sea, with possible stops at various beaches. It’s a fairly easy hike, and afterwards you can relax at Cabo San Juan, often considered Tayrona’s most beautiful beach. The most crowded, anyway. Better to take advantage of the other, less crowded beaches (La Piscina, Playa Arrecifes, Playa Cañaveral).
In 2 days: a good plan would be to take the shuttle from El Zaino and then walk via Cabo San Juan to Playa Brava, where you can spend the night. The next day, walk to the second entrance, Calabazo. This can be done in two days, but it’s pretty sporty. The next best option is 3 days, so you can enjoy it without hurrying.
In 3 days: the other option is to enter in the morning via Calabazo, to sleep in Playa Brava, after a 3-hour walk (quite intense, it’s uphill). On the second day, a 3-hour walk (without stops) to Arrecifes (various accommodation options on site), via Cabo San Juan. And finally, on the last day, head for the El Zaino exit (2h30 walk) via Playa Cañaveral. In this way, all facets of the park can be explored: the iconic, crowded beaches, the lesser-known but equally pleasant beaches, the jungle with its flora and fauna, and lots of great memories!
Sendero 9 piedras (short walk to Cañaveral): a short but beautiful hike from Cañaveral is the “Sendero de las 9 Piedras”. The viewpoint above the beach (Mirador) enchants with a fantastic panoramic view of the coast and surrounding wooded landscape. Discover the meaning and cosmic vision of the Tayrona people through imposing rocks that harmonize perfectly with tropical bushes and shrubs, teeming with biodiversity.
Observation of flora and fauna
Tayrona is a protected natural area, making it a vast and diverse habitat for many animal species. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of wild animals. Although an encounter with a jaguar may be rare, the area is teeming with animal life. You can expect to come across monkeys, brightly-colored toucans, various reptiles, as well as a multitude of melodious-sounding tropical birds. Exploring nature in Tayrona offers an experience rich in encounters with wildlife, adding a unique dimension to your stay in this exceptional national park.
By chance, we came across a troop of around twenty capuchin monkeys on our walk to Los Naranjos beach. A solitary walk, where we didn’t come across a soul, offered us the opportunity, with a bit of luck, to share almost 20 minutes in the company of these little monkeys. Along the way, we were also lucky enough to spot the illustrious white-crested tamarins, howler monkeys perched high in the trees, and dendrobate frogs.
Our advice: get off busy roads to maximize your chances of spotting the park’s wildlife.
Visit El Pueblito
Located in the western part of Tayrona National Park, closer to the entrance to Calabazo, lies El Pueblito, meaning “little town”. Once inhabited by the Tayrona, the ancient indigenous people who gave their name to the park, this ruined village features stepped terraces, giving it the appearance of a miniature version of the famous Ciudad Perdida (and with a little imagination).
When hiking to or from the entrance to Calabazo, you’ll inevitably come across El Pueblito. Nestled on a (small) mountain in the heart of the jungle, this climb requires more preparation than a simple hike from El Zaino to Cabo San Juan.
Snorkeling / Scuba diving
On your own from La Piscina (Arrecifes): if you’ve got your snorkeling gear, you can snorkel safely from La Piscina in Arrecifes. Now, don’t expect the best spot in the world. This isn’t Mexico or Asia. You’ll see a few small fish, but no rays, turtles or sharks. But it’s free.
From Santa Marta / taganga (by tour): there are day tours for diving and snorkeling in some of the most beautiful spots in Tayrona Park, accessible only by sea, including Playa Cristal.
LOCAL AGENCIES
French-speaking agencies for diving/snorkeling in French (and also in English and Spanish) in Tayrona: Dimitrix and La Mer Diving School
How to get to Tayrona Park
Tayrona is served directly by several buses running along the Caribbean coast. Santa Marta, located right next door, is the main city for accessing the park. But it’s also possible from Palomino, Riohacha or Cartagena. Any departure from another city will require a changeover in one of these cities. For example, there is no direct route (without a change of bus) from cities such as Bogotá, Medellin or Cali.
Santa Marta airport(Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar) is the closest to Tayrona Park. But there’s no direct bus service. You’ll either have to take a bus to Santa Marta and then another to Tayrona, or take a cab for a direct route.
Don’t forget to take into account the opening times of Tayrona Park, indicated in the next section, to synchronize your journey with them.
Getting to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta by bus
| Companies | Cootransoriente Tayrona |
| Departure point | Bus terminal or Mercado Publico (Carrera #11 and Calle #9) |
| Departures | Every 30 minutes from 05:00 |
| Note | Take a bus to Palomino and ask the driver for a stop at Calabazo or El Zaino. |
| Duration | 45min – 1h |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 8,000 to 9,000 COP / person |
Getting to Tayrona Park from Cartagena by bus
| Companies | Expreso Brasilia, Unitransco |
| Departure point | Terminal de Transporte de Cartagena |
| Departures | Every 45 minutes on average, from 05:00 to 21:30 |
| Note | Take a bus to Palomino and ask the driver for a stop at Calabazo or El Zaino. |
| Duration | Approx. 6 hours |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 56,000 to 75,000 COP / person |
How to get to Tayrona Park from Palomino by bus
| Companies | Copetran, Unitransco, Exalpa, Expreso Brasilia, etc. |
| Departure point | Palomino main road |
| Departures | Regular visits until 6:30 p.m. |
| Note | Take a bus to Santa Marta and ask the driver for a stop at Calabazo or El Zaino. |
| Duration | 1h – 1h15 |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 8,000 to 10,000 COP / person |
Getting to Tayrona Park from Riohacha by bus
| Companies | Copetran, Unitransco, Exalpa, Expreso Brasilia |
| Departure point | Bus terminal or Mercado Publico (Carrera #11 and Calle #9) |
| Departures | Every 30 minutes on average, from 06:00 to 23:50 |
| Note | Take a bus to Santa Marta and ask the driver for a stop at Calabazo or El Zaino. |
| Duration | 3h – 4h |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 35,000 to 55,000 COP / person |
Lancha trips from Taganga
Access to Tayrona Park is also possible by sea from Taganga:
Taganga – Cabo San Juan: 50,000 COP / person (one-way). Departure 09:00, return 16:00
Taganga – Playa Cristal: 80,000 COP / person (round trip). Departure 09:00, return 16:00
Beware, however, that the route is very rough in heavy swells, and even dangerous.
Timetable & cost to enter Tayrona Park
Tayrona Park opening times
Tayrona Park is Colombia’s most visited national park. There is an official daily visitor limit of just over 3,000 (rarely respected). Beware, however, that in high season, the park is very crowded, with tourists arriving much earlier to queue up and get in. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before opening time.
Zaino (main entrance): entrance between 07:00 and 12:00 – exit until 17:00.
Calabozo (secondary entrance): entrance between 07:00 and 11:00 – exit until 15:00.
Palagana (least used entrance): entrance between 07:00 and 14:00 – exit until 17:00.
Bahía Concha (of no interest to us): entrance between 07:00 and 14:00 – exit until 16:00.
Tayrona Park entrance fees
The price of admission to Tayrona Park varies according to whether it’s high or low season. There are also different rates for Colombians, members of the CAN (Andean Community) and foreigners. Prices are detailed below.
| Tayrona Park entrance fee | High season | Low season |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign tourists | 87,000 COP | 73,500 COP |
| Colombians, foreign residents or CAN members (over 25) | 39,000 COP | 33,000 COP |
| Colombians, foreign residents or CAN members (under 25) | 27,500 COP | 24,500 COP |
Note that in addition to the entry fee, it is compulsory to take out comprehensive insurance, which costs 6,000 COP per person per day. There are several medical assistance points along the route where you’ll be taken care of in case of emergency.
Please note: the ticket remains valid for the duration of your stay in the park. If you wish to stay outside and visit the park for 2 days (for example), you’ll have to pay for admission twice!
Where to stay when visiting Tayrona Park?
For an immersive experience, and to maximize the value of your entrance ticket, we recommend staying inside the park, even if accommodation is limited and relatively expensive. Because if you plan to leave the park for the night and return the next day, you’ll have to pay twice.
We recommend spending at least 1 night in the park to fully appreciate it, without running around too much either.
It is important to note that most campsites cannot be booked online; reservations must be made directly on site.
Backcountry camping is strictly forbidden in Tayrona Park.
Dwellings IN the stock
$ – Economical budgeting
Campsite
Camping Tequendama Playa Arrecifes
Well-located campsite near the sea offering accommodation in tents or hammocks. Basic service but great for small budgets.
$ – Economical budgeting
Campsite
Camping Don Pedro
Another pleasant campsite slightly inland, in a quiet location. But well placed for exploring the surrounding area. You can sleep in a hammock, tent or basic room.
On-site booking only
$$ – Average budget
Cabins
Magic Green
This accommodation features an outdoor pool with garden views, and is located near the El Zaino entrance, 700 meters from Castilletes beach.
$$ – Average budget
Cabins
Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke
The ecolodge offers an unspoilt refuge amidst mountains covered in primeval forests. Nestled in exuberant nature, far from mass tourism, it is accessible via Calabazo.
$$$ – High budget
Ecohotel
Ecohabs Tequendama Playa Cañaveral
Just 15 minutes from the El Zaino entrance, this luxurious ecolodge offers 14 sea-view ecohabs with modern facilities. Each ecohab has a private terrace.
$$$ – High budget
Ecohotel
Ecohabs Bamboo Parque Tayrona
Nestled along Cañaveral beach, the comfortable bungalows offer travelers tranquility and privacy, with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Dwellings OUTSIDE the park
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
La Perla Tayrona
A youth hostel ideally located between Calabazo and El Zaino, which keeps tourists’ belongings for the duration of their visit to the park. A good value option, with a warm welcome to boot!
$$ – Average budget
Ecohotel
Villa Tayrona
This handcrafted hut, inspired by Tayrona culture and made locally, offers magnificent views of Tayrona Park and the Sierra Nevada. Also located between Calabazo and El Zaino.
$$$ – High budget
Ecohotel
Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos
Just a 5-minute drive from the park, this elegant hotel on Los Naranjos beach offers exceptional oceanfront facilities, surrounded by nature.
Tayrona Park tips/comments
Enter early in the morning
Due to the (officially) limited number of entrances per day, we recommend getting in as early as possible, especially in high season. The park opens at 07:00 (especially for those wishing to sleep in a tent).
Moderate physical effort
Hiking in Tayrona Park is not that difficult, but can be a little long, especially in the heat. There can be a series of short ascents and descents, depending on the trail you take.
Swimming where it’s allowed
Swimming is prohibited at certain beaches due to strong currents. These bans should not be taken lightly. Tourists have already lost their lives. Beaches suitable for swimming: Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, Cañaveral, Arenilla, Guachakyta, Bahia Concha, Bahia Chengue, Bahia Gayraca, Bahia Neguanje, Bahia Cinto.
Do not sleep outside the park
If you want to visit Tayrona over several days, it’s best to stay INSIDE the park and not outside, because if you go outside, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee again the next day. Sleeping outside the park is therefore not very interesting and limits immersion in the park, wasting time. We recommend spending 1 night in the park to get the most out of it.
Lightweight clothing
It’s always hot in Tayrona Park. You can wear light clothing. But beware of mosquitoes in the evening and at night. It’s best to wear thin pants and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Suitable footwear
Although we’re by the sea, the hikes can take several hours, and are on inland paths (which can be muddy if it rains). Light hiking boots are recommended.
Sun protection
Where there’s Caribbean sun, there’s biting sun. Take sun cream and a hat with you.
Mosquito repellent DEET / IR3535
Take along a DEET / IR3535 repellent, proven effective against mosquitoes in tropical zones.
Take cash
It’s not possible to pay with a credit card inside the park for food and some accommodation. Take plenty of cash.
In Tayrona, everything is more expensive
Prices inside the park for food are higher than outside the park, from bottled water to lunch. Don’t be surprised when you see the prices!
Sleeping in Cabo San Juan
Many tourists want to sleep in a tent in Cabo San Juan, or very close to it. Subjective opinion, but in our opinion it’s a bad plan. The tents are lined up as tightly as in a military camp. There’s no fun to be had here.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
Yellow fever vaccination is not a condition of entry to the park, but it is strongly recommended. Discuss it with your GP (without getting into the pro- or anti-vax debate). The vaccine will also be useful in other parts of Colombia.
Travel light
Save yourself unnecessary suffering. Don’t travel with your big backpack (or suitcase, of course), as everything in the park is done on foot. The best thing to do is leave your belongings at the hostel/hotel preceding your trip to Tayrona, and take only the bare essentials with you. There are also lockers at the El Zaino entrance. In Calabazo, some inns and tiendas will store your belongings for a few pesos.
