Tayrona National Natural Park: The Perfect Two Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to the northern Colombia Coast and looking for the perfect 2 Day Tayrona National Park itinerary? Keep reading.

If you’ve stumbled upon this article, chances are you’ve already heard about Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia’s tropical paradise nestled along the Caribbean coast.

Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant jungle trails, and rich Indigenous heritage, this park offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. Despite being crowded during peak seasons, Tayrona remains a must-visit destination, offering unforgettable experiences like hiking through lush rainforests, exploring ancient culture, and falling asleep in a hammock to the soothing sound of crashing waves.

For those planning a trip, two days is the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in Tayrona’s wonders and witness its incredible biodiversity. After exploring the park on two separate occasions, I’ve refined the ultimate two-day itinerary for an active and unforgettable visit to Tayrona National Park.

*This ‘Tayrona National Park itinerary’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Read also: The Essential Guide to Tayrona National Park.

Is Tayrona National Park Worth It?

Tayrona National Park is worth every bit of effort it takes to visit. As one of Colombia’s most iconic natural attractions, it offers a rare blend of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant wildlife, all framed by the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

While parts of the park can be crowded during peak seasons, its natural beauty, rich Indigenous heritage, and opportunities for adventure make it a must-see destination. Whether you’re hiking through dense rainforests, snorkeling in calm turquoise waters, or waking up to a sunrise over the Caribbean from a hammock on the beach, Tayrona delivers an unforgettable experience that justifies its reputation as a tropical paradise.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

Most visitors access Tayrona National Park from nearby towns like Santa Marta, Taganga, or Palomino, but it’s also possible to travel from Cartagena with a bit of planning. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

By Bus

From Santa Marta, you can catch a bus to Tayrona from the main Transport Terminal heading toward Palomino or Riohacha. Be sure to tell the driver to drop you off at the Tayrona Entrance (El Zaino). Alternatively, local buses from the ‘Mamatoco’ roundabout run every 15 minutes along the Caribbean coastal highway and can drop you off at the park entrance or your nearby accommodation.

If you’re coming from Barranquilla, you’ll need to take a bus to Santa Marta first before transferring to a Tayrona-bound bus. From Palomino, simply flag down any local bus heading towards Santa Marta and hop off at the park’s entrance.

If you’re starting from Cartagena, consider taking a bus to Santa Marta first (a journey of about 4-5 hours) and then following the instructions above. It will likely take all day. Many accommodations in Santa Marta also offer private transfers or organized tours to Tayrona, which can simplify the journey.

By Boat

For a more adventurous route, you can enter the park by boat from Taganga. Boats depart from Taganga Beach between 10 and 11 AM and take you directly to Cabo San Juan Beach, located in the heart of the park.

For the return trip, be at Cabo San Juan between 4 and 5 PM to catch a boat back to Taganga. While Taganga has a reputation for being a bit gritty these days, it’s just a short 20-minute bus or taxi ride from Santa Marta, making it an accessible option.

You can also visit Tayrona by sailboat from Santa Marta which makes a lovely small-group day trip.

By Moto-Taxi

If you’re staying close to Tayrona, moto-taxis are a cheap and convenient way to reach the park entrance. Simply ask your hotel to arrange one for you. This option is particularly handy for those staying in nearby lodges or hostels.

A Pro Tip for Early Access

For the best experience, especially during the high season, consider staying at one of the many accommodations near the park entrance the night before your visit.

This allows you to enter the park early in the morning, avoiding crowds and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere that makes Tayrona so special. 

Our 2 Day Tayrona National Park Itinerary

Day One

Morning – Calabazo Entrance to Playa Brava

Kick off your Tayrona journey bright and early at 8:00 AM, entering the park through the less-trafficked Calabazo entrance. This quieter access point offers a more adventurous and immersive start to your experience.

After checking in and paying your entrance fee, you’ll begin the trek to Playa Brava, one of Tayrona’s most serene and secluded beaches.

Playa Brava stands out as a hidden gem in the park, known for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Its remoteness is preserved by the challenging hike required to reach it, making it a haven for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

The trek takes approximately three hours along a winding path through dense jungle. Along the way, you’ll encounter lush greenery, cross jungle streams, and pass small Indigenous villages, giving you a deeper connection to the park’s natural and cultural richness.

The vibrant sounds of the jungle—chirping birds, rustling leaves, and distant howler monkeys—create an unforgettable ambiance, making the hike a truly authentic experience.

Upon reaching Playa Brava, check in at Playa Brava Teyumakke, the only accommodation available at this secluded spot (make sure to book in advance). This charming property offers simple yet comfortable beachfront cabins, perfect for unwinding after your trek.

For a more rustic experience, you can also opt to stay in one of their hammocks but I highly recommend the private cabins.

After settling in, take the rest of the day to relax, soak up the peaceful surroundings, and enjoy the untamed beauty of Playa Brava—a slice of paradise that feels worlds away from the busier parts of Tayrona.

Afternoon – Relax on Playa Brava/Visit Teyumakke Waterfall

After your trek, take the day to unwind and fully appreciate the tranquil beauty of Playa Brava. This remote beach offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Stroll along the long, golden shoreline, snapping photos of the stunning landscape, or settle into a hammock with a good book and let the sound of the waves lull you into serenity.

If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, take a short 25-minute walk to the nearby Teyumakke Waterfall. The trail follows a dried-up riverbed through the jungle, leading you to a picturesque cascade—perfect for cooling off and adding a touch of exploration to your day.

Playa Brava’s isolation means you’ll be unplugged from the digital world, as the wifi doesn’t work well here. Be sure to bring something to keep yourself entertained offline, like a journal or book.

As evening falls, head to the communal restaurant at Playa Brava Teyumakke for dinner, served from 6 PM. Meals here are simple but hearty—ideal after a day of hiking. The communal dining experience also provides a wonderful chance to meet fellow travelers and share stories of your adventures. Vegetarian options are always available and can often be adjusted to accommodate vegans.

Keep in mind that electricity is extremely limited after dark and is only used to light the communal areas during dinner. For anything else, such as reading or finding your way back to your cabin, a headlamp is essential.

Don’t forget to pack one—Shop mine here. Spend the rest of your evening soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Playa Brava, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

Day Two

Morning – Playa Brava to San Juan Cape

Start your day early with breakfast and aim to leave by 7:30 AM—or even earlier—to make your way to Cabo San Juan beach. This is one of Tayrona’s most popular spots, so arriving early will give you the chance to enjoy its beauty before the influx of day-trippers.

The trek to Cabo San Juan is a rewarding journey that takes you up and over the high hills of Tayrona, weaving through dense jungle and offering incredible views along the way.

Midway, you’ll pass Pueblito, an ancient pre-Colombian archaeological site within the park. These fascinating ruins, once home to the Indigenous Tayrona people, provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history and are worth a brief stop to explore. Unfortunately, it was closed off when I visited.

After descending from Pueblito, you’ll arrive at the coastline, where a series of stunning beaches awaits. As you make your way to Cabo San Juan, take time to hop between beaches like Nudist Beach, each offering its own unique charm.

Once you reach Cabo San Juan, prepare to be captivated by one of the most iconic beaches on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Surrounded by lush jungle and framed by dramatic rock formations, the crescent-shaped beach is a tropical paradise.

Spend your time here soaking up the sun, snapping photos of the postcard-worthy scenery, or enjoying a refreshing swim in the calm, turquoise waters. With its picturesque charm and tranquil vibe, Cabo San Juan is the perfect place to unwind for the morning and reflect on your Tayrona adventure.

Afternoon – Beach Hop to Cañaveral and Leave Tayrona

After a refreshing early lunch at the restaurant in Cabo San Juan, it’s time to begin your journey toward the park’s main car park. The walk from Cabo San Juan to the car park takes about two hours and offers plenty of opportunities to explore more of Tayrona’s stunning beaches along the way.

Once at the car park, you can catch a minibus for a small fee of $3,000 COP, which will take you to the park’s Zaino Entrance.

Spend the afternoon beach hopping along the scenic trail, making stops at some of Tayrona’s best spots. La Piscinita, with its calm, crystal-clear waters, is ideal for a final swim or some snorkeling.

Continue to Arrecifes, a picturesque beach perfect for a peaceful walk and soaking up the dramatic coastal views. Finally, head to Cañaveral, a beautiful and tranquil stretch of sand where you can savor the last moments of your Tayrona experience.

Keep in mind that the park closes at 5 pm, so it’s essential to manage your time wisely. To ensure you’re not rushed, aim to be at the shuttle bus pick-up area by 4 pm. This allows you ample time to reach the main entrance and avoid any last-minute stress.

Take one last look at the breathtaking scenery as you make your way out, and reflect on the incredible natural beauty and adventure you’ve experienced in Tayrona National Park.

Once at the main El Zaino entrance, you can take a moto-taxi, private shuttle, or public bus to your next destination, whether that’s to Palomino, Minca, Santa Marta, or The Fort, one of Colombia’s best boutique hostels.

Any comments or questions about this Tayrona National Natural Park Itinerary? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you!

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