The Essential Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Tayrona National Park, located along Colombia’s north Caribbean coast, is one of the country’s gems. It’s where pristine white sand beaches and turquoise, warm water meet lush, tropical jungle. Birds sing overhead in the early morning light, the waves break at your feet, and palms sway in the gentle breeze.
An adventure awaits at every turn in this jungle oasis, Colombia’s most visited national park for good reason. It’s a playground for those who love trekking, nature, wildlife, and beaches.
The Sierra Nevada mountains and Tayrona National Park Colombia are also home to a handful of Indigenous tribes, who still have a very traditional way of life, which can be observed in some places.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the park and how to visit it for the best experience possible. I’ve personally visited Tayrona National Park twice, each time visiting completely different parts and this guide will give you everything you need to know for planning your trip.
How to Get to Tayrona National Park
I’ve included a detailed overview of how to get to in Tayrona the 2 Day Itinerary for Tayrona National Park, so make sure to read the itinerary. Here are the basics.
Most visitors come to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta, Taganga, or Palomino so I recommend setting out from here.
By Bus – From Santa Marta, Transport Terminal take any bus towards Palomino or Riohacha and get off at Tayrona/El Zaino. You can also get a local bus from the ‘Mamatoco’ roundabout which traverses the Caribbean coastal road every 15 minutes.
From Barranquilla take a bus to Santa Marta first. From Palomino simply flag down a local bus on the main highway going towards Santa Marta and get off at Tayrona.
By Boat – it’s possible to get into the heart of Tayrona National Park by boat from Taganga. Boats leave Taganga Beach between 10-11 am every morning and drop you off right in the heart of the park, at Cabo San Juan Beach.
For the return ride, make sure to be at Cabo San Juan between 4-5 pm and look out for the guys shouting out for passengers back to Taganga. If you’re not interested in staying in Taganga as it does have a pretty grimy reputation nowadays, it’s only a 20-minute bus or taxi ride back to Santa Marta.
By moto-taxi – If you’re staying relatively close to Tayrona National Park Colombia, moto-taxi is also a great and cheap option to get to the park entrance. Simply ask your accommodation to call one for you. I would highly recommend you stay in one of the many hostels or lodges close to the entrance of the park before visiting, like The Fort.
This will ensure you get in early, which is crucial for a tranquil experience, especially during the high season.
Looking for the perfect accommodation close to Tayrona National Park? Read: Best Hostel in Colombia: Staying at The Fort Hostel Colombia
Getting Around Tayrona National Park
The best and only way to get around Tayrona National Natural Park is by walking. A visit to Tayrona National Park is a great chance to catch up on some missed exercise and most of the walking to and from the beaches is straightforward and flat. Give the horses a break!
From the main entrance at El Zaino, you can save your legs and take a mini-bus shuttle to the Cañaveral parking lot for $3,000. From there you simply follow the path and beach hop west until you get to Cabo San Juan and beyond.
If you have the energy don’t just stop at Cabo San Juan, keep going and you’ll get to some lovely smaller and uncrowded beaches as well as Playa Nudista, Tayrona’s only nudist beach.
Essential Things to Know
↠ The park is open every day from 8 am-5 pm.
↠ The Tayrona National Park Entrance fee is COP$87,000 ($20) for foreigners in the high season (Mid-December to end of January and from mid-June to Mid-July plus Holy week and public holidays) and $73,500 ($17) in the low season.
Colombians and foreign residents pay less. DO NOT forget to bring your passport or a copy of it. You will not be able to enter the park without a form of photo ID. You will also be charged COP$4,000 extra for ‘insurance’ for each day you are in the park. Nobody really seems to know what this insurance is for when I asked I got a very vague answer.
↠ High season is December-February and on weekends when the park is extremely full. Expect long queues and many many people, mainly Colombians. If you can, try to visit the park outside of these times or get to the entrance at 8 am to beat the tours.
↠ For the last few years, the park has been completely closed for two weeks in February as well, now in June as well as 2 weeks in October. Closures are likely to continue throughout the year to allow the flora and fauna to recover and rebuild after high season and to allow the indigenous tribes who live in the park, to perform ceremonies and cleansing rituals. Before heading to Tayrona check their website to be aware of closures.
↠ Due to the park being a protected area you are not allowed to fly drones in the park.
↠ There are two main entrances; El Zaino and Calabazo. Choose El Zaino (the main, busy entrance) for most beaches and less walking, and Calabazo for Playa Brava and a longer more challenging trek to Cabo San Juan.
↠ Tayrona National Park is also home to Pueblito, ancient pre-Columbian ruins. These were a popular place to visit but due to the heavy toll of tourism on the site, the ruins are closed until further notice.
↠ DO buy from the indigenous locals. Many rely on tourists to make a decent living and you’ll see them selling souvenirs, handmade bags, ‘mochilas’ they use themselves, and bracelets or fresh orange juice or coconuts. Everything they make goes directly to the local communities and villages.
↠ DON’T ride the horses. There are many horses in the park that transport people and goods due to the long distances between the parking lot and the beaches. They are underfed, severely malnourished, ill-treated, and exhausted from hauling tourists and heavy goods.
Some were too skinny and I never saw them eating or drinking when they weren’t working. Honestly, it was a difficult sight to see. Just don’t contribute to the misery of these animals and walk- you’ll benefit them and yourself.
↠ Watch where you tread. Even though the chances are quite slim, the biggest danger in the park is snakes, especially on the quieter paths. Be careful not to step on one that might be on the path.
↠ Not all beaches are equal, or in the case of Tayrona, made for swimming. There are just two or three Tayrona Beaches where you can comfortably swim/snorkel, which are Cabo San Juan and La Piscinita.
Some others are out of bounds completely and others are good for a little dip very close to the shore. Currents change fast so ask at your accommodation if you’re not sure or pay attention to the red flags or signs.
↠ If you’re staying overnight in the park bring snacks. Restaurants attached to various accommodations in the park serve limited food so it’s better to come prepared with a little more food to supplement your stay- particularly healthy options.
↠ It’s difficult to visit Tayrona without doing any walking so be prepared for walking, even if for the most part it’s flat. It takes two hours of non-stop walking to get from the car park (not the entrance) to Cabo San Juan.
If you don’t feel like doing much walking I’d consider leisure time on Cañaveral or Castilletes Beach which are much closer to the parking lot.
That being said the more you give this park the more it will give back to you. If you’re prepared to walk long distances you’ll see more beautiful and varied landscapes and beaches along the way.
Can You Visit Tayrona National Natural Park in One Day?
You visit Tayrona National Park in one day, but in general, 2 days in Tayrona is better. Leaving your hostel/hotel early and entering the park at 8 am you could see the main beaches in the park but you wouldn’t have too much time to relax. Bear in mind that it takes 2 hours to walk from the car park to the most popular beach Cabo San Juan.
Staying in the park right on the beach and falling asleep to the roar of the waves is what it’s all about- not to mention catching the beautiful sunrise and sunset. That being said accommodation in the park fills up fast and during high season you’ll have to book several months in advance.
If you’d like a peaceful relaxing experience avoid staying in Cabo San Juan as it can get loud, especially during high season.
Tayrona National Park Map
When looked at on a map, Tayrona Natural National Park is huge, stretching across vast swathes of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline and lush Sierra Nevada foothills. However, the areas accessible to visitors represent just a small fraction of this wild and sprawling sanctuary.
This limited access not only preserves the park’s pristine ecosystems but also adds to its allure, offering a sense of stepping into a truly untamed natural paradise.
Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
Before and perhaps after your visit to Tayrona National Park, it’s best to stay in a hotel or rental near the park’s entrance. For those heading to Tayrona for more than one day, (which I highly recommend) you’ll need to find somewhere to stay inside the park.
Accommodation in Tayrona National Park is somewhat basic- think camping sites or simple but cute cabins with palapa roofs and as there are only a handful of good options, you’ll need to book it quite a bit in advance.
The most popular place to stay inside Tayrona National Park is at postcard-perfect Cabo San Juan. Accommodation options vary from private cabanas, and tents as well as, for the cash-strapped backpacker, a simple hammock on the beach which will set you back $40,000 ($12).
However, Cabo San Juan can be quite noisy in the evenings as it’s popular with young Colombians and families looking to have a good time. If you’re looking for a quiet, nature-filled escape, I’d suggest heading to Playa Bravo over Cabo San Juan, at least to sleep.
In general, the closer you want to stay to the ocean, the more basic accommodation becomes. Here are the top hotels in Tayrona National Park.
Ecohabs Bamboo – A charming eco-friendly accommodation located in Tayrona National Park, offering a serene retreat in the heart of nature. Located amidst lush greenery, these bamboo-built cabins are designed to blend with the surrounding environment while providing comfort and rustic luxury.
Each Ecohab features breathtaking views, private terraces, and hammocks where you can relax and soak in the tranquil ambiance. It’s fairly close to the entrance but its proximity to hiking trails makes it an ideal base for exploring the park. Check availability and book here.
Ecohabs Tequendama – For those looking for rustic luxe Ecohabs accommodation just right by the beach, this is your best option. These elegantly designed cabins, inspired by traditional indigenous architecture, provide a unique blend of comfort and immersion in nature, making them a favorite choice for those seeking a tranquil and upscale retreat. Located at Cañaveral Beach from where you can hike to all other beaches. Check availability and book here.
Camping Cabo San Juan – Choose between a cabana, tent, or hammock at Tayrona’s most popular beach. The most peaceful time to see Cabo San Juan is early in the morning before the masses arrive and later in the afternoon after they have gone.
The campsite here does get crowded though so if you’re after total peace and serenity, opt for somewhere else. They have a restaurant and snack bar on-site.
Playa Brava Teyumakke – Highly recommended and the only option on Playa Brava, the most remote beach in Tayrona. This option rarely fills up and you’ll have most of the beach to yourself.
They have the option of private wooden cabins on the beach with amazing ocean vibes and a private bathroom as well as hammocks. You can also pitch your own tent. They have an on-site restaurant and snack bar and even wifi for an hour in the evening.
Note that there is no mains electricity here and no phone signal, so bring a reliable head torch, and spare batteries and turn off your phone. Book your stay here.
The Beaches of Tayrona National Park
Cabo San Juan
When you search for Tayrona National Park, chances are the first image you’ll come across is of Cabo San Juan beach — and for good reason. Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in the park, it’s a picture-perfect paradise.
The beach is actually two crescent-shaped stretches of golden-white sand that meet at a rocky promontory, topped by an idyllic wooden hut offering hammocks for rent. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush green jungle, and swaying palms framing the shoreline, Cabo San Juan feels like a tropical dream.
While it’s a popular spot and often bustling with visitors, arriving early in the morning offers your best chance to enjoy its tranquil beauty before the crowds set in. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding trails and vibrant marine life make it a must-visit in Tayrona.
Playa Brava
Playa Brava is hands-down my favorite beach in Tayrona National Park. In stark contrast to the bustling Cabo San Juan, Playa Brava is expansive, secluded, tranquil, and untamed. Reaching it requires a bit of effort—a 2.5 to 3-hour hike through the humid, steamy jungle—but the journey is absolutely worth it.
Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a pristine, untouched stretch of sand where you can claim your own private spot. Relax, take a refreshing dip near the shoreline, and savor the peaceful solitude that makes this hidden gem so special. For an overnight stay book a private bungalow with Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke.
La Piscinita
If you’re looking to spend quality time in the water, Piscinita is one of the top spots in Tayrona National Park. Sheltered by a natural rock barrier, this beach is free from the park’s notorious riptides and strong currents, creating a calm, crystal-clear pool ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The serene waters offer excellent visibility, making it a favorite for spotting vibrant marine life and exploring the underwater world. Whether you’re floating, paddling, or marveling at the fish darting around the rocks, Piscinita is a haven for water enthusiasts seeking a safe and scenic retreat.
Playa Arenilla
Just to the east, Playa Arenilla is a spacious and inviting beach, perfect for relaxing under the sun. With snack and drink vendors conveniently nearby, it’s an ideal spot to take a break and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
However, the waters here are not suitable for swimming due to strong currents, so it’s best to stick close to the shore. Despite this, Playa Arenilla remains a wonderful place to soak up the natural beauty of Tayrona, with its soft sands and the soothing sound of waves crashing along the coast.
Playa Arrecifes
This picturesque beach features a long expanse of soft white sand, punctuated by massive boulders that you can climb for breathtaking views of the coastline. It’s a peaceful spot for relaxing and taking in the natural beauty of Tayrona, but keep in mind that shade is scarce, making it less crowded on hot, sunny days.
While the scenery is inviting, the waters here are rough and unsafe for swimming, so it’s best to enjoy the ocean from the shore. The dramatic setting, coupled with its quieter atmosphere, makes this beach a great place for those seeking a more tranquil escape.
Playa Cañaveral is a beautiful, expansive stretch of sand, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the shoreline while soaking in the stunning scenery of Tayrona National Park. Its serene atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Conveniently located near the car park and transfer point from the main entrance, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more laid-back beach day without too much exertion. For added convenience, a nearby restaurant offers tasty meals and refreshments, making it easy to satisfy your hunger while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Playa Castilletes
Playa Castilletes is another stunning, expansive stretch of sand reminiscent of Playa Cañaveral but with its own unique charm. As one of the quieter beaches in Tayrona National Park, it offers a serene escape perfect for unwinding.
Castilletes also features on-site accommodation, providing a comfortable place to stay overnight, although it tends to attract more visitors than the remote Playa Brava. Visitors can spend their time lounging on the soft sands, enjoying a peaceful beach walk, or exploring the rocky outcrop at the beach’s end.
Climbing to the top rewards you with spectacular, panoramic views of the park and the breathtaking Tayrona coastline—a sight not to be missed.
Tayrona National Park Packing List
Head torch – essential for bathroom trips in the middle of the night and walking around after dark. Many accommodations don’t have electricity or it’s very minimal. Shop mine here.
Bikini/Swimwear – you are at the beach after all.
Walking shoes/ Trainers – You’ll be doing a lot of walking so comfortable shoes are a must but hiking boots aren’t needed. Shop my favorite warm-weather hiking boots here.
Travel towel – For bringing to the beach and for evening showers. Shop my beach/travel towel here
Rain jacket & waterproof backpack cover – The weather in Tayrona is extremely varied and a rainstorm can hit you at any time, particularly in the rainy season. Shop my rainjacket here.
Snacks – Stock up on snacks before entering such as mixed nuts, dried fruit, and bananas. My go-to snacks are these GoMacro bars. You can’t buy them in Colombia but you can stock up before leaving home.
Water – fill up your water bottle before you come into the park and then fill up at various restaurants and vendors as you go. Click here for the ultimate water bottle that filters through 99.9% of bacteria, meaning you can refill it anywhere- even from the Tayrona rivers.
Bug Spray – At certain times of the year mosquitos can be a real nuisance and so are the sand flies. To ward off sand flies just apply a thick layer of coconut oil to your skin- works like a dream! The worst time for mosquitos is during the rainy season so when visiting then make sure to bring repellant. Shop bug spray here – I’m normally all for the natural stuff but it doesn’t work here in the Colombia jungle.
Toiletries – make sure to bring the basics you need for one or a couple of nights.
Read more: The Best Non Toxic Deodorants That Really Work
Sunscreen – for those hot, shade-less beach hours. If you intend to go swimming make sure you’re sunscreen is ecological and reef-friendly. Shop my favorite reef-safe sunscreen here.
Hand sanitizer + tissues – not all the campsites have well-stocked bathroom amenities so it’s always better to have a few of your own.
Battery pack – As most rustic accommodations have limited or no electricity there’s almost no chance of you charging personal items. If you’re using your phone throughout the day for photos and videos, make sure to bring a backup battery pack to charge it ready for the next day’s adventures. Shop mine here.
How Long to Stay in Tayrona National Park?
How long you stay really depends on the balance of relaxation and exploration you’re looking for.
Spending at least one night in the park is highly recommended, as it allows you to experience the tranquility of empty beaches and the magical light at sunrise. During my visits, I stayed for 2 days and 1 night, which was a fantastic amount of time to enjoy both hiking and unwinding.
However, if you’re aiming for the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, 3 days and 2 nights, with each night in a different location, would be ideal ( I’d choose Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke and then Ecohabs Tequendama).
This gives you more time to explore the trails and truly savor the park’s serene beauty. For my exact, recommended itinerary read: 2 Day Itinerary for Tayrona National Park.
If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them below, I’d love to hear from you.
Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com for great deals on hotels
Agoda also for great deals on hotels
Get Your Guide and Viator for tours and adventures around the world
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A Two Day Itinerary for Tayrona National Park - Roam and Thrive
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