Our travel guide to Tayrona National Park in Colombia.

Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia lies only one hour's drive from Santa Marta. This ultimate travel guide includes tips on the best things to see and do in Tayrona National Park, and we also share tips on where to stay, where to eat, cost of travel, how to get there, or what to pack. If you plan your visit to Tayrona NP, we've got you covered.

Tayrona National Park alias Parque Tayrona is one of the best places in Colombia. How did this stretch of land in the Magdalena department earn such a reputation?

There are certainly many reasons, but after our visit, we would say it is the pristine nature, diverse flora and fauna, sandy beaches, hiking trails in the jungle, rough waves, tall coconut palms, and sun that shines (almost) all day long.

This is what draws here travelers from all around the world.

In nutshell, Tayrona National Park is Colombia's ultimate beach destination and one of the places you have to include in your Colombia itinerary.

We must admit, that before our trip to Tayrona National Park, we were a little bit reserved and did not want to look forward to our visit too much.

But it was quite hard because we arrived in Colombia after one year we spent in super-cold Calgary, and we simply could not wait to enjoy the beach life.

But from the very first moment in the park, we knew we would not be disappointed by no means.

Once we entered Tayrona National Park, the narrow path led us through a jungle forest, we could watch monkeys in the treetops, and then we arrived at a viewpoint overlooking an empty beach, and then another one until we reached our campground, where we planned to spend three nights.

Yes, the heat in August was quite challenging, and no, we were not alone in the park - after all, it is one of the most visited attractions in the whole country.

But we set our expectations right from the very beginning and were super-excited to explore the park at our own pace.

You probably already know that we are the type of travelers who like to spend their time actively.

Therefore, our main concern was to find the best things to do in Tayrona National Park, as we did not want only sunbathe and lie on the beach (although we enjoyed it as well).

Fortunately, Tayrona has plenty of aces in the sleeve for all kinds of travelers.

If you've found this blog post, it is very likely that you are planning your trip to Colombia, and want to include the visit to Tayrona National Park in your itinerary. That's awesome, congratulations!

To enjoy your trip as much as possible, we've created this Tayrona National Park travel guide.

Let's dive into it!

Tayrona National Park is located in the north of Colombia.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE GATE

Tayrona National Park is one of the top tourist destinations in the area therefore, getting there is quite easy, and you can choose from several alternatives.

First of all, it is good to know that there are two official entrances to Tayrona National Park - Calabazo and El Zaino.

Both of these access gates are on the road and well accessible from Santa Marta or any other town in the area.

El Zaino is the main entrance, used by the majority of travelers, which is close to all the best beaches in the park.

Calabazo is more remote, respective the beaches near Calabazo are more remote, and to get to some of the must-visit places such as Cabo San Juan beach, you need to hike longer through the jungle.

All drivers know both entrances, but in case you want to start your exploration of the park at Calabazo, say so, or drivers will assume you want to start at El Zaino.

TAYRONA ENTRANCE FEE

Once you get off the bus in El Zaino (or any other entrance to the park), you must buy a Tayrona NP permit to enter the park.

Tickets for international visitors cost 66 000 COP in high season and 56 000 COP outside the high season. Tayrona NP entrance fee is quite expensive, but we think it is worth it, especially if you decide to stay longer than one day.

High season usually lasts from mid-June to mid-July, then during Easter, from mid-December till the end of June, and then on Colombia public holidays.

Colombian citizens plus citizens from countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru pay significantly less, in general, one-third of the price we had to pay.

Honestly, double prices are nothing uncommon in South America, and we think it is one of the reasons why some national parks are crowded, but that's probably a topic for another post.

You can pay cash or credit card, at least by the El Zaino entrance, but we always preferred to pay cash in Colombia (read 21 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Colombia).

You will need cash to pay for accommodation or food in the park anyway.

After you pay the fee, you'll get a wristband as proof of payment, which you must keep on your hand for the whole length of your stay.

Don't forget ID or passport as it is necessary for registration at the entrance gate to Tayrona NP.

There is a limit on how many visitors can enter the park every day, so if you plan to arrive in the high season, you should arrive as soon as possible.

There were rumors about implementing an online booking system for Tayrona National Park, but it seems these efforts have not yet been successful.

Or at least we were not possible to purchase the ticket via the official website, but you can try your luck.

Before entering the park, you should also have proof of yellow fever vaccination with you.

There is one more thing that you should know. You will also have to pay a 2500 COP insurance fee even though you have your travel insurance covered.

The entrance fee is more expensive for international visitors.

IS TAYRONA OPEN ALL-YEAR-ROUND?

The entrance to Tayrona National Park is open between 8 AM and 5 PM every day, except for periods when the park is entirely closed to the public.

Because the park's environment is fragile, and the number of visitors has been growing rapidly in the past few years, it's been decided that from 2017 the park will close its gate every year from late January to the end of February.

The reason for the closure was to give mother nature a chance to restore and breathe, and the decision has been made by Colombia's largest indigenous community.

Although the loss of revenue must have been significant, the results on flora and fauna were incredibly positive after the first year.

Check before your visit if the park is open (dates can change every year), and if not, don't despair.

There are so many things to see and do in Colombia you can visit instead. We believe every tourist place needs some time to gain back its sustainability, especially such popular places like Tayrona.

These actions should always remind us that we cannot take the beauty of nature for granted.

For further reading, check out our article Sustainable Travel Tips for Responsible Travelers.

Tayrona NP is usually closed in February.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA MARTA

Even though it is possible to reach Tayrona National Park from Cartagena in one day, we think it makes more sense to break your journey in Santa Marta.

This city, even though it does not look like it, has quite to offer quite many things to do.

Additionally, it is a great place to leave stuff you do not need for the park in a hotel's locker.

We've handpicked the best places for every kind of traveler you can consider for your stay in Santa Marta.

Budget | Yulucky Hostel - Indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen, helpful staff, great location in the city center, and delicious breakfast. This hostel offers perfect services for your money.

Mid-range | Masaya Hostel Santa Marta - Modern luxury boutique hostel, spacious air-conditioned rooms, a rooftop bar with a swimming pool, and a great breakfast. Santa Marta offers a wide range of accommodation options in the mid-range category, so there's a lot to choose from.

Luxury | Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus - Conveniently located hotel in the historical center, features large and quiet rooms, a swimming pool, and a wonderful view from the rooftop.

Alternatively, search for accommodation in Taganga, Guachaca, or Palomino, in case you've decided this would be your departure point.

HOW TO GET TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

The nearest big city and the best access point to the park is South America's oldest surviving city, Santa Marta.

It is not a city where we would like to spend more time than necessary, and the beach in Santa Marta is a crappy place that will hardly ignite your wanderlust and prepare you for the beauty of Tayrona National Park.

On the other hand, the positive thing about Santa Marta beaches is that you will appreciate pristine beaches in Tayrona NP even more.

However, the city is primarily a place where to spend a night before going to Tayrona.

Every solid hostel or hotel should store your luggage during your visit to the park in case you have more stuff than you want to carry with you.

Check out the reviews of hotels in Santa Marta first, and don’t hesitate to pay a little bit extra this time.

BUS TO EL ZAINO

The bus from Santa Marta to El Zaino leaves frequently (every 20 to 30 minutes).

Calabazo is on the way, in case you want to get off there. Buses to Tayrona stop in Santa Marta at several locations, but we found the most convenient place at Public Market at Calle 11 & Carrera 9, the bus leaves for Tayrona when full.

It takes about an hour to get from Santa Marta to El Zaino (the worst part is to get out of the city), and the ticket costs 7 000 COP.

From El Zaino (where you'll buy a permit to enter the park), you can either walk 4 km on a paved road to get to Canaveral point or take a shuttle for 3 000 COP.

We recommend the latter as there is nothing impressive along the path, and you'll save some time for exploring the park.

BUS TO CALABAZO

Calabazo entrance is along the path before you reach El Zaino, so the drive takes about 45 minutes to get there. Just let the driver know your intentions. To get there, simply take the same bus as described above.

The ticket is a bit cheaper and costs 6000 COP.

The entrance here looks very unofficial, at least compared to the one in El Zaino.

Do not be surprised if it'll be just you getting off here. From this entrance gate, you have to start the hike to the coast through the jungle straightaway.

BOAT FROM TAGANGA TO CABO SAN JUAN BEACH

This alternative is popular among day-trippers but is also possible for all travelers who want to avoid the sweaty hike.

Taganga is a small beach town from where speedboats leave every day for Tayrona.

Boats usually leave between 9:30 AM and 11 AM, and a one-way ride that takes around 45 minutes costs 50 000 COP.

The boat will drop you off at Cabo San Juan Beach, and from here, it leaves back around 4 PM - ask the boat captain, in case you want to return by boat to Taganga later on.

This option won't surely help you to avoid paying the entrance fee. A money collector waits for the boat at the beach.

TRANSPORT FROM SMALLER TOWNS ALONG THE COAST

Of course, Santa Marta or Taganga are not the only places from where you can get to the park.

In case you prefer staying in little beach towns along the coast, search for transport options from here.

Local people in towns popular with backpackers such as Palomino or Costeno, usually offer either hostel shuttle, or you'll find here a regular bus that goes directly to the park.

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

In case you prefer more comfortable ways on how to get to Tayrona National Park, it is possible a door to door service.

It means you will book a tour that includes private transport and a guide that will navigate you through the park.

If you want to enjoy Tayrona from a different point of view, consider booking this popular Tayrona sailing tour.

Also, some of the backpacker hostels offer their shuttles to Tayrona, check them out!

The bus ride from Santa Marta to Tayrona takes about an hour.

HOW TO GET FROM TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Getting from Tayrona is very straightforward, just follow our travel advice above only in reverse order. If you are leaving from El Zaino or Calabazo exit, simply wait for a bus to Santa Marta by the road.

If you want to get to Taganga by boat, wait at the Cabo San Juan beach.

In case you arranged private transport, just make sure you make clear with the driver when and where to wait.

ACCOMMODATION IN TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

If you plan on visiting Tayrona National Park in only one day, you can sleep in one of many hotels near the park's gates such as this super-popular Eco Hostal Yuluka.

Another alternative is to stay within the park, which is the option we think is the best, as it will give you the chance to explore the park's most wonderful places more thoroughly and enjoy the atmosphere.

Tayrona National Park offers various accommodation options.

You can find here a few upscale cabins such as Ecohabs in the Cañaveral area, Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona - both close to El Zaino entrance, or Playa Brava Teyumakke on Playa Brava on the opposite side of the park.

It is important to know, that especially in the high season, it is more than wise to book your accommodation in advance.

Most visitors of the park stay in campgrounds, where it is possible to sleep in a tent (yours or rented) or in hammocks.

Yes, make the booking even for tents or hammocks, especially if you want to stay at Cabo San Juan beach, which is the busiest beach in the park.

How do you make reservation in advance? Some of the campsites have an official website, some of them a Facebook page, so you can contact them via Messenger, or you can visit one of many travel agencies in Santa Marta.

We are sure they will help you out. Be prepared that the payment is often required in advance.

Tayrona National Park campgrounds are scattered along the coast, and all of them are relatively close to beaches. You can spend the night at Castilletes, Cañaveral, Arrecifes, Cabo San Juan del Guia, or Playa Brava.

We stayed at Arrecifes in Camping Don Pedro, and although it was a little bit further from the beach, we liked the position of the campsite, because no other visitors apart from guests could walk through it, so we felt that our belongings are safe(r).

We rented a tent for 72 000 COP per night, including breakfast (if you have your tent, it should cost only around 30 000 COP).

We felt it was a bit pricey because usually, we paid even less for a room in Colombia, but it was still ok when we consider the unique surroundings.

To make sure there is a space available, we contacted Camping Don Pedro via Facebook, and they replied very quickly (there's wifi in the campground for a small daily fee).

Amenities in the campground were simple but clean.

Toilets, cold showers (it was 35°C during the day and almost 30°C at night, so trust us, you don't need to have a hot shower here), safety boxes, where you can keep your valuable belongings (bring your padlock or you can borrow one here), food storage, and restaurant.

The tent itself was ok, but there were several holes in the mosquito net, so we were glad we brought our own (we also used it later on our trip to Amazon Jungle).

And one more thing, and it doesn't apply just to the camp, but to the whole park.

No kidding, but watch out for falling coconuts when getting around.

We've never seen and heard that many coconuts fall from palms that close to us.

HOW TO PLAN THE VISIT TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

When we've already touched on the subject of accommodation, you might want to know what is the best way to plan your stay.

We think that it is quite important to emphasize, that Tayrona is not only about relaxing on the beach, it is also about hiking, as you need to get around somehow.

Less fit travelers might consider hiring a horse, but we preferred walking around on foot.

We will talk about how many days you need for Tayrona National Park later on, but here we would like to make sure you know what to expect from the visit.

You can either plan on staying a few nights in one place and explore the park from here (this is the option we have opted for).

Another alternative is to move from one place to another every day. You can every day sleep in a different campsite, and explore the area around it more thoroughly.

It is also good to plan in advance how you exit the park.

You can do it via the same way you entered, or you can literally walked through the park, and start at El Zaino and exit at Calabazo (or vice versa).

This option requires walking with a backpack on your back all the time and that's why we preferred in the heat to make only day-trips from our campsite with only a small backpack.

FOOD AND WATER IN TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Before your visit, it is good to keep in mind that everything is a bit more expensive in Tayrona National Park, but it is nothing that should keep you away.

As we traveled on a strict budget, visiting Tayrona National Park was quite expensive for our standards, but in the end, we are glad the travel cost did not stop us.

The cheapest way is to bring all food and water for your stay with you, but it has several disadvantages.

First of all, you have to carry it in your backpack (we took about 7 liters of water to save some money, and we were sweating like crazy).

Also, temperatures in Tayrona are very high, so you need to bring something that will survive the trip and probably several nights.

You might consider dried food for this trip, in case you want to cook by yourself (though you would have to carry a coockware as well).

The most overpriced item in the park is water. One liter of water in Tayrona NP cost around 5 000 COP, which is five times more than in the cities. That's why we brought the barrel, but because of the extreme heat, it lasted less than a day.

Beer cost 4 500 COP and fresh juice 5 000 COP (if you want to get real natural juice, ask for a version without sugar - sin azucar, por favor).

We usually carry our reusable water bottle, but here we would recommend you bring filter water bottles because it is necessary to treat the water before drinking it.

We had breakfast included in the accommodation rate, but it usually costs around 8 000 COP (eggs, arepas, coffee), you can get lunch, and dinner from 15 000 COP to 32 000 COP per meal.

All the food is available at campground's restaurants or restaurants at beaches.

In general, we would say you should not expect some culinary miracles in Tayrona, just regular food that is a bit overpriced because of the location.

It is prohibited to bring alcohol to the park.

Also, even though it should go without saying - do not litter.

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK BUDGET

One thing is clear. Tayrona National Park is not a typical budget-friendly destination. Or at least it is much more expensive when you consider you will most likely sleep in a tent or hammock, and eat food in mediocre restaurants.

In case you plan on staying in a resort, prepare to spend much more, but it is something you probably expect.

We are used to living on the road frugally, still, we paid around 37 USD per person per day.

We stayed in the national park three nights, and did not buy any snacks or drinks except for meals three times a day, pure water and a few freshly squeezed juices.

The things we had to pay for was accommodation, a bus to the park, the shuttle within the park, food, water, and tickets.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Tayrona National Park lies on the Caribbean Coast, and for many travelers, the main reason to include this destination on the itinerary are beautiful beaches, jungle, wildlife, and a laidback vibe.

Tayrona, even though it is not that obvious, is not a classical beach destination (such as Florianopolis in Brazil), because it requires some hiking to reach the most wonderful places within the park.

Also, one of the most important things to know is that not every beach is suitable for swimming.

Treacherous offshore currents and strong waves are dangerous, and you should always watch for red flags before you jump in the sea.

BEACHES IN TAYRONA NP

The supposedly best beach in Tayrona National Park is called Cabo San Juan. The deep bay with a strip of sand is the most crowded one, but no wonder when it is one of the few places where it is possible to swim in the park.

There's also a place called Mirador that provides visitors with beautiful views of the beach, the sea, and the jungle behind.

This is also a place where most of the one day visitors will have their lunch and break and from where they return back to El Zaino.

Another reason why Cabo San Juan beach gets such attention and attracts travelers is the option of sleeping in the hut on the top of the rock in hammocks.

Even though it sounds really romantic, we did not find it that great, that's why we skipped it.

We really liked Punta Las Gaviotas beach, and it quickly became our favorite place where to go for a swim and just sit and relax. It is the beach where you can safely dip in the sea.

And the best part? It was almost empty, no crowds at all, at least in the morning.

Another safe beach in Tayrona NP for swimming and snorkeling is La Piscina, a smaller beach between Punta Las Gaviotas and Cabo San Juan.

The very photogenic beach is Arrecifes (not suitable for swimming).

The east end can be dangerous because there is a lagoon where caimans can be present. It is also the only beach where we've seen the guard watching for the visitor's safety all day.

If you have more time, make sure to check out beaches Castilletes and Canaveral, that is close to El Zaino entrance, that's why they are often overlooked by travelers who cannot wait to see the best the park has to offer.

If you plan on exploring the area behind Cabo San Juan beach, you can visit other beaches, such as Playa Brava, Playa Nudista (yes, you can get here naked), or Punta Piedra.

HIKING IN TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Hiking in Tayrona National Park is an activity you cannot avoid, at least if you want to travel between beaches. But there are a few hikes that can make the trip to Tayrona even more rewarding.

We are avid hikers, so we could not skip this activity.

EL PUEBLITO HIKE

The most famous, easily accessible, and arguably the best walk in Tayrona National Park is El Pueblito hike. It starts at Cabo San Juan beach and leads inland through the jungle to an indigenous village El Pueblito.

Although it seems that the village is nowadays closed to visitors, it is still possible to do this hike. You are just not allowed to enter the village anymore.

We did this jungle hike before the village was closed, but we still believe it’s worth the effort (even without actually visiting the village).

The trip takes an hour and a half one way, and it requires some strength and determination.

The trail is a bit challenging. First of all, because of the heat (take plenty of water), and secondly, it is an uphill climb over stones all the way up (don't wear flip-flops).

The whole path walks through a tropical forest which is full of mysterious (sometimes scary) sounds and unexpected movements.

Pueblito is an archeological site, where you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ruins.

The jungle already swallowed most of the 500-years old village, so you might not be impressed by the site's size however, it is an important place both historically and spiritually.

Please respect the wish of indigenous people who are at home here and do not take pictures of people without their permission.

Overall, the trail is easy to follow.

There are signs on every 10% of the trek's distance. There is only one part, where it is hard to navigate and where you can get lost. This place is right before you reach Pueblito, on the 90% mark.

It seems that you should go left, but you must take the path on your right, which is a bit hidden behind the rock.

The village is closed to visitors at the moment.

9 PIEDRAS HIKE

Another hike you can consider takes only about an hour and is right behind the entrance to the Tayrona National Park at Canaveral - it is where the shuttle from El Zaino drops you off.

The hike is called 9 Piedras (9 Stones). It is mostly a jungle trail (loop) with some stunning ocean views.

You can see stones (with unusual holes in their upper part), after which the path has been named, along the trail (not sure there were 9 of them, though).

These stones were used by indigenous people to observe the passage of the cosmos.

Indigenous people carved the rocks a long time ago.

WILDLIFE WATCHING

One of the best things a traveler can do in Tayrona National Park, at least according to our opinion, is to watch animals and admire the diversity of flora.

Yes, the entrance fee to the park is quite expensive, but on the other hand, you do not pay the fee only to lie on the beach, you can explore one of the most diverse places in Colombia, which is definitely worth the extra price.

Wildlife spotting is not guaranteed, though.

Keep your eyes open to spot animals or exotic plants and flowers. There is a lot to see, the success depends on your luck, time of the day, patience, and quality of your eyesight.

ACTIVITIES IN TAYRONA NP

There is not much to do in Tayrona National Park when it comes to regular activities in similar destinations, such as diving, boat tours, or snorkeling.

There is only one snorkeling spot on La Piscina Beach. You must hire a guide who goes to the water with you, and because of strong currents, we're not sure about the underwater world diversity.

Also, scuba diving is an option for more adventurous souls.

You can hire a horse to commute quicker between campgrounds and beaches.

HOW MANY DAYS FOR TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Is it possible to visit Tayrona National Park in one day?

Yes, it is, although it won't be the most relaxing experience. If you're short of time, and there is no other option, go for it.

In only one day, you can get a quick sample of everything the park has to offer but be prepared it will involve a lot of walking unless you do not stop at the first beach along the way.

If time allows, we strongly recommend staying at least overnight and enjoy the mixture of seaside destination and the jungle remoteness.

So how many nights do you need in Tayrona National Park? It is highly individual. We stayed in Tayrona NP for three nights, and it felt just right.

We had time to walk from beach to beach, do some hikes in the jungle, explore even more beaches, and even had one day to do mostly nothing (just got sunburnt).

This amount of time gave us the chance to enjoy the park after all the daytrippers left.

If short on time, consider this day tour - sailing to Tayrona NP - on a yacht from Santa Marta.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

We've already mentioned a few accommodation options in the text above.

In case you do not want to stay at the campsites, consider one of these resort-like possibilities.

Please note, that all of them are in secluded areas closer to park gates, so to see some of the best places in Tayrona, you will have to walk its trails.

Budget | Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona - The location is close to the El Zaino entrance, but already in the park, which is great, because you won't have to pay an entrance fee every day.

Mid-range | Playa Brava Teyumakke - Beautiful and tranquil location ideal for couples in a remote place without crowds and with direct access to the beach. The only downside is that you have to walk there for three hours.

Luxury | Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos - This hotel is a real luxury retreat with ocean views and perfect services. It is only five minutes' drive from the El Zaino gate. It makes sense to base yourself for a few days and visit Tayrona park in only one day, otherwise, you will have to pay the entrance fee every day.

IS TAYRONA SAFE?

In a nutshell, Tayrona is a safe place. In case you will enter the park via the main entrance, expect to meet crowds.

If there's one good thing about Tayrona's popularity, it is the fact that your chances to get robbed on the trail are low because of the traffic.

Calabazo entrance is much less used, and it is here where it is recommended to hike at least as a couple, although we did not hear any bad story based on a personal experience.

When in the park, watch your belongings as usual and do not wander in the forest after dark.

In general, we felt really safe in Tayrona National Park, and the fact all visitors much pay a fee to enter decreases the crime rate.

When it comes to your health safety, we recommend taking a mosquito net and strong repellent with you, but we were surprised there were fewer mosquitos than we've expected in July.

Check out Tayrona NP packing list down below.

Travel Insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.

Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.

SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.

Travel smarter and safer!

Tayrona is a realtively safe place to visit.

WHAT TO PACK FOR TAYRONA NP

The weather in Tayrona National Park is hot and humid almost all year round, so you do not have to pack many layers, but only a couple of things which will make your life more comfortable and easier.

Try to pack as light as possible.

Here are several essential things you should pack with you for Tayrona.

Waterproof Dry Bag | This is a great waterproof daypack for all water activities.
Water Shoes | Great for walking on a slippery surface and protecting your feet in waters with sharp rocks.
Swimsuit | You need a swimsuit for a beach vacation.
Headlamp | You might be tempted to use only your iPhone flashlight, good torchlight is way better especially when you're camping in the jungle.
Hammock | If you are feeling adventurous.
Sunscreen | We used SPF 50+ every day in Colombia.
Bug Repellent | The most common method to protect yourself from mosquito bites is to use DEET spray.