Tayrona Park Essentials
- Best hotels in Tayrona National Park? The best place to sleep in Cabo San Juan’s Camping, in hammock. Tent is also possible, but be careful in rainy season. Hotels are very expensive
- When does the Tayrona Park Closes in 2021 ? First close is from february 1 to 28th. Second is from June 1rst to 15. Third is from Oct 19th to Nov 2nd . Due to Covid, new Closing dates will be:
– Sundays: March 28 and April 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2021.
– Wednesdays: March 31 and April 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2021
– Fridays: April 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2021 - How to get to Tayrona Park? Bus leaves from the Santa Marta’s market every 20min for 7000 Cop aprox. You can take also taxi from Santa Marta for 80000 Cop. Boats leaves from Taganga everyday at 10h30
- How much cost the entrance fee to Tayrona Park ? It costs between 49.000 and 59.000 colombian pesos – 15 Usd (depending on the season) for non-residents .
- When to visit ? Can be visited all year round – rainy season in September and November high season from 20 December to 20 January. Be careful, the park closes 3 times per year, generally in
- Where to eat ? There are restaurants on all the main beaches for 30.000 Cop aprox. Many people carry their own food. There is also mini shop in Cabo San Juan with basic things.
- What to bring ? Water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, walking shoes, passport, flashlight, small padlock, bathing suit… And your food if you want to save money
- How long to stay ? You should stay at least one night, but better if you can stay 2. Don’t go only for 1 day, unless you do a day trip at Playa Cristal or Bahia Concha, or if you plan to come back by boat from Cabo San Juan to Taganga.
- Do I absolutely need a guide to visit Tayrona Park ? 99% of people visit the park without guide. Nevertheless, the experience is 99% more complete with a guide, who can reveal you all the magic of the place
TOP Tips to Visit Tayrona National Park
For those who don’t have the time to read the whole article, here are the 16 essential information you need to know before you leave:
- The park can be visited on foot, and a good level of walking is required.
- There’s no electricity in the park.
- Try to arrive early in the morning, especially in high season (december – january)
- Don’t forget your passport !
- The entrance to the park closes at 5 pm, leaving from Santa marta Maxi at 3 pm.
- Take cash, as there are no ATMs around.
- The park closes 3 times a year for a total of 2 months.
- Water and meals are more expensive than in the city.
- Take a Padlock for your locker
- Don’t forget your headlamp
- Leave Light, take only what is strictly necessary.
- Wear a hat, take breaks and stay hydrated.
- Plan 2 or 3 nights to live your experience well.
- Don’t bring alcohol or drugs and the guards can search you at the entrance.
- Don’t swim on beaches that are closed to bathing
- Don’t waste your money on a room.
- Beware of sun burns: in 45 minutes you already risk sunstroke.
- Respect this sacred site: bring only positive thoughts! 🤞
Discover Tayrona Natural National Park
Because Tayrona National Park enjoys a tropical climate all year round and is increasingly popular, it is important to plan when you want to visit.
Tayrona Park in figures
- 300,000 visitors per year
- 19,256 hectares, of which 3,000 hectares are maritime
- 4350 people per day maximum
- 1000 different plant species
- 300 species of birds
- 85 km wide (53 miles)
- 45 minutes from Santa Marta or Palomino
- 42 beaches, half of which can be visited
- 32 degrees on average
- 31 species of snakes 6 highly poisonous species
- Tayrona Park is one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world.
- 13 Agujas caimans with an average length of 3 metres.
- 4 varieties of monkeys: Titi, Capuchin, Howlers and 1 nocturnal monkey.
- 4 different inputs
- 1 variety of ultra poisonous frog
Maps of Tayrona Park
Where is Tayrona Park ?
Tayrona Natural National Park is located in the north of Colombia, at 45min from Santa Marta.
Areas of Tayrona Park
The Park is Divided in 4 areas. 90% of people goes the El Zaino Sector. But there are also amazing beaches in Palangana sector
But in this guide we will concentrate mainly on El Zaino sector, this where you will probably want to go.
Does it worth to visit Tayrona Park?
Tayrona Park is a site that cannot be ignored. A trip to Colombia without visiting it would be totally incomplete!
With its white sandy beaches bathed by the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, and bordered by mangroves, trees and forests, Tayrona National Park is a paradise for nature lovers.
For those seeking contemplation and rest, the Park offers magnificent beaches and the relaxing panorama of an intense blue sea.
The park is home to an incredible wealth of flora and fauna, and is surely the place in Colombia where you can observe the most variety of animals in a short time.
Those who are attracted to more exciting activities can enjoy hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Tayrona National Park is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean – it is also a place of profound spiritual significance to the indigenous cultures of today and past generations.
Tayrona Park has archaeological remains of one of the greatest civilizations in Latin America: the Tayrona people.
But isn’t the park too touristy?
The park is more than 19000 hectares, and there is enough space for everyone to find their own little corner of tranquility. There are beaches where there is nobody and you can feel like Robinson Crusoe.
Spend a night in Tayrona Park and you will understand why the indigenous people consider it a sacred place.
In short, your experience in Tayrona Park will be unforgettable, and will go far beyond a beautiful postcard photo that you can take back home.
Tayrona Park is a site that cannot be ignored. A trip to Colombia without visiting it would be totally incomplete!
Tayrona Park Beaches Complete List (with Maps)
What are the best beaches in Tayrona Park ?
- Cabo San Juan is the popular of the beaches in Tayrona park, a fairy-tale beach that looks like a postcard.
- Playa Cristal is the best beach in Tayrona Park for snorkeling
- Gairaca is the best beach for scuba diving
- Bahia Chengue, is probably the most beautiful beach, but it is forbidden get there since 2019.
- Bahia Cinto is the most exclusive beach in Tayrona park with fantastic luxury villa.
- Bahia Concha is the beach with the best value for money : amazing, cheap and close from Santa Marta
- Nudist beach is the only… what ?
Tayrona Park Beaches Map
Here is the map of all the beaches in Tayrona Park, so you can get an idea.
The Beaches in Tayrona Park are divided in 4 areas :El Zaino, Calabazo, Palangana y Bastidas.
Let’sl review in detail all the beaches by sector.
Beaches in Sector el Zaino
The entrance el Zaino is the main entrance to the park, through which 95% of the visitors to Tayrona Park enter.
It gives you access to the most beautiful beaches in the park, including the famous Cabo San Juan beach.
Castilletes
This is the first beach you will see between the entrance “El Zaino” and the car park of Cañaveral. If this is your first time in the park, I wouldn’t recommend it. The sea is rough and the currents make swimming strongly discouraged.
The amateurs of tranquility will find their happiness there. There is a campsite with restaurant and cabins.
- Distance: 2 km
- Swimming: no
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Shade: yes under the palm trees
- Attendance: low
- Note: 3/5
Cañaveral
To clarify right away, Cañaveral is the name of the car park where the park shuttle bus drops you off and it is also the name of a beach.
Cañaveral beach is a 20min walk from the car park. It has strong currents and it is not possible to swim there.
Not being on the classic route (koguis trail), it is far from being essential to visit it, the greatest spectacle of Tayrona is not there.
Like Arrecifes, it’s a long narrow beach lined with grape trees. There is little shade on the beach, so watch out for the sun.
You will be able to stop at the bar of the famous Ecohabs.
- Distance: 1.5 km
- Swimming: no
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Shadow: no
- Attendance: low
- Interest: 1/5
La Piscinita
Less popular, and for good reason, the Piscinita is the small cove of the Ecohabs.
It is a little off-center, if you have little time it is better to attack the main path right away.
That said, if you have time on the way back, it might be worth stopping there for a little while.
They have a small beach bar, umbrellas and swimming is pleasant.
It is also one of the only supervised beaches in the park, and the flag will indicate the recommendations.
To get there you will have to go through the Ecohabs from the car park in Cañaveral.
- Distance: 20min – 1.5 km
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Shade: yes, under umbrellas
- Attendance: low
- Interest: 2/5
Arrecifes
Arrecifes is the first beach you will see up close, after a 1 hour walk if you take the main path.
You will walk along a very pretty lagoon in which giant stones bathe.
It is on this one that you will have the best chance to see the Caiman Abuja come to sunbathe (around noon).
If you are the type to avoid the most touristy places consider the accommodations in the area.
You can make the trip to Cabo San Juan the next day.
You will be able to take some of the most beautiful pictures of your stay in Arrecifes. The sunsets are often spectacular.
- Distance: 45 min – 3.5km
- Swimming: forbidden
- Accomodation: camping yuluka, buruka and don Pedro
- Popularity: not very popular
- Note: 3/5
Arrenillas
Barely 1 min after Arrecifes, Arenillas is finally the first beach where you can swim.It’s shady and not very crowded. Careful, now the currents can surprise you. Ideal if you sleep in the Arrecifes area.
There are a few kiosks with fruit juices, empanadas, and even a small restaurant with a shaded area.
- Distance: 60 min – 4.5km
- Swimming: allowed
- Accommodation: no (Arrecifes a 15 min)
- Catering: Small stands
- Popularity: not very popular
- Note: 3/5
La Piscina
As its name suggests, “la piscina” evokes a swimming pool. It is a calm and pleasant lagoon, and it is here that the water is the calmest and crystal clearest in the whole area.
Its name comes from the barrier of rocks that surrounds it creating a natural swimming pool with calm waters.
Family Special: if you come with children, this is THE beach where you can stop and swim in complete safety.
It’s one of the ideal places for snorkeling. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to observe the Carrey turtle.
There is a juice stand, but no accommodation or food.
- Distance: 90 min – 6km
- Swimming: yes, ideal
- Accomodation: no (Arrecifes a 30 min
- Catering: only one stand has just fruit
- Popularity: not very popular
- Interest: 5/5
Pro Tip
It is in October that the water is the calmest: no waves and crystal clear water guaranteed.
Did you know that ?
The large giant rock you see on the point is a sacred rock for the natives… She represents a protective guardian. The koguis often go there to make offerings to him.
Playa Escondida
Have you ever heard of this beach in another guide book? I doubt it. Cause nobody knows it. Only certain experts at the park.
And for good reason, there’s no way in. You have to sneak through the trees and bushes to find it.
It is actually an extension of the swimming pool.
If the swimming pool already offers peace and quiet, on this one you will be alone in the world, while enjoying the advantages of the swimming pool.
- Distance: 100 min – 6.5km
- Swimming: yes, ideal
- Accomodation: no (Arrecifes a 30 min
- Catering: no
- Popularity: deserted
- Interest: 5/5
Cabo San Juan
Cabo San Juan is a life-size postcard.
Idyllically beautiful, she has become one of Colombia’s emblematic figures, featured on the covers of many magazines and travel guides.
A little paradise for the eyes, it consists of two small bays surrounded by coconut palms, separated by a rocky promontory where a palm-roofed hut sits enthroned.
As you can imagine, victim of its success, the bay of “El Cabo” is also the most frequented beach of the park.
Roughly 95% of the park’s visitors visit it or spend the night there.
- Distance: 120 min – 9km
- Swimming: yes, perfect
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Popularity: very popular
- Interest: 5/5
Nudist Beach
It’s the only nudist beach allowed in Colombia.
Nudity is optional, so if you prefer to keep your swimsuit on, no worries.
There are in fact very few nudists on the beach, a maximum of 10.
Officially swimming is forbidden, but I have bathed there without any problem.
This said, be very careful, stay very close to the edge, the bottom waves are treacherous!
- Distance: 130 min – 10km
- Swimming: with caution !
- Accommodation: no
- Catering: no
- Shadow: yes everywhere
- Popularity: almost virgin
- Interest: 4/5
Pro Tip
For those looking to avoid the crowds of Cabo San Juan, this beach will be your haven of peace.
Boca del Saco
We now arrive at the last beach in the el Zaino sector…
Boca del Saco looks a lot like the nudist beach, but without the nudists.
This is probably the least frequented beach in the whole area.
Swimming is officially forbidden, but you can refresh yourself by staying on the shore.
- Swimming: with caution !
- Accommodation: no
- Catering: no
- Shadow: yes everywhere
- Popularity: almost virgin
- Note: 4/5
Section 2
Sector Calabazo
If you like walking, nature and adventure, this is the place to go.
This sector will give you a more complete view of the park thanks to an off-trail approach ending with the tourist part.
Playa Brava
Playa Brava is a beautiful secluded beach, but as its name suggests (angry beach), the currents are dangerous and swimming is not recommended.
There is still the possibility to swim on the left side of the beach.
It is also a beach rich in history.
During the guerrilla era in Colombia, it was a small export port. I’ll let you guess what it is.
This isolation from the deep jungle and the hills gives it one of the most incredible atmospheres of the park.
It will take you about 4 hours walk from Calabazo, through the jungle. A demanding walk.
If you start walking at dawn (06:00) you will have a better chance of seeing animals.
Possibility to go there by mule
For the return journey, you will have to go by the same path or climb the hill and reach Boca del Saco (3h walking).
- Distance: 4h – 8 km
- Level : hard
- Swimming: with caution !
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: very few people
- Interest: 4/5
Sector Palangana
palangana is home to the most breathtaking and most secret beaches in tayrona park.
You may be surprised to discover them
Palangana entrance is 12 km from Santa Marta taking the Troncal del Caribe towards La Guajira.
It gives you access to Gairaca, Neguanje and Playa Cristal. The other beaches are closed to the public: Bahia Chengue.
By boat you can acces Playa Cristal, Baha Cinto, Guachaquita and Palmarito.
Gairaca
From the entrance of Palangana, the beach of Gairaca (also called Playa del Amor) is the first beach you can access.
A sign to the left will tell you where to turn.
Beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, Gairaca is without a doubt the best beach in Tayrona Park for scuba diving. You will not find a diving center on the beach, you will have to go through Taganga where only one center is authorized to supervise outings twice a week (see activity section).
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: No
- Catering: No
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: very few people
- Interest: 3/5
7 Olas
Along the road from the Palangana entrance, a stop at the 7 Olas viewpoint will be self-evident. Its name 7 olas is due to the immutable rhythm of its waves which arrive only in succession of 7.
- Swimming: No
- Accommodation: No
- Catering: No
- Shadow: No
- Popularity: 0 Person
- Note: 2/5
Neguanje
It is considered the largest bay in Tayrona National Park.
It is the access point to visit Playa Cristal.
This site was of the utmost importance for the Tayrona culture as it served as a cemetery for the great indigenous caciques.
You can also see a beautiful demonstration of the semi-arid vegetation, populated by cacti and dry woods, unlike the eastern part of the park which is humid tropical and green.
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: No
- Catering: No
- Shadow: No
- Popularity: not very popular
- Note: 1/5
Playa Cristal
Playa Cristal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona Park.
As its name suggests, its azure and crystal clear waters make it THE most beautiful place in the park for snorkeling and diving.
Mostly frequented by Colombians, it is an option that few foreign tourists know about.
It’s a wonderful place to spend the day at the beach. There are free or paid shade areas, excellent fresh fruit juices, and several huts where you can enjoy a good fish.
For the record, this beautiful beach was known as Playa del Muerto (Beach of the Dead) no wonder they decided to change the name.
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: No
- Catering: yes
- Shadow: No
- Popularity: 200 people max
- Note: 5/5
Pro Tip
This beach can only accommodate 200 people per day. Avoid it in high season (January, and June, July).
In the end, although the beach is famous, Playa Cristal remains a place where you feel privileged, with few people. A super pleasant experience.
Bahia Chengue
Bahia chengue is for connoisseurs THE most beautiful beach in the park.
Too bad for you, it has been banned to the public since 2019.
Indeed, it is a highly sacred place for indigenous communities, and they won their case in early 2019 to prevent it from being invaded by tourism.
To make you salivate a little anyway: Crystal Waters, birdwatching and pink salt lagoons
This beach has in fact been closed to the public for a long time but some tourist agencies in Santa Marta were overflowing the rules and still took tourists with them.
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: no
- Catering: no
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: deserted
- Note: 5/5
Bahia Cinto
Officially closed to the public, Cinto is one of the quietest and most beautiful beaches in Tayrona Park (and yes, one more!).
Its crystalline waters, green vegetation, golden sand and isolation give it a unique touch like few beaches in the world.
Very good spot for snorkeling.
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: no
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: deserted
- Note: 5/5
Pro Tip
You can spend the night here, but shhh!
2 options to stay there:
– In hammocks
– Rent a villa. Info here, transport to be defined with the owners.But always bear in mind that it is far from the city and you need meals, water, etc. for this adventure. To get there, you have to take a boat from the beach of Taganga to Bahía Cinto.
Guachaquita
It is one of the few beaches in the PNNT where its calm waters allow swimming, its waters are clear and its sand is white. The beach is small and has little marine life, but it is replaced by the beauty of the landscape.
- Swimming: yes
- Accommodation: yes
- Catering: yes
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: Deserted
- Note: 3/5
Palmarito
One of the smallest beaches in the PNNT The beach is not suitable for swimming due to its high waves. The area is full of coconut trees. To get there on foot, the path is very demanding, as it takes about 3 or 4 hours on footpaths that are poorly signposted due to the lack of foot traffic.
- Swimming: No
- Accommodation: yes
- Restoration :Yes
- Shadow: Yes
- Popularity: Deserted
- Note: 2/5
Sector Bastidas
The sector of Bastidas is not really an entrance but a district of Santa Marta from which one reaches the beautiful Bahia Concha.
Bonito Gordo
This one is a secret beach, the only access is by boat from the marina of Santa Marta. Some boats mark a short stopover there for tours to Bahia Concha.
- Swimming: yes
- Lodging: no
- Catering: no
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: deserted
- Note: 4/5
Bahia Concha
Bahía Concha is a beautiful beach, offering a very good quality – accessibility – price ratio. Only 30 minutes by car from Santa Marta, Bahia Concha offers a superb setting with its calm and crystal clear waters, with the majestic Sierra Nevada in the background.
This beach is for you if:
- You want to have a classic beach day
- You don’t have much time in the region
- You want to see Tayrona without walking miles
- You got a day to kill in Santa Marta.
- Swimming: yes
- Lodging: camping
- Catering: yes
- Shadow: yes
- Popularity: very popular
- Note: 5/5
Pro Tip
The beach is crowded for the first 500 meters. If you want to find peace and quiet, go to the bottom of the beach where you will be much more tranquil.
Avoid the months of Brisa Loca (January-February) when the sand can whip badly.
Catering
Small improvised restaurants at the entrance of the beach where you can enjoy a good grilled fish.
Street vendors will be happy to sponsor you with local beer.
Its calm waters make it ideal for spending the day as a couple, with friends or family.
Attendance
Relatively easy to access, it is the most visited beach in the park by Colombians. If you are looking for peace and quiet, avoid weekends and school holidays.
How to get to Bahia Concha?
1. Private Taxi from Santa Marta.
Advantage it brings you back at the time of your choice. Count about 160.000 Cop entry included.
2. By Bus + moto Taxi
take a bus from Santa Marta’s center in Avenue 5ta direction “Bastidas”. Then take a moto taxi for 30 000 cop aprox.
3. Excursions
Tours leave every day from Rodadero
4. Speed Boat
- Departures: every day from Taganga between 09:30 and 10:30 a.m.
- Price : between 60000 Cop and 80.000 Cop
Ressources
If you want more info about Tayrona Park, please consider visiting the official Colombian National Park’s website
Conclusion
Now Your Turn
I hope that you enjoyed my guide to Tayrona Park Beaches
Now I’d like to hear what you have to say:
Or maybe I didn’t mention one of your favorite beach ?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
Where to stay in Tayrona Park ?
In Tayrona Park, you have 3 options for sleeping : Hammock, Tents or Cabins
Some are HEAVENLY GOOD, other are awfull.
Let’s see the best hotels inside and around the park
So, there are 3 options for sleeping in Tayrona park : Hammocks, Tents, or Ecohabs.
let’s see what works best for you :
1. Hammocks
Hammock definitely make part of the Tayrona’s experience.
What is more pleasant, falling asleep between 4 walls or to the sound of the waves and ocean breeze?
Important: if you sleep in hammocks bring a lock for the lockers
Pro Tip
Remember to sleep diagonally in the hammock and not lengthwise, it will avoid a good backache!
2. Tent
It’s also a great option if you’re afraid of the hammock.
But beware, if it rains you’ll be the first to know.
Also say goodbye to the midday nap, the tents turn into an oven between 10am and 4pm.
3. Ecohabs
The prices of the Ecohabs seem excessive to me: 400 Usd, and they are not close from the best points of the park.
If you use the Maps.me application, all the dwellings are indicated in the Tayrona park.
Best hotels in Tayrona Park
If your are not interested in lodging, just read these 5 recommandation and then skip to the next part.
Favourite Lodging
Camping Don Pedro
Best Location
Camping Cabo San Juan
Cleanest Place
Camping Yuluka
Cheapest Campsite
Camping Jacobo
Best Hotel
near of the park
Maloka Barlovento
If you want more detailed information about a the best hotels in Tayrona Park sea also :
How to get to Tayrona National Park
By bus, taxi, walking or by boat, we will see all the ways to go
There are 4 different entrances to get to Tayrona Park. We will concentrate here on the 2 main ones.
For the other, please refer to the other article : Best beaches of Tayrona Park
Getting around Renting a car
If you want to take a road trip from Santa Marta, and have the freedom to visit Taganga, Minca, Palomino and Tayrona at your own pace, a good idea is to rent a car. Here you can compare the available offers and rent a car at the best price.
Be aware though that road are in a bad state in Sierra Nevada De Santa Marta, and you may need to park the car in the village and then take a 4×4 or a motorbike taxi.
Getting around Renting a Motorcycle
If you would like to visit the area in an adventurous style and go off path, another good idea is to rent a motorcycle. We partner with Adrian who runs Colombian Riders, a motorbike Rental agency
Getting around renting a 4×4 with Driver
If you prefer safety, traveling with an experienced 4×4 driver is essential in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The roads are often in an incredibly bad state, and in rainy season things get worth. With a private driver, you can drive to Cerro Kennedy or visit remote communities. Here you can contact our partners, we have partnerships with several excellent drivers in the area
Get to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta
By bus
The best way to get to Tayrona Park is by Public Bus. It’s the cheapest and best discovery experience.
Let the driver know where you want to get off (Palangana, Calabazo or Zaino or the name of your hotel).
- Price : 7.000 Cop
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departures: every 20 min
- Hours: 07:00-17:00, daily
- Address: Central Market (mercado). Street 11 with 11. (See on Google Map).
Pro Tip
The bus will drop you at the main entrance, then you will have to take the minibus at 3000 inside the park.
Taxi
- Price : Between 80,000 and 100,000 Cop
- Duration : 45 min
- Negotiate the price well before going up, some will try to screw you.
- They will leave you at the main entrance, and you will have to take the minibus at 3000 inside the park.
Collective Taxi
Collective taxis leave every day from Santa Marta.
- Address: Mamatoco petrol station
- Departure: Floating departure time, when the taxi fills up.
- Price: between 20.000 and 30.000
Chivas (Colombian Touristic Buses)
- Departures: daily from Rodadero
- Variable time: between 09:30 and 10:30.
- Price : between 30000 and 40000 Cop
- Included: Entrance to Tayrona Park,
From Taganga
Getting to Tayrona Park by boat
Speedboats leave Taganga every day.
This is the best method if you don’t want to do the 2 hours walk in the Park.
Beware, the sea is often very rough, the boat captains go at full throttle, it can hurt your back very badly.
In case of swell you will arrive soaked.
Remember to buy 2 garbage bags at the shop in front of the pier.
One to protect your big backpack, and a smaller one to protect your mobile phone, passport and other electronic devices.
- Price: Between 35000 and 45000 (12$-15$)
- Departure: between 09h30 and 10h30
- Address: on the beach of Taganga, near the roundabout.
- Duration: between 1h and 1h30
- Return : from Cabo San Juan at 3:30 pm – 4:00pm
Be careful with the Boasts
You must not get seasick, and also have very strong loins.
The boats don’t have the same standards of conduct and safety as at home.
Moreover, some boats do not have their certificates and papers up to date
From Palomino
Taxi
- Price : Between 80.000 and 100.000 Cop
- Duration: 45 min
By Bus
Buses run daily from Riohacha to Santa Marta. Let the driver know where you want to get off
- Price : 7.000 Cop
- Duration: 1 hour
- Departure: every 20 min.
- Address : Near the gas station, main road ( See on Google Map).
Section 4
Hikes in Tayrona Park
We have seen that there are many options to visit Tayrona Park.
Now you will have to make your choice according to your physical level, your timing and your taste for adventure
Here I
You have several possible hikes in Tayrona Park
1. Kogui trail or Knowledge Route from Canaveral to Arrecifes (low difficulty, one hour).
2. Arrecifes – Boca del Saco Trail, passing by the beach of Arrecifes, La Piscina and Cabo San Juan del Guía (low difficulty, two hours).
3. The trail to Pueblito from Cabo San Juan del Guía (high difficulty, 3 hours).
4. The Calabazo – Pueblito – Cabo San Juan del Guía trail (high difficulty, 4 hours).
1. Hike “Sendero Kogui”
This is the classic path that has been moved between Cañaveral and Arrecifes so that visitors can access the beaches.
Basically it is the hike that 99% of the people do in the park, if you enter the park by el Zaino you will have to go through it.
As you go along, the trail will vary between gentle dirt paths surrounded by vibrant green jungle and stairs built on the hillside between large boulders.
Once you reach the highest points of the trail, you will be treated to superb views of the coast, including Piscinita beach where the Ecohabs are located.
Later, the trail will take you between grape groves, beach paths and rainforests which makes the walk interesting.
Walk to Arrecifes, stop at the Piscina and finish the walk to Cabo San Juan.
- Reminder of walking times :
- Entrance to Arrecifes: 1 hour walk.
- Arrecifes to Piscina Beach : 30 – 40 minutes walk
- Swimming pool in Cabo San Juan: 20 minutes walk
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2. Hike to Pueblito Chairama
Pueblito is a sacred site for the Indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a remnant of an ancient Tairona indigenous village.
For centuries the great leaders of the 4 communities have gathered here annually for important meetings, ceremonies and spiritual cleansings.
There is a small village of about 10 huts on the site, guarded by an indigenous Kogi family.
If you haven’t considered going to the Lost City, it’s worth going up and seeing.
Important
The site is now closed to tourists, according to the wishes of the indigenous communities.
How to get to Pueblito?
There are 2 ways to get to Pueblito:
- From Cabo San Juan (45min)
- From the Calabazo entrance (2h30min)
Whichever way you take, you need a good walking level
Let’s see the 2 options :
Option 1 : From Cabo San Juan
- Duration : 45 min
- Level : Very hard
From Cabo San Juan take the path that goes up from the campsite to Pueblito Chairama.
This is a difficult road in the hills. You will climb for 1 hour on giant rocks and lose 1L of sweat.
There are signs every 10% of the hike. But as luck would have it the last 10% seems to be getting further and further away.
Above, the Indians sell you water, soda and snacks at 5.000 COP.
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Survival Tips
- Do not consider leaving Tayrona Park this way if you have a large backpack.
- Be careful, follow these signs carefully as many people get lost
- Don’t do as the unconscious tourists do: don’t go barefoot or in tongues. Wear good shoes.
- Leave with a minimum of 1L of water, even 2L per person.
- Take sun cream
Option 2 : From Calabazo
- Duration : 2h30min
- Level : Moderate
There is only one part, where it is difficult to navigate, many people get lost.
There are not many signs, so when the road forks, make sure to go to the right.
You will need more 45 min after pueblito to reach Cabo San Juan.
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3. Hike Playa Brava 2 days 1 night
Adventure and off the beaten path
This hike is probably the best way to discover Tayrona Park.
Day 1 : Calabazo – Playa Brava
Entry via Calabazo. Night in Playa Brava. Half way do not make a mistake the road divides into 2, left Playa Brava, right Pueblito (access prohibited to the public).
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Day 2 Playa Brava – Cañaveral
Hike to Boca del Saco then Cabo San Juan. Time for a short swim and departure for the swimming pool.
Visit of the rest of the park passing by Arenillas and Arrecifes.
Take some time in the forest. Return by the El Zaino entrance in the late afternoon.
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Reminder
In theory it seems easy to hike, but there are a number of things to take into account: it’s incredibly hot! and it changes everything.
I can’t repeat it enough: many people are close to feeling sick from dehydration or sunstroke. So you’ve been warned.
Now that that’s said, it’s really worth it, the hikers are magnificent!
4. The 9 Stones Walk
I’ve never done it before, so I don’t spend too much time on it.
But here’s what I’ve heard:
“The Nine Stones Hike, is a hike around the park following egg-shaped stones in places along the way”.
During this hike, you will have cult places for the natives of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
These stones, used during the sanitation sessions, would allow the indigenous people to communicate with their ancestors and the cosmos.
The walk lasts about an hour.
Hiking in Tayrona Park : Guided or unguided ?
99% of tourists visit Tayrona Park without a guide for the sole purpose of lazing around. However, I strongly recommend you to be accompanied by a professional guide.
Highly qualified, they will tell you a lot of rich anecdotes about the history of the park, the indigenous communities, the flora, and most importantly they know where and when to see the animals in the park that you would not be able to see alone.
Section 5
Boat Trips to Tayrona Park
Because Tayrona National Park enjoys a tropical climate all year round and is increasingly popular, it is important to plan when you want to visit.
Sailing day excursion from Santa Marta
Departure 10:30 am and return 6 pm from the Marina de Santa Marta, ask for pier 21 (Muelle E21).
Includes 1 beer, water, fruit and insurance.
Possibility to eat on the boat for an extra charge, as well as extra drinks.
- Included activities: Snorkeling, Kayak, Sup Board
- Price: 120,000 per person
- Contact: Tayrona Sailing
- Tel : +57 323 336 69 80 | + 57 321 206 16 91 (Nicolas)
- Website: Tayronasailing.com
Speedboats from Taganga
You can choose from the following destinations:
- Cabo San Juan
- Bahia Concha
- Playa Cristal
- Guachaquita
- Bahia Cinto
There are several types of excursions that go to Bahia Concha: Chiva, private taxis, speedboats, private boats or sailboats.
Speed Boat
- Departures: every day from Taganga between 09:30 and 10:30 a.m.
- Price : between 60000 Cop and 80.000 Cop
Excursion to Playa Cristal
Boat departures from Taganga every day between 09h30 and 10h30.
- Included : Entrance fee, Mask for snorkeling
- Price : 100000 Cop Round trip
- Duration: 7 hours
Section 6
Best time to visit Tayrona Park
Because Tayrona National Park enjoys a tropical climate all year round and is increasingly popular, it is important to plan when you want to visit.
First of all it is important to now that since 2020 the park closes 3 times a year
There reason is taken by the indigenous communities that wish to restore the spiritual balance in the park, and for the animals to reclaim the place.
The dates are usually revealed only a short time in advance, but consider that the longest closure is usually in the month of February.
> Check here for closure periods
That said, when you plan to visit Tayrona Park there are 2 factors to consider
- the high / low seasons, in other word the best times to avoid crowds (at campsites, restaurants and beaches)
- The Summer / Rainy season, ie the best times to get some sun.
Let’s have a look at each one :
High Tourist Seasons
- Summer holidays: December 15 to January 30
- Winter vacation: June 15 to July 15
- Holy Week (usually 5 days in April). Check here the dates
- Holiday weekends (placed on Monday in Colombia, so it starts on Friday until Tuesday morning). Click here to see the public holidays
Low Tourist Season
- Low season includes weekdays and weekends without holidays.
Summer season
- The Summer Season, the opposite of our home, starts in December until April, and from July to August. That said, even in summer, it is very hot and humid.
Winter Season
- The rainiest months are May, June, September, October, and November.
- The rain is not constant and it is usually very nice in the morning. It gets worse in the afternoon.
Conclusion on when to visit the park
Taking into account the above information, to find the ideal mix of dry weather and few people, we come to the conclusion that the best time to visit Tayrona Park would be March and April.
How long to stay in Tayrona Park ?
There is no time limit for camping in Tayrona, my advice is to stay 2 nights.
It’s up to you on your own schedule. If you only have 15 days in Colombia, 1 night will be enough.
- 0 night : intense and tiring day but it’s worth it. Timed swimming.
- 1 night: you start to enjoy the atmosphere of the park, you will have more time to swim and relax.
- 2 nights: you will come back reconnected with nature and recharge your batteries.
Section 7
Where to Eat in Tayrona Park
You have four options for food:
- Bring your own supplies…
- Eat in the campsite restaurants
- Eat the food from the street vendors.
- Buy canned food in the campsite shops.
Here I will guide you in your choices
Option 1: Bring your food
Bear in mind that it is hard to bring food to Tayrona Park, and it makes more expensive than normal
So bringing your own food can seriously considered.
But, don’t forget you’ll have to wear the food for 2 hours.
You can buy most of the food in the shops at the entrance to the park.
It costs about 10% more than in Santa Marta.
If you arrive by boat from Taganga, you won’t have a long distance to travel carrying your food.
Often I see tourists carrying 5-10 litre bottles of water for the entire duration of the hike.
Personally, I find that it is better to walk light and enjoy the trail than to carry an extra 10 kilos.
Therefore I recommend that you take only a 1L bottle with you.
PRO TIP
You can have all your bags carried to Cabo San Juan by muleteers. It will cost you 40.000 Cop approx.
Option 2: Restaurants
There are restaurants in all accommodation areas, with complete menus (fresh fish, chicken, vegetable rice, etc…).
Prices vary according to the category of campsite.
As an example, here are the prices of Camping Cabo San Juan
- 5,000 – 15,000 COP for breakfast (2 – 10 Usd)
- 15,000 – 30,000 COP for dinner (5-10 USD$)
- 5,000 – 6,000 COP for the beer.
Option 3 : Street Vendors
Also on the beaches where swimming is allowed, (like Arenillas, La Piscina and Cabo San Juan) there are stands selling juices, beer, water and some of the most typical snacks, such as arepa.
Option 4 : Camping Shops
The Camping de Cabo San Juan also offers non-perishable products such as tuna fish, salty cakes, and canned sausages.
You already know it: everything is more expensive than in the city.
As an indication: The most expensive is water, one litre costs around 5,000 COP, i.e. five times more expensive.
- Water bottle: 3000 Cop
- Beer: 5000 Cop (2 usd)
- Fresh juice: 5,000 COP
They also have batteries, suntan lotion, shampoo, etc…
Keep in mind that you are not allowed to bring your own alcohol into the park.
Pro Tip
There is a bakery hidden just behind Arrecifes, with excellent sweet and savoury breads and fresh fruit juices. In my opinion, this is the best spot to take a break and eat during your hike in the park. You can even pick up take-away and picnic on the beach of Arenillas or the Piscina.
Section 8
Health and Security
If you’re traveling with your family, you’re probably wondering what the greatest dangers in Tayrona Park are.
For your safety, here are the recommendations to follow.
Recommandation for keaping safe during your trip
- Do not expose yourself to the sun all day : High risk of sunstroke.
- For white skin: use index 50, risk of severe burns.
- Moisturize yourself: walking is tiring, especially in this humid heat.
- Even if you are a very experienced hiker or if you are in great shape, the heat during this hike is no joke! Heatstroke is common and remember that you are in the middle of the jungle with little or no access to medical care.
- Do not swim where signs indicate that swimming is prohibited.
- Be careful when climbing rocks and avoid going where you are not supposed to go. Rocks can be slippery, and you could get stuck. Don’t underestimate prohibition signs.
- Take swimming warning signs seriously.
- There is an extremely strong current along the entire coast of Tayrona Park and many people have died here trying to swim. In addition, there are no lifeguards, surfers or rescue teams, so if you get sucked into the sea, no one is there to save you. Don’t overestimate yourself, obey the signs and be careful! The currents suck in even a few meters from the shore, so be careful!
Are the animals dangerous in Tayrona Park?
There have almost never serious problems related to animal attacks on humans in the park.
There are Caymans, three varieties of deadly snakes, jaguars, and poisonous frogs
So Important, to follow these advises :
- If you come across a big cat of 300 kilos, yellow with black spots, do not call him by saying “kitty kitty!” 😉
- Do not touch the yellow and black frogs, they are venimous
- Do not walk off the marked trails, especially at nightfall when the snakes are coming out.
- Walk around with a headlamp at night, and watch where you walk.
- Don’t get too close to the swampy areas, the Aguja Cayman is never far away.
https://youtu.be/1gFVHKeQcyU?t=12
What to do in case of a snake bite?
Be aware that your entry includes compulsory insurance.
There is an emergency station located in the area of Arrecifes equipped with serums and antidotes.
If you are bitten, alert someone to go and warn the emergency services.
Do not use a tourniquet, it will necrotize the wound, risk of amputation.
Is it necessary to vaccinate against yellow fever?
The official entities recommend to be vaccinated at least 10 days before the trip.
Actually: There’s no risk of catching him.
It is not mandatory to present your vaccination booklet at the entrance (see National Parks site).
However, it is always good to have it with you in Colombia.
Chikungunya and Dengue?
There is no risk
Risk of theft?
No, the risk of theft is close to 0%, but we never know, remember to take a locker for your locker.
Section 9
What to pack for Tayrona Park ?
A Japanese proverb says : “Traveling smart starts with packing smart.”
Here are all the tips to avoid the rookie mistakes
So plan to travel light to get the most out of your trip!
Guess what’s the good news ?
You don’t have to carry your big bag around the park.
Any good hotel or hostel in Santa Marta will be happy to store the bulk of your stuff while you go to Tayrona so you can just take the essentials with you.
So what to take in your bag? Here is a list of the key items.
Papers
- Passport or cedula (required)
- Student card (to have a discount at the entrance)
- Cash (in sufficient quantity because bank cards are not accepted and there are no ATMs in and around the park)
Food
- Water (at least 1L for the outward journey)
- Your food (if you want to save money)
Clothing
- Hat or a cap (as wide as possible to mask the neck)
- Walking shoes
- Lightweight T Shirt
- Short
- Lightweight Pants
- Long sleeves (Even with sun cream index 50 you get sunburned after 45 minutes of direct exposure)
- Rain cape. And yes, when you say tropical, you mean tropical rain!
- Warm clothes for the evening (it can be windy at night and you’ll be happy to have it).
- Sandals (for showers and the beach)
Hygiene / Health
- Shampoo (in pods), soap, toothbrush, etc…
- Toilet paper (they provide a small quantity, but they may be out of stock!). )
- Mosquito repellent, preferably natural
- Sun cream index 50
- Sunglasses
Camping
- Headlamp
- Sheet of silk
- Preference code padlock (so as not to lose the key 😉 )
Beach
- Bath robe and towel
- Mask and snorkel (if you have them with you)
- Card games, books (if you spend several days on site)
Other important information
- There is no internet in the park, essential for a real reconnection 😉
- There is some telephone network in Cabo San Juan.
- Sheets are not provided in the campsites. In windy periods it can be chilly at night.
- There are shops in Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes with the bare minimum: water, sodas, coffee, cigarettes, batteries, some canned food, toilet paper, etc…
- There is (casi) no electricity. Think about saving your batteries.
Do not bring in the park
- It is forbidden to bring plastic bags and polystyrene objects.
- Prohibited to bring alcohol or other drugs
- It is forbidden to bring musical instruments
- Forbidden to take your mother-in-law with you 😉 Lol
- The entry of pets is restricted.
Photographers and Drone enthusiasts
It is prohibited to take photographs and make films for commercial purposes without the prior authorization of the National Parks and Colombia.
Section 10
Budget for Tayrona Park
We have gone over the prices in the previous chapters.
We can now add up the bill considering that you are a backpacker and that you sleep in Cabo San Juan
Budget 1 night coming from Santa Marta
+ 7,000 buses from Santa Marta
+ 63,500 Entrance fees
+ 2,000 insurance
+ 3.000 of Shuttle entry
+ 2×3.000 bottle of water
+ 40.0000 accommodation in hammock
+ 30.000 Meals in restaurants
= 140,000 Cop
Budget for 2 night and more
Count around 100.000 Cop per extra day
Tips for saving money :
If you bring your own tent or hammock, you’ll pay half the price…
If you bring your own food, it’ll save you a lot of money.
If you come by boat, you can bring much more food as you dont have to bring it on your back.
There is a bakery in the park, and street vendors sell hot bread for 5000-8000 pesos on the beach. Great vouchers
Section 11
History and Culture
Currently, Tayrona National Park is not inhabited by any of the 4 ethnic groups that are found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, of which Tayrona Park is part of its lower zone.
The four indigenous ethnic groups (Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo) decided to settle in the high Sierra Nevada because of the high number of younger brothers (as we are all called outside their communities) but this does not mean that Tayrona Park is not part of their refuge or ancestral territory.
There are sacred places where they have long practiced their rituals and ceremonies and which must be protected and respected as one of the most important cultural heritages of humanity.
Kogui Indigenous People
The Kogi, related to the Tayrona culture that flourished at the time of the Spanish conquest, survived by isolating themselves in the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for generations.
Mythology tells that they are the “older brothers” of humanity living in the “centre of the world”, and that strangers or “younger brothers” have been banished for some time.
In response to the offences they have committed in their homeland, the young brothers will have to walk the road home and reap what they have sown in the form of self-destruction.
Every time a native uses an element of nature, he must make an offering.
There is no concept of ecology among the natives there is only spiritual balance.
But spiritual payment is not necessarily better than ecology, because sometimes they make an offering and then it devastates the place.
The representation of stones
There are large stones very representative of the park that the natives consider as guardians who protect them.
In fact, the natives used to build all their terraces out of stone.
So the stone was very important to them.
Stones: Connection to the Spiritual
In Tayrona Park there are 130 sacred sites, and all the sacred sites are represented by the stones.
Among the Kogis, cotton has the power to absorb thoughts. It is like a USB key and holds information.
During the offerings, the kogi put cotton on some connecting stones and that would connect them to the spiritual world.
There are stones that are used for weddings, others for protection (seguranzas), and others to ask for miracles.
Like an oracle they put the stones in the water.
Here is one the most comprehensive article on the web that may interest you :
Pre-Columbian Cemeteries
In the park there are also pre-Columbian cemeteries. The tombs were often very rich in stone and gold.
Until 1991 the guaqueros, the grave robbers, had the right to plunder the graves because in the Constitution the natives did not exist, they were not even mentioned.
So all the holes that we see on the road to the tayrona park were areas of ransacking and excavation.
- Jaba Seinajan is the mother of black stone.
- Hatei Tumu is the father of stones.
- Jaba Saldawi is the mother of plants.
- Jalintana : Padre del Mar
History of the Park
The Tayrona area has always been of great natural and cultural importance.
The pre-Hispanic Tayrona tribe has always populated the region in small villages and communities.
The hunters and collectors lived in the coastal area and in the heights of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Mara.
The descendants of this tribe, called Koguis, as well as three other groups still live here and maintain their culture and traditions
Creation of Tayrona Park
The park was established in 1964 and transformed into a national park in 1969 to protect and promote ecology and archaeology. When Tayrona Park was created, they formed two associations: the Guides’ Association and the Riders’ Association.
The Park is also declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.
They then banned all other activities: gold hunters and animal hunters.
It was therefore necessary to transform the activity into a tourist activity.
It is now the second most visited national park in Colombia after the natural coral reef park of Rosario and San Bernando, near Cartagena, with almost 300,000 visitors in 2012.
For the anecdote, it is said that the Davila family, originally from Italy, became the richest family of Santa Marta thanks to Tayrona Park.
Indeed, originating in Italy, they were importers of barbed wire.
And at the time, not having a land registry, they appropriated some of the most beautiful lands in Tayrona such as Bahia Concha, and even private property.
Pre-Columbian Cemeteries
In the park there are also pre-Columbian cemeteries. The tombs were often very rich in stone and gold.
Until 1991 the guaqueros, the grave robbers, had the right to plunder the graves because in the Constitution the natives did not exist, they were not even mentioned.
So all the holes that we see on the road to the tayrona park were areas of ransacking and excavation.
- Jaba Seinajan is the mother of black stone.
- Hatei Tumu is the father of stones.
- Jaba Saldawi is the mother of plants.
- Jalintana : Padre del Mar
Conclusion
Now Your Turn
I hope that you enjoyed my guide to Tayrona Park
Now I’d like to hear what you have to say:
Do you have any questions about Tayrona Park ?
Or maybe I didn’t mention one of your favorite tips about this destination ?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.