tayrona park trips

THE 10 BEST Tayrona National Park Tours & Excursions

Tayrona national park tours.

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1. Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique!

2. Tayrona by sea

3. Cabo San Juan - Private Tour

4. Tayrona Park Hike & Beach Day with Private Guide

5. Tayrona Bay Sailboat trip

6. Private transportation from hotel close to Tayrona Park to Cartagena de Indias

7. Tayrona Park Private Hike Tour to Cabo San Juan

8. 4 Hour Scuba Diving Course in Tayrona Park

9. Tayrona, Snorkel & Beach

10. Full day in Cabo San Juan Santa Marta

11. New Lost City Trek Bunkuany & Tayrona park 2 Days 1 night Hostel

12. 2-Day Coastal Motorcycle Tour

13. Tayrona Park - Pueblito Tayku + Cabo San Juan

14. Self-Guided Audio Tour: the Pearl of America

15. Tayrona National Park - Trek to Cabo San Juan

16. Maritime Adventure by Boat to Tayrona Santa Marta

17. Natural National Park Tayrona (santa Marta)

18. Cabo San Juan at Tayrona Park, 8 hour activity on its beaches

19. Private to Tayrona Park, Cañaveral sector, reefs, Arenilla and Cabo San Juan

20. 1.Transfer to TAYRONA park from Cartagena Private or Viceversa.

21. Private Tour to Tayrona National Park

22. Tayrona Sailing PRIVATE

23. Full Day Tour of Tayrona Park

24. Maravilloso tour Parque Tayrona desde Cartgena, sector Cabo San del Guia

25. 6 Days Santa Marta, Tayrona, Minca, Taironaka & New Venice

26. Tayrona Park & Cabo San Juan Tour

27. 8 Days Colombian Caribbean Express

28. Tayrona Park & Playa Cristal - Transportation Only

29. Private Boat Tour through Tayrona Park

30. Private transportation from Tayrona Park to Minca police station

What travelers are saying.

• Josh H 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Santa Marta Sailing!! The trip was amazing and the crew were fantastic. Awesome time and highly recommend for anyone visiting Santa Marta Colombia!! Read more Review of: Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique! Written April 25, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Sailing to Tayrona with Luis and his team: Unique!
• Tayrona Bay Sailboat trip
• Tayrona by sea
• Cabo San Juan at Tayrona Park, 8 hour activity on its beaches
• Maritime Adventure by Boat to Tayrona Santa Marta
• HotCaribe Company
• Tayrona Eco Tours
• Hecho Para Viajeros

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Tayrona National Park Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Tayrona National Park. We've got 10 trips going to Tayrona National Park, starting from just 3 days in length, and the longest tour is 15 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures.

10 Tayrona National Park tour packages with 24 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
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Colombia - Lost City Trekking

It was a hard trek but worth it.

• In-depth Cultural

Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City

Everything was great except on the last night on Lost city trek, I think i was bitten by bed bugs but I am not sure

COLOMBIA – 8 Days Santa Marta to Cartagena with The Lost City Trek

Cartagena & Lost City Trek

7 Day Cartagena & Santa Marta, Comfort: Over 50's Shared Group Tour

Taironaka Natural Experience 3D/2N

We enjoyed our experience very much. It was as described in the tour, and was well organized. Various activities were available, and the whole atmosphere of the resort was relaxing & welcoming.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best of Colombia

Caribbean Adventure: the Lost City trek & Medellín

• Sightseeing

Colombia's facets

4 days Lost City Trek starting in Santa Marta

The tour is well organized, seamlessly. The guide is very knowledgeable and experienced. The cook Erica is excellent. It’s great there is an interpreter, who is kind caring and spiritual. Thank you!

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Other Regions in Colombia

• Caribbean Coast Colombia (52)
• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (21)
• Los Llanos (18)
• Amazon in Colombia (11)
• Colombian Pacific Coast (9)
• Antioquia (8)
• Santander (5)

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• The Ultimate Guide To Tayrona...

The Ultimate Guide to Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park, on the Caribbean coast, is one of the most celebrated national parks in Colombia . Not only is it home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the country , but it’s also rich in culture and wildlife. Here’s what else you need to know before you visit.

Tempted to visit? You can do so with a local insider as part of a small group of like-minded travellers on Culture Trip’s exclusive eight-day Colombian Caribbean tour .

History of the park

Tayrona was established in 1964 and turned into a national park in 1969 to protect and promote ecology and archaeology; it’s of great natural and cultural importance, the pre-Hispanic Tayrona tribe called this area home and built small villages and communities here. Descendants of this tribe, called Koguis, plus three other groups still live here and maintain their cultures and traditions.

To get to Tayrona National Park, you can drive or take a bus from Santa Marta (the journey takes about an hour) or jump in a boat from Taganga. The entrance fee is around 60,000 Colombian pesos (roughly $15) for foreign visitors and less for Colombian nationals. Once in the park, there are two options for the journey to the beach: hiking or taking a van from the entrance.

Main areas in Tayrona National Park

This park is spread over a large stretch of coast, so there are plenty of beaches to explore. After a 45-90 minute picturesque jungle hike from the entrance, you’ll arrive at a small village called Arrecifes. This village has restaurants, shops, accommodation and free-to-use lockers – padlocks aren’t included so bring one or buy one from a store in the park. Arrecifes has a beautiful beach area, but swimming is prohibited due to the strong current and huge waves.

A 20-minute walk from Arrecifes takes you to La Piscina, another small village with a variety of accommodation and restaurants. Here, swimming is permitted in natural swimming pools, while La Piscina is also home to one of many coral reefs in Tayrona – perfect for snorkeling with rays, lobsters and much more.

Another 15-minute walk from La Piscina takes you to the next village: El Cabo. This picturesque beach is one of the most recognizable in the park and swimming is permitted here, too – it’s a great place to snorkel and marvel at the Caribbean reefs and tropical fish. El Cabo also has a number of restaurants and accommodation types on offer, including hammocks, cabanas and a camping area.

Things to do in Tayrona National Park

Tayrona has a number of fun things to do, including snorkeling coral reefs, swimming, hiking or simply relaxing. There are two main hiking trails from El Cabo – one to El Pueblito and another called the Nine Stones Hike (Nueve Piedras), the latter following egg-like stone markers.

El Puebilto is a one- to two-hour hike of 2.4km (1.5mi). This town is an archaeological site and gives you an insight into how indigenous communities once live.

Wildlife in Tayrona National Park

Tayrona is home to more than 105 species of mammals including three species of monkey – red howler, capuchin and the cotton-top tamarin – as well as 300-plus bird species, 70 types of bat, 31 reptile species, 110 different types of coral, 401 sea and river fish, and more than 770 plant species.

Useful tips when visiting Tayrona National Park

To avoid the crowds, visit the park in the low season – February to November – and arrive early to get a good spot and find accommodation. While you can purchase food and drink in the park, it is significantly higher in price than outside so it’s advised to bring food and drink for your stay – note that no alcohol is allowed to be brought into the park.

You can find cheap food in some spots here, including El Cabo, where you can purchase typical Caribbean-influenced meals such as fresh fish, patacones and ceviche, as well as fresh juices from food stalls. Sunscreen, water and bug spray are essentials for your visit.

While Tayrona National Park is a beautiful and picturesque place to visit, remember it’s a sacred place for many indigenous tribes – treat it with respect and take all trash and belongings home with you.

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The complete guide to visiting Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Tayrona National Park has it all: pretty beaches, lush jungle, palm trees and wildlife. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this national park is a popular tourist destination, both for domestic and international tourists alike!

Before my trip, I thought visiting Tayrona National Park would be super complicated. However, that isn’t the case – although you’ll need to do some forward planning, visiting the park is simpler than it initially looks.

In this guide I’ll give you more information about the park based on my own visit, to give you more understanding of how everything works. I hope it helps you to plan your own trip!

Accessibility: 2/5 • Safety: 4/5 • Enjoyment: 4/5 • Value: 3/5 • Overall: 3.25/5

What is Tayrona National Park?

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona – or Tayrona National Park in English – is a protected area on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Sandwiched between the sea and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, yet only 45 minutes’ drive from Santa Marta (the nearest city), the park is surprisingly accessible and interesting to domestic holidaymakers and backpackers alike.

At 150 km 2 , the majority of the park comprises jungle, with both wet and dry forest present. Along its boundary, there are a range of pretty beaches. Some are long and rough so aren’t suitable for swimming, whilst others form coves, making for gentler, more tranquil waters. It’s the latter beaches that attract the most attention.

Some of the beaches, in the west of the park, are so remote that they cannot publicly be accessed by land – only by boat. I haven’t visited these beaches so I won’t discuss them further in this article! You can find plenty of tours to Playa Cristal and its nearby beaches departing from Santa Marta.

There are also beaches in the east of the park, which tourists can access via trails which can be walked or hiked (depending on the path chosen). These include Cabo San Juan, La Piscina and Playa Brava. These are the beaches I’ll be focussing on within this article!

The draw of the jungle

One thing I felt on my visit was that the walk to the beaches was overlooked by many visitors, in favour of the beaches themselves.

I partly understand this. Cabo San Juan, the most popular beach, is beautiful, but it gets very busy during peak times. If you’re looking to grab a great spot or experience it when it is quiet, getting there early is key – but that can mean rushing the trail to get there.

However, the jungle at Tayrona National Park is stunning and incredibly alive. You can see an array of wildlife without veering off the footpath. We saw capuchin monkeys within ten minutes of beginning our walk through the Park!

Tayrona is also home to many other pretty organisms , like butterflies, snakes, sloths and even jaguars. Some you’d have to be very lucky to see – but there’s no doubt you’ll spot something during your visit. We saw so many lizards and got distracted by them every time…

Indigenous roots

The Sierra Nevada mountain range and the surrounding rainforest are made all the more enchanting by its inhabitants. The area is the ancestral home for four indigenous groups – Kankuamo, Kogui , Wiwa and Arhuaco – who have long roots in the area.

Members of the community live in Tayrona National Park, most notably in the town of Pueblito, located close to the track between Calabazo and Cabo San Juan. They also own and work in the establishments in the park. Therefore, you may see members of the community during your visit.

How to enter the park

If you visit Tayrona National Park by foot, you have the option of two entrance points. At both, you’ll have to pay an entry fee and will be given a wristband.

El Zaino entrance

The most popular official entrance is El Zaino. You’ll find this in the far east of the park, nearest to the best beaches. It’s the most accessible option for visiting, with the easiest footpaths in this area of the park.

Before we arrived, we’d been warned that the El Zaino entrance gets very busy and that we should arrive by 8 am, or we’d be facing queues of over one hour. Therefore, we decided to leave our hostel in Palomino super early. However, the bus took longer than expected and we didn’t make it to the entrance until 8:30 am – I was pretty worried.

But I had no need to be! We got through in less than five minutes and didn’t even need to queue to buy our ticket. How much of this is down to our visit being timed over the Easter weekend, I don’t know; but it was much more relaxed than I expected.

Calabazo entrance

Calabazo is a much quieter entrance than El Zaino. However, it is used as the access point for several villages within the park, so the first hour of the walk is uphill, along a dirt road also used for motortaxis. I wouldn’t recommend taking this entrance without a reasonable level of fitness or if you have little time available; the route from El Zaino is just easier and nicer.

Just to note: from the official website and other blogs , Calabazo is made to sound like a secret entrance with restricted access to Cabo San Juan. As of April 2023, you can walk from Calabazo to Cabo San Juan. A town between them – Pueblito – is closed for visitors, but you can still use the footpath to Cabo San Juan. Don’t let that be a worry for you!

How much does Tayrona National Park cost?

Do you have to pay an entrance fee.

To enter Tayrona National Park, you have to pay an entrance fee . As of January 2024, the price of this is 62,000 COP ($16 / £12) in low season and 73,500 COP ($18 / £14) in high season.

Overall, for Colombian standards, this is a little pricey. I’d still say that it’s worth it, even on a day trip, although it’ll work out better value per day if you stay overnight.

There’s also a second compulsory charge for health insurance whilst you’re in the park. I know, it’s pretty annoying if you already (hopefully) have your own insurance, but it’s a mandatory charge. The price of this is 6000 COP per day ($1.50 / £1.20).

In El Zaino, you’ll need to queue up first to purchase medical insurance, before you pay for your ticket. You can pay for the entrance fee by card without an additional percent fee added on top.

To get from El Zaino to the trailhead, there’s a longish dirt track you have to go through. As it’s pretty uninspiring, do yourself a favour and get the shuttle bus, which is 5000 COP ($1.30 / £1) per person per way.

How much does food and drink cost?

In the park itself, prices for food, drink and accommodation are inflated. The high demand compared with supply, as well as the added cost of having to transport goods in by boat or mule, has driven up costs compared to the surrounding area. Depending on the establishment, expect to pay:

• 6000 to 10,000 COP ($1.50 to $2.50 / £1.20 to £2) for a beer;
• 35,000 to 40,000 COP ($9 to $10 / £7 to £8) for a main course; and
• 10,000 to 12,000 COP ($2.50 to $3 / £2 to £2.40) for a juice.

For a couple of days, we found them to be a bit too high for comfort, but ultimately not unaffordable given the circumstances. If you’re a particularly snacky person or are looking to save a bit of money, I’d suggest bringing food in to reduce your expenses.

As for accommodation, we payed 30,000 COP ($8 / £7) each for a hammock both nights we were in the Park. A hammock isn’t glamorous, but we could accept that for the price!

How does Tayrona National Park rate as a destination?

As part of this blog, I give every place I visit a rating so that we can easily compare destinations and decide whether they’re worth a visit – those are the ratings you see at the top of the page!

This is how Tayrona National Park rated:

• Accessibility : 2/5 – Tayrona National Park isn’t easy to access compared to other places. The footpaths aren’t suitable for disabled people and a few nights here can feel complicated to organise.
• Safety : 4/5 – the park feels super safe and there is a medical team present at Cabo San Juan in case of any problems. This is the jungle though, so some dangerous animals may be present.
• Enjoyment : 4/5 – we liked Tayrona and really enjoyed our time there. The only thing is how busy it is; even in the off season when we visited, it got pretty hectic at Cabo. In high season this would be even more annoying.
• Value : 3/5 – compared to other destinations along this stretch of coast, Tayrona is quite expensive. There’s also a hefty fee to enter the park.

Overall score: 3.25/5

If you’ve already visited, let me know if you agree with these ratings! Just to note, the ratings are my personal opinion based on my visit, so you might have a completely different experience.

Need more information on the ratings? Check out my guide to how I rate destinations .

Tayrona’s beaches

Tayrona National Park is home to plenty of beaches, all of which are worth exploring. These include:

• Cabo San Juan de Guia
• Boca del Saco
• Nudist beach
• Playa Brava

I’ve written more about Tayrona’s many beaches in a separate guide , so take a look if you want more information about these.

I’ve included a photo of the map that was shown at the El Zaino entrance, so you can get an idea of the geography of the park.

Route through Tayrona National Park

So, given the range of beaches and options, how should you visit? Here are my suggestions for one to three day itineraries:

• Enter through El Zaino, and take the shuttle from the entrance to the trailhead. I’d suggest arriving early (around 8 am) to maximise your time in the park.
• Leisurely walk to Cabo San Juan, stopping at all the beaches on the way. The walk should take around 2 hours.
• Once you’re finished, walk back to the trailhead. As the walk should take 2 hours, make sure you leave yourself enough time to arrive before dark – set off from Cabo San Juan around 3 pm.
• Take the shuttle to El Zaino and exit the park.

Two days (one night)

You have two options. The first is to enter and exit through El Zaino:

• Enter through El Zaino, and take the shuttle from the entrance to the trailhead.
• Stop for the night at a campsite near Cabo San Juan or Arrecifes.
• Spend the morning of your second day at your beach of choice. Cabo San Juan is quietest in early morning or late afternoon so it’s worth making the most of this time.
• Walk back to the trailhead, take the shuttle back to El Zaino, and exit the park.

An alternative route is to enter through Calabazo and exit through El Zaino:

• Enter through Calabazo, and take a mototaxi until the end of the road. If none are available, you’re walking!
• Follow the signs to Cabo San Juan. The journey should take around 3 hours if you walk it all.
• Chill at Cabo San Juan in the afternoon.
• The second day, walk leisurely through the park in an easterly direction, stopping at the beaches on the way.
• Once you reach the trailhead, take the shuttle to El Zaino and exit the park.

Three days (two nights)

An extra night gives you opportunity to explore Playa Brava in addition to the main route from El Zaino.

• Enter through Calabazo.
• Hike to Playa Brava and spend your first night here. It’s around 3 hours hiking, so it’s worth setting off early morning to maximise your time relaxing.
• On your second day, hike to Cabo San Juan and relax here and on the nearby beaches. It takes around 3 hours of hiking to reach Cabo San Juan from Playa Brava.
• On your third day, walk leisurely through the park in an easterly direction, stopping at the beaches on the way. There should be around 2 hours of walking time.

Which direction should you walk in?

You might want to enter and exit through different entrances. If so, the grand question is: should you enter through Calabazo and exit through El Zaino, or enter through El Zaino and exit through Calabazo?

I wholeheartedly recommend entering through Calabazo. We did it the opposite direction, entering through El Zaino, and it was a massive regret.

The trailhead at El Zaino is located at sea level, whilst Calabazo is at several hundred metres above sea level. Therefore, if you enter at El Zaino, you have a couple hundred metres’ climb to make as you leave Cabo San Juan. Let me tell you, this climb is so painful!

On the other hand, if you enter through Calabazo, aside from the first 60 mins, the walk is mostly downhill. Also, mototaxis are waiting at the entrance so can give you a lift for the first hour or so of walking; there is no option for this if you walk in the other direction.

We also found signposting was better in the opposite direction as the turn to Playa Brava isn’t massively obvious.

Don’t be like us: start at Calabazo!

Where should you stay before and after visiting?

The entrances to Tayrona National Park are on the road which connects Santa Marta to other destinations in the area, like Palomino. That makes it a great stop off if you’re transiting between these destinations.

However, you’ll probably need to find a place to store all your luggage whilst you’re hiking. It’s knackering enough without having to hike with your giant rucksack or wheeling a suitcase! Therefore, you need to store your luggage somewhere you’re going to return to.

If you are staying in Santa Marta (or another destination) before and after your visit, great! You can leave your things there. If you are changing location, however, I would suggest staying the night after your visit in a hotel outside one of the park entrances. That way, you can drop your stuff off before you enter the park. Once you’ve left the park you’ll then be able to pick it up, rest overnight, and leave the next day. This is what we did and it worked really well!

Is it worth visiting Playa Brava?

Some of you reading this may be wondering whether it’s worth visiting Playa Brava, the most remote beach in this area of the park. After all, compared to the other beaches, getting to Playa Brava is a faff. It’s located around a 3 hour hike from both the Capabazo entrance and Cabo San Juan – and, let me tell you, hike is the operative word in this sentence! The walk to Playa Brava is intense and knackering, with around 300 m of elevation gain in one hour of walking as you approach the beach.

Seriously – the walk is similar in intensity to the Lost City trek . I’d only recommend attempting to visit it if you are fit and determined.

However, Playa Brava is gorgeous and so much quieter than the other beaches. We loved the vibe here; it felt like Colombia’s version of Cornwall . Plus, as the footpath there is less busy, we saw a lot more wildlife, including a snake and a group of monkeys.

Overall, I’d say it’s well worth a visit if you have the time and energy. If you have more time, I’d go so far as to suggest you stay two nights to break up the walking.

How to get to the park entrances

It is easy to get to Tayrona by public transport, as its entrances are on the main road from Santa Marta to Palomino. Therefore, as long as you get on a bus heading from one of these places to the other, the bus will pass by the park.

Buses are super regular (at least every 30 minutes). It cost us 7,000 COP ($1.80 / £1.40) each to go from Palomino to El Zaino and 7,000 COP again to go from El Zaino to Santa Marta. Expect a journey time of around 90 minutes in either direction.

In Santa Marta, buses leave at the corner of Calle 11 and Carrera 9, outside the public market. Just follow the directions to “Bus Parque Tayrona” on Google Maps! It should take around 15 minutes to walk to the bus stop from the tourist centre of Santa Marta. Make sure to be careful with your belongings on the walk, as you do have to walk through a market and there’s a risk of pickpockets.

In Palomino, buses leave from the main road. Just ask to be dropped off at the entrance to Tayrona – make sure to specify El Zaino or Calabazo.

You can also take a boat to Cabo San Juan from Taganga, around 15 minutes’ drive from Santa Marta.

Accommodation in Tayrona National Park

Getting accommodation in Tayrona is a bit faffy compared to other destinations. But don’t worry: I’m here to help!

You have two main options within Tayrona itself: campsites and ecohabs. Some of these aren’t located on or near the main track, so check their location before you book.

Campsites: hammocks

The cheapest and most plentiful option is to stay at campsites. You have two main options again: hammocks and tents.

Hammocks are exactly what they say on the tin. You get a hammock in a communal area, plus a mosquito net. Some will also provide a blanket.

We chose a hammock – they’re cheap and plentiful, and as there are so many it’s unlikely they will sell out on any given night. The only thing is I never could get entirely comfortable, plus they can get dewy at night.

We stayed at Camping Don Pedro the first night; it’s about a 10 minute walk from Arrecifes in the jungle, meaning it felt warmer than the campsites by the coast. They provide lockers for your valuables for free, which we thought was a nice touch.

The second night, we stayed at Playa Brava Teyumakke, which is the only accommodation at Playa Brava. They’re not a campsite and just have hammocks and ecohabs. The hammocks are right by the beach – it was so dreamy to sleep hearing the waves and wake up with the ocean! They don’t have lockers available, but fortunately Playa Brava feels much quieter and more secure than the other beaches in Tayrona.

Campsites: tents

Most of the campsites also contain tents, which can be rented for the night. These come with mattresses and bedding.

Bloggers out there seem to be mixed on the tents and whether they’re worth the extra expense. I can’t say for sure either way as I didn’t try them!

It’s definitely worth considering though if you’re travelling as a couple or want your privacy. Surely it can’t be less comfortable than the hammocks…?

If you’ve got your own tent and bedding, it’s also possible to rent a pitch at some of the campsites.

Across Tayrona National Park, you’ll find cabins – these are huts or similar which you can rent for the night.

As you’d expect, these command a premium compared to the campsites. But this accommodation is much nicer and more private than other options, so it’s great if you don’t want to rough it.

In particular, the cabins at Playa Brava Teyumakke looked great. I was so jealous of everyone who was renting one of these. They were right next to the beach and had their own hammocks too.

Accommodation outside Tayrona National Park

You’ll also find accommodation outside the park, between the El Zaino and Calabazo entrances. This is perfect for you if you want to sleep in a hotel and only want to come into Tayrona for the day.

We stayed at Recuerdos de Tayrona, a hotel five minutes’ walk from the El Zaino entrance. Their rooms are super comfortable and have amazing air con; plus they have a pool.

A positive about staying outside the park as opposed to travelling in from elsewhere is that you still have the jungle at your fingertips. It’s not like the monkeys, lizards and butterflies know the boundary to the protected area; you can still see them from the comfort of your hotel room, should they decide to come!

Also, it means you can get to Tayrona super early, maximising your time in the park and minimising queue lengths.

How to book accommodation

Hotels outside Tayrona and many of the cabins within the park can be booked online. Make sure to book early for any cabins within the park, as they are likely to sell out.

Tents and hammocks are a bit less easily booked. Some of the campsites (generally the most expensive!) can be booked online.

However, for many of the campsites you can message them on WhatsApp to book. This is what we did. It gives you peace of mind and confirms you’ve got accommodation, plus you know exactly how much your hammock or tent will cost.

Hammocks and tents can also be booked at several campsites from stands outside El Zaino Entrance. This includes Camping Don Pedro and Cabo San Juan.

Personally, I’d recommend reserving your accommodation online or by WhatsApp in advance. It saved us a lot of stress and meant we could plan out our trip without any unknowns!

Do you need to bring your passport and yellow fever vaccination certificate?

Bring your passport. Our passport was checked when we entered the park, so this is likely to be needed for you to enter too.

One concern I had before entering was that we’d need to show our yellow fever vaccination certificate. I’d read online that Colombia does require this for national parks in the Magdalena region as there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, and that this could be asked for when entering. We’d forgotten ours and left them back in the UK, so I was concerned we might be turned away.

However, no such request was made anywhere in Colombia! It looks like I was worried for nothing. It’s unclear how many places – if any – actually ask you for a yellow fever vaccination certificate in practice.

The official website for Tayona National Park recommends you are vaccinated against yellow fever but does not mandate it to enter the park. Therefore, I think you aren’t required to show your certificate. However, just to be sure, if you do have one, I’d bring it with you.

If you are planning on visiting, here are my top tips:

• Bring water and suncream. We didn’t see a lot of water on sale, and this is one thing you don’t want to run out of. For multi-day trips a water filter would be your best friend here! We also ran out of suncream during our visit and found it impossible to replace.
• Bring snacks. Most campsites have their own shop selling drinks and snacks, but these tend to be limited and expensive. Therefore, bring your own.
• Book well in advance for non-tent accommodation. Ecohabs are available in the park – those at Playa Brava looked beautiful in particular. However, they will be booked out in advance, so make sure to reserve them early if you want them!
• Prepare to wild wee. We only saw one set of (expensive) public loos during our visit…
• Bring enough cash. For almost everything in Tayrona you’ll have to pay in cash. Even if you manage to find somewhere that accepts card, they will almost certainly apply an additional fee. Make sure to bring plenty of cash into the park.
• Be careful with your footing. Lou nearly stepped on a venomous snake when we were walking to Playa Brava. Particularly when walking on less established footpaths, check ahead of you before you step!
• Check when it’s open. Over particular periods of the year the park closes at the request of the indigenous community which inhabits the land. Make sure this does not affect your trip before you head to the park.

Tayrona National Park, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is well worth a visit. Its pretty beaches do take a bit of effort to reach, but you won’t regret it!

I hope this information helps you to plan your visit. Let me know if you have any questions!

More information

• Head to the official website for official information on pricing, opening times and important information.
• Free to Roam ’s walk through Tayrona National Park from the Calabazo entrance is worth a read if you’re considering entering from here. They also include further information on the beaches en route.
• Kiona x Coffee gives a good round up of the two night, three day walk including Playa Brava.
• Check out People Are Culture for more information about the Kogi people inhabiting the park – a super interesting article!
• Along Dusty Road ’s guide to Tayrona National Park is super detailed and their FAQ format is so handy for finding out exactly what you want to know.
• Destinationless Travel ’s article on Tayrona National Park is super informative as well, particularly for getting more information on accommodation options.

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Complete Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Tayrona National Park is one of the top destinations in Colombia and after a visit, you’ll see why. Located on the Caribbean Coast, Tayrona (Parque Tayrona) is the perfect place to explore some of the best beaches in the country and see the jungle.

Those perfect beaches aren’t the easiest to reach though. Even though getting there is straightforward, you do have hike to reach the best beaches of Tayrona. Luckily, the journey takes you through beautiful jungle with lots of opportunity to see wildlife and views of pristine beaches.

Tayrona is an important national park in Colombia as it protects the jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. It’s one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world. These mountains are home to indigenous peoples as well as protected species like the cotton-top tamarin monkey, jaguar, and caiman.

I visited Tayrona for 3 nights as part of a two week trip to Colombia and it was the perfect place to explore the beaches and coast of Colombia.

For being one of Colombia’s most visited tourist destinations, Tayrona can be surprisingly confusing to plan a visit. This guide has everything you need to plan your trip to Tayrona National Park and make your vacation as stress-free as possible.

This post contains affiliate links , If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Table of Contents

When to Visit Tayrona National Park

Unlike a lot of National Parks, Tayrona National Park does close for part of the year. The closure is to allow nature to have the space to itself as well as allow indigenous groups that live in the park time without tourists. While it may be inconvenient for tourists, it’s a great initiative as the park is an important space for the four indigenous groups that call it home as well as the plants and animals.

There are three scheduled closures of the park each year. Generally, they are the first two weeks of February, the first two weeks of June, and the last two weeks of October. Check the Parque Tayrona website in advance for exact closure dates to avoid disappointment. I also would avoid visiting Tayrona immediately after the park reopens as I have heard those days are extremely busy with visitors.

The park is open from 8 am-5 pm and the last entry is at 12pm so if you arrive later you may not be allowed to enter. There is also a cap of 6,900 visitors a day so if you arrive later in the day there is no guarantee of entry. Try to arrive as early as possible to get a ticket.

How Long to Spend in Tayrona National Park

I planned my trip so that I had two full days in the area of the park. You could easily visit Tayrona National Park in one day but I gave myself an extra in case of bad weather conditions. This extra day is perfect for visiting nearby beach destinations outside of the park like Los Naranjos and Palomino. If you have time, you can extend your vacation on the Caribbean Coast and spend some time visiting Palomino .

I really enjoyed staying in the area as it was a very relaxing place. It was also nice to stay nearby the night before visiting Tayrona National Park so I could be at the entry gates at opening time.

If you don’t have time in your itinerary for staying overnight in Tayrona or nearby, it is possible to do Tayrona as a day trip from Santa Marta. This sailboat day trip to Tayrona is one option as you see a different part of the park than by hiking. This hiking tour to Tayrona is a more traditional option and you will do the same hike and visit to Cabo San Juan that I did in this itinerary.

While there are day trip options from Cartagena to Tayrona , I wouldn’t advise it as you will be on the bus for 5 hours each way.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

There are a couple entrances to Tayrona National Park but the main one is at el Zaino. The el Zaino entrance is the easiest one to use if you are hiking to Cabo San Juan like on this itinerary.

Cartagena to Tayrona: Your best bet to get to Tayrona National Park is to take a direct transfer, like this one from Cartagena to Tayona . It’s about 5.5 hours of driving between the park and Cartagena. If you want a cheaper alternative, you can take the bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta (5 hours) where you will need to switch to a different bus or get a taxi to Tayrona Park. This method takes the better part of a day. You can book bus tickets through redBus .

Santa Marta to Tayrona: Take either a bus or private transfer to Tayrona National Park. If you are arriving at the Santa Marta airport, you will need to get to the bus terminal or market area. The buses to Tayrona Park leave about every 30 minutes from Calle 11 & Carrera 11 in the Central Market.

Taganga to Tayrona: There are boats that depart from Taganga at 10-11 am and drop you off right at Cabo San Juan. They will return to Taganga between 4-4:30 pm. If you want to take a boat to skip the hike in Tayrona, Taganga is 15 minutes by taxi from Santa Marta.

From Elsewhere in Colombia: Fly into the Santa Marta Simon Bolivar Airport and then a bus or transfer.

Accommodation Near Tayrona National Park

I stayed at Senda Koguiwa , a hotel right outside of Tayrona National Park. It was a 5-minute walk to the front gates of the park so it was perfect for visiting for the day. The rooms here were enormous and very comfortable. Beautiful grounds and pool as well as a spa on site. This is one of my favourite places I stayed in Colombia and I would happily return. I would also love to stay in nearby Los Naranjos at other hotels operated by Senda, including the Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos .

While I didn’t stay at Playa Los Angeles , I did visit as a day trip and loved the location. This is a great budget option as there are campsites and glamping-style tents. There are also brand new cabins that overlook the sea. This would be a fantastic option if you are looking to stay right on the Caribbean as there is a massive private beach here. It’s less than 10 minutes by cab to the entrance of Tayrona National Park.

Accommodation in Tayrona

Within Tayrona park, there is only one hotel to stay at, Ecohabs . It looks quite nice if you have the budget for it. Definitely, you would be paying a premium for location here.

Camping in Tayrona

Many people also choose to stay overnight in the park. There are tents and hammocks you can rent for the night if you want to maximize your beach time in Tayrona. There are campsites at both Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes, you can check out the Arrecifes campsites here . Bathrooms and showers are available. Make sure if you choose this option to have enough cash for buying food. Try to get to the park early and reserve your campsite beforehand as they do fill up. If you can, leave your larger bag at your previous accommodation and take only the minimum amount of stuff on the hike to the campsite.

Spending One Day in Tayrona National Park

When to arrive to tayrona.

For the best experience at the park and to avoid crowds and the heat of the afternoon, I recommend going to the park as soon as it opens in the morning. When I visited, opening time was 8 am but you can double check with your hotel as they should know. I did this as a day trip but it is possible to stay overnight in the park. If you aren’t up for hiking but still want to see the park, there are horses in the park that look well cared for and cost around 50,000 pesos each way.

Buying Entry Tickets to Tayrona

At the park, you can pay for your entry with either a card or in cash. Make sure you keep enough cash on hand for the insurance, bus within the park, and for any snacks or drinks you want to buy. There is a two-step process for buying tickets at Tayrona.

Make sure to take your passport with you. It is recommended to have a yellow-fever vaccine when you visit and it is required for entry. I wasn’t asked for proof of the yellow-fever vaccine and generally, it seems they do not check for proof of vaccine. You can get the vaccine for free at the Bogota airport if you are flying through there but that would need to be done 10 days in advance to be valid.

First, you need to buy insurance for the number of days you are visiting Tayrona National Park. When I visited it was 5,000 pesos for one day of insurance paid in cash only. You can do this at the beginning of the line up where you will receive a wristband. Then you line up for the kiosks and you will get another wristband for entry that you can pay for by credit or cash, at the time of visiting it was 57,500 pesos for one day (68,000 in high season). Entry cost depends on if you are visiting in the low or high season. It was actually easier to pay by credit card for the entry ticket because only one window takes cash so you have to go to that window, pay, then take proof of paying by cash back to the original ticket window.

After procuring your ticket and insurance, there are buses that you can pay 5000 pesos for each way. I recommend taking this bus as it is quite far to the start of the hiking area and you won’t miss any nice scenery here, it’s just a road. Far better to save your energy for the hike and swimming.

How to Hike Tayrona National Park

The hike from the bus drop-off to Cabo San Juan is about 2 hours each way. The trail is well-trodden and signposted.

The hike starts with a very nice boardwalk and then a bunch of stairs that go up the hills here. Even though it’s early in the day the sun is quite punishing so you are definitely going to want to have sunscreen, lots of water, and ideally a hat and sunglasses. You can buy drinks from the first viewpoint.

There are fantastic viewpoints of the Caribbean Coast all along this hike. Soon enough you will come to Arrecifes Beach . This beach is beautiful but you cannot swim here. There are multiple signs and flags marking that this beach is unsafe due to the waves.

After Arrecifes Beach, the trail will take you through some low shrubs and mangroves and then into a beautiful forest with large trees and hopefully, lots of wildlife. I was able to see capuchin monkeys here as well as agouti. I arrived to Tayrona after spending time in Minca so it was interesting to contrast the forest types and wildlife with Tayrona.

There are also some smaller beaches along the way including Playa La Piscina . Playa La Piscina seemed really nice to swim at as it had soft sand.

Finally, you will emerge out of the forest to Cabo San Juan del Guia . At Cabo San Juan there are changing rooms as well as bathrooms for a fee. The beach does get quite crowded but there is a nice swimming area here. I found the sand to be quite coarse and painful and difficult to wash off so this is the perfect place for water shoes. Make sure you walk up to the viewpoint here to look over the beach.

After spending time at the beach, it will be time to head back. The park closes at 5 pm so make sure you get the bus in time or you will have to walk the extra distance.

On the way back, the heat had really started to build so on top of dealing with the sun, it was also really humid and felt just a little bit harder to walk up the stairs. I went at a very leisurely pace and enjoyed the wildlife. I was lucky enough to see multiple groups of cotton-top tamarin monkeys, tons of geckos and lizards, more capuchins and agoutis, blue morpho butterflies, and thousands of leaf-cutter ants.

Prior to visiting, I was a little apprehensive about only having a day trip to the park as so many stay overnight in the park. I ended up feeling quite relieved I only visited for the day as I would not have enjoyed staying in the hammocks or tents you can rent in Tayrona. It was a long walking day however, I did end up walking 20 km overall for the day.

What to Do on Your Second Day in Tayrona: Playa Los Angeles

On my second day near Tayrona National Park, I visited the nearby Caribbean Coast, going to Playa Los Angeles in Los Naranjos. Playa Los Angeles is a private beach where you can camp and has a restaurant. It looked like a really nice spot and when I was there they were also building cabins for stays. For a day pass, at the time I visited it was 12,000 pesos per person. At the time I visited, it was a cash-only location.

To get to Playa Los Angeles you can ask your hotel to call a cab for you or walk to the entrance of Tayrona National Park as there will be a lot of cabs there. Make sure you have small bills to pay the taxi driver.

Playa Los Angeles has a massive beach that you can walk down or sunbathe on. Unfortunately, like a lot of beaches in this area, you can’t swim here. There are fantastic waves though. There is also a nice lookout tower for views over the beach and at the mountains behind you.

In addition to the lookout tower, there are some nice photo opportunities here, like the swing set. Playa Los Angeles also has a restaurant on site. It’s the perfect place to have lunch and is quite reasonably priced.

Visiting Parque Tayrona

While Tayrona is a fantastic addition to a Colombia itinerary , you do have to plan it in advance to avoid disappointment. It’s a very popular destination in Colombia so do temper expectations of having a wild jungle beach to yourself. It can get quite crowded and reach capacity in high seasons.

I loved my visit to Tayrona and even though the beach does get quite crowded, by visiting earlier in the day I missed out on crowds. I loved the jungle hike and getting to see monkeys and wildlife while trekking to the beach. It really made it feel like a special experience that Colombia has to offer.

After Tayrona, I headed to Cartagena to check out what this historic city had to offer.

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Practical Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia

With beautiful, windswept and unspoiled beaches, tayrona is a must visit for nature lovers along colombia’s caribbean coast.  the national park gets its name from the tairona indigenous culture, and the area is sacred to the indigenous tribes still living in the area.  it is open to visitors most of the year and offers several good hikes along with the beautiful beaches.  read on for a complete travel guide to tayrona national park in colombia..

*Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made after clicking links from this site.  There is never any additional cost to you.  For more information, please consult my Disclosure Policy.

Why You Should Visit Tayrona

If you’re a nature and hiking fan or a beach fan or both, you have to visit Tayrona National Park during your time in Colombia. The park rightly appears at or near the top of any list of the best hiking trails in Colombia .

Even if you’re not the biggest hiking or camping fan, the hike to the most popular place to stay is about 2 hours of mostly easy going. You can also ride horses or take a boat in and out of the park if you’d really prefer not to hike.

While you can technically do a day trip using the boats or horses, or hiking if you really hoof it, you really should stay at least one night . That way you can have some time to explore, enjoy some hiking, and see some of the different beaches. Given the time hiking in and out, Tayrona is best included in a two week Colombia itinerary or more although it’s possible to fit it in a week spent solely on the Caribbean coast.

The beautiful and mostly unspoiled beaches inside the park are the main attraction.  There are a number of different beaches you can visit, and the backdrop of the mountains running into the sea is breathtaking!

Tayrona is a great chance to get away from it all for a few days, enjoy some great beaches, and do some hiking.   It especially makes for a great stop sandwiched in between visits to Minca and Palomino.

Ready to go?  Read on for a complete travel guide to Tayrona, Colombia including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, travel tips, and a packing list for Parque Tayrona.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Tayrona Park – Contents

How to get to tayrona from cartagena.

• Admission Fees
• Mandatory Insurance
• What to Do in Tayrona Park

Where to Stay in Tayrona Park

• Travel Tips for Tayrona Park
• Packing List for Tayrona Park

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

*Note:  Some information here may no longer be accurate especially as it relates to bus schedules and prices.  I’ve confirmed and updated the prices of the private charter van companies, but am not sure about public bus prices, and the charter companies are subject to change.

There are a few different options to get to Tayrona.  The easiest is to take a bus from Santa Marta.   You can also get taxis or private cars, although prices are usually quite high.  Additionally, you can take a speed boat to Tayrona from Taganga .

Can You Do a Day Trip to Tayrona?

Yes, although personally I feel it’s best to spend the night as hiking in and back out isn’t worth it.  That being said, if you do want to do a day trip to Tayrona, it’s best to do it with a tour.   You could for example do this  private tour that includes transportation and the entrance fee .

If you want a really unique experience, you could do a sailing day trip to Tayrona , giving you a unique view of the park from the sea.  Doing a day trip to one of the the beaches inside the park but a bit closer to Santa Marta like a tour to Playa Cristal or a tour to Bahía Concha is also a good way to do a day trip to Tayrona.

For another easy beach day trip from Santa Marta, you can also check out this tour to Playa Blanca (not to be confused with the better known Playa Blanca of Barú , closer to Cartagena).

How to Get to Tayrona by Bus

The most popular entrance to the park, El Zaino, is located approximately an hour north of Santa Marta .  You can get the bus from the market in downtown Santa Marta .  Look for the buses that say Tayrona and Palomino.

How to Get to Tayrona from Santa Marta

The bus from Santa Marta costs 7,000 pesos (price last confirmed April 2019).  There are different fares for how far you are going along the route, so be sure to tell the guy collecting the money you are going to Tayrona.

Do expect the bus to get crowded, probably with some people carrying food or other goods.  Our bus had bags of concrete and sacks of rice loaded on it.  One guy even had a box of baby chicks.

If you’d like a more convenient and comfortable but pricier transportation from Santa Marta to Tayrona, you can book a private van to Tayrona from Santa Marta .

 Flying into Santa Marta

Santa Marta is the closest airport to Tayrona Park.  While the ease, cost, and relatively short length of bus travel along the Caribbean Coast may make it not worth flying, if you’re coming from the interior and want to bypass Cartagena, it could save you some time to fly into Santa Marta.

Of course, I would encourage you to fly into Cartagena and enjoy all there is to do there (this website’s name is Cartagena Explorer after all!).  Regardless, it’s a good idea to compare your options which you can do on Colombia’s flagship Avianca airline , looking for a package deal at Expedia.com or Trip.com , looking for a steal at CheapOair.com or Kiwi.com , or comparing prices at SkyScanner.com or Jet Radar .

How to Get to Tayrona from Palomino

If you’re coming from Palomino or Riohacha , just hop on the bus headed towards Santa Marta and get out at the park entrance.  The price for the bus from Palomino to Tayrona should be 3,000 pesos and from Riohacha to Tayrona 10,000 pesos.

* Be sure to check out this Practical Travel Guide to Palomino

How to Get to Tayrona from Minca

If you’re coming from our heading to the mountain town of Minca outside Santa Marta, to travel by bus, you’ll have to pass through Santa Marta (follow the instructions above).  Or you could also opt for a private van transfer between Minca and Tayrona .

*Be sure to check out this Practical Travel Guide to Minca

How to Get to Tayrona by Boat

You can also take small speed boats to Tayrona.  The boats leave from the town of Taganga to Cabo San Juan,  the most popular place for staying inside the park.  Taganga is just over a hill from Santa Marta.  Check out our guide to Taganga if you want to spend a night there before or after your visit to Tayrona.

The boats leave at approximately 9 a.m ..  The return trip leaves between 3 and 4 in the afternoo n from Cabo San Juan.

One word of warning:   I normally enjoy boats, but I did not enjoy the boat from Tayrona to Taganga.  Maybe it was just a particularly rough day, but we were bouncing around and I took lots of waves to the face.  Soaking wet and with a sore butt (I’m pretty sure I was bouncing a foot in the air off my seat), I was happy when it was over.

These operations are also questionably organized at best.  While usually, I’m a fan of the less restrictive liability rules, in this case the safety risk seems not worth it.  And it sounds like some have had even worse experiences .  By the same token, lots of people take the boat every day, so presumably most of the time the trip is smoother.

Still, I would strongly recommend avoiding the boat entirely , but if you’re on a tight schedule and the seas don’t look choppy, then it I guess it can save you quite a bit of time.  Just be prepared for a bouncy ride .  Also please note, that the cost of the boat does not include the park entry fee or mandatory insurance .  You will have to pay for those things when you arrive.

If you want to do a day trip to Tayrona from Cartagena, you can do this day tour to Cristal Beach that includes transportation to and from Tayrona as well as the park entrance fee and lunch (via Viator).  Note that that is a separate beach area than the beaches you’ll see hiking in, but if you have to do it in a day from Cartagena, it’s an option.

You can book a private car to take you from Cartagena to Tayrona although it is expensive.

Otherwise you will have to reach Santa Marta.  You can take a private car from Cartagena to Santa Marta but it’s also quite pricey, so a bus will be the best option for most.

You can get buses to Santa Marta at the main Cartagena bus terminal.  These will be the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena.  You can find times and even book ahead at BusBud (note you can likely find more departure times on other companies at the terminal, but those have the added convenience of being able to book ahead).

Berlinas and Marsol offer chartered van service for reasonable prices as well and are the recommended options.  A taxi to the terminal will more than wipe out the savings on the cheaper bus ticket unless you’re a group of 3 or 4.

Berlinas charges 80,000 for buses from Cartagena to Santa Marta and vice versa (price last confirmed November 2020).  Buses leave from 6 am to around 3 pm.  Departure times depend on passenger demand, so it may be worth going the day before and reserving.  Their office is in Marbella, and they arrive to their office in Santa Marta, with a stop to drop off and pick up passengers in Barranquilla.

The bus stops at the office in Rodadero outside of Santa Marta and in Mamatoco.  From Mamatoco, you can catch the bus to Tayrona along the road heading north.

If you return via Berlinas, buses leave Rodadero at 6 am and pass the office in Mamatoco around 7 am until approximately 4 and 5 pm respectively, although also depending on passenger demand.

Fr om Cartagena to Santa Marta they have regular departures every 2 hours from 6 am to 4:40 pm .  The price is 90,000 pesos .  (Marsol prices last confirmed November 2020).

This is nearly double the price it was in February 2020 (56,000 pesos).  It’s unclear if that is due to capacity restrictions that will be a temporary increase until things are back to normal or if it is in fact the “new normal.”  Prices tend to increase slightly in January every year as well, so if you’re planning  a trip in 2021, I would plan to pay around 100,000, but again, hard to know.

You can book Marsol buses from Cartagena online ahead of time via Viator here .

Marsol used to have buses that go directly from Cartagena to Tayrona and arrive to the park entrance, but only twice a day.  However, at this time I have confirmed that they do not.  It’s unclear if they will reinstate them once travel picks up and things return to more normal.  I would lean towards yes, since they also have their service to Palomino suspended, but it’s hard to say for sure, and even harder to say when.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Tayrona in late 2020 or early 2021, definitely plan on arriving to Santa Marta first.

Once in Santa Marta, follow the instructions above.   One note, we thought it would be easier to get the bus to the park from Mamatoco, on the outskirts of the city.  When I went several years back that was the main jumping off point to the park.

We were able to get the bus there, but it was already very crowded.  Therefore, I recommend getting the bus in the city center.

The trip to Santa Marta takes about 4 hours from Cartagena .  You will need at least 3 hours for transportation to the park and the hike in to the camp site.  Therefore, make sure you start your trip to Tayrona from Cartagena early in the morning.

*You can check bus routes, times, prices and even book many buses in Colombia at  BusBud .  Both Marsol and Berlinas are pretty responsive on their facebook pages which you can find here:   Marsol  and  Berlinas .

Visitor Information for Tayrona

You do have to pay an admissions fee for Tayrona Park .  The fee varies slightly depending on your nationality as well as the time of year you visit:

Entrance Fees for Tayrona National Park:

*The prices below are the prices listed on the national park service’s website for 2020.  Presumably the fees should be the same when Tayrona reopens, but it may be worth double checking that link (it is down as I update this in late February 2021), and the prices may go up slightly in 2021 (I will try to update once there has been an announcement).

Normal Entrance Fees to Tayrona National Park:

• Foreigners:   53,500 pesos
• Colombian Nationals over 25:   24,000 pesos
• Children Under 5:  free
• Colombian Nationals aged 5-25:   18,000 pesos
• People Born in Santa Marta aged 5-25:   9,000 pesos
• People born in Santa Marta over 25:   12,000 pesos

*Note if you are a foreign resident of Colombia and have your Cédula (ID Card) or a citizen of one of the members of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), you pay the price of Colombian nationals.

Peak Season Entrance Fees for Tayrona National Park:

• Foreigners:   63,500 pesos
• Colombian Nationals Over 25:  28,500 pesos
• Children Under 5:   Free
• Colombian Nationals aged 5-25:   20,000 pesos
• People Born in Santa Marta aged 5-25:  20,000 pesos
• People born in Santa Marta over 25:  28,500 pesos
• June 15 to July 15
• December 15 to the end of January
• The 10 days beginning on the Friday before the week of Easter
• The higher rates also apply to weekends with Monday holidays (at this site you can see a list of Colombian holidays)

It usually isn’t necessary to buy tickets for Tayrona ahead of time, but if you’re going during peak season, it probably isn’t a bad idea.   The park does have a limited capacity and even if it doesn’t fill up, the lines can get long. (For the time being, you cannot buy tickets online any longer).

Insurance Requirement for Entrance to Tayrona Park

*Note:  It’s not clear if the insurance is still bought separately.  The site linked below and all the info on it below was through the old concessionaire.  I can’t find any information on prices at the National Park Service’s website other than the requirement and 3 suggested companies here .  I would assume if you still buy it separately, you can do so at the entrance and that the prices are comparable if not the same.

You must also buy mandatory medical emergency and evacuation insurance for each day you plan to be in the park.  The insurance costs 2,500 pesos per day and offers coverage for up to 30 million pesos (about 10,000 USD).  Find out more about the insurance at this link .

If you have organized your trip through an agency or as part of a tour, be sure to clarify if the insurance is (or isn’t) included.  If it is, be sure to get a receipt or certificate.

Be wary of tour operators outside the entrance selling the insurance.  They are probably legit, but why risk it when you can just buy it at the park ticket booth?

Once in the park, if you decide to stay for more days, you can buy more days of coverage at Cabo San Juan .  (That is also where you will buy it if you come on the boat).

After you enter, you can take a bus for 3,000 pesos to the parking lot and trail head .  It’ll save you about half an hour.

What to Do in Tayrona

Note this covers the areas accessible from the main Zaino entrance , not the areas closer to Santa Marta on the western end of the park.  Those areas are best visited via the day trips from Santa Marta mentioned above.

These areas can also be reached from the Calabazo entrance , but with the closure of the Pueblito trail, require quite a long hike via Playa Brava.   Do note that Playa Brava can be reached by a much shorter hike from Cabo San Juan de la Guía once you hike in via the Zaino entrance.

In other words, unless, you’re planning to stay at Playa Brava and want to reach it first, I would suggest just going in at Zaino.  The hike in from Calabazo is more in the hills and offers less sea views as well.

Enjoy the Beaches

There are a number of nice beaches in Tayrona.  As you hike in, the first one you come to is Arrecifes .  You cannot swim there.  You’ll then pass several others, including La Piscina .  You can swim there.  Offshore rocks make for a natural swimming pool.  It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling .

However, I think the beaches around Cabo San Juan are prettier .  At Cabo, there’s a little bay with calm waters good for wading.  On the other side of the rock, there’s a a nice stretch of beach as well.

If you continue beyond that beach and take a short walk through the forest, you’ll arrive to Playa Brava .  Playa Brava is technically a nude beach , although most people were not actually in the nude when we were there.

The beach at Playa Brava is long and very pretty.  The waves are strong though, and the currents can be dangerous, so it’s advised not to swim there.  I was physically knocked over by the waves.  Therefore, it’s probably best to stick to the beaches marked for swimming.

Hike to Pueblito

*Update:  As of early 2019 Pueblito has been closed to visitors, reportedly permanently, at the request of the indigenous residents.  So unfortunately, this no longer is one of the things to see in Tayrona at least for the time being.  I will try to keep my eyes open and update if it reopens one day.  In the meantime, you’ll just have to enjoy the beach (I know, it’s a tough life out there).

Located in the hills above Cabo is a tiny indigenous village .  There you can see a few huts where some Kogi people live today.  There are also remains of a larger settlement dating to before the Spanish conquest .  The Tairona indigenous civilization was the most advanced in Colombia and the only to have built stone urban centers.

However, the ruins at Pueblito are not really that impressive.  The real attraction is the hike up .  Note we were told it was of moderate difficulty.  For avid hikers that is probably the case, but we found it a bit closer to hard.

There are a few tough inclines and you spend a fair amount of time climbing over boulders .  I’d recommend not doing the hike alone as having someone to boost you up was definitely necessary in a few spots.

While the ruins themselves weren’t that cool, the hike was fun and enough of a challenge to feel like we had accomplished something .  It takes about 2 and a half hours to get to Pueblito from Cabo .

We actually chose to send our bags out on horses and hiked out from Pueblito to the entrance at Calabazo.  That took about 2 and a half more hours.

There’s another longer hike called 9 Piedras that I have not done, but it is supposed to give some great views of the park.

Unplug and Get Away From It All

A couple days in Tayrona is a great way to disconnect.  With no wi-fi and little to no cell service , you’ll have no choice but to stay off facebook and instagram or work email and just relax.

So spend some time enjoying the scenery on the hikes.  Once you’ve worn yourself out, relax with a good book, get your tan on, and take a nap on the beach .  In the evening, you can contemplate your existence and take advantage of the excellent star gazing .

There are a number of fancy lodges and cabins available both inside and just outside the park .  However, they tend to be very pricey!

Therefore, the most popular option, and my recommendation, for where to stay in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan del Guía.

Cabo San Juan – Most Popular Place to Stay

At Cabo San Juan, you can rent a tent, the space for your own tent, or a hammock.   The hammocks are in a covered area, and there are a limited number of additional hammocks on top of a big rock overlooking the bay.  There are also a limited number of small cabins .

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for fairly reasonable prices.  The restaurant serves the typical fish plate as well as rice, chicken, and pasta dishes.  There are a few vegetarian options.  Expect to spend 20-40,000 pesos per meal.

There were also some fresh breads and sandwiches on sale that were really good for 5-7,000 pesos.  You also have to try the bread at the Panaderia Bere on the hike in .  The tomato, cheese, and basil ones are awesome, especially fresh out of the oven.

You can bring in food, but there is no kitchen and no fires at the camp site.   There is also a little  tienda that sells snacks and drinks .  An Aguila ran 5,000 pesos when we were last there in late 2018.

Cell service was spotty at best and there was no wi-fi .  There is a small cell charging station by the restaurant.  Do be aware that there are no electrical hookups in the camping area.

Prices for Accommodations at Cabo San Juan del Guía : (*Note, these prices were confirmed for the November 2020 Tayrona reopening)

• Hammock in the main area :  $50,000 pesos per person (includes a locker and mosquito net).
• Hammock on top of the rock overlooking the bay :  *This area is closed for the time being
• Tent Rental :  $100,000 pesos a person (single and double tents available and rental includes a mattress pad and pillow).
• With Your Own Tent :  30,000 per person
• Cabin Rentals :  *Currently closed for the time being
• $8,000 peso reservation fee with 50% due at time of reservation (how to make the reservation explained below).

Use of the bathrooms and showers are included .  They are pretty decent for communal campsite showers, but you will definitely want a good set of flip flops.

How to Make a Reservation at Cabo San Juan del Guía

You need to make your reservation at least 1 day in advance to ensure there is enough capacity.

You can make your reservation by reaching out to Cabo San Juan via their Instagram or by writing them via Whatsapp at +57 311-258-9907 .  There you’ll need to verify availability, confirm your arrival and departure dates, and choice of accommodations.

After confirming your reservation, you’ll have to pay the reservation fee+50% of the price of your accommodations.  You can pay it via a Bancolombia bank transfer or via Western Union.

You can find more information on the accommodations and prices at Cabo San Juan in this .pdf:   Camping CABO SAN JUAN .

Other Places to Stay inside Tayrona National Park

There are a handful of other small lodges and camp sites in Tayrona, although there’s not a ton of info on them online.  Staying at Cabo San Juan is definitely the most common backpacker/camping option.

Those with families or looking for a romantic escape might be interested in one of the more exclusive lodges inside or just outside the park below.

Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona

Located not far from both the Calabazo and Zaino entrance, Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona is nestled amongst the forest and has a gorgeous little property that includes a small pool.  It is still a good hike to the main beaches in the park, but for those looking to be in the park but want something nicer than camp sites or hammocks, it makes for a good choice.

Check Availability and Book Here via Booking.com

Other Places to Stay Outside Tayrona Park

If you’re looking for nicer accommodations, there are a number of good options located just outside the park that offer easy day time access while having more modern amenities than the places to stay in Tayrona itself.

Senda Koguiwa – Amazing Lodge Just Outside the Entrance

Located practically across the street from the Zaino entrance to the park, Senda Koguiwa is one of the newest places to stay near Tayrona.  It is a gorgeous property and features a big onsite pool and is next to a lake and surrounded by nature.

Senda Casa Los Naranjos   – Atop the Hills Overlooking the Sea

Featuring a gorgeous terrace and pool, the accommodations at Senda Casa Los Naranjos here include a family sized bungalow and private rooms.  It is located just on the northern edge of the park, offering access to the beaches nearby.  A great option for where to stay in Tayrona for a romantic getaway.

Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge – Amazing and Exclusive Lodge

Located a bit further outside the park, Quetzal Dorado is an eco-lodge with pretty rooms as well as a small pool and sitting area with an amazing view of the forest and hills.  There are family rooms as well as double rooms available, making this a good choice for families for where to stay near Tayrona.

Practical Travel Tips

• There are no ATMs in the park and cards are not accepted at Cabo san Juan , so be sure to bring cash .
• If you’re going during the rainy season from October-December , be aware that the trail could be muddy .  Also, be sure to stay off the horse path as it will be worse!  (We made that mistake).
• You can get large jugs of water just outside the entrance of the park considerably cheaper than in the park (although you do have to carry them in).
• Bringing alcohol into the park is prohibited .  Police sometimes search bags, sometimes don’t.  We saw people with bottles of wine and whiskey.  So it’s possible you could sneak it in, but be prepared to lose any you take.
• Don’t litter , remember the park is a sacred site for the indigenous communities!
• One use plastic bags have also been prohibited in Colombian National Parks, a law that will go into effect starting in April 2020.

Packing List for Tayrona, Colombia

Travel insurance.

It really is a good idea to have travel insurance.   You never know what could happen, especially hiking and swimming in the wild of Tayrona.  2020 has also taught us all the importance of having medical care if we should need it.

I know I mentioned this above, but it is worth repeating.  While you will have the coverage from the obligatory policy to enter the park, a more general plan for your entire time in Colombia is also a good idea.  Check out World Nomads, one of the most well known travel insurance companies.  You can get a quote or learn more about World Nomads travel insurance here .  You can also see the options offered by ExpatsGroup.co for travel insurance especially created for Colombia .  Or if you are visiting multiple countries, you couldYou may also want to compare the options available at Visitors Coverage .

Clothes to Pack for Tayrona

You’re going to be hiking and beaching it, so pack comfortable clothes that you are ok getting dirty in.  And also sweating in, as the climate is hot and humid.

Recommendations for Her:

• These tees are comfortable, cute, and comfortable.
• These Columbia Anytime Capris are light and dry quickly.
• This cute leaf print halter top bikini would be perfect for Tayrona.
• A good sarong not only works as a beach cover up, but can double as a beach towel and can even be tied up as a dress.
• Chaco’s Sandals are comfortable for all the walking you’ll be doing hiking in and out of Tayrona Park.

Recommendations for Him:

• Columbia’s Blood and Guts shirts not only have a killer name but wick away moisture and offer UPF sun protection, perfect for the sun and hiking of Tayrona.
• Their tees also wick away moisture and are very comfortable.
• These quick dry hiking shorts are light and offer several pockets.
• These APTRO board shorts with palm trees will go right with the beautiful beaches in Tayrona.
• Chaco’s Mens Sandals are also great for lots of walking.

Recommended Travel Gear to Pack for Tayrona:

• I love my Roam backpack that packs in to its front pocket ( see review here ) .  That makes it perfect to stash in a larger pack and use to carry your camera, book, a bottle of water, and whatever else you need to head to the beach or go hike.
• Speaking of larger packs, the Osprey Rook 65L is roomy and plenty comfortable for hiking, making a great larger pack to take with you to Tayrona and elsewhere in Colombia.
• If you want something that is carry on compliant, the Osprey Farpoint 40L is also a great option and has plenty of padding to make it easy to carry.
• There are lockers at Cabo San Juan which makes a good lock a handy accessory to have to keep things safe.  This MasterLock has a code so you don’t have to worry about losing a key and is TSA compliant so you can use it on your bags when you fly too.
• A good travel towels is a must for Tayrona.  These Rainleaf microfiber towels are easy to pack and can be used at the beach or the campsite showers.
• A good flashlight is a good idea to have along to make your way back to your tent or hammock late.  This Maglite Mini is perfect and can be easily packed for travel.
• Finally, you’ll want some good shades for the beach.  These RAWWOOD Bamboo frame sunglasses fit the bill for him or her.  I recently got a pair of my own and love them ( see review here ).

Other Things to Pack for Tayrona:

• Sunscreen – You’ll want plenty of it as the Caribbean sun can be withering.  Sunscreen tends to run more expensive in Colombia, so bringing some along is a good idea.  I recommend Coppertone Sport , which holds up well to sweat and ocean.
• Bug Spray – The mosquitos can come out in droves at night time.  If you bring it from abroad, I recommend  OFF! Deep Woods  (also available in  towelettes ) or check out  OFF! Botanicals  for an all natural option.  If you want a sunscreen/repellent combo, check out  Avon’s Skin so Soft Bug Guard .  If you’re planning on camping, this spray can also treat your tent, hammock, or even your clothes to keep bugs way.
• Water Bottle –  If you follow the advice above, and buy a big jug of water, you’ll want something smaller to refill as you go.  I have a Takeya bottle I love and use everyday at my teaching job.  It does keep things cold.  For something easier to pack, check out this collapsable Nomader water bottle .
• First Aid Kit – Although there is a first aid station, a basic first aid kit isn’t a horrible idea to have with you in Tayrona.  This one from Coleman is palm sized and comes with all the basics you’ll need to patch up any small cuts or scrapes.
• Travel Toilet Paper – The bathrooms at Cabo San Juan are pretty decent, but it’s never a bad idea to have some backup paper just in case.  These travel tissues are easy to pack and you will be glad you have them if you need them.
• Stomach Remedy – Speaking of the bathroom, there’s nothing worse than getting a case of traveler’s diarrhea at a campsite.  Therefore, you may want to bring along some Pepto tablets to help in the event that it strikes while in Tayrona.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Tayrona National Park?

There you have it a complete travel guide to Colombia’s Tayrona National Park.  I hope this helped you plan your trip.  If you go, be sure to tell us how you enjoyed it in the comments below!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

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Be sure to check out these guides to other destinations near Tayrona: Travel Guide to Costeño Beach , a chilled out beach just past Tayrona Travel Guide to Palomino , a backpacker haunt about an hour north Travel Guide to Minca , a beautiful mountain town outside Santa Marta Travel Guide to Cabo de la Vela , in the Guajira Peninsula Travel Guide to Punta Gallinas , the farthest point north on the continent across the desert

Planning a trip to explore Cartagena?

Check out the following posts to help plan: Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena Complete Packing List for Cartagena Top Things to Do in Cartagena

10 thoughts on “Practical Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia”

Great detailed info! Thank you!

Hi John. Great, glad it helped, hope you enjoy Tayrona!

Thanks so much for this info! With the closing of the hike to Pueblito, are there still other hiking options available? Is the 9 Piedras trail still open?

Also, do you know what the name of the bus stop at the park is called?

Hi Bonnie. Glad it helped! I’m not sure about 9 Piedras. I would think yes since the Pueblito closure to my understanding was primarily because the residents wanted to be left alone. The main entrance to the park is called El Zaino. The bus will stop anywhere someone calls for a stop, but they always stop there and call out to let people know. Still, to be on the safe side say to the guy collecting money you are going to Tayrona, and he will let you know. Good luck planning your trip!

Thank you for the great article and tips.

I have one tip/remark regarding the tsa lock you’re recommendeding. Never ever EVER! Use it on a locker or a place where your goal is to secure items while you’re not there. The locks are very easily opened with a tsa key you can just order off the Internet for a few bucks and no-one will be even batting an eyelash at someone putting a key into a lock.

Keep on the good work!

Hey. You know to be honest I had not considered that. Just googled it, and you are right, the masters are out there. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will have to suggest other locks here and in other posts. Cheers and enjoy your travels in Colombia!

Hi is it safe to do this wire transfer to book hammock? I read we can do it when we get there as well

Hi Aly. I would say it’s safe, I do transfers via Bancolombia all the time. The question is if you are doing it via wire from a foreign bank, what the charge is? You might be better off waiting until you are in country and either doing it via a western union or just going into a bank and depositing it (you’d have to double check with Cabo that you can do that, they told me Western Union for foreigners without a Colombian bank account but I don’t see why you wouldn’t just be able to deposit it in the bank either).

It seems the overnight accomodation is not an option for the next 1 month due to Corona. So how would you make the most of the park in a day trip? Would you recommend getting there by boat if I am totally okay with the roughness?

Hi Val. Yes, if you’re ok with the boat, that might be the best way to see the nicer beaches in a day. It is possible to hike in and out, but you’re talking 2 hours in and then 2 hours back out, so doable. Boat is I guess closer to 45 min-1 hour each way. I’m not 100% sure this is being offered right now and, well to be honest, I haven’t done it so I’m not sure how much quikcer it is than walking, but there are also horses. I’d say though go for the boat, just make sure you have anything that can’t get wet wrapped up in a bag or two!

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Tayrona National Park

A paradise that you have to discover.

All information about Tickets, Hotels, Recommendations, Frequently Asked Questions and more …

The Tayrona Park is located 34 km from Santa Marta in the department of Magdalena and is one of the Natural Parks Most Important of Colombia.

a perfect trip

If you are considering living a great experience with nature, the Tayrona National Natural Park is considered a Nature Sanctuary due to its rich fauna and flora and is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. If you love adventure, the sea, the contemplation of beautiful landscapes and you do not want to overlook any detail so that your trip or stay is perfect, this is definitely the guide for you.

Important note: Closures 2024 

From February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15 and October 19 to November 2, Tayrona Park will remain closed.

Costs And tickets

High season rate.

• June 15 to July 15 – December 15 to January 30 – Thursday to Holy Sunday – Weekends with Holiday Bridge
• Foreign $ 87.000
• National Over 25 Years of Age and older: $ 39.000
• National Over 5 Up to 25 Years: $ 27.500
• Born In Santa Marta 25 Years Onwards: $ 39.000
• Born in Santa Marta From 5 to 24 Years: $ 27,500
• CAN Members 25 Years and Over: $ 39,000
• Members Of The CAN From 5 To 25 Years: $ 27,500

Low Season Rate

• All the dates of the year that are not mentioned in high season
• Foreign $ 73,500
• National Over 25 Years of Age and older: $ 33.000
• National Over 5 Up to 25 Years: $ 24.500
• Born In Santa Marta 25 Years Onwards: $ 16.500
• Born in Santa Marta From 5 to 24 Years: $ 12.500
• Can Members 25 Years and Over: $ 33.000
• Members Of The Can From 5 To 25 Years: $ 24,500

Vehicle Rates

• Vehicles can only enter up to the Cañaveral parking lot
• Cars $19.000
• Groups $48500
• Buses $102.500
• Motorcycles $13,500

Contact with Us

Find your accommodation in tayrona park..

Contact with us NOW

OUR BEACHES

Come, meet, and enjoy our natural paradise so you can be surprised and live new adventures. Next, we show you the most spectacular beaches that you can enjoy within the Tayrona park.

HOW TO GET?

Frequently questions

The Tayrona Natural Natinoal park is located in the city of Santa Marta, the caribbean region of Colombia. The place make part of the Magdalena province.  The Park is located at 34 kms from the city and it is one of the most important parks of Colombia. 

It is a natrual paradise in the Caribbean Colombian with a huge beauty. The habitat has a huge quantity of especies along all the differents areas and termics levels that goes from the sea to highs of 900 meters. 

Amongts the 15,000 hectares that conforms the park, 3.000 are from the sea. The park is conisdered as one of the ecological reserves of South America, it has a great natural beauty and a amazing flora and fauna. It counts with virgin beaches, an splendid sea, arqueological pplaces, waterfalls and much more. We recommend to visit asap this beautiful landscape, ideal to an ecotourism trip. You won't regret of this travel where you will be able to enjoy this natural reservation with unique landscapes .

Althought the park is a natural reservation, it doesn't mean it has no services to practice the ecotourism. It coutns with many natural espectacles and pahts to know the different areas of the park. :

• Arqueological musem of Charaima , located in the Cañaveral sector, near the river Piedras. It has an arqueological expo..
• Sendero Los Naranjos
• Cabo San Juan de Guía , it is the furtherst area and has services of accommodation, bathrooms, and restaurants. .
• Playa Nudista , it is not an official nudist beach but the name and the conditions of the area has create the custom of the nudism in this beach. 
• Pueblito Chairama , arqueological ruins of taronas towns that was occupaid more the 500 years ago. 
• Playa del Muerto , from 2010 this beach is called "playa Cristal"
• Sector Arrecifes , an area with services of accommodation, bathrooms and restaurants. The beach is not good for swimming due to the strong waves. 
• La Piscina , a beach next to the Arrecifes sector where the swimming is allowed .
• Cauce of Piedras river
• Ciudad Perdida , trekking located insithe the forest to discover some of the ruins hidden in the vegetation.  

Click here to know the  Tayrona best beaches in Santa marta Colombia

Click here to know the main Tours in Tayrona Park in the caribbean. 

Click here to a list of the best hotel in Tayrona Park en Santa Marta, Colombia.

Recommendations to travel to Parque Nacional Natual Tayrona

Things you must take to Tayrona Park.

• If you are a student, takt your student card for an special entrance fee.
• Sleeping bag, bed sheet
• Long trousers. 
• Repelent, hats.
• Little bag (long walks)
• Comfortable shoes
• Money in cash, it is not possible to use credit cards.
• Lanterns. 
• PicNic or food for breakfast or to eat something. Anyway, there are some shops.
• If you can, take tent, it is cheap to sleep there.
• It is forbidden to take alcoholic drings nor plastic bags. The water in bags is also forbidden. 

We recommend to read tis article: Recorriendo el Parque Tayrona , this  Guía para viajar al parque Tayrona  or this article to  Visit the Tayrona .

You can see all the rates in this same page above.

How to make your reservation and payment to enter Tayrona Park during the months of December 2019 and January 2020

The Tayrona park is located at about 34 kms from the city of Santa Marta, in Colombia. and it is one of the most important parks of all the country. 

• How to get from Santa marta
• How to get from  el Rodadero
• How to get from Barranquilla
• How to get from  Bogotá
• How to get from  Cartagena

We recommend to the visitors, travelers or tourist of Tayrona Park these Hotels  or  Accommodations in Tayrona Park  and also these  Camping areas .

Parque Tayrona Camping

The park is at 10.5 km by car or bus from the city of Santa marta. It takes about 50 minutes in a regular speed. 

Distance from Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona to Cartagena: 245 KM = 152 Millas. It takes about 5 hours to get to. 

We recommend these  Tours en el Parque Tayrona

Also check:  Recorrido en el parque Tayrona   y  How may days in Tayrona ?

The Tayrona National Park has an extension of 150 kms2 (19,000 hectareas)

• Tayrona Park Map
• Tayrona Park pictures
• Tayrona Park Beaches
• Tayrona Park Videos
• Tayrona Park Tours

Ubicación del Parque Tayrona

El Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona se halla  situado en la ciudad de Santa Marta    Colombia . Su área hace parte del departamento  de Magdalena .

El parque se encuentra ubicado a 34 km del centro urbano de Santa Marta  y es uno de los parques naturales más importantes de Colombia. Observa también este video sobre la ubicación del parque Tayrona

• Parque Tayrona Mapa
• Parque Tayrona Fotos
• Parque Tayrona Playas
• Parque Tayrona Videos
• Parque Tayrona Tour s
• Parque Tayrona Hoteles

Persons that doesn't need to pay to access the protected areas that confirms the Tayrona National Park are:

1. Children under 5 years, national adults with more than 65 years old, that needs to show an identification.

2. Person that belongs to Natural National Parks, the spouse, permanent partner or family to second level, for only one time in the annual period when visiting a protected area for recreation reasons and having an authorization by the General Direction..

3. Public server and National Parks employees working.

4. Students and teachers of public  or private institutions to attend the 1 and 2 levels.

5. Inhabitants of the towns under 10.000 population located in the areas by the National Parks Systems.

6. Volunteers keepers and investigators working in activities in the areas of Natural National Parks. .

7. Handicapped nationals or foreigners if they satisfy the conditions of the Protected Area.

8. Members of inhabitant communities living inside the protected areas or in the nearby.

9. Representatives of public or private organism, national or not that donates goods to benefy the Natural National Parks to help the funtion of keep and protect the areas of the Natural National System with the subjetct of verifying the destination of resources, always with the authorization of the General Management.

10. Public serves in official works.

11. Foreginer public serves in official works.

12. The owners of privates places located inside the protected areas, spouse and family to fourth level.

13. Inhabitant of the region that must access the park in a pass activity.

14. Army forces and employees of companies, association, etc. that counts with installations located inside the protected area that must access to make his funtions.

15. Honorary park keepers for a year from his designation.

16. Diving trainers, national or not that makes part of the crew of the boat. They must send to National Parks a list to identify the crew with numbers of I.D..

17. Jourgnalist making his job, with acreditacion.

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How To Visit Tayrona National Park In Colombia (And Have An Amazing Time!)

For many people traveling to Colombia , a trip begins in Cartagena. This was the case for me, as well, and while the city has much to offer, I especially liked its day and weekend trip offerings.

If you have a few extra days in Cartagena, allot at least three to making the trip to Tayrona National Park (Parque Tayrona), located within Colombia’s northern Caribbean region. As a homebase in Cartagena, I recommend El Viajero Hostel , which has free wifi and breakfast, air conditioned dorms and private rooms, nightly activities like drinking games and dance classes, a bar, bike rentals, social spaces and a communal kitchen. It’s centrally located in Cartagena’s Old Town, allowing you to easily explore the city and beyond.

Table of Contents

Santa Marta

Before arriving to Tayrona, you should spend a night in Santa Marta so you’re not rushing to get to the park (plus, shuttles in Colombia rarely leave or arrive on time).

To get to Santa Marta you can take a shuttle with Marsol  to Santa Marta. Tickets can be purchased straight from El Viajero Hostel for 42,000 Colombian Pesos (about $21 USD), and depending on the day will either pick you up from the hostel or you’ll walk about 15 minutes to their office. The journey takes about four hours in total, and allows you to snap some photos of places in Colombia you may not have visited otherwise.

Spend the night in Santa Marta — I recommend Maysaya Hostel starting at $12USD per night, which has cultural activities, two pools, and an amazing rooftop lounge and bar — and then get up early to reach Tayrona National Park. You’ll walk to the nearby Mercado and then turn down 11th to see different buses going to different places. Look for the one that says “Tayrona” in the windshield. The bus ride takes about 1-hour in total.

Packing Tips

Pack a weekend backpack ( I use this one from Beside-U ) for the trip and leave your luggage in El Viajero or Masaya’s storage room — both free of charge — as you won’t want to hike with a huge backpack. Make sure to allot room for water and food, as these can be expensive in the park. I personally also brought my GoPro (highly recommended for water activities!), iPod, notebook and pen, a sundress, towel, light blanket, bathing suit, two tanks, leggings, long sleeves and flip flops — plus sunscreen and toiletries. This was along with the sneakers, tank top and shorts that I wore. On the way hiking out, I left behind the towel, blanket and food to lighten my pack.

For safety, I don’t go anywhere without Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments  (these have hidden interior pockets) and my  Vigilant Personal Alarm .

Tayrona National Park Logistics

Once you reach the park, the entrance fee is about $19 USD + an optional but recommended $1 shuttle ride to the trailheads. From here, you can either hike two hours to the beachfront area, or hire a horse to ride or have it carry your stuff. There’s also a boat option that takes you to and from Cabo San Juan (the National Park’s most popular beach and camping area) and Taganga, a small fishing village near the park.

You’ll want to arrive to the beach as early as possible. Not all locations are created equal — some offer aerial water views from a deck — so get their early to get your choice of the best spot. Typically around noon-1pm is a safe arrival time. Lockers are available free-of-charge to store valuables and belongings when you’re out exploring or sleeping.

Accommodation

If you’ve got money to spend, the Ecohabs Tayrona provide comfortable beehive huts perched on the hillside and overlooking the water that offer the most comfortable experience in the park. The pro here is the ambience and the fact you get a bed, sea views, and access to a great restaurant, spa, Jacuzzi and the beautiful Cañaveral beach. Moreover, you’re located right near the entrance to the park, so no need to hike for hours with luggage. The con: the price. These huts will set you back $405 USD per night.

Budget travelers can instead opt for bringing their own tents, or renting tents or hammocks on the water — or even aerial hammocks on an elevated terrace on the water. Pure serenity. For these you’ll pay about 15,000 COP (about $8 USD) for DIY camping to 50,000 COP (about $25 USD) for a 2-person tent. I recommend the aerial hammocks, as they offer a nice breeze, aerial Caribbean views and a more peaceful ambiance then being huddled with the other travelers on the ground.

About Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park was created in 1964 by the Colombian Government to protect and promote local ecology and archeology. Home to everything from mangrove swamps to pristine beaches to lush jungle and beyond — not to mention native village ruins from before the Spanish Conquest, when the Tayrona indigenous peoples lived here. There’s certainly much to explore in this 15,000-hectare (37,067-acre) park, and you’ll leave with not only a great tan, but feeling rejuvenated, educated and fit (from all the hiking and swimming!).  Within the park, you’ll find 100+ mammals, 300+ bird species and 1,000+ marine species, to name a few. In terms of plants, you’ll find over 770 different species.

The Experience

Now to the good stuff — the experience. While the horseback ride can be fun for those who enjoy riding (and for those with a lot of gear), the hike is absolutely amazing . Every 10 minutes the scenery seems to change, shifting from jungle to beach to otherworldly boulders to fields of enormous plants that look like giant clovers. You’ll scramble up boulders, climb up and down stairs, take your shoes off to walk through sea water, and sometimes find yourself overlooking immaculate white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

If you’re like most travelers your destination will be Cabo San Juan , an idyllic beach with treehouse hammocks, tents and private accommodation — as well as a restaurant and dive and snorkel tour operator. Leave those laptops and iPads behind, as this tropical getaway comes without Wi-Fi. Instead, keep yourself occupied with swimming, snorkeling, hiking to beaches, boulder scrambling and making new friends over beers at the beach bar and midnight swims.

I opted for the aerial hammocks , just slightly more expensive than the hammocks on the ground with a better breeze and way nicer view. This area is a very social space, so no worries if you’re traveling solo . Just note that the only way up and down to these hammocks is by hiking up a short but steep path with uneven rocks steps. Keep this in mind if you’re not in peak physical condition or if you often find you’ve had one too many beers.

It’s also worth noting the bathrooms are about a 10 minute walk from the hammocks once you take into consideration climbing. That being said, the ocean is right nearby, and there’s a secluded outcropping coming off the aerial hammock area that many people use to do their business (#1 only!) in the middle of the night.

I want to touch again on what a great place this is for solo travelers . The hike in is well-traversed enough that you’ll feel safe, and once at the beach it’s a very social scene. In fact, as soon as I hopped in the warm Caribbean waters a guy named Tomas from Argentina swam over and offered me his goggles to check out the fish he’d seen. Moreover, when an iguana ambled into the hammock area the group quickly bonded while trying to capture photos of the cute creature.

In the showers you’ll also have some social time.

You know that awkward moment when you walk into the wrong gender’s bathroom, maybe even catching a glimpse of something you shouldn’t? Well, you’ll do that here, only there’s no need to feel awkward, as you’re in the right place. The showers are co-ed, and while most of them have shower curtains, the dividers between each stall aren’t very high. Meaning if you’re uncomfortable with a stranger or the opposite sex seeing your naughty bits, wear a bathing suit in the shower.

From 6-9pm the scene becomes social as the evening bar and restaurant opens. Beer and red wine are the only drink options, which doesn’t matter because the focus is on socializing, anyway. One bottle of red wine later and myself and group of other travelers ended up playing a game of beach Man Hunt and laying in the sand giggling until 2am. Priceless.

If you’re spending two nights in the park — like I did — spend the next day snorkeling at La Piscina, a more tranquil and less populated beach with azure waters filled with tropical fish. You can book a guided snorkeling tour for 40,000 COP (about $20) or just go to the beach and enjoy it on your own. Additionally, there are loads of rock out-droppings to climb for photos, as well as an indigenous village if you access the Pueblito trail behind the toilets of Cabo San Juan. Note: This trail is yet albeit difficult with lots of bouldering and technical stretches. For something easier, hike to the other nearby beaches.

Tayrona National Park Trip Highlights

*The varied scenery and Caribbean Sea lookout points on the trail in. *Trekking and climbing to Pueblito, indigenous ruins and village. *Falling asleep to the sounds of crashing waves in an aerial hammock. *The social atmosphere of Cabo San Juan and how easy it was to make new friends. *Snorkeling at La Piscina Beach. I saw a sand shark, Sargent Majors and Blue Tangs, and am told you can often see sea turtles and blowfish, too.

Cost Breakdown

Bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona: $6,000 pesos (about $3 USD)

Groceries for two nights for two people: $30 (bread, peanut butter, bananas, trail mix, apples, crackers, Chocolate, jerky, cereal, 8-1500 milliliter water bottles)

Food in the restaurant: While a typical meal in the restaurant is about $10, you can also find little street food-style stalls littered around the beach which are cheaper. Water bottles (1500 ml) are about $2.50.

Essentials: $6 (bug spray, sunscreen and plastic bags to keep gear dry in case of rain)

Park entrance: $38,000 (about $19) for general admission. Tip: if you have a student card bring it. Admission will be only $7500 (about $3.75).

Bus from entrance to the beginning of the beach trails: 2,000 COP (about $1 USD)

Horse ride (optional, we used for carrying our gear; if you have a lot of stuff it’s worth it as the hike is moderate-challenging): 18,000 COP (about $9)

Boat ride to and/or from the park and Taganga (optional): 45,000 COP (about $22).

Hammock: 20,000-25,000 ($10-$12 USD)

Packing List

For this trip you’ll want to pack as lightly as possible, as you’ll be trekking with your things. For 2 nights/3 days I recommend packing:

*Long pants & long sleeves for sleeping *A light sheet or blanket (or, my choice, a truly mutipurpose shawl scarf ) *Towel *Toiletries *Swim suit * Goggles (to see the fish!) *Bug spray *Sunscreen * Small lock (the big ones won’t fit in the locker holes) *Hiking shorts *Three clean hiking/active shirts *Sneakers *Extra socks *Flip flops *One outfit to wear when not sweaty *Wallet (cash, ID, credit card) and passport *Toilet paper (they don’t supply it) *Flashlight (I love Leschi Lantern & Flashlight as it’s tiny and can be mounted to use hands-free).

Additional Notes

*Sunscreen, water and bug spray will be the three most important items you pack, followed by sunglasses and your swimsuit. *Don’t even think about trying to smuggle in drugs or alcohol, as police thoroughly check your bags at the park entrance. *Bring some activities. While there is plenty to do — hiking, photography, swimming and socializing — you’ll be remote. Cards, books, a journal and games are all smart options for added entertainment. *There are no water sport equipment rentals at the beach, so if you plan on snorkeling or body boarding bring your own equipment.

What tips would you add for those visiting Tayrona National Park?

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40 Comments

Hello Jessica, how are you? So you’ve given here very useful information about Tayrona Park…thanks a lot!! I would like to ask you just one thing: how did you reserve the hammocks in the park? we’re traveling in one week there and still we are clueless about how to reserve them! We’ve seen that there are a couple of campings where you can stay and from what I’ve read you chose to stay in San Juan (?). Was it good? sorry to bother you with these questions and thanks again for all the info!

@Monica: You’re not bothering me at all 🙂 You can’t reserve in advance :/ So I recommend getting up early to begin your hike in (you can also take a horse ride). I arrived at Cabo San Juan around 1pm and was able to score the aerial hammocks. This is where I would highly recommend to stay. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Jessy, Your post on Tayrona is the most helpful. I may have booked my group for too many days there. Arriving at 2 Monday of January 2017 eparting at 2 Friday We rented a cabin at Areecifes inside the park. We are very athletic like to hike so what else besides what you recommend can we do with the additional time. Did I make a big mistake?

Hi, came across this blog while researching for a trip my daughter and I are making to Colombia in January 2016. A question we had was about the Yellow Fever vaccination. Did you have one before traveling to this part of Colombia and were you asked about this when entering Tayrona?

Thanks, Judy

@Judy: Nope, I didn’t take any medications or get any vaccinations for this trip. Have fun! 🙂

Thanks! I appreciate your prompt response.

Hello, Jessica! Your blog is really so interesting, I’ve got very helpful information for my trip to Colombia in a week. Could you tell me, please, did you get a bug spray in Colombia? And which one did you choose? Thanks in advance)

@Polly: Bug spray is a smart item! Unfortunately I cannot remember which kind I had. I would buy it in country and ask the locals or the pharmacist what kind is best. Also, After Bite is amazing for getting rid of itch!

Hi Jessica!

Great article. I saw you mentioned bringing in plastic bags to protect your things from the rain. I had read that plastic bags were banned in the park. What was your experience with this?

And you said there are free lockers to store your stuff. Did you notice if they were only for people already renting a tent/hammock from the park, or can people bringing their own tent/hammock use them, as well?

@Emily: They do sometimes take the plastic away, though I got lucky. If you can bring another type of waterproof bag that would be ideal. I believe anyone can use the lockers. To be honest it’s just a room that’s not really monitored, though they lock it up at night 🙂

Hi Jessie, but can you lock things in your own individual locker if you provide a padlock (such as an ipad or small laptop)? thank you 🙂

@Blue: Yepp!

Thank you so much for writing about this! I’m planning to go to Tayrona in about a week on vacation with a close friend, and this guide relieves a lot of my anxiety. I’m super excited! I just have a few questions, if you don’t mind sharing…Was it really simple once you entered the park to figure out where to go? Are the trails pretty clear or is it easy to get lost? Did they give you a map when you entered the park or did you purchase one beforehand? Is it easy to figure out how to get from Cabo San Juan to La Piscina, and how long would you say that took you, if you can recall?

@Arielle: Yes, it was simple. All well marked and you’ll know where to go. We didn’t need a map.

Have a great time! Jealous you’re going. I want to go back!

Jessie, my daughter and I are going to Cartagena May 23rd and I found your blog very helpful. I don’t know what to do about money. I have a visa and a master card. They are credit cards, I don’t have a debit card. Should I take a wad of U.S. cash? Will the vendors accept my cash? Can I change my cash into the local cash at a bank? Can I pay for much of my purchases with a credit card? Also, should we buy mosquito nets to take with us? We are planning to go to Tayrona Park to stay in the hammocks. Thank you

@Steve: I didn’t bring a mosquito net. And you’ll be able to take US cash and convert it once there. I used local currency when there. You’ll have a blast!

This post was so helpful! I will be in Cartagena next week and would love to take a trip to Tayrona. Just one question- how did you get back from Tayrona to Cartagena? I am planning on staying in the park for one night and coming back to Cartagena the next day if possible.

@Alison: I hiked back out of the park the same way I went in then took the bus back. Basically re-did the same route 🙂

Hi Jessie, this is really useful. What time did you get back into Santa Marta when returning? Did you have to leave early in the morning? Were you able to get a horse to carry your baggage on the way out? Thanks!

@Maxi: I can’t quite remember timing at this point, but yes to the horse carrying on the way back! 🙂

I am going to Tayrona this Saturday with a big help from your blog. Thank you so much! Just a question: I am an exchange student here and I do not bring my passport all the time. I leave it in my house in Bucaramanga (Santander). Is bringing a passport necessary for this trip or did you just bring it because you are a traveler? I am planning to leave my passport in my house, that’s why. Also, are the mosquitos really that bad in the aerial hammocks, or can you get rid of them with the anti-mosquito lotion? I want to experience it but I’m scared to get sick, like my other international classmates did.

Thanks in advance!

@Pearl: Sorry for the delay! I would definitely bring mosquito spray and a blanket to ward them off. As for a passport, I don’t 100% remember if it was needed but something is telling me you should bring it in case. Would suck if you got there and couldn’t get in because of it. I remember there being a checkpoint where they may have checked it.

Thanks for the blog, Jessie. It provides lots of really helpful tips and information for the trip to Tayrona 🙂

Quick question, on which beach are the aerial hammocks located?

@Dina: Cabo San Juan

Hey Jessie, This blog is fantastic!!! I’m doing some solo travel to Cartagena and planning on heading to Santa Marta and Parque Tayrona. Do you have any specific tips on solo travel in and around Parque Tayrona? I definitely plan to bring locks for my stuff and have traveled solo before so I am aware of the common sense stuff.

Also – were you able to buy a small blanket & food at a grocer in Santa marta?

@Brad: Glad you’re doing it! There’s def groceries in Santa Marta and I’d think you’d be able to buy a small blanket there. It’s modern. And no more tips than is in the post. I pretty much gave every tip I could think of 🙂

Hello Jessie, I am planning to visit Tayrona park in march and found your post very useful! This is going to be my first time travelling solo in south america (did it once to Barcelona) and I decided to go to Tayrona since I’m in need of some time for myself away from home; however my parents are seriously questioning my decision to go to an island by myself and they are giving me cold feet. Did you the climb from the entrance to Cabo San Juan safe enough for a woman by herself? And what about walking around the beach? I would appreciate it a lot if you gave me a piece of your mind on this experience 🙂

@Paola: You’re going to have a great time! You’ll be fine as a solo female, as there are tons of travelers around anyway 🙂

Hi Jessie, I read your page regarding Tayrona park and thanks for the tips. Planning to visit at the end of May. Would love to follow your suggestion of renting an Hammock for one night. Do I need to make a reservation for that? what if it rains do I have alternatives once I am there? Planning to reach the park with a rental car, will it be safe to leave it there unattended for 2 days? thank you so much for your help. ( feel free to add any suggestions) stefano

@Stefano: I didn’t make a reservation, just showed up. There’s a roof over the hammock. And I believe it would be fine. I took the bus, so really not sure about that.

Hi Jessie! Thank you for all this great information! My husband and I have 3 days and 2 nights for Tayrona (including traveling back and forth to Cartagena) and are opting on staying at a hotel/hostel close to the entrance gates (El Zaino). We get there (to the hotel/hostel )pretty late in the evening Day 1 and were planning on hiking to Cabo early the next day (Day 2) and then rent a horse back to the hotel the same evening. The next day (Day 3) we are going back to Cartagena but have the option of going back late. We would love to explore the surroundings a bit more and maybe go snorkeling and hike some more. Do you have any recommendations? Maybe go to Piscina and ask our hotel to let us take a shower before we go back to cartagena? Or are there any other good beaches around the entrance in El Zaino?

@Angela: I’m honestly not too sure, as I spent time in the park then went back to Cartagena directly. If you head over to my sidebar though you’ll see the option to download a free 79-page South America travel guide. This will likely have more information on what you’re looking for!

Hey Jessie! Awesome post! I have some questions I am hoping you can answer for me! So I booked a stay at Finca El Paraiso Parque Tayrona (Arrecifes Beach) and I am wondering what the best way to get there would be. I will be traveling with my 63 year old parents and they will have wheeling suitcases. Here are my questions! 1.) do you remember seeing any place at the start of parque tayrona where you can store your luggage? 2.) do you reckon horses would be able to carry wheeling suitcases – I saw in your post that you hired horses to carry your gear, but not sure if they were just backpacks… 3.) I’m wondering if taking the boat to Cabo San Juan and then walking from there is the best option…just hoping for your feedback on the little pickle I’m in! Thanks for any insight you can provide! xx a fellow travel blogger trying to travel with her parents, Wanderluluu

@Lauren: So exciting you’re going! I’ll admit I wrote this post a few years back, so my memory isn’t 100% on this, but I think:

1) I stored my luggage at my hostel in Santa Marta and then went back for it after camping in Tayrona. Maybe you can store it at your previous accommodation?

2) I *believe* you can. You may just have to hire multiple horses if the load is too heavy.

3) It’s a decently tough hike. I def remember being winded after, especially as I carried a decently heavy backpack. You may want to consider doing the horseback ride! My friend did it and loved it.

Hope that helps! You’re going to have a blast. It’s so beautiful 🙂

Hi Jessie – thanks so much for the reply back! All of this info is very helpful, thanks again and hope all is well! 🙂

My friend and I are traveling this weekend and I wanted to know if its open on Monday, I have been reading all the questions and you kind of answer all my questions 🙂

The park? I believe so, but you’d need to confirm locally. My trip was quite a while ago! 🙂

Thanks very much for this, Jessie. I am considering a solo trip to Tayrona and am very reassured by your comments about how social the atmosphere is. A couple questions: I am not the strongest swimmer but would love to snorkel during my time there; are there any life jackets available or would I need to bring one with me? Also, are there any bird watching tours in Tayrona? I may leave the bird watching to El Dorado Reserve, where I am also hoping to spend some time, but would love to know if that’s offered in Tayrona.

@Hamza: You’ll LOVE Tayrona! 🙂 To be honest I am not 100% sure about life jackets. I don’t remember seeing bird-watching tours. There weren’t really tours offered on the beach. Everyone kind of did their own thing.

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All you need to know about visiting Tayrona National Park as a solo traveller

• Last Updated: November 19, 2023

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about visiting Tayrona National Park in Colombia. How to get there, where to stay, what to see in Tayrona and much more!

Tayrona National Park is on top of every traveller’s Colombia itinerary. And for a good reason. It is called a nature sanctuary, and walking down its trails and discovering its tranquil beaches truly feels like a sacred experience.

While Tayrona Park is quickly becoming Colombia’s most visited turist destination, there is a lot of effort to preserve its natural beauty and sacredness. There are many aspects to visiting Tayrona Park, and I will cover it all in this article, including my personal opinion on whether Tayrona Park is worth the hype.

Table of Contents

Is Tayrona National Park worth visiting?

A short answer – Definitely!

Tayrona National Park is worth visiting for both, glorious unspoiled beaches as well as spectacular jungle hikes!

The hike across the lush forest is incredible. You will have the opportunity to see many species of fauna and flora that you wouldn’t be able to encounter otherwise. Although many travellers visit Tayrona Park for the famous Cabo San Juan beach , there is much more to Tayrona Park.

What are the Highlights of Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is famous for its pristine beaches and glorious waters as well as the spectacular jungle walk to get there. 

The most popular way of visiting Tayrona Park is by spending a night in the park and hiking between a few of its famous beaches. 

For me, a hike towards Cabo San Juan was a definite highlight!

I very much enjoyed a swim in the Piscinita and, of course, sunset over Cabo San Juan and spending a night in the camp sleeping in the hammock! 

Tayrona National Park Beaches:

While Colombia is not most famous for its beaches, and let’s be honest, the competition in this area beats it tough, Tayrona Park offers a pristine and paradise-like experience. The added bonus – you can actually swim at a few of its beaches which is not the case at most of the other beaches on the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Tayrona National Park is also home to 4 different indigenous ethnic groups. The name Tayrona originates from the name of the Tairona people – the ancient civilization that thrived in northern Colombia between 200 CE and 1600 CE.

While visiting Tayrona Park, you will be able to meet the Kogui people , selling their crafts and offering coconut water while you hike. I highly encourage you to support this community by purchasing the goods. Coconut water is very refreshing when walking in high temperatures, and you can support an ancient community at the same time. 

Kogui and their culture and heritage are fascinating. I encourage you to  read about it in this post and learn about ancient civilizations before visiting places like Tayrona Park or Lost City. Your experience will be so much reacher because of that!

If you are looking for white sands, blue seas and an adventurous hiking experience in Colombia – Tayrona National Park has it all and is definitely worth a visit.

However ...

I must admit – the experience still felt slightly commercial.

As long as I was walking the trail and admiring its less popular beaches – I absolutely loved it!

The nature and wildlife in Tayrona Park are astonishing. The most beautiful colourful butterflies, lizards, monkeys and some crawling animals I didn’t recognize. Incredible species of birds. The trek is terrific. I really liked the beaches I visited on my way, and I had my packed breakfast at Arecifes Beach.

But as I arrived at Cabo San Juan, I had mixed feelings. I arrived just after midday, and the camp was already full of people who arrived from Taganga on a boat and the remainder of last night’s visitors and a new load that included me, of course.

The first stretch of the beach, the one that is immediately accessible as you enter, was a little underwhelming. Yet, as I walked further, things got much better. The beach is beautiful, and the water is divine to swim in. But excess human bodies make everything a little bit less attractive.

If I did it again I would probably camp or stay at another beach in tayrona Park just like I have seen some other travellers do.  Next time 😉

On Cabo san Juan beach, there is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at pretty overpriced rates. I refused to pay 20.000 COP for scrambled eggs. But there are a few other, street-food-like options as well, and many visitors pack their own lunch.

Once all the visitors that arrived just for the day had left, the beach became a true paradise. The water was divine to swim in, and it was a great camping experience.

What to expect from your Tayrona National Park visit

Tayrona National Park is most famous for its pristine beaches, and if you decide to take the conventional El Zaino trek – you will see plenty of them during your visit.

You will hike through the tropical forest and appreciate the incredible wild fauna and flora of the park.

If your final destination is Cabo San Juan, you will get a chance to make a stop at Castilletes and Arrecifes beaches and admire their wild beauty. This is where I had my breakfast pit stop. Also, at the Arrecifes, you will have an option to stay for the night. I will detail further in the post all the camping and lodging options.

The trail is easy to follow, and there will be plenty of hikers, so there is no chance of getting lost. There are plenty of incredible viewpoints, and the trail changes its character; thus, it’s an exciting hike.

Once you have arrived at La Piscina Beach – this is where you will be able to have your first dip. I really like this beach and loved having a refreshing swim there!

Your final destination will be Cabo San Juan, where you can set yourself for the night, but you can then take a little walk further down the coast towards the nudist beach.

If you start your trip from Calabaza entry, your first destination will be Playa Brava – a beautiful and secluded piece of paradise. Yet this hike is meant to be pretty challenging. Many hikers opt for a two-night stay from this entrance and, after spending the night at Playa Brava, continue towards Cabo San Juan the next day.

How many days should you spend in Tyrona National Park

I definitely think that one day in Tayrona Park is a waste of time, effort and money. Also, you will miss on seeing this beautiful place in a more tranquil setting after the day-trippers had gone.

The hike can be a bit tiring given the heat and humidity; therefore, spending at least one night in Tayrona Park is the best option.

By spending a night in Tayrona Park, you will give yourself enough time to take a rest after the hike, properly explore the area and experience the incredible sunset. 

I took my time walking back the next day. As I left pretty early to avoid the heat, I had enough time to stop at the Piscinita beach for a swim, stop at the restaurant for refreshing watermelon juice and coffee and take more pictures of the beautiful Tayrona Park during my hike.

I also really enjoyed the experience of sleeping in the hammock and waking up early to watch the sunrise.

Furthermore, given the cost of the Tayrona National Park entrance staying there for only a few hours is really not worth it given the gate closes at 5 pm.

Should you stay in Tayrona Park for two nights? You definitely could. There are many hikes and beaches you can discover, therefore most visitors opt for a one-night stay. Those who opt for a two-night stay often start from the Calabazo entrance, hike to Playa Brava on the first day and move to Cabo San Juan on the second day.  If you choose the Zaino start – one night is plenty. 

Wondering which are the most legendary hostels in Colombia? Here is the complete list of the crème de la crème of the best hostels in Colombia .

When you visit a Colombian city for the first time, it can be overwhelming and choosing the right accommodation is crucial. Find out all about the best places to stay in Cartagena and Bogota .

Best areas to stay for travel to Tayrona National Park

There are several locations you could choose from if you want to visit Tayrona National Park. Many visitors choose Santa Marta or Palomino as their base. I, however, think staying closer to the entrance has many benefits. Firstly you will be able to arrive as early as needed without stressing, rushing around and often without even taking public transport.

Staying on the outskirts of Tayrona will also give you a slightly different perspective on coastal life, and you will really get the feel of the Colombian Caribbean. What’s more, Tayrona is not the only place with wonderful beaches, although in the park you will be able to find some that you can actually swim in.

Here are all the possible options to set your base to see that Tayrona National Park

Santa Marta is a very popular option to stay if you want to visit Tayrona Park. While staying in Santa Marta, you can visit Tayrona but also arrange a trip to Minca and other beautiful locations all from one place. 

I would say it all depends on how much time have you got on your hands. If you want to see as much as possible within a short period of time, Santa Marta is probably the best option. To top it off, I really like Santa Marta. It’s a great, vibrant and colourful town with the best sunsets, a great relaxed feel and fantastic restaurants and nightlife. 

How to get to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta

The best way to get to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta is by local bus. You can get one from in front of the municipal market. Those are blue urban buses that go to Palomino. The ticket costs 15000 COP, and the journey will take around 45 minutes. 

Taking the coastal bus from Santa Marta is an experience in itself. There are no actual bus stops on this route. The bus will stop where it’s needed – meaning when a person on the street waves it or when you ask to get off. So it’s essential to keep an eye on your destination. Keep Google maps open, and let the driver’s assistant know precisely where you need to get off. Tell them the hostel name or simply ask for Tayrona Park Entrada, and they will stop there for you.

There are always two guys operating the bus. One is obviously the driver, and the other dude is literally hanging out of the door most of the time while trying to get people in or helping with the bags. He will also collect the money from you once you have sat down.

Those busses have no air conditioning. And trust me, it’s bloody hot! All the window and doors stay permanently open to let some air in. On some stops, you will have sellers walking in and offering different types of snacks. Sometimes the bus driver will stop to grab a cup of coffee from a lady standing in the middle of the road with the thermos.

But what is most important if only you look a little bit lost, there will always be someone offering help. Asking where you are going, which hostel or which place, and they will let you and the driver know when is the time to get off! So hop on and enjoy!

Taganga – The most popular way to visit Tayrona National Park from Taganga is by speed boat. This is a pretty adventurous way to visit Tayrona and, in my opinion, has few drawbacks.

The ride is over 30 minutes long and can get pretty rough. Most importantly, the return ride is around 4 p.m., so you will only be able to see Cabo San Juan at its peak and pack full of tourists. It will definitely feel very touristy and rushed.

It is, however, a great option if you are short on time and cannot spare an extra day to spend a night in the park.

It is very easy to find the boat to Tayrona National Park in Taganga. The boat is leaving daily between 9:30 and 10:30, right from the Taganga beach. The trip cost around 80.000 COP, but please note that you will not be paying the Tayrona park entry fee with this trip.

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Zaino – Zaino is the location of the main Tayrona Park entrance, and you will find quite a few nice hostels in this area. There is a lot to like about this place. Be prepared, though – this place is far from the city and all its conveniences. 

It was the first time I spent the night in an actual Caribbean hostel with missing parts of the wall and set in the middle of lush countryside with all the perks and scares that come with it. I spent far too much time in the evening just laying in my hammock, right next to the river listening to all sounds of nature and contemplating life.

I fought with a giant moth at night, eventually gave up and went to sleep outside in the hammock where it wouldn’t be flapping its wings above my face. I woke up to a family of mini bats making a home in the outside canopy of my room. Wasn’t even paying attention to the lizards crawling my walls anymore. But I have also seen Guacamaya sitting on a branch right behind me, which was one of the best experiences ever!

The village is very relaxed. You will find a few tiendas (local shops) and some places to eat, with the best place being Coconuts restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was very friendly. They also make really lush Cuba Libre. Just opposite the Coconuts, on the other side of the street, you will find a small bar where you can sip on a Michelada and watch crazy motorbike riders passing by. All the life is happening along the main road. Life is slow, kids run around barefoot, and it feels like no one has anywhere to go, really.

It’s a good option to choose a hostel with a pool, but there is also a river running behind the main road, which is a very popular refreshing stop.

From my hostel, I could walk to Tayrona National Park, and it took me 20 minutes. I stayed in Casa Kankui and was very happy with the choice.

Los Naranjos/Los Cocos – Los Naranjos is another great option to stay for the trip to Tayrona National Park. It is, however, around 45 45-minute walk to the entrance thus you might want to take a bus. But by now, you will be pretty familiar with those buses! The added bonus of this location is Los Naranjos beach ! This is one of my favourite spots on the Colombian coast. Very much off the beaten path, absolutely stunning and tranquil and paradise-like!

I stayed there for four days, two of which were dedicated to the Tayrona Park trip, and the remaining I spent relaxing on the beach and working (as much as I could force myself to)

I stayed in Juancho Hostel and Coworking , and I definitely would recommend it. It’s a cute little hostel with air conditioning and a desk in each room in case you want to work. The food is delicious, and a couple of hosts are some of the friendliest people I have met! It is located just across the street from Naranjos beach and 5 5-minute bus ride from Tayrona entrance.

Mendihuaca and Costeno Beach – This place is on another level! Both Costeno Beach and Mendihuaca are not just great places to make a base for the Tayrona Park trip. It is a great place to stay, full stop.

I originally wanted to stay at Costeno Hostel , but this place is becoming more and more popular, so you need to book your stay well in advance. Instead, I booked an eco-hostel in neighbouring Medihuaca, which is 20 minutes beach walk from Costeno. And I think this is probably the best option. It is much closer to the main road where you will be able to catch the bus to Tayrona Park, but also this is the closest to paradise I have found on the whole of the Colombian Caribbean coast.

I stayed at the Paraiso Eco Hostal and loved it!

Costeno Beach Is a great place to stay if you want to combine a visit to Tayrona National Park with super relaxation and the party vibe of a beachfront hostel. In fact, a friend of mine liked it so much that he decided to take on a volunteering job and stayed for a whole month.

Mendihuaca , on the contrary, is a tranquil beach 20 minutes walk from Costeno, dotted with eco hostels and with beautiful river entering the sea and offering excellent bathing and kayaking opportunities. I totally fell in love with Mendihuaca, and I decided to write a separate post about it.

Palomino – Although it does take around 45 to get from Palomino to Tayrona National Park, many visitors decide to make Palomino a base for their Tayrona trip. And you can’t blame them, really. Palomino is known for being one of the hippiest towns in Colombia , and it is a great town to stay in for more than just a few days.

In order to get to Tayrona National Park from Palomino, you will have to take the return bus to Santa Marta from the main road in Palomino and ask the driver to drop you off at the Tayrona entrance. The ticket shouldn’t cost more than 8000 COP, and the journey will last around 45 minutes.

Best Hostels Around Tayrona National Park

Hostels in Colombia are amazing and some of the most epic hostels in Colombia are located near Tayrona Park. 

The four best options are Costeno Beach Hostel , Journey Hostel , El Rio Buritaca and Viajero . If you want to meet some other travellers and find a company for your Tayrona trip – staying in one of those hostels will make it a reality. 

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Practical Information about Visiting Tayrona National Park

How to enter tayrona national park.

There are few ways to enter Tayrona National Park, but there are two official entrances. 

El Zaino and Calabazo, with El Zaino being the most popular one. This is also the entrance I recommend, especially if this is your first visit to Tayrona National Park and travelling solo. The trek from El Zaino is easy to follow, and it’s easy to meet other travellers on the way. Having said that, the trail can get pretty busy. 

El Zaino is easily accessible from the main road and gives the best access to all the most popular beaches, as well as Cabo San Juan and an overnight camp. From the El Zaino entrance, you will also have the option to take a horse ride all the way to Cabo San Juan.

You can also access Tayrona Park for a day by boat from Taganga , which will give you a few hours to visit and will allow you to avoid the entrance fees. 

If you decide to visit for the second time and want to see more remote beaches and experience a bit more of a challenging trek, enter via the  Calabazo   entrance . This is a much less popular entrance hence there is a greater possibility you will meet much fewer travellers and tourists. From Calabazo, you can hike to more remote Playa Brava, and if you are an avid hiker and want to stay in Tayrona for more than one night – this is your entrance. 

In comparison, it takes around 1.5 hours to get to Cabo San Juan from El Zaino and under 4 hours from Calabazo. 

Please note that if you are thinking of choosing Calabazo entrance in order to visit Pueblito (the indigenous people village), this is no longer possible. On request of the indigenous communities, the village has been closed to visitors.

Also, I have not personally done this trek, but I have heard many opinions that this route is hard and unsuitable for solo travellers. I would recommend that you did this trek in a company or with a guide. I am happy to hear any opinions of hikers who actually walked this trek recently so that I can update this post accordingly.

How much does it cost to visit Tayrona National Park (Full breakdown)

The Tayrona National Park entrance cost varies depending on the time of the year and whether you are a Colombian resident. 

Here is the full breakdown (prices in COP) (Updated September 2023)

Tayrona National Park entrance fees during off-peak season 

• Foreign nationals $ 62,000
• National Over 25 Years of Age and older:  $ 24,500
• National Over 5 Up to 24 Years:  $ 18,500
• Resident 25 Years and Over: $ 24,500
• Resident From 5 to 24 Years: $ 18,500
• Born In Santa Marta 25 Years Onwards:  $ 9,000
• Born in Santa Marta From 5 to 24 Years:  $ 12,000

Tayrona National Park entrance fees during peak season ( June 15th to July 15th, December 15th to January 15th, Holy Week, from Friday to Sunday (10 days), Weekends with bank holiday days ended on Tuesday) 

• Foreign National $ 73,500
• National Over 25 Years of Age and older:  $ 29,000
• National Over 5 Up to 24 Years:  $ 20,500
• Resident 25 Years and Over: $ 29,000
• Resident From 5 to 24 Years: $ 20,500
• Born In Santa Marta 25 Years Onwards:  $ 29,000
• Born in Santa Marta From 5 to 24 Years:  $ 20,500

Important Closure Notice: 

Be aware that From February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15 and October 19 to November 2, Tayrona Park will remain closed.

In addition to the entrance fee, it is obligatory to purchase insurance which costs 5.000 COP per day – this is obligatory regardless of whether you have already purchased the insurance elsewhere.

After crossing the gate and purchasing the tickets, I recommend taking a shuttle to the actual beginning of the trek. I would say, don’t be a hero and just take the shuttle. It is scorching hot and humid in the park, and you will walk plenty. Also, if you are in a hurry to book your overnight stay or hammock – taking a shuttle will save you a lot of time. The shuttle costs 5.000COP one way.

Gates to Tayrona National Park open at 8 am and close at 5 pm.

Try to arrive at Tayrona park as early as you can. The queues, especially on the weekends can get massive and you really don’t want to waste 3 hours of your day standing in line. 

Don’t be surprised if your bag will be checked at the entrance. This is a normal procedure as some objects like plastic bags are not allowed in the park. 

Sleeping at Cabo San Juan Tayrona Park

If you are planning on spending the night at Cabo San Juan, I highly recommend booking and paying for your hammock or tent at the entrance. Both hammocks and tents get booked pretty quickly, and the last thing you want is to arrive at the destination and find out you have nowhere to sleep.

Once your hammock or tent is booked, you can take your time hiking, exploring and taking as many breaks as you want, while those who didn’t book would rush to the camp. It’s a no-brainer.

The price for a hammock is 40,000 COP on the ground and 60.000 at the ‘top’ – a hill with a view. 

Tents cost 140,000 COP for a larger tent or 70,000 COP for a smaller tent for one person. You can also bring your own.

Food and drinks in Tayrona National Park

Food and drinks in Tayrona National Park are on the pricier side.

You will find a few small restaurants and snack shops on the way to Cabo San Juan, and at the Cabo, you will find a decent-sized restaurant serving pretty good food and natural juices.

Please note food and drink at Tayrona Park is pretty expensive. The meal at Cabo San Juan ranges between 25.000 and 50.000. Many visitors bring their own food. I personally refused to pay 20,000 COP for scrambled eggs and instead purchased Tayrona bread filled with onion and spinach for 10,000 COP. It was delicious and filled me for the whole return journey. You will also be able to buy empanadas and sandwiches on the beach.

Where to stay for the night inside of Tayrona National Park

There are a few areas around Tayrona National Park where visitors can spend the night.

• The most popular is Cabo San Juan, where most travellers will stay either in a tent or a hammock (what I did). I really enjoyed sleeping in the hammock. Lounging or sleeping in the hammock became my new hobby while in Colombia! I have heard that tents can get pretty hot during the day, while a hammock is a perfect place for an afternoon or a midday nap. Just saying 🙂

Hammocks are comfortable enough, and there is a decent distance between them, so although you are sharing the space with strangers, it still feels pretty private.

You will be given a locker to store your belongings (bring a padlock!), and there are pretty good shower facilities at Cabo San Juan.

Here are the prices for an overnight stay at Cabo San Juan Tayrona Park for 2023

• Tent 1 pers: 70 000 COP
• Tent 2 pers: 140 000 COP
• Camping space for your own tent: 20 000 COP / Pers
• Private cabin: 200 000 COP / 2 pers 
• Hammock near the camping zone (the bottom): 40 000 COP
• Hammock ‘on top’.You will be asked if you’d like a tent abajo o arriba (bottom or top). Top basically means a tower overlooking the beach. And while the views are spectacular, the area is pretty secluded and gets cold and windy at night. – 60 000 CO

• For visitors looking for a cheaper and quieter option, there is Arrecife beach and the surrounding area. You will have few options at Arrecife. 

You can stay at the  cabin , which can be booked online   or at the campsite, where you can rent a tent or park your own. This camp looked pretty good, and there were a couple of small restaurants where you could get breakfast. This could be a great option if you travel in a group, yet as a single traveller, I preferred to stay at a bit busier location. I am not very much of a loner. 

• If you fancy a luxury stay at Tayrona Park, you can choose to stay at Eco Hubs Tayrona.   Ecohabs Tayrona  consists of 14 huts inspired by the indigenous constructions of the ancient Tayrona tribe, based on wood, with high roofs, which are covered with palm leaves, to reach an ideal temperature. They are located at  Cañaveral beach , therefore a bit far from other beaches. Also an excellent option for a more extended stay.

Although Arrecife is a beautiful beach, swimming there isn’t possible as it is the most dangerous beach in Tayrona Park. If you opt to stay in this area, you will need to walk to La Piscina or Cabo San Juan for a dip.

Castilletes is a camp and hub located just before the start of the main Tayrona trek . It is pretty far from the main beaches, and you will need to walk the length of the hike daily to reach the Cabo San Juan and then back. It is probably a great option if you plan to stay at the park for more than one night.

Make sure to let the shuttle driver know that this is where you are staying so he will stop at the camp.

• Playa Brava (Teyumakke camp) is definitely a less mainstream and more remote location, nevertheless a great option to spend the night in Tayrona Park, especially if you are an independent adventure seeker.

Teyumakke camp at Playa Brava is a beautiful location, and the camp offers excellent facilities. 

Popularly this is the camping beach that visitors entering via the Calabazo entrance would choose. . 

You will be able to swim at Playa Brava, and you will have the option to sleep in the elevated eco-hub, hammock or bring your own tent. There are showers, toilets and a restaurant on the site. 

The price of a hammock at Teyumakke Camp Playa Brava is 35.000 COP, which includes a mosquito net and a blanket

There are also many camping options within Tayrona Park and I have seen many visitors bringing their own tents. There are dedicated camping areas within Tayrona Park and you can check those in this post. 

What to pack for Tayrona National Pack visit

Here is the list of essential and recommended items you should pack for your overnight stay and hike in Tayrona National Park

• Passport (essential) – You will be asked for a passport when purchasing the ticket. You will not be able to enter without it. 
• Cash (essential)  – You can pay for your entry ticket by card, but this is it. Everything else is cash only. 
• Mosquito spray/repellant (essential)  – I was never the one getting bitten by mosquitos much. Until I arrived on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast. Bring good mosquito repellant, otherwise, you will get eaten alive at night. 
• Sunscreen (essential)  – Once you are out in the open space, there will be no place to hide from the sun. 
• Padlock for the locker (essential)  Those are not provided at Tayrona Park. 
• Swimming costume  – Skinny dipping is not allowed unless you are directly heading for the nudist beach (its an option)
• Towel  – For the beach and shower. I carry one microfibre towel, which dries quickly, is very light and is versatile. The great thing about microfibre towels is that sand doesn’t stick to them either. 
• Power Bank : There are some charging stations located at Cabo San Juan it offers limited access at limited times. I love not relying on those things. My power bank lasts me three whole days when I can charge my phone, camera and other electronics.
• Torch or headlamp – for the night trips to the bathroom. There is also no light where the hammocks are – in case you need to access your locker or padlock combination. The phone torch would probably do I, but I have drawn my phone in the sea on the first day and couldn’t be more grateful for the head torch I take with me on all trips. It’s a great reading lamp too!
• Book  – There I no signal or internet around Tayrona Park. And accidents happen. I ended up with no phone and couldn’t be more grateful for my book! 
• Toothpaste and toothbrush / Soap  – Self-explanatory
• A big bottle of water and snacks  – Don’t overdo it, though! It’s a long hot walk, so you don’t want to carry too much. 1.5l to 2l bottle will do. Once at the park, you can refill your bottle. It’s not cheap, but there is no need to carry 5 litres on the hike. If you don’t want to eat at the restaurant or buy snacks at the stands, bring your own food. However, please keep in mind that it’s hot, and you want to make sure your supplies don’t spoil in hot weather. 
• Warmer clothes for the night – I was pretty surprised when I got cold at night. I have never been cold at night around the Colombian Caribbean, even in the Guajira desert. I was very pleased with the long trousers and pashmina I packed for this purpose. 
• Toilet paper  – I was lucky enough not to have to find out if there is enough, but just in case there isn’t – you don’t want to be surprised!

What to wear for Tayrona National Park overnight stay

It is hot and humid on the hike in Tayrona Park, and you won’t be able to escape it. I was sweating buckets all the way to Cabo. It is important you wear light, comfortable and breathable clothing. Carry as little as possible. I have seen people in flip flops, carrying two bags or a five-litre water bottle, straggling only an hour into the trek. It’s not a very difficult hike, but it is a hike on often uneven surfaces, slippery, and you want to make it as effortless as possible. 

For the Tayrona National park, it’s best to wear  comfortable and non-slippery shoes . I don’t recommend hiking boots (it’s hot!). I recommend comfy trail runners or non-slippery trainers, or hiking sandals. I wore the latter and was very happy and comfortable. 

Breathable and comfortable clothing . Shorts and a t-shirt are fine, just make sure you are comfy. There are steps and boulders you will have to traverse. Make sure your moves are not restricted. I saw people wearing training outfits as well as girls wearing more fancy outfits (for those Insta shots, hahaha). It’s up to you and your priorities. It’s not a Kilimanjaro trek – just a hot and sweaty one. 

Rain jacket –  It might rain, although, in this heat, I would rather get wet than bake in the rain jacket. I took mine, though. Never used it. 

Pack a pair of flip flops and some sleeping gear for the camp  – it’s nice to relax and change into non-sweaty clothing for the night. 

You should definitely visit Tayrona National Park if you manage to spare a couple of days. It’s an experience like no other, and you will be able to see Colombia at its best!

I will be looking forward to hearing any updates if you visited after me or took an alternative route! Please add a comment below, and I will update the post!

Until then, happy travels!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

If you are still drafting your Colombia itinerary read my Colombia planning post!

Heading to Colombia coffee region next? Read my posts about why you should visit Jardin and all the surprisingly awesome things to do in Salento!

Planning to see all the gorgeous beaches of the Colombian Caribbean coast? Here is the guide to all beach towns in Colombia!

And if you are planning your first solo trip, visit this post where I provide all the tips and hacks for solo travellers and backpackers. 

My favourite Travel Resources 

• For most of my accommodation, I use Bookings.com  and  Hostel World . With both booking platforms, you will often get free cancellations and access to tons of reviews. Read them! You will also get the most extensive selection of all types of accommodation. I hardly ever look elsewhere. If you are travelling in Asia – Agoda is definitely worth checking out!
• Make sure you download Google Maps and, for each new destination, download an offline map of your location and surrounding area. This way, even without the internet or Wi-Fi, you will be able to get to navigate around the town.

Moovit is also an excellent and very underrated travel and journey-planning app. It works great in many countries and will show you all possible routes by public transport, including the timetables.

For busses, I mainly use  Busbud  or  Omio  and  Flixbus to travel in Europe. 

123Go   — Great for tickets for trains, buses, ferries and charters in Southeast Asia! The best way to buy your ticket for the overnight Bangkok train! Rome2rio   – Another great journey-planning app. If your way of travel is mainly public transport  – you will use this app for sure!

 The travel insurance I use is Heymondo , and their plan suits me perfectly. They have clear policies with no deductibles, the price is excellent for what they offer and the price doesn’t go up when you are over 30 years old. They have a dedicated, easy-to-use app and free assistance calls.

I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money. And it also covers COVID-19.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and your quote.

• I carry two debit cards with me. Given I don’t have a permanent country of residence,  Revolut  and Wise  work fantastically. In case one gets frozen, stolen or simply lost, I have a backup. The great thing about both cards is that you can freeze them straight from your phone and transfer money between them in case you need to. You will also get a great exchange rate and create separate foreign currency accounts. 
• I booked most of my tours via either  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . You can also book locally, but I advise you to ask around and follow the local recommendations. 

For more travel tips and recourses, visit Pati’s Travel Tips page!

4 thoughts on “All you need to know about visiting Tayrona National Park as a solo traveller”

Hi. I want to go to the park, however what I really want to know as an solo female traveler with many years of travel experience and having witnessed much theft and issues:

1. What provisions are there for safe storage of bags / rucksack so they are not stolen e.g. when staying in a hammock? 2. Personal safety for females in a hammock and how do you sleep without risk of theft of cash/cards/passport? 3. Is it safe to walk paths on your open, which ones have plenty of people so you are not completely alone? 4. One major problem when alone is swimming, having to keep within sight of possessions on the beach and away from other people and being ready to leap out of the water if someone approaches them. Always easier if you can take turns to guard possessions when in a group or with a friend but a huge problem when alone! How did you or other people manage this problem?

Hi Maria! There are lockers that you can use which are located right next to hammocks, just make sure you bring your own padlock. This is where I kept all my belongings. I left my main backpack at the hostel, they were happy to keep my bag for a couple of days. The park is very busy at all times, you will never walk alone, trust me! Nevertheless, Tayrona is very safe for solo female travellers if only you follow the general safety rules. Swimming was an issue for me as well and in fact, it often is. It was in Tayrona where I have drawn my phone as I used not very good phone water cover. Funny now, but not at the time. Keep your phone in a locker when you go for a swim or choose a nice family next to you to keep an eye on your belongings. It is always tricky but I have actually never had anything stolen while in Colombia. As solo travellers we need to be resourceful, it’s a price you pay for the adventure and an incredible experience of roaming around the world on your own terms! Have a wonderful time!

Thank you for such a great post!!! Going to refer to this when I’m going to Tayrona!

Thank you, Olivia! I hope it will be helpful and you’ll have an amazing time! Enjoy Colombia!

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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