A Guide to Tayrona Park
Tayrona Park is a must-visit if you’re traveling to Colombia. A quick Google Images search is enough to see how breathtaking this place is—and why skipping it would be a mistake.
I have to confess something: I’m not athletic at all. For me, every hike feels like an ordeal… and a test of patience for those who accompany me. Yet, missing out on this exceptional park was never an option.
If you’re like me, don’t let that stop you. Take your time, go at your own pace, but most importantly—go! The effort is absolutely worth it.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just an occasional walker, you probably have questions about visiting Tayrona Park. Keep reading—I’ll give you all the tips to make the most of your trip!
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A Guide to Visit Tayrona Park:
- Tayrona National Park in a nutshell
- When is the best time to visit Tayrona Park?
- What are the opening hours?
- How to get to the park?
- How to arrive by boat?
- Do you need to buy an entrance ticket?
- Visit the park on your own
- Visit the park with a guide
- Visit the park joining a tour
- How long does it take to hike the trail?
- What are the main beaches?
- How to reach the beaches?
- How much time should you spend in the park?
- Where to stay in Tayrona?
- What to pack for your visit?
- What else to do in the park?
- How to travel responsibly in Tayrona?
Tayrona National Park in a nutshell
Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, about 34 km from Santa Marta, Tayrona National Natural Park is one of the country’s most stunning ecotourism destinations.
Spanning 150 km² of land and 30 km² of marine area, the park lies between the majestic mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Tayrona is also a sacred territory for several Indigenous communities, including the Kogis, Arhuacos, Wiwas, and Kankuamos, descendants of the ancient Tayrona civilization. Living in harmony with nature, they play a vital role in preserving this unique ecosystem.
The park’s biodiversity is remarkable, home to over 300 bird species, howler monkeys, pumas, and a rich variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Its flora is equally impressive, featuring mangroves, dense tropical forests, and coastal vegetation dotted with coconut palms.
However, what truly draws visitors are its breathtaking beaches, considered among the most beautiful in Colombia.
Must-see spots like Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, and Arrecifes offer postcard-perfect landscapes, making Tayrona an unmissable destination.
When is the best time to visit Tayrona Park?
Tayrona Park has become a victim of its own success, attracting more and more visitors each year. While this speaks to its beauty, it can sometimes impact the experience.
To make the most of your visit, it’s essential to consider three key factors: tourist crowds, weather conditions, and the park’s annual closures.
Avoiding Peak Season
The busiest times of the year are:
- December to January (local holiday season)
- March or April (Holy Week)
- June and July (school vacations)
During these months, the park reaches its visitor capacity, making access to beaches and trails more difficult. If you prefer a more peaceful experience, it’s best to avoid these periods.
Beware of the Rainy Season
Rain can significantly impact your visit. The wettest months are:
- April to May
- September to November
Heavy showers are frequent during these months, making trails slippery and limiting visibility of the stunning landscapes.
Annual Park Closures
Many tourists are unaware that Tayrona Park closes three times a year for Indigenous ceremonies. These closures allow the land to regenerate and honor local traditions.
In 2025, the park will be closed on the following dates:
- February 1 – 15: A period of rest to allow nature to renew itself.
- June 1 – 15: According to the Kogi people, this marks the earth’s “menstruation,” a sacred time.
- October 19 – November 2: A period when animals perform their rituals in harmony with nature.
Best Time to Visit Tayrona in 2025
For an ideal experience, I recommend visiting during:
✅ February 16 – March 31
✅ August 1 – August 31
Of course, these are just general recommendations. Always check this website before planning your trip to avoid any unexpected surprises!
What are the opening hours?
Most visitors enter the park through El Zaino, the main entrance. Opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry allowed until 12:00 PM.
Other entrances may have different schedules.
⚠️ Make sure to exit before 5:00 PM, or you might find yourself stuck inside!
Before your visit, always check the official park hours to avoid any surprises.
How to get to the park?
From Santa Marta, you can reach Tayrona Park by taxi or motorbike taxi.
However, there’s a much more budget-friendly option: the bus. In just one hour, you’ll arrive at the El Zaino entrance.
The bus makes several stops, including the Mercado Público. Make sure to ask a local if you’re at the right stop, as signage in Colombia isn’t always clear.
The bus does not terminate at Tayrona Park, so be sure to tell the driver you want to get off at El Zaino. You’ll pay for the ride once on board.
For more comfort, or if you’re coming directly from the airport, you can book a private transfer.
If you’re traveling from Palomino, you can also take the bus to the park. Again, for more comfort, a private transfer might be a better option.
From Cartagena, some companies offer day tours, like this one, to Tayrona Park. These tours typically include hotel pickup and a guide who will take you through the park’s highlights.
How to arrive by boat?
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also reach Tayrona Park by boat.
Every day, boats depart from Taganga Beach to Cabo San Juan, where you can spend several hours relaxing on a stunning beach.
However, opting for this route means missing out on the park’s scenic trails, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. A real pity!
💡 Good to Know:
- The boat ride can be rough, especially if the sea is choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication in advance.
- Keep your belongings dry by storing them in waterproof bags—splashes are common!
Do you need to buy an entrance ticket?
Yes! Access to Tayrona Park is regulated, and you must have an entry ticket.
As of now, online booking is not available, so you’ll need to buy your ticket in person at the park entrance.
During peak season, long lines are common, so arrive early to avoid wasting time.
You’ll also be required to purchase mandatory insurance, even if you already have travel coverage.
💡 Important Information:
- Cash only – No card payments accepted.
- Passport required to buy your ticket.
- Yellow fever vaccination proof may be requested.
Ticket prices vary by season and are higher during peak periods.
Like many tourist sites in Colombia, foreigners pay significantly more than locals for entry—Tayrona Park is no exception.
Visit on your own, with a guide, or joining a tour?
Of course, there isn’t a single right answer to this question—it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Visit the park on your own
This is the option I chose because I love moving at my own pace, stopping whenever I want, and meeting people more easily.
My main goal was to soak in the beauty of the place and fully enjoy the moment.
Getting to Tayrona Park, buying tickets, and hiking the trails is quite simple—especially if you’re used to trekking or have an active lifestyle.
Visit the park with a guide
This is the best option if you want to learn more about the local wildlife, flora, and Indigenous communities living in Tayrona Park.
You’ll also have more flexibility to go at your own pace compared to a group tour.
The downside? Most guides offer only day trips, meaning you’ll have to explore the park in just one day.
Visit the park joining a tour
If you like having everything taken care of from the very start, this is the perfect option.
With private transport for pickup and drop-off, you won’t have to worry about a thing.
Plus, the organizer usually handles entry tickets and sometimes even includes meals.
Surrounded by other travelers, you’ll have the chance to meet new people, and your guide will provide all the information you need to fully enjoy the park.
How long does it take to hike the trail?
People in good physical condition and experienced in hiking can complete the trail in 1.5 to 2 hours.
If you’re like me, you might need around 3 hours or even a bit more.
Don’t forget to plan enough time for the return journey to avoid arriving after the park’s closing time!
What are the main beaches?
During your hike, you’ll pass by several beaches. Here are the main ones:
Cañaveral
This beach is not located on the main trail, which is why few tourists stop here.
⚠️ Warning: Swimming is strongly discouraged due to dangerous currents.
Arrecifes
This is a very long beach, and it’s quite beautiful. Again, don’t swim here!
Arenilla
A vast and beautiful beach, perfect for laying down your towel in peace and quiet. Most hikers prefer to continue on to Cabo San Juan, making this spot relatively uncrowded.
La Piscina
Clearly, my favorite beach! An elusive beauty where you can swim without any worries. If you arrive early in the morning, you can enjoy it in complete peace, feeling like you’re almost the only one there.
Cabo San Juan
This is the most popular beach, a true living postcard where time seems to stand still. Swimming is possible, and the setting is simply idyllic.
Since it’s the highlight of the park and boats from Taganga dock here, it’s often quite crowded.
Punta Piedra
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach this beach, one of the calmest in the park. Swimming is strongly discouraged here.
How to reach the beaches?
While the park itself is exceptionally beautiful, its beaches are the true gem.
Unless you arrive by boat, you’ll definitely need to hike to reach them.
Right after the main entrance, you can take a minivan that will take you to the trailhead where the real adventure begins.
If you have time and want to save a few pesos, you can walk to the starting point of the trail. That’s what I did!
The distance is about 4 km, a manageable route, although it does have some ups and downs along the way.
How much time should you spend in the park?
Many tourists choose to visit the park in a single day, but once you factor in the round-trip travel time, there’s not much left to truly enjoy it.
🏕️ My advice: Spend at least one night at the park. Ideally, two nights will allow you to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and stunning beaches without feeling rushed.
Where to stay in Tayrona?
Once you leave the park, you’ll need to buy a new ticket if you want to re-enter.
That’s why I highly recommend booking accommodation inside the park.
Most places offer the option to sleep in a hammock or a tent.
As you can guess, the hammock option is the most budget-friendly. That’s the choice I made, and for my first experience, I had no trouble sleeping (the exhaustion probably helped!).
Be sure to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can drop at night.
If you prefer more privacy or are traveling with others, the tent option will be more comfortable.
4 hotels inside the park
Camping Tequendama – Parque Tayrona ($): This is the place I chose. The hammock stay was very affordable, with breakfast included, and all the communal areas were clean. It’s the perfect choice for solo travelers!
Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke ($$): Far from everything, this place allows you to fully immerse in the park’s atmosphere and truly disconnect after a long hike. It’s perfect for couples!
Ecohabs Tequendama – Parque Tayrona ($$$$): If you enjoy luxury stays, this is the place to choose! Nestled in nature, it features a private beach, a garden, a hammam, a terrace, free private parking, and offers a beautiful sea view.
After your visit, you can also choose to spend a night outside the park before continuing your journey to other destinations, like Palomino.
4 hotels outside the park
The Valley Tayrona Hostel – A Social Jungle Hostel ($): The perfect option for solo travelers looking for an affordable choice. The dreamy setting will likely make you want to extend your stay!
Taorayiná Nature Lodge – Immersed in the Forest ($$): In the heart of nature, this lodge offers bungalows and breathtaking sea views! It’s perfect for both couples and solo travelers!
Casa Bambu Tayrona, Los Naranjos ($$$): With comfortable rooms, a dreamlike décor, and a pool, this place is a peaceful haven for couples wanting to disconnect in lush nature.
What to pack for your visit?
Of course, life inside the park is a bit different from life outside.
But don’t worry: you’ll find restaurants and bars to eat at, as well as places to buy snacks and water.
📌 Essentials to bring with you:
💵 Cash: While some places accept cards, not everywhere does.
💧 Water: It’s hot, so bring one or two bottles.
🥪 Food: The journey to hotel areas and beaches is long, and you might get hungry. Bring snacks that can handle the heat (avoid chocolate biscuits, for example).
☀️ Sunscreen: Between walking and the beach, sunburns can happen quickly.
🦟 Mosquito repellent: You’re in a natural park, so expect mosquitoes.
🛏️ Towel: Most accommodations don’t provide them.
🕶️ Sunglasses: Essential to protect yourself from the sun.
🌧️ Rain jacket: Especially in the rainy season, when a downpour can happen quickly.
🔒 Lock: If you’re sleeping in a hammock, you’ll be assigned a locker, but you’ll often need your own lock to secure it.
Where to buy water and food?
As I mentioned before, there are several restaurants, small shops, and street vendors offering arepas, sodas, coconut water, and much more.
These spots are quite far from the start of the trail, so it’s important to bring some provisions with you.
As is often the case in tourist areas, prices inside the park are higher.
To avoid paying exorbitant prices, make sure to bring enough water and snacks before entering.
What else to do in the park?
Even though most tourists visit Tayrona to enjoy its stunning beaches and bask in the sun, there’s much more to do in the park!
Explore the Marine Life
Tayrona Park is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. With its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, the experience is unforgettable.
👉 Snorkeling: Book your session here
👉 Diving: 4-hour diving courses
Observe the Flora and Fauna
The park is a true paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
You might be lucky enough to spot howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and many other species.
Explore Other Trails
Besides the main trail, there are other paths that lead to interesting places:
- Pueblito: This archaeological site is an ancient indigenous village hidden in the jungle, offering breathtaking views.
- Sendero de las Nueve Piedras: A lesser-known trail that leads to spectacular viewpoints and secret beaches.
How to travel responsibly in Tayrona
The Tayrona Park is a true natural gem, home to exceptional biodiversity and indigenous communities that care for this unique ecosystem.
To preserve this paradise and minimize our impact, as tourists, we must adopt behaviors that respect the environment and local culture.
Here are a few tips for visiting Tayrona Park responsibly:
- Leave no trace: Take all your waste with you and use the available trash bins.
- Respect the wildlife and flora: Do not touch animals, do not pick plants, and stay on the marked trails.
- Limit your plastic consumption: Prefer a reusable water bottle over plastic ones.
- Use biodegradable products: Choose eco-friendly sunscreen and mosquito repellent to avoid polluting the waters.
- Be respectful of indigenous communities: If you encounter members of the Kogis, Arhuacos, Wiwas, or Kankuamos, do not take photos of them and respect their traditions.
- Avoid excessive noise: Nature is a sanctuary, enjoy the peace and quiet.
By adopting these simple gestures, you contribute to preserving the beauty of Tayrona Park for future generations 💚
Is Tayrona Park worth visiting?
It’s a big yes! Honestly, I struggled along the way… and I wasn’t the only one!
I met other hikers who, when asking me how much longer they had to go while I was on my way back, seemed out of breath.
But it’s definitely worth it! Tayrona is a unique and fantastic place. I hope to return in the near future and enjoy it even more next time.
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