Tayrona National Park – Colombia’s Coastal Paradise

Nestled on Colombia’s northern coast, Tayrona National Park is where lush jungles meet the refreshing Caribbean Sea. This natural haven invites travelers to explore rich biodiversity, ancient wonders, and serene beaches. From vibrant rainforests to tranquil shores, Tayrona offers a unique escape. In this guide, discover top attractions for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers in this harmonious blend of jungle and sea.

How to get to Tayrona

✈️ By plane: While Tayrona National Park doesn’t have its own airport, the nearest major airport is Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta. You can book a direct flight to Santa Marta from various international and domestic airports, ensuring a convenient and time-efficient journey to reach the gateway to Tayrona.

🚌 By bus: If you’re already in Colombia, you can take a bus to Santa Marta from cities like Cartagena or Barranquilla. Santa Marta is well-connected by road, and buses offer a comfortable and affordable option for travelers. Once in Santa Marta, you can easily find transportation to Tayrona National Park, which is approximately a 1-hour drive away. A taxi should cost around 70,000 COP (~€16) or you can take a local bus for a fraction of the cost. Check out 12GO for all your travel options.

What to do in Tayrona National Park

Tips for your visit:

📅 Check Closing Dates: To give the park time to recover from the many visitors, it closes for a few weeks each year. Dates change annually, so check beforehand.
🛂 Bring Your Passport: You need to show it at the entrance.
⏰ Visit Early: Avoid crowds and the afternoon heat by arriving in the morning.
🚌 Take the Bus: From the main entrance, take a bus to the start of the walking trail.
💵 Bring Cash: There are no ATMs in or around Tayrona NP, so get cash before arriving.
🧥 Pack Warm Clothes: If you stay overnight, bring warm clothes as the nights can be cold. Campsites usually don’t provide blankets.

Guide to the National Park

Most people start their journey into the national park at El Zaino. From here, you can take a shuttle bus for a few thousand COP to the start of the walking trail, saving an hour’s walk. From the trail’s start, you can walk to Arrecifes and La Piscina. Swimming at Arrecifes is prohibited due to dangerous currents, but you can swim at La Piscina. After a refreshing dip, continue to Cabo San Juan, the park’s most beautiful beach and the location of the largest camping area. Cabo San Juan offers many hammocks and tents, making it a popular spot to spend the night.

Walking Times in Tayrona National Park:

• El Zaino to the start of the trail: 1 hour (or 10 minutes by shuttle bus)
• Start of the trail to Arrecifes: 1 hour
• Arrecifes to La Piscina: 30 minutes
• La Piscina to Cabo San Juan: 25 minutes

Overnight Stays and Extended Trails in Tayrona National Park

We recommend you to sleep in the national park, either at Cabo San Juan (the most popular area) or at Arrecifes. You will have the park practically to yourselves in the morning and you can take a leisurely walk back to the entrance on the second day. If you are even more adventurous it is also possible to walk from Cabo San Juan to the Calabazo entrance via El Pueblito and Playa Blanca. We have not done this trail, but fellow travellers who did it took another 5 hours to do this trail. You can consider staying a second night in the park for this.

Where to stay in Tayrona

Accommodation around El Zaino (Entrance)

If you are fancying a good hostel, then consider The Journey Hostel. This lovely hostel offers a nice pool with fantastic views of the area and dorms starting at €20 per night.

Another good hostel is Eco Hostal Yuluka with both a pool and great views as well. This hostel offers both dorms and double rooms, with dorms starting at €15 a night and double rooms starting at €45.

If you want a bit more luxury, then Villa Yira Eco-hotel is a really good choice. They have a large pool, a beautiful garden and a terrace with fantastic views of the surrounding jungle. Double rooms start at €90 a night.

Accommodation in the Tayrona National Park

Most accommodation in the park is not bookable beforehand. However, there are some options if you want to secure a spot.

You can book your tent or hammock at the Arrecifes Tequendama camping beforehand. This accommodation offers basic supplies, it is recommended to bring some warm clothes in case the night gets colder than expected. Hammocks start at €20 per person, while a (double) tent starts at €45.

If you want a luxury accommodation in the park, then Ecohabs Tequendama is your places to stay. They offer eco huts with a private bathroom. The accommodation is right at one of the beaches, where you can have a refreshing swim all day long. If you have the money to spend, then this is our recommendation in the park itself. Double rooms start at €250 a night.