Tayrona National Park: Colombia’s Coastal Paradise

Nestled on Colombia‘s northern coast, Tayrona National Park is where lush jungles meet the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This natural haven invites travelers to explore rich biodiversity, ancient ruins, and serene beaches. From vibrant rainforests to tranquil shores, Tayrona offers a perfect escape for nature lovers, hikers, and beach enthusiasts alike. Many travelers include Tayrona as part of a longer trip through the country. If you are planning your journey, check out our complete Colombia itinerary guide.

How to get to Tayrona

✈️ By Plane: The nearest airport is Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta. It serves domestic flights from Bogotá, Medellín, and other major Colombian cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber to reach the park entrance. The drive takes around one hour and costs approximately 20 to 30 USD.

🚌 By Bus: Santa Marta is well connected by bus to other Colombian cities including Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Bogotá. From Santa Marta, local buses or colectivos head to the park entrance at Zaino or Calabazo. Bus tickets usually cost a few dollars and are an economical option. Check out 12GO for the available options.

🚗 Private Transfer or Car Rental: Many travelers opt for a private transfer from Santa Marta or nearby towns such as Minca, especially if traveling in a group. This allows flexibility to stop at beaches, viewpoints, or villages along the way. Car rentals are available in Santa Marta, but driving requires caution due to local traffic conditions. A taxi from Santa Marta should cost you around 70,000 COP (~€16).

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.