Visit Tayrona Park: Best Entrances, Beaches and Itineraries
Editeur
Update
I have visited Tayrona Park many times for its paradise beaches and jungle hikes, and I’ve seen its popularity grow rapidly over the years. Today, due to the influx of tourists, good organization is necessary to enjoy it fully. By the way, are you really interested in visiting Tayrona Park?
That’s what we’ll see in this travel guide.
Edit 06/2024: We completely revised this article.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT TAYRONA PARK, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
A prodigious natural site with multiple facets.
Tayrona National Natural Park is a protected reserve located in the eastern Caribbean region of Colombia, in the department of Magdalena. The park covers a land area of 150 km² and a marine area of 30 km² (12,692.2 hectares). It is one of Colombia’s 60 national parks and is the second most visited park in the country, following the San Bernardo and Rosario Corals National Natural Park.
Tayrona boasts a rich biodiversity and a wide variety of ecosystems, including thorny scrublands, the best-preserved dry tropical forest in the country, and high-altitude humid and cloud forests. Along the coast, you will find beach ecosystems, lagoons, mangrove stands, and rocky shores.
The marine area of the park is equally diverse, featuring coral formations, sedimentary terrains, seagrass beds, and algae populations.
The park is home to a diverse fauna, including some endemic species. Tayrona plays a crucial role in conserving the flora and fauna of the region.
Tayrona National Park is located 1 hour from Santa Marta, 3 hours from Barranquilla, and 5 hours from Cartagena.
Before the Conquest, the region was inhabited by the Tairona tribes, whose culture goes back at least to the 1st century AD. Evidence of their civilization, like the famous Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), attests to an advanced society in agriculture, architecture, and commerce.
The Tairona people were likely decimated with the arrival of the colonists. Their direct descendants are the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuacos, and Kankuamo, four indigenous peoples still living in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta overlooking the park. The park houses many sanctuaries, ancient cemeteries, and ritual sites still used by indigenous communities during ceremonies.
Tayrona Park also aims to preserve the archaeological and sacred sites of the Tairona descendants, who consider the park their territory.
Tayrona National Natural Park was created in 1969.
Tayrona will be your paradise if you love nature. You’ll find stunning flora, and with an early rise and patience, you’ll spot animals you’ve never seen before.
Hiking enthusiasts will relish the numerous (more or less) well-marked trails throughout the park. Some are easy, while others are more challenging.
If you love sunbathing on beautiful beaches, swimming, or just taking in the scenery, you’ll be in heaven. The park has true gems, some more frequented than others, some easy to access, others that require effort.
Adventurous souls will love spending one or two nights in the park. It’s not luxurious, but it’s perfect for early-morning explorations.
Tayrona is in a tropical humid climate zone. The average maximum temperature during the day is 29°C, and the average minimum temperature is around 25°C. Humidity is close to 100% year-round, except in January and February, when it slightly drops. So you’ll be hot and sweaty.
The rainiest months on the Caribbean coast are from April to May and September to November.
The best times to visit the park, in my opinion, are outside of peak periods and holidays to avoid crowds. Specifically, avoid weekends, Easter, Christmas, June school holidays, and all Colombian holidays if you want a more tranquil experience.
Also, note that the park typically closes three times a year to honor the traditions of Indigenous communities and for environmental preservation:
- 01/02-15/02; 01/06-15/06; 19/10-02/11
Some travelers only spend a day here, entering via the El Zaino entrance and making the round trip to Cabo San Juan, the most famous beach in the park. This is doable (a 4-hour hike), but you’ll be following all the other tourists like a sheep.
Personally, when I come to Tayrona, I like to stay overnight to enjoy the peace at sunrise, and I love doing the loop “Calabazo – Playa Brava – Cabo San Juan – Zaino.” It’s best to stay for 1 or 2 nights.
© Tomplanmytrip
the El Zaino entrance of TAYRONA
El Zaino is the main entrance of Tayrona Park.
- It’s the shortest route to the most famous beaches, like Cabo San Juan. If you only have one day and want to enjoy a beautiful beach, it’s the best option.
- You’re not a big walker. The path is relatively flat and easy.
- You want a horseback ride. If you love animals, forget it.
- You want to avoid the crowd at Cabo San Juan: If you start early enough and walk at a good pace, you’ll reach the beach in about 2 hours, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the place before it gets too crowded.
It’s quite simple.
- First, you need to get to Santa Marta by bus from the main cities of the country or by direct flight. Santa Marta has an airport (Simón Bolivar Airport).
- Once in Santa Marta, take a COTRAORIENTE bus from the public market (here) or a taxi to El Zaino. Buses leave every 15 minutes, and it will take about an hour to reach the park entrance.
- If you are coming from Palomino or Riohacha, regular buses make the trip. It takes about 1 hour from Palomino and 2 hours from Riohacha.
Entering Tayrona Park requires completing certain formalities.
You will need to:
- Present a photocopy of your passport.
- Watch an introductory video.
- Show the contents of your bag (no alcohol, etc.).
- Pay the entrance fee (in cash or by credit card).
I find the entrance fee to be relatively high, which is why it’s advantageous to spend at least one night in the park. You only pay the entrance fee once, regardless of how long you stay. However, you will also need to pay for daily insurance.
Once past the entrance, you’ll have to walk 5 km to reach the trailhead (which starts just after the Cañaveral parking lot). To save time, I recommend taking the shuttle.
Tayrona Park’s opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, though they often don’t open until 8:00 AM. I still advise arriving at 7:00 AM. If it’s not open, have breakfast and be ready to queue as soon as possible.
Even though you’re not far from Santa Marta, I recommend staying near Tayrona Park. It’s more pleasant, there are great hotels, and you can start your exploration earlier.
My favorite hotels are:
- Lodge Cacao Tayrona, a 15-minute walk from the entrance, perfectly combines comfort and nature. With tastefully decorated rooms open to the jungle and attentive staff, it’s a charming place for a Robinson Crusoe experience. The price is reasonable.
- For a similar price, Hotel Quetzal Dorado, a 25-minute walk from the entrance, offers the best value for money in the area. With stunning views, lovely rooms, and delicious cuisine, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a mix of tranquility and comfort in nature.
- Senda Koguiwa, a 15-minute walk from the entrance, perfectly blends elegant design, comfort, and a beautiful setting. It’s an excellent option for a peaceful and comfortable family stay by the river.
- For a luxurious and intimate stay, Villa Playa Tayrona, a 5-minute drive from the entrance, emphasizes elegance and refinement, even in its cuisine. The view over the river and sea is breathtaking, and the setting is magnificent.
The trail from El Zaino is well-marked and well-maintained, so you’re likely to encounter many tourists.
You’ll leave El Zaino on foot or by shuttle along a rather unremarkable path until Cañaveral (5 km). The actual trail starts here after the parking lot. You’ll walk for about an hour through the lush forest, where you can spot birds and possibly monkeys, before reaching the wild ambiance of Arrecifes Beach. 20 minutes further, you can take a swimming break at La Piscina. The trail continues to the famous Cabo San Juan del Guia Beach (30 minutes).
It’s a two-hour walk one way. If you’re up for it, you can continue for another 15 minutes to reach Playa Nudista.
An alternative is to take the “9 Piedras Trail” shortly after Cañaveral, a loop of less than 2 km through the jungle with stunning ocean views. This trail is named after the enormous stones along the path, which have holes made by indigenous people to observe astronomical changes throughout the year. You’ll then return to the main trail to Arrecifes Beach.
Some parts of the path can be muddy due to horse traffic.
© Tomplanmytrip
the CALABAZO entrance of TAYRONA
The best way to avoid the crowd—my favorite entrance to Tayrona.
- You hate crowds. The path is less frequented than El Zaino.
- Wildlife observation is on your list of things to do. The less frequented trails increase your chances of encountering the park’s wildlife.
- Hiking is your thing. The Calabazo trails give your legs more of a workout.
- You seek the tranquility of a less crowded beach. Calabazo is the gateway to Playa Brava.
- You want a multi-day hike. Calabazo is the perfect starting point for exploring Tayrona’s hidden corners over several days.
- The park entry formalities are quick. With fewer visitors and no video to watch, you’re on your way in no time.
Follow the same instructions as for El Zaino. Coming from Santa Marta, Calabazo is located 10 km before the El Zaino entrance. You’ll need to ask the bus driver to drop you off at Calabazo (and remind them as you get close).
The park’s entry procedure is less formal and faster than at El Zaino. The prices are the same, I recommend bringing cash.
The entry hours through Calabazo are from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
My favorite hotels are:
- Portales del Tayrona is an 8-minute walk from Calabazo. With its beautiful tropical garden full of birds and its lovely pool, it’s a small oasis of comfort. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, though a bit sparse. There are family rooms, and the food is good. In the evening, there may be some noise from nearby establishments.
- La Casablanca Tayrona House, a 10-minute walk from Calabazo. It is a delightful surprise with its two pools, magnificent garden, tastefully furnished comfortable rooms, and top-notch service. It is excellent value for money.
Believe me, you’ll love it if you’re a hiking enthusiast. There are two possible routes.
From Calabazo, take the trail to Playa Brava for a 3.5-hour hike that will test your endurance while offering incredible views. You can then continue to Cabo San Juan (2 hours).
If you’re even more adventurous, you can choose to go to Playa Nudista via El Pueblito (closed to the public), a solid four-hour hike, and then continue to Cabo San Juan.
If you’re short on time or don’t want to do the whole hike, there is a motorcycle service from Calabazo that takes you further into the park—saving you about an hour.
© Tomplanmytrip
THE PALANGANA ENTRANCE OF TAYRONA
You won’t be able to hike in Tayrona Park via Palangana.
- If you just intend to drive to a beautiful, less crowded beach and relax, you’ve come to the correct entrance!
You have several options.
- You can take a public bus from the city market heading to El Zaino and ask the driver to drop you off at Palangana. However, this isn’t the best option because from there, you’ll need to take another form of transport, like a motorcycle taxi, to Neguanje Beach (45 minutes).
- You can rent a car to drive to Neguanje Beach; the road from Palangana is not in the best condition, but it’s a relatively simple option.
- Another good option is to take a day tour from Santa Marta or Taganga. You can go by road or by boat.
- I don’t recommend walking from Palangana; you might feel a bit isolated, the path is not well-traveled, and it gets very hot.
The entrance fees are the same as for El Zaino and Calabazo. I find it a bit expensive, considering you can neither hike in the park nor stay overnight.
The entrance at Palangana is open from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and exits are allowed until 5:00 PM.
The beaches accessible from Palangana are Gairaca, Playa de Amor, 7 Olas, Neguanje, and the beautiful Playa Cristal.
Boats shuttle between Playa Neguanje, Playa Cristal, and Playa Cinto. The classic itinerary is to spend the morning at Playa Cinto, take a boat to Playa Cristal for lunch, and then get picked up to be taken back to Playa Neguanje.
You can arrange the schedule with the boat captain and, if possible, share the costs with others.
© Tomplanmytrip
the bAHIA CONCHA entrance of TAYRONA
It’s the closest entrance to Santa Marta.
Choosing to enter Tayrona through Bahia Concha is a bit like playing poker. You win, or you lose. The beach can be very pleasant, but after heavy rains, the nearby river can bring quite a lot of debris to its shores.
I don’t recommend this option unless you plan to stay in Santa Marta for a long time or if you want to go on a sailing tour.
This entrance only gives access to one beach, Bahia Concha, the closest park beach to Santa Marta. It’s best to take a taxi from Santa Marta, which will drop you off at the Bahia Concha entrance. From there, you’ll need to walk 20 minutes to the beach or take a motorcycle taxi.
A pro tip: When you arrive at the beach, go to the right. There will be fewer people, and you’ll avoid the street vendors.
To return to Santa Marta, it’s best to arrange a pick-up time with the taxi (without paying in advance), as there is no phone signal.
You will have to pay entrance fees, which I find a bit high considering what you’ll get in return.
Access to Tayrona Park via Bahia Concha is possible between 7 AM and 2 PM.
© Tomplanmytrip
THE BEACHES OF Tayrona PARK
A wide selection of beaches, from the most popular to the most peaceful.
Ordered from the closest to the farthest from the entrance :
Playa Castillete: A peaceful and less crowded beach. Swimming is prohibited due to strong waves. You can eat at the finca. 3 km from the entrance.
Playa Cañaveral: It is quiet and has stunning views. Swimming is generally dangerous, except at La Piscinita, where you can have lunch. It is 5 km from the entrance.
Playa Arrecifes: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, but dangerous currents prevent swimming. You can have lunch there—a 50-minute walk from Cañaveral.
Playa Arenilla: A beautiful beach with tranquil palm-lined shores, but it requires caution for swimming. No infrastructure. A 15-minute walk from Arrecifes.
La Piscina: A small lagoon protected by a coral reef. As the name suggests, its clear waters are calm. It’s ideal for swimming and some snorkeling. There are small snacks and fruit juice shacks—a 15-minute walk from Arenilla.
Cabo San Juan: The most popular beach in Tayrona for its beauty. These two small bays, bordered by coconut trees and separated by a promontory, are absolutely stunning. You can swim as long as you don’t go beyond the promontory. It’s too crowded for my taste. There is a restaurant and fruit juice shacks. A 30-minute walk from La Piscina. Keep an eye on your belongings.
Playa Nudista: This beach offers a quiet and welcoming environment for nudists. It is less frequented, and swimming is not recommended. There is no tourist infrastructure—a 20-minute walk from Cabo San Juan.
It’s the fastest way to get to Playa Brava.
If you enjoy walking and are seeking tranquility, this beautiful, secluded beach with a lovely coconut grove is an ideal spot. Swimming is dangerous due to strong currents, but you can eat and sleep there.
3 to 5 hours of walking from Calabazo.
For snorkeling enthusiasts
Playa Cristal: One of the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona. With white sand, clear turquoise calm waters, and great snorkeling spots, it’s a little paradise, but it’s too crowded for my taste, even though the number of visitors is limited to preserve it. It’s accessible only by boat (45 min) from Neguanje Beach (via Palangana), Taganga, or Santa Marta. Restaurants are nearby.
Playa Neguanje: A beautiful white sand beach where you can swim, and it’s a base for diving and snorkeling. It’s also an excellent spot to reach nearby beaches by a short boat trip, such as Playa Cristal or Bahia Cinto.
Playa Gairaca: Although not very crowded, it’s a lovely, peaceful beach and safer for swimming. There are great diving and snorkeling spots. Trails from the beach lead to small hidden beaches like Playa del Amor.
Playa Cinto: Isolated with golden sand and a superb view of the horizon, it’s one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches in Tayrona Park. Accessible only by boat, it’s known for its diving and snorkeling spots. There are no tourist infrastructures, so you need to bring water and food. It’s my favorite beach. 1 hour from Santa Marta. You can go with this expert.
This entrance only gives access to Bahia Concha. It’s the easiest beach to reach from Santa Marta, by car or by boat. This large beach is great for swimming, but it gets very crowded on weekends. You’ll find many tourist facilities such as restaurants, plastic chairs, and tents for sheltering from the sun.
Tayrona Park has 34 magnificent beaches, but you can only swim at 7 of them: Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, Playa Cristal, Playa Neguanje, Playa Gairaca, Playa Cinto, and Bahia Concha.
© Tomplanmytrip
WHERE TO STAY IN Tayrona
Waking up inside the park to enjoy it before the crowds. The accommodations are basic.
Cabo San Juan camping offers tents and hammocks with mosquito nets. There are a few lockers to store your belongings, but you can’t cook on-site. There’s a nearby restaurant, but the quality isn’t excellent.
Prices are high, and it’s very popular, so I recommend booking in advance. Despite being in a beautiful environment, in my opinion, it’s not the best option for a wilderness experience.
The hammocks set up in the kiosk atop the rock offer an incredible view, but it’s windy at night.
Imagine falling asleep to the sound of waves in a stilted hut facing the sea, far from everything.
It’s my favorite spot because I find Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke well-managed, and its beach is peaceful since it’s rarely crowded. The accommodations are simple but clean, with options ranging from tents and hammocks to bungalows, some with private bathrooms. There are family bungalows (up to 6 people). Breakfast is included, and you can have lunch and dinner on-site, although the prices are relatively high.
EcoCamping LUI offers accommodations in cabins, tents, and hammocks, and you can also pitch your own tent there. They have cold-water showers and a cooking area with some utensils over a wood fire, all at a reasonable price, making it a more attractive option than Cabo San Juan. They also provide a decent breakfast service.
You can also head to Panaderia Bere nearby for breakfast, which is renowned for its chocolate croissants.
Playa Cañaveral is the only beach in Tayrona Park with an eco-lodge, Eco Habs Tequendama.
Easily accessible from the El Zaino entrance, the eco-lodge offers charming bungalows with palm-thatched roofs. The spacious and comfortable rooms, each with a terrace and private bathroom, accommodate up to 4 people. The environment is peaceful, with stunning views, and the eco-lodge features a spa and wellness center.
For swimming, a short 5-minute walk takes you to La Piscinita—a small, tranquil spot.
There are several accommodation options between the El Zaino entrance and Playa Cañaveral—however, remember you won’t be close to the beach.
I like Ecohabs Bamboo Tayrona for its enchanting setting, spacious and comfortable bungalows with air conditioning, and tasteful decor. There’s a restaurant and a wellness center. However, the prices are pretty high.
For a good value option, Tiny Houses Unique Tayrona offers charming cottages with large windows opening to beautiful vegetation. They are new and well-equipped with kitchenettes and air conditioning. Breakfast included in the price is served at the neighboring hotel’s restaurant, where you can also use the pool.
EATING AND DRINKING IN Tayrona
You won’t go hungry or thirsty—but it’s not the best value for your money.
In the park, you’ll find small stands selling food and drinks. Remember, you’re not allowed to bring any alcoholic beverages into the park. Bottled water is not cheap, so remember to bring cash.
To refresh yourself, you can also buy coconuts along the way.
If you’re a fan of the traditional ham and butter sandwich, you’ll be disappointed. You won’t find “baguettes” or deli meats in Colombia. Personally, I tried packing a taco in my backpack, but trust me, it wasn’t a good idea—it ended up soggy in its tomato juice. Sandwiches in the heat aren’t the best idea.
Your last option is to eat at the restaurant at your campsite, which is my favorite choice—although it’s expensive. The restaurant at Playa Brava is quite good.
© Tomplanmytrip
Tips & Information
Here are a few essential things to know before venturing into Tayrona Park.
Start by leaving your large bag at your hotel or in the lockers provided at the El Zaino entrance, and only bring the essentials in a small backpack.
Don’t forget your passport or a photocopy for entry. You’re also supposed to present your yellow fever vaccination certificate, though it’s unlikely you’ll be asked for it. I still recommend getting vaccinated.
Bring enough cash, as there are no ATMs nearby.
For internet access, consider buying a Claro SIM card, as they have the best coverage in Colombia.
Pack water, snacks, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes instead of flip-flops for the trails.
Don’t forget to bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and sand flies, a garbage bag for your trash, a blanket for cooler nights if camping, a sweater and socks to avoid sand flies, a flashlight, toilet paper, and a padlock for securing your belongings in a locker.
If you enjoy snorkeling, bring your own gear.
Tayrona is generally safe for visitors. The trails are well-marked, so you shouldn’t get lost. There’s little risk of encountering dangerous wild animals like jaguars.
Regarding swimming, always respect authorized areas—stay out if there’s a red flag. Strong currents have tragically drowned many swimmers in the past. Stick to the 7 beaches I mentioned earlier for swimming.
If you plan to take a boat from Taganga to any of Tayrona’s beaches, be aware that the sea can be rough from December to April. Always check the sea conditions before boarding to avoid any surprises if you’re not accustomed to rough waters.
Due to the high traffic, it’s best not to leave your belongings unattended. Someone stole Claire’s hiking shoes at Cabo San Juan.
Adapt your itinerary to your desires and the time you have available.
- One day at the beach
Enter through El Zaino and make the round trip to Cabo San Juan (total 5 hours of walking). Along the way, you’ll get a glimpse of the park’s beauty. Be prepared for crowds, though. If you’re only here for the beach, consider entering through Palangana or, even better, go to Playa Cinto.
- Two days of hiking and relaxation
The adventure starts to get interesting. Enter through Calabazo and spend the night at Playa Brava. Early the next morning, head to Cabo San Juan to enjoy the fantastic scenery before the crowds arrive. Then swim at La Piscina. Exit the park through El Zaino.
- Three days for a deeper exploration
Start gently by entering through Calabazo and spend the first night at Playa Brava. The following day, hike to Cabo San Juan and spend the second night at the Arrecifes campground, where it’s usually less crowded. On the third day, early in the morning, return to Cabo San Juan to enjoy the beach in peacefulness. After lunch, exit Tayrona through El Zaino.
Tayrona Park boasts astonishing biodiversity, actively preserved through conservation programs. It is home to numerous animal species, some endemic to Colombia, such as the White-footed Tamarin monkey and the endangered Blue-throated Curassow. Jaguars are much more elusive.
I highly recommend hiking early in the morning or at dusk to get the best chance to observe a variety of animal species.
The park’s flora is equally exceptional, showcasing diverse habitats from dry tropical scrub to sub-Andean moist forest, dry forest, mangroves, and tropical rainforest.
In short, Tayrona is a paradise for naturalists.
You don’t need a guide; the trails are well-marked, especially those leading to Cabo San Juan. Finding your way to Playa Brava might be a bit more confusing, but it’s entirely manageable on your own. To reassure yourself, you can download the Maps.me app.
At the El Zaino entrance, you can take a horseback ride through the park. Avoid doing this, as the horses are mistreated.
Walking the trails in Tayrona can be very hot and humid, which can be challenging if you’re not used to it. Take breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
© Tomplanmytrip
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