The Complete Travelers Guide to Tayrona National Park (2024)

First thing’s first: watch the video below. Not only will you get to hear a cool song that gained international recognition by the Colombian band, Bomba Estereo, you’ll also get to see some beautiful shots of  - you guessed it - Tayrona Nationa Park! (often and interchangeably referred to as Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona or Parque Tayrona).

Located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is where vibrant beaches contrast with the impressive mountain range of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, making it one of the most sought-after destinations not only in South America but one of the top national parks in the whole world.

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Nominated by UNESCO as one of the five most important national parks in the world, is truly a special place. Lush forests intersect with bright blue water, as the sound of monkeys echoes through the palm trees, and you are engulfed in a tropical lush paradise full of wildlife and adventure.

In this comprehensive and up-to-date travelers guide, you will find everything you need to know to plan an incredible trip to Taryonna National Park.

As we spent a lot of time curating the best and most accurate information available, feel free to skip ahead to the sections that are most relevant to planning your trip to ensure you get the most out of this beautiful natural wonder. Bon voyage!

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What you will find in this Tayrona National Park Travel Guide

• A Short History of Tayrona National Park
• Why Tayrona National Park is Worth Visiting
• How to Get to Tayrona National Park
• The Best Entrances to Tayrona National Park
• The Best Ways to Explore Tayrona National Park
• Top Things to do in Tayrona National Park
• The Best Beaches in Tayrona National Park
• Hiking and Diving in Parque Tayrona
• Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
• How Long Do You Need in Tayrona National Park?
• What to Bring into Parque Tayrona
• Map of Tayrona National Park
• FAQ - Is there COVID Safety protocol I need to follow? etc.
• Final Tips for Visiting Tayrona National Park

Brief History and Background of Tayrona National Park

Before the Spanish conquistadors landed on Colombia's shores to found their first South American city, Santa Marta, the Tairona people inhabited the region. Their indigenous descendents include most notably the Kogi, (who you might see in the region, noticeable by their signature all-white attire) as well as the Arhuacos Wiwa, and Malaya communities, who continue to live in the area.

As beautiful as this segment of Colombia’s coast is, it’s important to remember that history often tells a different story. After continued oppression by the Spanish, the Tairona revolted and were met with greater violence. Many lives were lost and, eventually, their populations were incorporated into the Spanish Encomienda system.

Fast forward to 1969, the date Tayrona National Park was established in an effort to protect and preserve its unique ecological environment and archaeology including The Lost City - ancient ruins built by the Tairona people, that are 600 years older than Machu Picchu.

Today, it is one of the top-visited national parks in South America and the second most visited national park in Colombia. In fact, a whopping 400,000 people visited Tayrona  National Park in 2018, though the annual average is around 340,000 (Take this into consideration as you plan your dates!). Although the national park was temporarily closed during the peak of COVID, lucky for all of us, it is now back open and happy to welcome visitors!

Tayrona National Park covers 35 km of Colombia’s Caribbean coast extending from Taganga on the East to just past Castilletes Beach on the West. Inland, it reaches 900m in elevation and is then encompassed by the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta National Park. In total, Tayrona covers around 30 km2 of the Caribbean sea and approximately 150 km2 of land.

The most common route into the park takes you from Santa Marta to the park’s farthest corner, near Castilletes Beach. This is the only road that will get you almost directly to the most gorgeous beaches in the park. This is ideal if you prefer exploring the beaches along this section of the coast that lead up to Playa Brava. Alternatively, you can enter the park by boat via Taganga, which takes you directly to Cabo San Juan beach, the park’s most popular beach.  

Is Tayrona National Park Worth Visiting?

Do you love nature, adventure and don’t mind sacrificing a little discomfort for the sake of experiencing a one-of-a-kind tropical wilderness? If so, you’ll probably fall in love wth Parque Tayrona.

Beaches

This is the number one reason to visit Tayrona Park. Tayrona has some of the most beautiful stunning stretches of beaches on the continent;  it is the epitome of a tropical beach paradise. Apart from relaxing on the beach, reading your book, and hiking through the jungle, you’ll compile so many astonishing photos of Caribbean sunsets, your friends and family might ask you to stop posting on social media.

Among the top beaches are Cabo San Juan, the secret Playa Brava and the natural swimming pool, la Piscina. You’ll learn more about these, and other beaches in the "Things to do" section below.  

Unique Biodiversity

Due to its location between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Caribbean Ocean, Parque Tayrona has been blessed with spectacular biodiversity in its flora and fauna. We’re not just talking birds - although there are over 300 bird species to be spotted - we’re talking jaguars and pumas and other rare and exotic species, many distinct to this region of the world.  

In total, there are over 100 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, 770 species of plants and LOTS of insects. Among these are the common blood-sucking mosquito so make sure to take mosquito repellent. More on that in the What to Bring section.

Finally, don’t forget that there’s a lot to be seen below sea level as well, and some of the best snorkeling and diving in this region is accessible in Tayrona National Park

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‍Rich History and Culture

There’s a reason why the Tairona people believed this region to be sacred. Their descendants, like the Kogi, are now the stewards of this magical place. In order to ensure its protection and longevity, during the month of February, the park is completely off-limits per the request of the area’s indigenous communities. During this time, they undertake cultural processes to physically and spiritually clean the area, allowing the plants and wildlife species to return, without interference of human contact.

While the COVID pandemic has been terrible in so many ways, especially to less developed countries like Colombia, one of the few silver linings of has been allowing mother nature to rest and restore itself.

Instead of viewing your visit to Tayrona as just another beach trip, you can approach it as an invitation to a magical site. Take time to learn about the history and culture that defines the area by visiting el Pueblito and local museums (both in Tayrona and Santa Marta.  Given the sheer volume of travelers eager to visit this majestic national park, make sure to treat its flora and fauna with the utmost respect.

Doing so ensures Tayrona remains protected - not just as a national park for adventure seekers, but also as a sacred place for the longevity of the indigenous communities.

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How to get to Tayrona National Park

Depending on where you’re departing from, there are a few ways to get to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona ie "Parque Tayrona" (the Google Map location can be found here).

*Note:  As we continue to live in very interesting times, some information here may no longer be 100% accurate especially as it relates to bus schedules and prices, but should at least provide you a general ballpark.  Due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic, local currency exchange rates etc. public bus prices, and taxi prices are subject to change. *You can check bus routes, times, prices and even book many buses in Colombia at BusBud.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta

The best way is to sign up at Dreamer Santa Marta for your day or overnight trip, we have shuttles leaving everyday. Our team can store your bags at no extra cost! Shoot us a message for details and we are happy to help answer any questions.

1. By car

If you’re traveling in a group of 3-4 (or if you find others to join your party), traveling by car is the most comfortable option. A taxi from Santa Marta, or Taganga, will cost you around COP $80,000 total and will take around 45 minutes to get to the main entrance of the park. From the main entrance, you will still have to walk until arriving at the principal beaches.

2. By bus

If you cannot make it on a Dreamer Shuttle, the cheapest option is to jump on a city bus which departs every 20 minutes outside from Santa Marta, and costs COP $7,000 / USD $3 and takes around 30 minutes  - to an hour to get to the main entrance of the park. There are also regional buses equipped with AC and bathrooms departing each hour from the Terminal station, only a 5 minutes taxi ride from The Dreamer Santa Marta  

3. By boat

From Taganga to the principal beach of Cabo San Juan there is a daily boat that departs at 9:30AM and returns (from Cabo San Juan) at around 4 PM. The trip takes one hour and there are many spectacular sites to see on the ride. Please take note that the open sea may be rough, especially from January to March during the windy season. Make sure to protect your belongings with plastic bags and, if you’re sitting in the back, expect to get wet! There is a fixed price of COP $40,000 each way.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park from Palomino

From Palomino or Riohacha, the easiest option is to hop on a bus headed towards Santa Marta and get off at the park entrance. The price from Palomino to Tayrona should be COP $8,000 and from Riohacha COP$10,000.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park from Cartagena

Between Cartagena and Santa Marta, you may choose two bus companies: MarSol and Berlinas.

Simply take a taxi in Cartagena to the MarSol Bus Terminal (make sure yous specify MarSol to Santa Marta as there are a number of stations for other cities) and then grab a MarSol bus to Santa Marta The trip will take about 5 hours, give or take a Colombian hour.

National Park Entry: What is the Best Entrance to Tayrona National Park?

There are four entrances into Parque Tayrona, and we recommend using the principal El Zaíno entrance or the Calabazo entrance:

• El Zaíno (by road)
• Calabazo (by road)
• Cabo San Juan (by speedboat)
• Palangana (road and boat)

The park’s opening hours are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, but last entry is at 4:00 pm at el Zaíno entrance and 2:00 pm at the Calabazo entrance.

Santa Marta - El Zaíno Park Entrance

The easiest route is from Taganga or Santa Marta to the El Zaíno entrance, by road. El Zaíno is the main entrance of the park and most visitors come this way, which means that it gets pretty busy during high season.

The trip from Santa Marta to el Zaíno takes about 1 hour (though it can sometimes take up to 2 hours by bus). Once you've paid and entered the park you can either hop on a small bus or walk for 30 minutes to the trailhead. The walk from the ticket office entrance to the trailhead is not a very interesting one, so we recommend to save your energy for the fun stuff and pay a small fee ( ~COP $5,000) to hop on the shuttle.

Santa Marta - Calabazo Park Entrance

Calabazo is a secondary entrance to the park. Although it is more of a trek into the main sections of the park, it has some distinct advantages. You should consider taking this route if:

• You like hiking and are unthwarted by a little bit of rough terrain
• You want to avoid the crowds at the main entrance
• You’re planning to spend a few days in the park (2-4 days)
• You want to increase your chances of close encounters with Colombia’s wildlife

If you decide on the Calabazo entrance, make sure you start your day early to allow enough time to undertake the 3.5 hour hike through the tropical forest to reach Cabo San Juan or Playa Brava.

Along the hike, you’ll pass large boulders that you can climb and El Pueblito. You might spot wild animals that are less likely to be seen in other sections of the park. Via the Calabazo entrance, you’ll also have easier access to Playa Brava, the park’s most secluded beach, but you’re significantly farther from other destinations, like Playa Piscina and Playa Arrecife.

If you’ve decided that entering through the Calabazo entrance is your cup of tea, here’s how to navigate there and further into the park:

• Prepare supplies for your hike in advance: good shoes, water, sun protection, mosquito repellent, snacks
• Start early in the morning (this entrance closes at 2pm)
• On the bus from Santa Marta, make sure to tell the bus driver you want to stop in Calabazo (about 10 minutes before el Zaíno)
• Once off the bus, cross the road and follow the short, often muddy path
• Provide your passport to the guard at the entrance (likely sitting in a small chair)
• Follow the somewhat steep path for 3.5-4 hours to Cabo San Juan or Playa Brava.

Taganga - Cabo San Juan Park Entrance

You can enter Cabo San Juan in Tayrona Park by boat from Taganga. The trip takes 50 minutes and, depending on the sea conditions, can be quite adventurous! Expect to pay COP$50,000 for the ride (one way) and upon arrival at Cabo San Juan you are still expected to register and pay entry.

Santa Marta - Palanga Park Entrance

Palanga is the third entrance into Tayrona Park, but the least transited because it takes you to a different region of the park that doesn’t access the top Tayrona beaches like Cabo San Juan, Arrecife and Playa Brava. However, it takes you to another handful of gorgeous (and much quieter) beaches, like Playa Cristal, Gairaca Beach, and Neguanje Beach. If you have an adventurous spirit, we recommend visiting these beaches by boat leaving from Taganga. The tour operators there have daily departures, depending on intensity of the waves!

The Palanga entrance by road is only a 20 minute drive from Santa Marta, but regular public transport won’t take you directly to this entrance. From Santa Marta, take a taxi along the same route you would take to Calabazo or el Zaíno, but just after this store, take a left toward Palanga. If you’ve passed the Nenguaje Toll, you’ve gone too far. Once you’ve turned left, you’ll cover about 3 km until you reach the park entrance where you pay for entry.

Note: You can’t spend the night in this area and, if you enter vía Palanga, you’ll need to exit the park again and re-enter vía el Calabazo and el Zaíno to see beaches between Playa Brava and Castilletes.

Alternatively, since you can’t spend the night in this area, you might consider taking a boat from Taganga to Cristal and Neguaje Beach by boat as a day tour.

Is Tayrona National Park Free?

How much does it cost to enter and where to buy tickets

Unfortunately not, but prices are very reasonable considering what you’re getting!  Important: While many national parks differ, If you’re a foreign tourist, remember to come with your passport to register at the entrance. Entrance fees can be paid in cash, or credit/debit card, but there are no ATMs in the area.

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, make sure to check Tayrona National Park's official government website (but even this can be wrong as they are not great at updating it) Foreigners: COP$68,500 and 10,000 pesos for insurance during high season. COP$57,500 during low season. Locals receive a discounted rate. Children Under 5 and Colombians over 65: free all season Locals aged 5-25:  COP$20,500 (COP$22,500 for peak season).

Pro tip: Avoid crowds at the park’s main entrance by entering in the early morning or late afternoon when the park is less crowded with day-trippers and new arrivals. If you’re headed to Parque Tayrona during the high season, avoid weekends and public holidays.

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When are the Best Times to Visit Tayrona National Park?

The park is quietest in March or the middle of November, but you might run into humidity and some rain.

Rainy season runs from around April-May and then again from September-November though, given that this is a tropical region, it can rain at any time. The wettest month is October and the driest month is February.

As many of you are travelers with a preset itinerary, almost anytime can be a great time to visit the park, but you just need to plan accordingly. If anything, try to enter the park on a weekday instead of a weekend.

Peak tourist season is between December and March, the busiest months being December, January, as well as June and July because of student summer breaks.  Also be aware of Semana Santa (7 days in early April leading up to Easter Sunday) another holiday that draws many local and regional tourists to the area.

Pro tip: if you are planning on visiting during one of these extra busy periods, purchase a ticket in advance from the park’s website. This ensures your entry even if park authorities start capping the number of visitors, which tends to happen on crowded days. I would also suggest starting your days as early as possible

The only month that you truly cannot visit the park is the month of February. In order to let the park rest and heal, by request of the Kogi people, the park is closed from February 1 - 15.

You can definitely plan to visit the park at other moments throughout the year, but keep these closing dates in mind as you plan:

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Is Tayrona Park Open? When is Tayrona National Park closed in 2024?

The following closing dates were established as part of a national campaign #RespiraTayrona (#BreatheTayrona), organized by the 4 indigenous populations of the region, with the aim to give the area periods of re-growth and tranquility. During these times, the entire park is closed to the public

• February the 1st to 15th
• June 1- 15
• October 19 - November 2

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The Best Ways to Explore Tayrona National Park

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The top activities to do in Parque Tayrona include:

• Exploring the beautiful beaches
• Hiking and observing wildlife
• Snorkeling and Diving

What are the Best Beaches to Explore in Tayrona National Park?

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When you think of Parque Tayrona, what’s the first image that comes to mind? Is it a beautiful, white-sand beach, dotted with large, magmatic boulders and lined with dense, tropical foliage?

If so, as soon as you enter the park, your mission should be to head to the coast and see Tayrona’s picturesque beaches with your own eyes. Below is a list of the most visited beaches in the park. Note: you can only swim in a few of the beaches because of strong riptides.

Playa Arrecifes

Playa Arrecifes is one of the beaches you can’t swim in, but it’s a beautiful, long beach to explore. Along it, you’ll come across large boulders as well as a sizable lagoon, parallel to the beach. Though you might be able to spot some aquatic birds in the area, don’t get too close to this lagoon as it is home to a number of crocodiles!

Since swimming isn’t allowed, you won’t come across crowds of people.  However, Playa Arrecifes does offer a few accommodation options which are worth considering, especially during high season where other sleeping areas can get pretty crowded. If you decide you do want to swim, you’ll have to walk another 25 minutes to reach Playa Piscina and, to get to Cabo San Juan, it’ll take you about 45 minutes walking.

La Piscina

La Piscina is located between Playa Arrecife and Cabo San Juan and is one of the busier beaches in Parque Tayrona because swimming is permitted. It also happens to be a truly beautiful beach, with clear, warm waters and a rock barrier that protects it from the open sea, making it, essentially, a saltwater pool (hence its name!).  

La Piscina is a great spot to snorkel and, if you’re visiting during high season, expect to see more children at this beach.

Cabo San Juan Beach

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Only a 15-minute walk from La Piscina you will find Cabo San Juan, a spot that is Parque Tayrona’s most popular beach for a reason. This is where that picture-perfect outcrop of rock connects to the mainland by two incredible beaches that seem to mirror each other.

This is another beach where swimming is permitted and also offers accommodation options, like hammocks, camping and cabins. Though it’s a beautiful place to call home base, this is not a secluded beach, so be prepared for crowds (as well as the possible selfie-stick)

In Cabo San Juan, you’ll find tents, hammocks and small cabins that you can rent out. You’ll also find a restaurant and locker where you can store your things.

Reminder: If you don’t have a few days carved out to explore all the park has to offer, but want to at least get a taste, there are speedboats from Taganga that will bring you directly to Cabo San Juan, taking between 30 minutes to an hour.

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Playa Brava

Playa Brava is the farthest beach from either the Zaíno or Calabazo entrance and best reached via the Calabazo entrance. It’s worth checking out if you plan to spend a couple of nights in the park.

This beach is very secluded and feels wilder than the others. In fact, that’s what its name translates to in English: wild sea. The ocean here is not safe to swim in, but the dense jungle surrounding the beach makes it a spectacular destination - well worth the trek.

To get to Playa Brava, you have to hike through the jungle and el Pueblito Chairama, where you’ll find archaeological ruins that the Tairona people built more than 500 years ago.

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Other beaches to check out in Tayrona National Park

If you prefer to visit other secluded beaches, you can venture to the following:

Cañaveral

This is a long, yellow-sand beach near the Zaíno park entrance where you can frolic in its shallow waves at a spot called la piscinita. It is also the beach where you’ll find the Ecohabs, the most luxurious accommodation option in Parque Tayrona.

The path to Cañaveral is an enjoyable one and takes you through the forest and up a rocky hillside until you reach a few spots which some excellent panoramic views of Parque Tayrona’s coast. From Cañaveral, you can also access the ‘Nine Stones’ hike, mentioned in the next section.

Castilletes

This is the beach closest to the Zaíno entrance, but happens to be even more secluded than Cañaveral. People first entering the beach are usually headed to the more popular destinations, thereby skipping this isolated stretch of sand that also offers accommodation (tents and hammocks). Though it is generally a non swimming spot, swimming is permitted in September and October.

Nudist beach

This beach is found just a few minutes walking from Cabo San Juan and, though known as “the nudist beach,” don’t get your hopes up, as you probably won’t see many exposed body parts. It’s really just another spectacular beach along this coastline where swimming is sometimes allowed (active lifeguards will let you know).

Concha Bay

This white-sand cove is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona. It also tends to be a quieter beach; most travelers head to the section of the park that lends access to the above-mentioned beaches. Concha Bay is located only 35 minutes from Santa Marta and is an excellent day trip option if you want to swim, snorkel and scuba dive.

To get to Concha Bay, hop on a bus from carrera 5 in Santa Marta toward Bastidas. Ask the driver to drop you off close to Concha Bay and from that point you take another bus to the entrance. Alternatively, you can book a day tour to Concha Bay, which includes transport.

The beach is open from 8am to 5pm from Thursday to Sunday and you don’t need to pay entry because it is no longer considered part of Tayrona Park. You can also camp at the beach if you decide to stay for more than one day.

If you’re planning to enter vía the Palanga park entrance, you’ll have access to another set of beaches. Remember that you won’t be able to stay overnight at these spots, so reserve an entire day to explore this area, or stay at a nearby hotel outside of the park.

Neguanje Beach

Upon entering via Palanga, you’ll reach Neguanje, a long, white-sand beach, where you will have to pay the park entry fee. There aren’t that many tourists here and the end of the beach is a great spot for snorkeling. There’s also a restaurant here. If you’re planning to visit Playa Cristal, you can buy a spot on a boat either from the park entrance or in Neguanje or walk along the coast for about 40 minutes.

Playa Cristal or Playa Muerto

This is a small beach that is regularly visited by tourists. Due to its size, it limits access to 300 people per day, so you should consider buying your entry online or arrive early in the day. This is a lovely place to spend the day, swim and snorkel. As its name implies, the waters here are crystal clear!

Gairaca Beach ‍

This is another quiet beach in this area of the park that barely any tourists visit. With the absence of restaurants and vendors, you will want to bring your own snacks and water. To get here, head West at Neguanje for about 3 km. Afterwards, there will be an entry on your right, follow that for 600 meters and you’ll arrive at the beach.

Siete Olas Beach  

Between Neguanje and Gairaca you can stop through Playa Siete Olas, which translates to Seven Olas. As you might guess, this beach is named after its seven (or so) rows of waves, which also makes it a dangerous beach for swimming. Once you reach this beach, you can climb to a viewpoint with an incredible view of the beach below.

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Cinto Beach

Playa Cinto is reached by boat from Neguanje or as a day tour from Santa Marta. This is another tranquil beach and a wonderful place to spend the day, whether on the beach, snorkeling or diving. While you can rent a hammock and spend the night in Playa Cinto, remember to take water and food along as there aren’t many options once there.

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Hiking and Spotting Wildlife

If you like hiking in tropical wilderness, you’ll be a happy camper in Tayrona National Natural Park. Apart from hiking between beaches, there are a couple more hikes you can’t miss.

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‘Nine Stones’ hike

You won’t find many people along this easy hike that follows the eastern cliffs of the park. The trail can be easily accessed from the main entrance of the park and connects with the Cañaveral Trail, by Cañaveral Beach.

Note that this trail does not take you to any beaches and you won’t find any restaurants en route, either, so come prepared with sufficient water and snacks (don’t forget the mosquito repellent).

As its name implies, you’ll pass by 9 symbolic stones that carry meaning in the Kogui culture.

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El Pueblito

Note: As of March 2019, El Pueblito, considered a sacred site, is no longer open to the public.

From Cabo San Juan to el Pueblito it’s a 1-2 hour hike (2.4 km) that takes you through the tropical forest. You won’t be able to enter el Pueblito anymore, but the hike through the forest is still worth the trip.

If you’re interested in learning more about the pre-hispanic cultures of the area, make sure to check out the Chairama Archaeological Museum in Cañaveral, near the mouth of Río Piedras.

Diving in Tayrona National Park

If you’re into scuba diving, you’re in luck! While this is not even a remote option in many national parks around the world, Tayrona happens to be a great dive destination and includes 22 dive sites just off the coast of the park.

In this section of the Caribbean, you’ll see spectacular coral reefs, fish species, and other small marine life. The coral reefs feature hundreds of species of corals, sponges, mollusks, and sea and river fish making these wildlife-rich waters one of the best parts of the park.  Keep in mind that dive tours aren’t normally organized from within the park. If you’re planning to dive, make sure to organize your trip with a reputable tour provider.  

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Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park

Depending on your budget, you’ll find a number of options for spending a night or two in the park. At the beaches with accommodation, you’ll usually be able to choose between a hammock, a tent or a cabin. The following section will give you an idea of what’s available where and its cost. Note: Camping is not free in Parque Tayrona.

Cabo San Juan

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Cabo San Juan, Tayrona National Park

• Tent rental: 100,000 COP a person (single and double tents available and rental includes a mattress pad and pillow)
• Bring your own tent: 30 000 COP / person
• Private cabin: *currently unavailable (but was previously 200 000 COP / for 2 people | very limited availability
• Hammock near camping zone: 50 000 COP (includes a locker and mosquito net)
• Hammock on watchtower: *This area is temporarily closed (but always check-in with them as things change often)

Use of the bathrooms and showers are included

Pro tip: During high season, hammocks may be hard to come by! If you like, you can book your hammock in advance for Cabo San Juan at the Zaino Entrance. This isn’t an option at the Calabazo entrance.

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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.  They will verify availability, confirm your dates and choice of accommodations.

For even more information on pricing and accommodations you can check out their PDF Here

Playa Arrecifes

Playa Arrecifes is a quiet beach to stay at that offers:

• Hammock: 15,000 COP
• Tent: 40,000 – 60,000 COP ($11.50 -$17.3 USD) for 2 people
• Cabin: 780 000 COP

*Please note these prices have changed multiple times since the park’s re-openinig, but the above should give you a general ballpark. These unfortunaly cannot be booked online in advance and need to be booked at the park.

Playa Brava

Playa Brava is a very secluded beach as it takes 3 hours to reach and most travelers aren’t “up to the task.” There, you’ll find a few camping options to choose from. You can book your accommodation in advance for Playa Brava by writing an email to this address: pbravatayrona@gmail.com

Castilletes and Cañaveral

Both these beaches have a basic campground where you can pitch your tent (or rent one) while enjoying a tranquil sea view, costing around COP$ 24-30,000.

Considering the number of visitors Parque Tayrona receives, it can be difficult to find accommodations without booking in advance.

Pro tip: If you are visiting during high season, try and book your accommodations in advance (even your hammock!) to ensure they have a place to sleep.

As such, many travelers opt to spend the night in areas outside of the park, but still nearby. The closest hostel to the park is The Dreamer Santa Marta, a great option for travelers that want to experience comfort without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for something more romantic, as well as relaxing, make sure to check out The Dreamer Palomino, located slightly further from the park.

If money is not an issue and you wish to remain within the park, look into renting a luxurious Ecohab, found on Cañaveral beach.

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Ecohab lodging, Tayrona National ParkEcohab huts

How Long Do You Need in Tayrona National Park?

This completely depends on what type of traveler you are and how much time you have. The Park is massive and many travelers enjoy spending up to a week exploring its beatuy. However, we realize that for many travelers, visiting Parque Tayrona is just one part of their trip through Colombia or South America.

Because of this, we have provided two itineraries you can easily download (or screenshot to your phone for offline use) depending on the length of your adventure. If you only have 1 day, Tayrona Park is definitely still worth checking out. The below guide can help you make the most of your limited time.

If you have the ability to spend the night, our overnight itinerary can help provide the outline for a multi-day trip that you can supplement as you see fit depending on the type of activities you enjoy most with the info provided in the above guide. We hope you find them useful. Buen Viaje and have a great trip exporing Parque Tayrona!

What to bring (and what is not allowed)

Let’s start with the no no’s:

• No drugs or alcohol. You can buy beer at most restaurants and kiosks within the park, but you cant bring it in yourself (bag searches are not uncommon so venture at your own risk)
• No plastic bags
• No drones. Like many national parks, unless you have special permission provided by the main office of Tayrona National Park. If you do want to bring one, make sure it is small and can be disguised
• No instruments
• No surfboards

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Packing list

Below is a pretty comprehensive list of what you will need for your adventure into Tayrona Park in order to stay as comfortable and safe as possible. Nobody wants to be soaking wet covered head to toe in mosquito bites because they decided to “wing it.” If you are only planning on doing a day trip, check here for a more specific itinerary on how to best prepare

• Required: passport, health insurance card, cash (there are no ATMs in the park)
• Comfortable shoes for hiking
• Flipflops
• Bathing suit
• Reusable water bottle
• Warmer clothes if you’re sleeping in an exposed hammock or camping - it can get chilly at night!
• Light, long-sleeved shirts to keep the bugs at bay (linen is a good material for this)
• Sun protection - sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Rain jacket if visiting during rainy season
• Mosquito repellent and allergy medication if you react badly to bites
• Snacks like cereal/granola, fruit and canned food
• Headlamp or flashlight (useful when camping!)
• Toilet paper and personal hygiene products
• Dry Sack or ziplocks to keep possessions dry

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Map of Tayrona National Park

Covering a 35 km long stretch from Taganga to Castilletes Beach, Tayrona National park encapsulates some of South America's most pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery, reaching inland up to 900 meters in the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range.

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FAQ

COVID Safety Protocols for Tayrona

With the re-opening of Tayrona, there are a number of new biosafety protocols to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and the indigenous peoples. As we have all learned during this pandemic things can often change very quickly. Some of the measures listed below may no longer be required, or may be stopped for a period of time before being reinstated once again based on COVID case numbers, new variants etc. So in general, its best to be prepared and not caught off guard!

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Safety Protocols that you may be subject to include:

• Completing a health questionnaire
• Having your temperature checked and you will need to disinfect your hands and shoes. There are other points around the park where you may be asked to have your temperature taken and/or disinfect your hands and shoes.
• Wearing a mask while in public areas.
• Maintaining a 2-meter distance from others.
• Washing your hands frequently.
• Following any other instructions from park rangers and personnel.
• There may be a more strict limit to the number of people allowed in the park each day.

You will also likely need to purchase mandatory medical emergency and evacuation insurance for each day you plan to be in the park. (prices may have changed but were ~5000 pesos per day and offers coverage for up to 30 million pesos (about 10,000 USD) of coverage. You can do this directly in the park. While there may be tour operators outside the entrance selling the insurance, there is no point in risking buying fake insurance when you can just buy it at the park ticket booth.

*Speaking of insurance. It’s a good idea to get it for your entire trip to Colombia, not just the mandatory insurance to enter the park. The company I used for my trip around the world, along with many of my friends is Insured Nomads. While there are other older companies that provide travel insurance, this is a new company with a great app, website, a great support team, and an easy claim submission process. I have no affiliation with them other than I have personally used them and think it is a great product.

Final Tips for Visiting Tayrona National Park

There’s only so much you can do to prepare for a trip to Parque Tayrona. Part of the fun is embracing what comes your way, without planning every detail. That said, here are a few final tips for you before you embark on your journey:

• Do you need a Yellow Fever Vaccine? While you do not need one to enter the country, to gain entrance into Parque Tayrona you will likely be asked to show proof of a vaccine.  Before you travel to Colombia, check the Colombian Ministry of Health website and Colombia’s National Tourism Site for the most up-to-date info.
• Should you bring food into the park? Consider bringing your own snacks into the park. While there are restaurants, they tend to be pricey.

• Are you traveling during high season? We highly recommend that you Buy your entry to the park in advance.

• Are you traveling with a large bag? You can store it at the main entrance of the park for COP$10.00 / day or at The Dreamer free of charge. Whatever you do, try to travel light as you explore the park!

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@backpackersteve@backpackersteve

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If you are planning on exploring Parque Tayrona and decide to stay outside the park, both Dreamer Santa Marta or Dreamer Palomino are great options. They have a pool, restaurant, bar and comfortable rooms making it an excellent option to relax and unwind before or after your trip. With partnerships with the top tour providers, they can help organize and plan your trip to the park and surrounding areas including The Lost City Trek, Scuba Diving, Cabo de la Vela & Punta Gallinas

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If you're traveling to other parts of Colombia, don't forget to check out our award-winning locations at our San Andres Dreamer Beach Club and Casa Dreamer in Bogota, as well as our brand new location at our incredible Cocora Valley finca! (just 5-min outside of Salento on a gorgeous farm)

For more information on activities or tours or general questions about the area, don’t hesitate to give us a shout!

Use code DREAMERLIFE for a 15% discount at any of our properties. Wherever your journey takes you, we hope you enjoy visiting our beautiful country of Colombia!

With Love,
Dreamer

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