The Utimate Guide To Tayrona National Park
You’ve probably heard about Colombia’s most beautiful park, Tayrona National Park. Sometimes only referred to as El Tayrona, this park has recently gained popularity as tourism in Colombia increased due to its beautiful beaches and gorgeous nature.
Visiting the park isn’t necessarily easy. It involves flying to a coastal city such as Cartagena or Santa Marta, taking the bus to the closest town or a nearby hotel or hostel, and then walking a couple of hours to arrive at the desired destination inside the park.
However, it is absolutely worth it! Walking through the jungle and beach hopping will be one of the most memorable experiences to have in Colombia. In my opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit in the country.
After having the most fantastic time nearby in Minca, Colombia, I set off to hike Tayrona National Park with some friends I made at Minca. It was an incredible time inside the park, and I highly recommend you visit.
Visiting can be a bit confusing, so in this Guide to Tayrona National Park, I will give you all the information you need to visit this unique park.
Table of Contents
The Ultimate Guide To Tayrona National Park
Where is Tayrona National Park?
Tayrona Nationa Park is in Magdalena’s department (state) on the Caribbean seaside. It’s only 34 km away from Santa Marta, a major city along the coast and where you can fly into.
Santa Marta is characterized by the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest mountain in the world closest to the coast. This habitat has various living species, and these jungles in the mountains are exciting to explore.
The park, only an hour away, encompasses a vast jungle area (150 square km/58 sq mi), and only a tiny portion will be explored.
History of the Park
The park was declared a National Park on April 24, 1964, to help guarantee the reserve and conservation of the ecosystem. In 1969, 15,000 hectares and 4,500 marinas were declared part of the park because of their biological and archeological value.
Why Visit Tayrona National Park?
Tayrona National Park is perfect for nature lovers, hikers, and beach lovers. You can find a natural paradise that offers gorgeous beaches, you can run into living species such as monkeys, and you will be immersed in a jungle paradise with unique landscapes.
It’s for people who love exploring and hiking. Not only can you hike, but you can camp and stay in a tent or on a hammock when visiting the park.
The hike itself is a relatively easy flat trail that’s clearly marked. At some points, the path will have wooden planks, and you’ll pass a small stream, but it’s not hard at all. The only difficulty is the heat and humidity, so take water.
You’ll pass gorgeous beaches, a dense forest and jungle, coconut trees, sandy terrain, and more along the way. It’s a hike with a large diversity of landscapes, flora, and fauna.
Here is what you can expect to see:
Flora and Fauna
Tayrona National Park is unique because it has over 770 plant species and over 350 types of algae. You can find a variety of flowers, including the national flower and the orchid. It has a tropical landscape with white beaches, a rocky coastline, and coral formations. However, you also find lagoons and mangroves in the park.
Regarding fauna, Tayrona Nationa Park is blessed with nearly 400 bird species and almost 60 species of mammals. The diversity of this area is incredible. Some birds in the area are the vultures, macaws, condors, and falcons.
Mammals include cat species such as the puma, tigrillo, ocelot, and the jaguar. You can also see different types of monkeys, sloths, deer, anteaters, red deer, and over forty varieties of bats.
Over 1,000 marine species, such as crustaceans, sea turtles, dolphins, algae, and corals.
Note that there are over 31 reptile species and over 15 amphibians. You might see iguanas, poison-dart frogs, and even boa constrictors. Although not likely you’ll see one, there is a possibility of a cayman sighting. Cayman are alligator-type reptiles found in certain parts of the park.
Don’t worry; none of these animals are likely to hurt you. However, if you encounter one, they’ll likely want to get away from you.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
Beaches in Tayrona
If you enter through the Zaino entrance, you will encounter seven beaches as you walk through the jungle. They are all stunning! However, note that many of the beaches in Tayrona have strong currents and are unsafe to swim in. Therefore, you’ll see the majority of them have a red flag that signifies their danger.
These are the beaches:
Castilletes Beach: This beach is closest to the entrance and is not along the trail, so it’s easy to miss. It has a long stretch of sand and is perfect for sunbathing.
Cañaveral Beach: This beach is also not along the trail but also has a long stretch of sand. You can find the luxurious ecohabs here. Make sure to reserve them ahead of time.
Arrecifes Beach: Arrecifes beach is the first one you’ll pass along your hike into the park. It has a long stretch of sand but also unsafe water to swim in. This beach is best for sunbathing. There are a few campsites nearby, but none on the beach itself.
La Piscina: This beach is a gorgeous one and safe to swim. It has fewer crowds too. There is an excellent spot for snorkeling.
Cabo San Juan: Cabo San Juan is the most popular beach inside Tayrona National Park because of the double-mirror viewpoint. The beach is also nicer, safer to swim in, and surrounded by beautiful palm trees. There are many tents and hammocks, including the popular gazebo with hammocks.
Punta Piedra & Playa Nudista: These two less-visited beaches are further into the jungle and away from Cabo San Juan. They are great if you want to escape the crowds and get nude.
If you enter from the Calabazo entrance, you have more remote beaches that tourists hardly touch. Only 300 visitors are allowed through the other entrances, so imagine how beautiful and well-kept these beaches must be.
Park Hours & Other Information
Park hours are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Therefore, if you decide to do a day visit, you have to make sure to walk out before it closes. During the high season, making your reservations in advance is best because the hammocks, tents, and cabins fill up. You don’t want to arrive and not be able to visit.
Inside the park, there are showers. You can use them after swimming in the beach or freshen up from the jungle heat.
Swimming is only allowed until 6 pm, and some areas are unsafe for swimming. You also can’t take in alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons, surfboards, pets, or loud music.
Some forbidden activities on the beach include building fires, burning trash, cutting down trees, capturing animals, throwing cigarette butts, and using drugs. However, this is a National Park, and Colombia wants to protect it as best as possible.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
Prices for Tayrona National Park
Colombia as a whole is a cheap country to visit if you’re coming from a decent-paying country. However, Tayrona National Park is one of the priciest areas to visit in the country. Backpackers don’t find it budget-friendly. However, it is definitely worth a visit.
In recent years, prices have gone up quite a bit. For example, I paid 60,000 COP in early 2021. You can purchase your tickets at the Zaino entrance; they now take credit cards. However, carry enough cash when you visit the park and take your passport because you will be asked for it upon purchase.
You will get a wristband as proof of purchase, allowing you to move throughout the park. There is not a limited number of days, so if you want to stay a day, or two, or more, that’s fine. You just can’t use it as a re-entry.
Other fees to be aware of include insurance, transportation inside the park, and camping fees.
The 5,000 COP insurance fee is pretty much mandatory even if you already travel with traveler’s insurance.
As you enter the park, there is a van parked on the side. This van transports people on a 4km paved road to the beginning of the trail you will be hiking, which is ten minutes away. The cost is 5,000 COP, and it saves you from wasting time and energy to get to the trail entrance. Unless, of course, you are on a very tight budget and are willing to walk an extra 45 minutes.
Discounts
Discounts are only for seniors over 65 years old. Colombian nationals only pay 25,000 COP, and children under four enter for free.
Yellow Fever Vaccine
Asking for the yellow fever vaccine became a requirement in April of 2017. However, no one in Colombia ever told me they were asked for it upon entering, and neither was I.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
When to Visit
Tayrona is known to have massive crowds, so it’s essential to plan accordingly if you prefer fewer people.
The best time to go is during the dry season, which is December and January, but it also happens to be their highest season. During this time, arriving early is essential to get a good camp spot.
Also, be aware that in Colombia, holidays and weekends get crowded too because Colombians don’t miss a chance to travel on their days off. If it’s possible, visit during the week.
Although the rainy months are May-July and September-October, don’t let that keep you away. Rain in Colombia usually lasts a short time and falls in the late afternoon.
The climate is tropical humid, with average temperatures between 25 and 38 ° C.
Be aware that the park sometimes closes down for a few weeks throughout the year and sometimes all month in February. In February, it closes in an effort to conserve the park’s ecosystem, so the flora and fauna to replenish after the high season crowds in December and January.
There is also a closure due to ceremonies and cleansing rituals practiced by the indigenous groups who call this territory home. Make sure to check online for any closures before visiting so you won’t be disappointed if you make plans.
How Many Nights do you Need?
I recommend at least staying one night to make the high entry price worthwhile. But if you have time, visit two.
If you go for a day trip, consider the time it will take to arrive at the park entrance from your hotel, the two hours to hike to Cabo San Juan Beach, the two hours to back hike out, and the ride back to where you will spend the night. That’s too much time wasted for a day trip.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
How to get there?
You’ll most likely arrive in Santa Marta by flight. You have the choice of staying in the city or a hotel or hostel along the main road towards the park.
If you stay in Santa Marta, the entrance to the park is 32 km away and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to arrive.
There are two park entrances, El Zaíno and Calabazo. The most visited and popular of the two is El Zaíno (32 km from Santa Marta). The Zaino entrance is close to Palomino. The Calabazo entrance is closer to Santa Marta.
The Zaíno entrance allows you to visit and reach Cañaveral, Arrecifes, Cabo de San Juan, Pueblito, and other beaches. It has more to do and places to stay.
The second entrance, Palangana, is along the Caribbean main road. In this area, visitors can reach Gayraca, Neguanje, Playa del Muerto, “crystal beach”. However, it’s only for day trips because there is no accommodation. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent place for diving, especially if you visit Isla Aguja (Aguja Island) nearby.
However, the distance will be much shorter if you stay in a hotel or hostel between Santa Marta and Riohacha. I recommend staying at one of the hostels or hotels in this area as it’s become a popular area to spend a couple of days in the jungle. The hostels are a vibe and an experience to have in Colombia.
The Zaíno entrance allows you to visit and reach Cañaveral, Arrecifes, Cabo de San Juan de Guía and Pueblito.
The second entrance, Palangana, is along the Caribbean main road on kilometer 5. In this area, visitors can reach Gayraca, Neguanje, Playa del Muerto, “crystal beach”. However, you can only spend the day because there is no accommodation. However, if you are a diver, you can visit this part of the park and Isla Aguja (Aguja Island) just off the coast to see more sea life.
Getting there from Santa Marta
If you are coming directly from Santa Marta, head to the busy Central Market on Calle 11 and Carrera 11 (also on Calle 11 & Carrera 9). The bus departs every 30 minutes or when full, starting at 6 am. Inform the driver you want to be dropped off at the Zaino entrance of Tayrona.
I recommend having offline Google Maps, so you know when you’re approaching your stop. There may or may not be other people getting off, and the driver may or may not announce the stop out loud. Unfortunately, I missed my visit when I went and had to cross the road to take the bus going back to Santa Marta.
Taking this bus option will cost 8.000 COP for an hour ride.
You also go to the official bus terminal on the outskirts of Santa Marta. This bus ride works the same way as above. But, again, inform the driver where you’ll get off.
Lastly, the other option is to have your hotel or hostel arrange for a shuttle or private driver to take you. This option will be a lot more costly, though. I recommend budget travelers take the bus instead. If you take a private driver, you can split the cost with friends.
Moto-taxi, bus, or private transportation from the main road
If you are staying in a hostel or hotel between Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park, or between Riohacha and Tayrona, you can take a moto-taxi or catch the bus mentioned above from the side of the road.
All you need to do is hold out your hand so the bus can stop for you. If you aren’t used to this, welcome to Colombia! It might feel weird at first, but this is how you do bus riding in some parts of Colombia.
The price will depend on how far you are from the entrance. You’ll pay anywhere from 2,000 COP to 8,000 COP.
If you are less than a half-hour from the entrance, you can take a moto-taxi instead. Moto taxis are random strangers on motorcycles giving rides to people from town to town. This option is a bit scary at first, requiring trusting a stranger to get you to your destination safely.
To be honest, I was initially hesitant, but I chose to trust one in Minca and decided to trust here too when going to my hostels. Some official ones have a company name on their shirt, but I rarely saw those.
If you aren’t afraid, this is a great option that only costs 1,000-5,000 COP (or more) depending on how far you are.
Lastly, a private vehicle can be reserved ahead of time, but this will most likely only be available in the bigger town of Palomino or the big city of Riohacha. Prices will be steeper at around 50,000 COP or more.
Boat from Taganga
If you find yourself in Taganga, a popular spot to go diving and to party, you can take a speedboat. Taganga is only 15 minutes from Santa Marta, but due to its geographic location, speedboats can take you directly to Cabo San Juan beach instead of the entrance. This ride is 50,000 COP one way and takes about 45 minutes. They leave at 10 am, and the last boat returns around 4 pm.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
Where to stay
Staying inside the park is the most popular option since day-tripping is not worth it. However, remember that during high season, it’s essential to arrive early at the entrance or try booking ahead of time.
You have three accommodation options: a hammock, a tent, or a stay at the only hotel, Ecohabs, near the Cañaveral sector. Unfortunately, no other hotel exists, no matter what you read online. Only a few cabins at some camps, but not hotels.
However, there are three close ones outside the entrance. They are; Ecohotels Yachay Tayrona, Hotel Jasayma Tayrona, and Ecohabs Bamboo Tayrona.
When you check hotels online, they normally come up in the location of Zaino. Many of these hotels are technically inside Tayrona National Park (remember it encompasses a vast area), but they aren’t part of the area where you hike, explore, and enter at the park entrance.
Depending on your budget, you can choose the best option for you.
Before reaching the ticket booth and entrance, you’ll find a few informational booths near the main road. Before entering the park, these people reserve a spot for you for the hammocks, tents, and Ecohabs.
Your other option is to enter the park, arrive at the campsite, and hope there are spots available. But, again, they are first-come, first-serve.
When I visited, I didn’t want to risk not having a place to sleep. So, I reserved and paid for my hammock at the booths by the road, which can only be paid in cash. So I was a bit skeptical, but it turns out they reserve for you and notify the camp. In addition, they give you a bracelet for proof of purchase.
Which Accommodation to Choose
It’s best to know where you want to stay before entering the park. The camping hubs are spread out and located on different beaches inside the park. Some are less crowded than others but don’t have great beaches. They all have toilets, showers, and a restaurant.
Here’s a breakdown of each campsite to help you decide:
Castilletes Campsite: This campsite is only 45 minutes into the park and the only one you can get to by asking the shuttle to drop you off on the trail leading to it. This is a much cheaper campsite but one of the nicest. It’s also much more peaceful and quiet. It counts with a restaurant, showers, toilets, and even wifi. You can book online for the main campsite in advance – check availability and prices here.
Don Pedro Campsite: You can find this campsite an hour into your hike from the entrance. It’s convenient for travelers who want to stay close to the exit and venture into the jungle a little more. It counts with a kitchen, toilets, showers, tents, and hammocks. Two things to note are it’s not on the beach. First, it’s a 10-minute walk away. Second, the beach is not safe for swimming.
Arrecife: The campsites near Arrecife Beach are a little confusing because there is not much information about them when you enter the park. They aren’t offered, yet you walk past tents and hammocks on your hike into the park. These campsites aren’t on the beach itself, but very close by. They are less crowded too. However, the beach also isn’t the safest to swim in. You can however reserve here or here: book cabins at Arrecife.
Cabo San Juan: This is the most popular campsite and the furthest into the jungle, taking two hours to arrive. It has a great beach that is safe for swimming. I highly recommend reserving ahead of time if possible or arriving early at the park entrance and purchasing your accommodation at the booths along the road.
In March of 2021, I paid 60,000 COP to stay on the hammocks on the gazebo that come with a view. These can be reserved ahead of time via their Facebook page or via their WhatsApp.
Side note: WhatsApp is one of the main ways to do business in Colombia. I suggest you download the App and connect it to your phone number. While living in Colombia, I almost always reserved my tours via the App, and then they’d ask me to pay via a Colombian bank.
I didn’t have a Colombian bank account, so I usually had a local friend pay it for me, and then I’d pay them back in cash. However, transfers can be made at the bank and directly through their ATMs, too, so it can be an option if you decide to pay beforehand.
Ecohabs: Ecohabs are the most luxurious type of accommodation inside Tayrona National Park. They are not for camping; instead, they are hotel stays located at Cañaveral beach. They are situated on a hill surrounded by lots of nature and great views of the Caribbean Sea. If you can afford to splurge, this is an excellent option.
hammock vs. tent
The next step is to choose between a tent or a hammock. I will give you my insights on both.
In Cabo San Juan, I chose a hammock on the gazebo next to the beach because it sounded so adventurous to sleep outdoors on a hammock. First, however, let me share my honest experience.
Sleeping in the hammock itself was not uncomfortable. However, the hammocks were large and had a breeze coming by. Unfortunately, the breeze was a little too much, making it a challenging experience for me.
The wind was so strong that it made the night very chilly. My group and I were so cold that we hardly got any sleep. Perhaps I would have had a better experience if I had known to take something warm to sleep in or a small blanket.
On the bright side, we experienced an incredible sunset and sunrise from our hammocks, and the mosquitos weren’t present due to the wind. If I went back, I’d probably choose this option again.
The other option in Cabo San Juan is the hammocks on the sand. These come with mosquito nets, but we all know mosquitos are little suckers who find their way to make a meal out of you.
These cheaper hammocks are under an open structure that sleeps about 50 people, and the hammocks hang next to each other in rows.
Your next option is an already set up tent. I did not go with this option because I visited during the pandemic days when Covid was high. I did not want to use mats or sleeping bags shared by other people. It sound like a clean option, especially during that season of the virus.
However, if I had stayed two nights, I would have chosen this choice because it’s more comfortable than sleeping on a hammock two days in a row.
Lastly, you can take your own tent and pay less. You can only set it up at the official campsite, not just anywhere inside the park. But then again, I’m guessing most of you aren’t traveling with a tent.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
Staying outside the Park
As mentioned before, I recommend staying inside the park, or else you will spend most of your time hiking into the park and out if you don’t stay overnight.
However, I recommend staying between Santa Marta and Tayrona Park to Riohacha a couple of days or more before you visit Tayrona.
Staying along this road has become a “thing” and is a popular option in Colombia due to the incredible hostels and hotels that have opened up.
These hotels, hostels, and lodges compete with each other and have been designed to have the best pools, mountain views, or parties and retreats. You seriously have to check them out! They are a vibe.
I’ve stayed at a couple of them and have absolutely loved them. I can’t wait to go back one day to check out more of them. Hostel hopping is ideal here and I recommend you add it to your list of thing to do in Colombia.
Some of these accommodations are right outside the park, and some are a bit further down the road.
Here are some of the best and more popular places to stay:
- Viajero Hostel Tayrona: Hands down the best pool in a hostel. It feels more like a resort. I stayed and loved it.
- Costeno Beach: Another amazing pool! I’ve heard great things about it.
- The Journey Hostel: It has an incredible view of the Santa Marta mountains.
- Origen Hostel: The most peaceful vibe and amazing pool. I stayed here when it was new. Loved it.
- Bohemia Beach Hostel: A perfect place for enjoying the beach and mountains.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
What to take
You only want to take the necessary items to Tayrona National Park because you’ll be hiking and don’t want to carry all your belongings with you. Therefore, I recommend leaving your things behind at your accommodation. The hostels and hotels are aware of this, and they will gladly hold your stuff.
Only pack a small backpack with the necessary things. Don’t struggle like the couple I met who took their large 65-liter backpacks and daypack through the jungle. This hike is hot, humid, and long. Don’t do it.
Also, there will be valuables you’ll need to take with you, such as your phone, money, passport, and camera. Make sure to keep an eye on them and not leave them unattended. Many people are at the park, and you don’t want your stuff to go missing. The hammocks at the gazebo in Cabo San Juan are the only place with lockers.
If you don’t trust leaving your stuff on the sand while swimming, you can take a waterproof bag to put your valuables and take it with you.
Here is what I recommend taking:
- Daypack: To carry all the following items in.
- Swimsuit/Beach wear: Enjoy the beach!
- Sunglasses: You’ll be in the sun.
- Passport: You will need it to enter the park.
- Hat: to protect yourself from the sun.
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellant: Protect your skin and keep mosquitos away.
- Raincoat or poncho: This helps if you go during the rainy season.
- Walking shoes/Sandals: You don’t need bulky hiking shoes. Regular sneakers will work fine, and sandals are best for the beach.
- Head Torch: You will need it to go to the toilet at night.
- Warm Clothes: It gets cold on the hammocks.
- Travel Towel: This is an essential item for backpacking.
- Portable Charger: There are a few charging ports at the campsites, but you aren’t guaranteed a spot. Plus, the electricity is shut down at 10 pm and back at 6 am. So it’s best to always travel with a portable charger.
- Cash: There are no ATMs in the park, nor in the towns from Santa Marta to Riohacha (just one in Palomino). You’ll need cash to eat inside and pay for the accommodation, the shuttle, and anything else.
- Lock: Keep your belongings safe in your backpack. Cabo San Juan has lockers.
- Toilet Paper: Don’t expect the bathrooms to have any available. Instead, go prepared.
- Hand Sanitizer: There are restaurants on-site but no place to wash your hands.
- Toiletries: Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and basic personal needs.
- Medication: There are no stores or pharmacies in the park. Take what you need.
- A Book: There is no wifi and limited cell coverage for most carriers.
- Waterbag: If you don’t trust leaving your valuables on the sand while swimming.
- Filter Waterbottle: These are great in reducing plastic waste.
Remember to pack light and smart. You don’t need a lot of extra clothes if you stay the night. And it’s okay to wear the same shorts and shirt two days a row. Just take what is absolutely necessary.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
Where to eat and drink
Surprisingly, there are few options for eating and drinking inside the park. However, they aren’t cheap compared to most regions in Colombia. If I remember correctly, a sit-down meal cost us over 20,000 COP. You can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner; note that they are served at regular meal times. The kitchens shut down in between those hours.
The lines tend to get long, so try to arrive early to ensure they have what you want to order. You won’t have an extensive menu; you’ll have to choose from what’s available. If you are vegan, my friends had no problem selecting an option. To be honest, I don’t remember what was on the menu, but I do remember eating pasta.
A cheaper and more budget-friendly option will be to pack some sandwiches, snacks, fruits, and drinks before entering the park.
There are also a few small food and snack stands along the trail, which is more budget-friendly. We bought an arepa rellena (filled arepa). They were delicious!
You can also find water, beer, Gatorade, and other beverages. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking water. If you want to reduce your plastic waste, you can take an already filled refillable water bottle.
Total spent
As mentioned previously, Tayrona National Park was probably one of the places I spent a little more in Colombia. Prices have increased in recent years due to its popularity, and after the pandemic and the 2022 inflation, you can expect them to increase.
Here’s the breakdown of what I approximately spent: (I didn’t eat all my meals inside, just a lunch, a dinner, and a snack on the way out.)
- Entrance Fee/Ticket: 60,000 COP
- Mandatory Insurance: 5,000 COP
- Shuttle to the Trail: 5,000 COP
- Lunch on the way in 20,000 COP
- Campsite at Cabo San Juan: 60,000 COP
- Beer: 6,000 COP
- Dinner: 20,000 COP
- Day 2: Snack while hiking out: 8,000 COP (Arepas Rellenas)
- Water: maybe 5,000 COP
- Shuttle Out: 5,000 COP
Total: 194,000 COP- 50 USD (or more for small things I might not remember)
Remember that you’ll probably need to stay in a hostel or hotel near the park the day before and perhaps after. These hostels and hotels have become so popular that paying $20-40 USD (or more) a night for a hostel bed in a shared room is not surprising. The price is even higher for a private room in a hostel or hotel stay. Also, don’t forget to add transportation costs to and from the park to your hostel.
Guide to Tayrona National Park
How to take care of the park
Let’s not forget how important it is to take care of Tayrona National Park. The best way to do this is to carry out your trash, which goes for any place in nature. Take your seeds, waste, peels, and other trash with you. This will help minimize the park’s waste and protect wildlife and flora from being affected.
Remember to refrain from feeding animals food. Human food affects wildlife behavior and hurts them in the long run. Take pictures of the monkeys and any animal you encounter, but please don’t feed it.
There are also rules in place that help protect the park that we should follow to avoid disrupting the natural area. For example, cutting down trees, starting campfires, throwing cigarette butts, bringing in drugs and alcohol, and even loud music devices are prohibited.
Some of those make sense, and some sound stupid. However, even the noise level disrupts animal behavior.
Lastly, remember this protected area belongs to 4 indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Some parts of the park have forbidden entry because it belongs to them and is their private property. Be respectful of this.
Archeology and Indigenous Communities
Inside the park, archaeological ruins represent the Tayrona tribes that occupied the park pre-Colombian times. However, you still find indigenous communities living in the park.
There are four ethnic groups in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. They are Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo. They have sacred sites that are to be respected.
There is also a large number of Afro-Colombians and mestizos living in the areas around the park who depend on tourism, agriculture, livestock, and fishing. These communities make up the entirety of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta.
El Pueblito and Nueve Piedras
If you stay extra days at the park, you can hike to El Pueblito, a 500-year-old village about 4 hours from Cabo San Juan. The hike is easy and goes into the jungle. You don’t need to worry about the trail because there are signs along the way. You can also hike to Nueve Piedras (Nine Stones), snorkel at La Piscina, or ride horseback.
Overall Thoughts About Tayrona National Park
I loved it! I thought this was one of the most beautiful places in Colombia in terms of nature. The beaches are lovely too. Despite the mixed emotions about sleeping on a hammock, it was nice to live a new experience.
Luckily, I got to experience this park with nearly no people in the park during the pandemic. I’ve heard the complaints about how crowded it gets, but I didn’t get to experience this.
However, don’t let that steer you from visiting. Just plan accordingly and go ready to experience it as is. I remind myself that a place is famous for a reason, and we aren’t the only ones trying to see it.
So, instead, relax, enjoy, and do your best to treat the park respectfully so we can avoid causing more damage to beautiful ecosystems such as this one.
I hope this Guide to Tayrona National Park helped you plan for your trip to the park. If you visit and have seen price increases or changes, feel free to let me know in the comments so I can update this post.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
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