Tayrona National Park Travel Guide: Explore Colombia’s Coastal Jungle

Located on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Natural Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona) is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse destinations in South America. With its unique combination of lush tropical forest, secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and snow-capped mountain backdrops, Tayrona offers something for every kind of traveler — whether you’re a hiker, beach lover, wildlife enthusiast, or cultural explorer.
 

Covering more than 150 square kilometers, Tayrona is a protected natural reserve that forms part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta foothills, one of the world’s most ecologically diverse regions.

📍 Where is Tayrona National Park?

Country: Colombia

Region: Caribbean Coast

Department: Magdalena

Nearest City: Santa Marta (34 km away)

Main Entrances: El Zaino (main), Calabazo, and Palangana

✈️ How to Get to Tayrona National Park

By Air

Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta.

Domestic flights are available from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.

By Bus or Taxi

From Santa Marta: 1-hour bus or taxi ride to the El Zaino entrance.

From Cartagena: 4-5 hour drive along the Caribbean coast.

Tip: Most travelers stay in Santa Marta or Taganga and make day trips or overnight visits into the park.

🏖️ Why Visit Tayrona National Park?

Unspoiled Beaches: Palm-fringed shores like Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal.

Hiking Trails: Scenic jungle treks and coastal routes.

Biodiversity: Home to howler monkeys, toucans, jaguars, and over 300 bird species.

Cultural Significance: Sacred ancestral lands of the Indigenous Kogi people.

Eco-tourism: Sustainable lodges, camping, and eco-adventures.

🛤️ Main Entrances to Tayrona National Park

1. El Zaino Entrance (Most Popular)

Access to main beaches and trails.

Services: ticket office, restrooms, guides, food stalls.

2. Calabazo Entrance

Quieter route, ideal for serious hikers.

Access to the Pueblito ruins and Cabo San Juan via longer trails.

3. Palangana Entrance

Leads to Playa Cristal and the eastern coast by boat or road.

Great for those seeking less hiking and more beach time.

🌴 Top Things to Do in Tayrona National Park

1. Hike to Cabo San Juan del Guía

The park’s most iconic beach, featuring a scenic campsite and lookout tower.

2-3 hour hike from El Zaino through lush jungle, past beaches like Arrecifes and La Piscina.

Ideal for swimming, photography, and camping under the stars.

2. Swim and Snorkel at La Piscina

As the name suggests ("The Pool"), this is one of the safest places to swim due to its natural rock barrier.

Great for snorkeling with clear water and calm tides.

3. Explore Playa Cristal

One of the most stunning beaches in Colombia.

Accessible via boat from Taganga or the Palangana entrance.

Limited daily access preserves its pristine condition — arrive early!

4. Visit the Ancient City of Pueblito

A mini version of Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City), this archaeological site was once home to the Tairona civilization.

Reachable via a strenuous hike from Cabo San Juan (approx. 2.5 hours uphill).

Learn about the Indigenous Kogi culture and admire stone pathways and terraces.

5. Wildlife Watching

Keep your eyes peeled for:

Howler monkeys

Capuchin monkeys

Iguanas

Red squirrels

Over 300 species of birds

Endemic butterflies and reptiles

Tip: Sunrise and early morning hikes offer the best chances for wildlife encounters.

6. Scenic Hiking Trails

El Zaino to Cabo San Juan: Moderate, 2-3 hours.

Calabazo to Pueblito: Challenging, 3-4 hours.

Circular trails connecting beaches and forests.

Bring: Good hiking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water.

7. Relax in Hammocks at Cabo San Juan

Stay overnight in rustic palm-thatched huts or sleep in hammocks by the beach.

Wake up to ocean views and the sounds of the jungle.

Limited availability — reserve early if visiting in high season.

🛌 Where to Stay in and Around Tayrona National Park

🏕️ Inside the Park

Cabo San Juan Camping

Basic hammocks, tents, or private huts

Shared bathrooms, basic restaurant

Ecohabs Tayrona

Luxury eco-lodges managed by Aviatur

Located near Cañaveral Beach

Comfortable cabins with terraces overlooking the ocean

Arrecifes Area

Campsites and eco-lodges available

Swimming is prohibited due to strong currents, but beautiful for sunset and photos

🏨 Outside the Park

Santa Marta

Best range of hotels and hostels

Great for day trips

El Zaino / Los Naranjos

Eco-lodges and boutique hotels just outside the park entrance

Quieter, nature-focused stays

Recommended:

Senda Koguiwa

Villa Playa Tayrona

EcoHostal Yachay

🍽️ Food & Dining in Tayrona

Inside the park:

Cabo San Juan has a basic restaurant serving fresh fish, rice, and fruit juices.

Small kiosks sell snacks, coconut water, and empanadas along the trails.

Outside the park:

Try Colombian Caribbean cuisine in Los Naranjos or Santa Marta.

Dishes include:

Fried fish with coconut rice and patacones

Arepas de huevo

Tropical fruit smoothies

💰 Entrance Fees (as of 2024)

Foreigners: ~$16 USD (high season), ~$13 USD (low season)

Colombian nationals: ~$5–6 USD

Insurance Fee: ~$1 USD mandatory (covers accidents during the visit)

Free for children under 5 and seniors over 65

📅 Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park

Dry Season (Best Time): December to April

Wet Season: May to November (trails may get muddy but fewer tourists)

Park Closures:

Typically closed during parts of February, June, and October to allow environmental recovery and respect for Indigenous traditions

Check official park website for the latest dates.

🧳 What to Pack for Tayrona

Lightweight, breathable clothing

Hiking shoes or good walking sandals

Swimwear and towel

Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent

Reusable water bottle (no plastic bottles allowed)

Flashlight/headlamp (if camping)

Cash — no ATMs inside the park

🧘 Travel Tips & Important Notes

Respect the environment: No littering, no loud music, no smoking

No drones allowed unless permitted

No plastic bags or single-use plastics

Be mindful of Indigenous sacred areas and follow trail signs

Reservations for accommodation inside the park are strongly recommended in peak season

Travel with travel insurance, especially if doing hikes or water activities

🗺️ Sample 3-Day Itinerary

🏞️ Day 1: Arrival + Hike to Cabo San Juan

Enter via El Zaino

Hike past Arrecifes and La Piscina

Arrive at Cabo San Juan, relax on the beach

Overnight in hammock

🌅 Day 2: Pueblito & Beach Day

Morning hike to Pueblito archaeological site

Return to Cabo San Juan or explore other beaches

Sunset from the lookout tower

Second night in the park or exit to hotel outside

🐒 Day 3: Wildlife + Playa Cristal

Exit park in the morning

Boat trip to Playa Cristal

Afternoon snorkeling and lunch on the beach

Return to Santa Marta

🌟 Final Thoughts: Is Tayrona National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Tayrona National Park is Colombia’s crown jewel for nature and adventure lovers. It’s where the jungle meets the sea, where Indigenous heritage lives on, and where travelers can escape into a world of untouched beauty, serenity, and biodiversity.

Whether you’re hiking to ancient ruins, swimming in turquoise waters, or spotting monkeys in the trees, Tayrona offers an unforgettable experience that captures the soul of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.