Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona on Postcard

"Go for Afro-Colombian heritage, dazzling cruise routes, and cultural festivities. Celebrating its 500th anniversary, Santa Marta offers rich cultural experiences and access to stunning natural settings."

The Best Places to Go in Central & South America in 2025

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@afar

"Tayrona National Natural Park Tayrona National Natural Park has become such a popular destination during typical vacation periods that authorities have had to limit admission. But an off-season visit offers singular luxuries like miles of all-but-solitary beaches, jungle trails, and a unique way to observe a variety of monkeys and tropical birds in every brilliant hue. Tayrona can be experienced as a day trip from Santa Marta or as a several-night stay at one of the park’s accommodations. From the main entrance at Cañaveral (El Zaíno), visitors can take a leisurely hike to the ocean while a donkey handles the luggage; horses are also available for those who prefer not to walk. This same park entrance also leads directly to high-roofed, native-wood cabins known as ecohabs, a slightly fancier option for staying in the park. By Travesías"

The Perfect Week in Colombia

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@afar

"Tayrona National Natural Park Tayrona National Natural Park has become such a popular destination during typical vacation periods that authorities have had to limit admission. But an off-season visit offers singular luxuries like miles of all-but-solitary beaches, jungle trails, and a unique way to observe a variety of monkeys and tropical birds in every brilliant hue. Tayrona can be experienced as a day trip from Santa Marta or as a several-night stay at one of the park’s accommodations. From the main entrance at Cañaveral (El Zaíno), visitors can take a leisurely hike to the ocean while a donkey handles the luggage; horses are also available for those who prefer not to walk. This same park entrance also leads directly to high-roofed, native-wood cabins known as ecohabs, a slightly fancier option for staying in the park. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Barranquilla and Santa Marta

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@afar

"Tayrona National Natural Park Tayrona National Natural Park has become such a popular destination during typical vacation periods that authorities have had to limit admission. But an off-season visit offers singular luxuries like miles of all-but-solitary beaches, jungle trails, and a unique way to observe a variety of monkeys and tropical birds in every brilliant hue. Tayrona can be experienced as a day trip from Santa Marta or as a several-night stay at one of the park’s accommodations. From the main entrance at Cañaveral (El Zaíno), visitors can take a leisurely hike to the ocean while a donkey handles the luggage; horses are also available for those who prefer not to walk. This same park entrance also leads directly to high-roofed, native-wood cabins known as ecohabs, a slightly fancier option for staying in the park. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Colombia

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Olivia Kathryn

Google

We loved the hike/beaches here. We did the hike to the furthest beach. The hike is beautiful with palm trees, beaches, and animals along the way. We hiked in, spent some time on the beach, and hiked back in 4 hours. We were rushing a bit because we hired a taxi to wait for us, and we had gotten there later in the day. We only got 30 minutes on the beach. If I were to do it again, I'd take my time and spend more time at the beach. I'd say give yourself at least 6 hours to hike and spend time on the beach. There are many restaurants along the way on the beaches and in the jungle. There are also ice cream and water vendors along the way, in the jungle! The beaches are beautiful. It was wonderful, I would definitely recommend doing this.

MUSEUM HAUS

Google

A must experience when you are close to it. Busses go from the city of Santa Marta (9000 cop) and will you back from the park (until 18:00). There are multiple tracks and beaches to "discover". Before paying the entrance fee you have to buy an insurance (18000 cop), in a way it makes sense: there is a lot of climbing to do. There are also options to stay the night here (multiple campsites), it is worth it! A beautiful diverse part of Colombia.

Alec Turner

Google

The experience of the natural world you get here is up there with some of the best. The trees so big, covered in vines, and monkeys running around. The clear water beaches, sand blending into the jungle, fish, and mountain views. Would be 5 stars if it wasn’t for the prices. You have to pay entrance to things constantly that it takes away from it all- for the road, for the entry, for insurance, for hammocks (so expensive by the way!) etc. Then the food and drinks are overpriced too.

Jay BouncingPlaces (BOUNCINGPLACES)

Google

Today was an incredible journey hiking through the jungle seeing all the wildlife, trying to survive the heat on the way to Cabo San Juan beach as its the best one. Although, going to Tayrona from Santa Marta is possible you literally will get to the best beach and have like 1 hour before you need to head back. I would recommend staying a minimum 2 nights inside the park at one of the cool hotels or if you're on a budget walk down to the camping areas and be the first to the beach in the morning. You can also stay near the enterance at a hotel and catch the Tayrona bus on the side of the road for super cheap. Walking is an option but you'll want to save your energy for hiking in the park. Highly recommend you wear good hiking shoes but be prepared to get a little mud on them. Also,. take the bus to the drop-off point to begin your torturous hike from there. Bring up to 1 litre of water grabbing more water along the way at the vendors. There is also Popsicles. It will take a minimum of 2 hours and closer to 2.5-3 depending how often you stop for breaks. Do not race trying to get to the beach as I witnessed a few people passing out in front of me at lunch but luckily there are medical staff available. I had a delicious and fast lunch at Cabo San Juan. Pay at the window at the restaurant enterance and go find a table to chill at. I had a chicken, rice and salad. Don't forget to order a fresh fruit smoothie when you order your food. Prices were alright but not the cheapest as expected in the jungle. Cabo San Juan was basically 2 small beaches split in the middle. The farther one more busy. There is also a viewpoint to take in the views. Camping at various places was also available. I wouldn't leave past 3pm AT THE LATEST as it gets pitch black by 6pm. Please walk back or take the horses for $60000 foreigner price $50000 local price. Please follow @bouncingplaces on YOUTUBE as It helps support the channel so I can continue sharing amazing places like this to eat and fun adventures as I travel the world full time 🌎 🙏 See you in the next one! Keep on Bouncing Baby 😎❤️👍💯

Martina Ivanová

Google

Beautiful part of Colombia, one of my favorite places. Definitely deserves more than a day trip, spend the night in one of the camps (which you can book at the entrance) or the hammocks. Great clean beaches and wildlife. IG: _martinai

Meaghan Suhich

Google

We arrived at 7:30 and the line was short and very easy to get through. I saw a lot of reviews complaining but it wasn’t difficult at all. Show up early. We took the horses one way and hiked back. My friend is a vet and she felt like the horses looked really good and well taken care of so the reviews saying the animals are abused are false. The mules are smaller in nature. The fruit juices at playa piscina were delicious. Highly recommend this park.

Esmée

Google

I only walked the short route, but I found it quite tough! The park is beautiful, especially the beaches. Unfortunately, I didn't see any animals there except for some birds and geckos. I think this was because there were so many people walking along the same path, which might have scared the animals off. You'll probably have more luck if you stay in the park overnight and do the long route, which attracts fewer tourists. If you like a challenging hike, I would definitely recommend visiting the park. If you only come for the animals and beaches, I think you'd be better off going to other places in Colombia. One tip: don't forget to bring a copy or photo of your passport, otherwise you won't get in!

Kim Alamazani

Google

Beautiful park! But get ready to walk/hike for 1h30 to get to the first beach where you can swim. Pack lots of water because of the humidity and sneakers for the walk. First part is a road that takes 1h to walk: I would advise to take the bus from the entrance to Canaveral to save some time. Favorite beach was Arenilla (right before Piscina and Cabo San Juan)

Olivia Kathryn

Google

We loved the hike/beaches here. We did the hike to the furthest beach. The hike is beautiful with palm trees, beaches, and animals along the way. We hiked in, spent some time on the beach, and hiked back in 4 hours. We were rushing a bit because we hired a taxi to wait for us, and we had gotten there later in the day. We only got 30 minutes on the beach. If I were to do it again, I'd take my time and spend more time at the beach. I'd say give yourself at least 6 hours to hike and spend time on the beach. There are many restaurants along the way on the beaches and in the jungle. There are also ice cream and water vendors along the way, in the jungle! The beaches are beautiful. It was wonderful, I would definitely recommend doing this.

MUSEUM HAUS

Google

A must experience when you are close to it. Busses go from the city of Santa Marta (9000 cop) and will you back from the park (until 18:00). There are multiple tracks and beaches to "discover". Before paying the entrance fee you have to buy an insurance (18000 cop), in a way it makes sense: there is a lot of climbing to do. There are also options to stay the night here (multiple campsites), it is worth it! A beautiful diverse part of Colombia.

Alec Turner

Google

The experience of the natural world you get here is up there with some of the best. The trees so big, covered in vines, and monkeys running around. The clear water beaches, sand blending into the jungle, fish, and mountain views. Would be 5 stars if it wasn’t for the prices. You have to pay entrance to things constantly that it takes away from it all- for the road, for the entry, for insurance, for hammocks (so expensive by the way!) etc. Then the food and drinks are overpriced too.

Jay BouncingPlaces (BOUNCINGPLACES)

Google

Today was an incredible journey hiking through the jungle seeing all the wildlife, trying to survive the heat on the way to Cabo San Juan beach as its the best one. Although, going to Tayrona from Santa Marta is possible you literally will get to the best beach and have like 1 hour before you need to head back. I would recommend staying a minimum 2 nights inside the park at one of the cool hotels or if you're on a budget walk down to the camping areas and be the first to the beach in the morning. You can also stay near the enterance at a hotel and catch the Tayrona bus on the side of the road for super cheap. Walking is an option but you'll want to save your energy for hiking in the park. Highly recommend you wear good hiking shoes but be prepared to get a little mud on them. Also,. take the bus to the drop-off point to begin your torturous hike from there. Bring up to 1 litre of water grabbing more water along the way at the vendors. There is also Popsicles. It will take a minimum of 2 hours and closer to 2.5-3 depending how often you stop for breaks. Do not race trying to get to the beach as I witnessed a few people passing out in front of me at lunch but luckily there are medical staff available. I had a delicious and fast lunch at Cabo San Juan. Pay at the window at the restaurant enterance and go find a table to chill at. I had a chicken, rice and salad. Don't forget to order a fresh fruit smoothie when you order your food. Prices were alright but not the cheapest as expected in the jungle. Cabo San Juan was basically 2 small beaches split in the middle. The farther one more busy. There is also a viewpoint to take in the views. Camping at various places was also available. I wouldn't leave past 3pm AT THE LATEST as it gets pitch black by 6pm. Please walk back or take the horses for $60000 foreigner price $50000 local price. Please follow @bouncingplaces on YOUTUBE as It helps support the channel so I can continue sharing amazing places like this to eat and fun adventures as I travel the world full time 🌎 🙏 See you in the next one! Keep on Bouncing Baby 😎❤️👍💯

Martina Ivanová

Google

Beautiful part of Colombia, one of my favorite places. Definitely deserves more than a day trip, spend the night in one of the camps (which you can book at the entrance) or the hammocks. Great clean beaches and wildlife. IG: _martinai

Meaghan Suhich

Google

We arrived at 7:30 and the line was short and very easy to get through. I saw a lot of reviews complaining but it wasn’t difficult at all. Show up early. We took the horses one way and hiked back. My friend is a vet and she felt like the horses looked really good and well taken care of so the reviews saying the animals are abused are false. The mules are smaller in nature. The fruit juices at playa piscina were delicious. Highly recommend this park.

Esmée

Google

I only walked the short route, but I found it quite tough! The park is beautiful, especially the beaches. Unfortunately, I didn't see any animals there except for some birds and geckos. I think this was because there were so many people walking along the same path, which might have scared the animals off. You'll probably have more luck if you stay in the park overnight and do the long route, which attracts fewer tourists. If you like a challenging hike, I would definitely recommend visiting the park. If you only come for the animals and beaches, I think you'd be better off going to other places in Colombia. One tip: don't forget to bring a copy or photo of your passport, otherwise you won't get in!

Kim Alamazani

Google

Beautiful park! But get ready to walk/hike for 1h30 to get to the first beach where you can swim. Pack lots of water because of the humidity and sneakers for the walk. First part is a road that takes 1h to walk: I would advise to take the bus from the entrance to Canaveral to save some time. Favorite beach was Arenilla (right before Piscina and Cabo San Juan)

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

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