Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

National park · Santa Marta ·

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

National park · Santa Marta ·

Palm-shaded coves, lagoons, rainforest, biodiversity, and ruins

Information

Magdalena, Colombia Get directions

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

"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."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-central-and-south-america-2025

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

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Colombia's Caribbean Coast Has Beautiful Beaches and a Fascinating Mix of Cultures

"A protected area of 60 square miles featuring mangrove swamps, rainforest, and tropical beaches, home to various wildlife." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/coastal-colombia-where-to-stay-what-to-do-7110739

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

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"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

Photo by Tom Griggs

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

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Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

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Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Sam H

Google

Our visit to Tayrona park was very beautiful and an amazing experience! There are multiple options to visit the park but we would suggest staying for 1 night in the park, specifically at playa Brava. You start your route at Calabazo to playa Brava which only takes about 2-3 hours, the route is not too difficult and you barely see any other people as this is the less quiet side of the park. The next day you start your walk early to Pueblito and Cabo San Juan. In the mornings all the tourists are on the western side of the park so you will see almost no other people, and you’ll have a better chance at spotting animals. We saw multiple monkeys, birds and a capybara. We jungle is really dense and very impressive to see here. After you reach Cabo San Juan you can have lunch there and slowly make your way to El Zaino. Make sure you leave on time as the walk to El Zaino will take 3-4 hours as well. We left Playa Brava at 8 AM and reached the coast at around 12 AM. The park is very safe, we only met local population and other tourists. There are shops but only at the popular spots on the coastline. Toilets were available here as well. Make sure you bring good shoes for walking and plenty of water.

Allan C.

Google

I did a full day tour of the park, which includes a 2hr hike to get to the beach areas, and 2hr hike back (or other options exist too). It's an ecologically sensitive park so don't litter/ bring plastic etc, and it also supports indigenous community that lives in the park. Reco bring cash for lunch, jugo de nurangua (orange) or mango, or other jugo (juices/water etc) and souvenirs - it helps the locals and indigenous community. It can be tiring but some with canes were able to make the walk too. There is also a horse/donkey option that I believe is $70,000COP one way, and a speedboat return option at an higher cost. You can also buy COP in the park at the end of the hike at the beach by the dolar green shed for a % fee. Insurance is included in the day tour package, and medic centre is located within the park. The jugo /juices were fresh and naturally squeezed in front of you, and is very refreshing - bring cash! Cell signal is not active. Waves were a bit rough and some debris at the Cabo San Juan beach at the end, and there were many camping at the park grounds nearby this beach too. A lookout point with some relaxing hammocks are near the beach as well, and massive stones along the hiking trail and at the beach. The Indigenous maintains spiritual beliefs about these stones. We were lucky to see an termite/ant-eater! Great experience!

Laura Kleopatra V.

Google

Very beautiful park, we saw a lot of monkeys, crabs and birds. You can enjoy icecream and coconut along the way. Beaches are beautiful, you can swim in some of them. There is a place you can stay at inside the park, we stayed there, breakfast was included, but very simple. Room was nice, shared bathroom(only cold water) and toilets. Staff was really nice there. I got a massage. it was cheap and amazing! I highly recommend. Keep in my that it is very hot in Tyrona.

nina a.

Google

Very overrated place with ridiculous prices. A day trip here is more than enough. I’m not sure where they got all the pictures with turquise water because in reality it’s nothing like that. Plus it’s crowded and as I said before prices of food and beverages are just unreal.

Jess L.

Google

Tayrona is a masterpiece of nature, but the logistics require a strategy I visited Tayrona with a Colombian friend and learned quickly that getting into the park is a test of patience. If you want to see the monkeys and the coast without unnecessary stress, keep these points in mind. The transportation strategy Do not drive your own car to the entrance gate at 7:00 AM thinking you will be first. Even at opening, the line for private vehicles is significant. Instead, park your car in a lot nearby and take a taxi to the entrance. Taxis have their own lane and existing permits, allowing them to bypass the main congestion. In our case, my friend waited in the pedestrian ticket line while I moved the car forward. He managed to secure our tickets and the mandatory insurance just as I reached the gate. Having a partner to divide and conquer the lines is highly recommended. Vital items for the entry gate The main gate is still several miles away from the actual forest and beaches. Before you join the foot line for tickets, ensure you have the following: • Your passport. • Cash, as card readers can be unreliable. • Your license plate number if you are driving a vehicle into the park. • Payment for the mandatory insurance. Trail etiquette and expectations The hike is beautiful, but the boardwalks and paths are not one-way. • Stay to the right: This is not necessarily the local custom, but it helps manage the heavy foot traffic. • Keep moving: Avoid blocking the entire walkway for photos, especially near the start of the trail. There are much better views further in that won't hold up dozens of people. • Cultural differences: By California standards, the environment can feel a bit abrasive. Expect people to cut lines or heckle you if you are obstructing the path. • Watch the floor: The boardwalks often have loose boards. Do not run or stomp on these sections unless you want to risk an injury. Food and timing Bring your own snacks. I brought cookies and was glad I did, as many restaurants were only serving drinks during the early morning hours. You will want the energy for the hike to the deeper beaches. It is a stunning location that is well worth the effort, provided you go in with the right expectations and a solid plan.

MJ “.

Google

The beaches here are stunning, offering incredible views and a serene atmosphere. However, some of the walking paths could use better maintenance, as they become quite narrow when crowded with both visitors and horses. Another downside is the strong odor from horse droppings, combined with mud that stretches along the trails. We chose to stay overnight inside the park, which allowed us to hit the paths and beaches early in the morning before the official opening at 8:00 AM. This was a smart move, as we were leaving just when the crowds began pouring in. There are a couple of beachside campsites available, making it a perfect option for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Although it’s a protected natural park, the area is dotted with plenty of restaurants, giving it the feel of a typical beach destination. On weekends, however, the combination of tourists and locals can make it overwhelmingly busy. Overall, it’s absolutely worth visiting—but be sure to plan your timing wisely for the best experience.

Harry B.

Google

Nice hikes with some good views and beaches. Recommend staying the night to experience it when it’s not overcrowded. It is busy even in low season. My fees were as below: 77500 tourist entrance off peak season, 6000 mandatory insurance, 10000 locker, 5000 bus, 1000 bridge crossing. Locker receipt was required for me as I have my JBL Clip speaker attached to my bag but they refused entrance until I put it in a locker and provide proof with a receipt. Careful on the wooden plank paths. The boards are loose. My friend injured her leg when one of the boards flung up as someone else stepped on the edge of the board. The east entrance has 2 sections to pay. 1 for cash and 1 for card. If you pay in cash and don’t speak Spanish they will send you back to the card section to print a receipt. Fortunately I had a Spanish speaking friend so they printed mine at the cash till.

Andy T.

Google

Absolutely stunning scenery and a highly unique experience. If affordable, a guide is worth it. Also, after consulting with an infectious disease physician, it is advisable to know that malaria is endemic in the park, specifically in the wet months. Take precautions if needed. Otherwise, it’s a gem with a setting right out of One Hundred Years of Solitude. Enjoy!

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

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-central-and-south-america-2025

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

Colombia's Caribbean Coast Has Beautiful Beaches and a Fascinating Mix of Cultures

"A protected area of 60 square miles featuring mangrove swamps, rainforest, and tropical beaches, home to various wildlife." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/coastal-colombia-where-to-stay-what-to-do-7110739

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities