Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

National park · Santa Marta

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

National park · Santa Marta

5

Magdalena, Colombia

Photos

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by Photo by Tom Griggs
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by Photo by Tom Griggs
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by Photo by Tom Griggs
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona by null

Highlights

Nestled between vibrant mountains and turquoise seas, this paradise boasts palm-fringed beaches and rich Afro-Colombian culture, making it a must-visit destination.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Magdalena, Colombia Get directions

parquesnacionales.gov.co
@tayronabreeze

Information

Static Map

Magdalena, Colombia Get directions

+57 13532400
parquesnacionales.gov.co
@tayronabreeze

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 17, 2025

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@cntraveler

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
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@travelleisure

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
View Postcard for Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
@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
View Postcard for Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
@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
View Postcard for Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
@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
View Postcard for Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Pedro Carvalheiro

Google
After spending several months traveling across Colombia, I repeatedly heard about Tayrona National Park as one of the country’s must-see natural destinations. With great excitement, I made my way there after a few days in Santa Marta — but what I found left me conflicted and disappointed. The first red flag was the steep daily entrance fee coupled with a mandatory insurance payment. This is particularly frustrating for international travelers who already have comprehensive travel insurance. The system appears heavily geared toward monetizing foreign visitors, especially those from wealthier countries like the U.S. or Europe. Sadly, this often prices out travelers from Central and South America, who earn significantly less and are arguably the ones who should be most empowered to explore regional natural heritage. Even before stepping onto a trail, visitors are required to wear multiple wristbands — one for the entrance fee, another for the insurance, and sometimes others depending on your plans. These unnecessary plastic markers contradict the park’s supposed environmental mission and add to the feeling of over-management and under-preservation. Perhaps the most disheartening aspect is the option to ride horses through the park. While some may see this as a convenience, the impact is obvious: strong odors from feces along the trails, degraded paths, and the stress that large animals introduce into a fragile ecosystem. The presence of domestic cats and dogs within the park boundaries further threatens native wildlife, which was already scarce during my visit. Despite the natural beauty of the beaches — which is undeniable — the park was overcrowded from start to finish. Trails, campsites, and facilities were all overwhelmed with people. Even though the park was not at full capacity, I waited over an hour to take a shower. Trash bins were rare, hygiene was poor, and the infrastructure fell short in every way. Food and supplies are another major issue. There are no basic markets inside the park, and visitors are left with no choice but to buy from overpriced restaurants that only accept cash — a major inconvenience and another indicator of poor planning. It pains me to leave a one-star review for a natural space, because nature itself is not the problem — the management is. I understand that Colombians are proud of Tayrona, and with reason. But perhaps the pride stems from what the park used to be, not what it has become. If you choose to visit, I urge you to do so with a critical eye. Beautiful beaches alone cannot justify the commodification of nature and the environmental and social compromises being made in the name of tourism. Tayrona deserves better — and so do its visitors.

Jennifer Brennan

Google
Highly recommended. This is such a beautiful piece of heaven. Forests are full of wild life. Beaches are clean and clear, beautiful to swim in. Horse riding, kayaking, walking, trail climbing, native residents gathering coconuts, there is so much to see and do.

Rozina McHugh

Google
Amazing! I am speechless at how beautiful it was.. we did the easy route and it was still challenging. But so worth it!! There’s food and drink vendors everywhere. Loads of restaurants and shops - all cash. You can pay entry fee on card at the entrance where the easier route starts

Rovi Bartolo

Google
Beautiful and long hike. Be prepared for all the stairs! Saw lots of monkeys that got really close! The beaches were absolutely beautiful. Only complaint is how crowded it got at the beaches.

Angel Suarez

Google
This is a must visit. The trails provide an amazing experience of the local flora and fauna. Your walking exercise is awarded with beautiful beaches. I might say that Arrecife and La piscina are less crowded than Cabo San Juan, which was our preference. Take enough water for the whole day and a good hat

Fabrizio Beninati

Google
5 out of 5 would recommend! We hiked in from calabazo to Cabo San Juan, spent the night in hammocks and then hiked out through El Zino. If you are looking to hike the park I would recommend this route because it is mostly down hill. If you go through El Zino to Calabazo you'll be hiking up hill most of the way. Also definitely take the motorcycles at Calabazo. They're only 20,000 pesos and saves you an hour. The food and drinks are pretty fairly priced inside Cano San Juan. A lot of people complain but given how remote the location is it's pretty fairly priced. Plates are about 30,000 pesos, beer and water are 8,000 pesos. If you spend the night there it's even better because day visitors have to be off the trail by 5 so you get to enjoy the beach with very few people. What's amazing view, hike and experience! Pro tip: Plan ahead because the park does close down sometimes and isn't open year round. They close down for a few weeks every year. Bring cash, snacks, water and bug repellent!

Harry Bilbao

Google
Tayrona National Park – A Breathtaking Adventure! Tayrona Park is an absolute **must-visit** for nature lovers and adventure seekers! The hike into the park is an experience in itself—about **2 hours of walking** through lush jungle, sandy beaches, and stunning coastal views. It’s **fantastic exercise**, but be prepared: the paths are **rocky and uneven**, so wear good hiking shoes and take your time. This isn’t a manicured tourist trail—it’s raw, wild, and all the more rewarding because of it! Once inside, the scenery is **unreal**: golden beaches, towering palm trees, and crystal-clear water. However, a heads-up—**drinks and snacks inside the park are VERY expensive** (think tourist-trap prices). Pack plenty of **water, snacks, and even a picnic** to save money and stay energized. Despite the rugged terrain and pricey concessions, Tayrona is **worth every step**. The combination of exercise, nature, and sheer beauty makes it a **perfect experience**. Just come prepared, take it slow, and soak in one of Colombia’s most magical places! **Pro tip:** Start early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. And don’t forget your swimsuit—you’ll want to dive into those turquoise waters! 🏝️🥾

Simon

Google
The classic journey from the main entrance to the popular beaches in Tayrona National Park is highly overrated. The entrance fee is steep, and the mandatory insurance feels like an extra burden. The park is overcrowded, and you hardly see any wildlife. The trails smell bad due to horse droppings, and the commercialization with numerous restaurants makes it feel less like a natural park and more like a crowded beach. Although the beaches are beautiful, the two-hour walk through the forest is monotonous. It’s probably better to arrive directly by boat to less accessible beaches or explore other entrances, though I can’t confirm those options. The park also has known management issues and environmental concerns, which can impact the overall experience. I felt uncomfortable being part of a system that seems mismanaged and exploitative, even without taking the horse rides. The presence of horses likely scares away wildlife, and seeing cats and dogs in the park is strange and probably contributes to the lack of wildlife. I don’t fully understand the many positive reviews; perhaps they come from national pride, lack of exposure to other parks, or a focus on the beautiful beaches rather than wildlife.