Visiting Tayrona Park was one of those experiences that will remain etched in the memory of any traveler. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, this park combines picture-postcard beaches with tropical rainforest, trails surrounded by nature, and a mystical atmosphere that makes it unique.
In this article, you'll find all the information you need to plan your visit to Tayrona Park: how to get there, which trails to explore, the most beautiful beaches, where to stay in or near the park, and some practical tips to make the most of your experience. I also share my personal impressions and recommendations so you can enjoy this unique place on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Table of Contents
What is Tayrona Park like?
From the very first moment, I was struck by the diversity of the landscapes, from mountains covered in vegetation to hidden coves where the sea crashes or becomes a natural pool perfect for relaxing.
In addition to its natural beauty, Tayrona Mountains convey a strong cultural connection, as it is the ancestral territory of indigenous communities that still inhabit the region and consider this place sacred.
Walking its trails, relaxing on its beaches, and watching the sunsets over the cape made me understand why this park is considered one of Colombia's must-see destinations. The added bonus is that since it's not so easy to access, it's not usually as crowded.
How to get to Tayrona Park
Tayrona Park can be reached by land (bus + trekking) or by boat.
Getting to Tayrona by boat
If you're looking for the quickest and easiest way to get to Tayrona Park, the ideal option is to take a boat from the town of Taganga. The trip takes about 40 minutes and drops you off directly at Cabo San Juan beach, both on the way there and back.
This option is perfect if you have little time or simply don't want to do the trek on foot. It's also a great option for those who prefer to avoid physical exertion, as it allows you to reach the heart of the park comfortably and directly.
Getting to Tayrona on foot (bus + trekking)
To reach the entrance to Tayrona Park by land, the most common way to get there is from the Santa Marta Public Market. Buses heading to La Guajira usually leave on a corner. It's common to see other tourists waiting to take the same bus and visit the park, or even hear people shouting "Bus to Tayrona" or "Bus to Palomino."
The trip takes between 40 and 50 minutes to Zaino, which is the main entrance to the Park and from where the trek to Cabo San Juan begins.
There are other entrances to the Park, halfway along, which are called Calabazo. I didn't walk through it, but I've been told it requires more physical effort. First it would take about 2/3 hours to reach the indigenous village of Chaimara. From there, there are two paths to follow: one to the left that will take you to Playa Brava, or the one to the right to Cabo San Juan. If you choose the latter option, you'll have to walk another three hours to finally reach the cape.
Map with references to visit Tayrona Park
Entrance to Tayrona Park through Zaino
Upon arriving at the bus stop, you'll find some National Parks booths, where they'll ask you some basic questions: where you're coming from, if you're staying within the park and where, or if you already have any information about Tayrona. There's a brief introductory talk where they'll explain the campsites, beaches, and main stops along the route. At this point, you can also pay for a tent if you plan to rent one, although you can always bring your own.
If you didn't bring supplies from Santa Marta, this is a good time to buy some food and drinks for the trail. The most important thing is to bring enough water, as you'll be hiking for between two and three hours.
Un poco más adelante se encuentra la entrada oficial del Parque Tayrona, donde hay que abonar la tarifa de ingreso. El valor varía según si sos residente o extranjero, y también cambia dependiendo de si es temporada alta o baja. Para ver los updated prices pueden ingresar al official site of Colombia's National Parks
After passing the entrance, you'll find minivans waiting to take visitors to the parking lot, located about 5 km away. You can choose to pay for the transfer and avoid the initial walk, or you can walk for free. The journey is flat and easy, although not particularly attractive compared to the scenery you'll enjoy later in the park.
Start of trekking in Tayrona Park
Once the minivans drop us off, the trek to Cabo San Juan begins. At this point we can choose to take the path to the left, which leads to the Cañaveral sector (where the famous and somewhat expensive ecohabs are located), or continue straight ahead towards Arrecifes.
It's worth noting that Cañaveral also has overnight campsites and some very nice beaches, but as far as I know, swimming is not allowed there. If you want to go for a swim, you'll have to walk a little further to another accessible beach.
If you prefer to avoid part of the hike, you can rent horses to take you to Arrecifes or directly to Cabo San Juan. This is an ideal option for those with difficulty walking long distances.
From the beginning of the trek, you can feel the density of the tropical rainforest, with lush vegetation on both sides of the trail. With a little luck, you might come across curious howler monkeys watching from the trees.
The trail is perfectly marked, making it virtually impossible to get lost. In some sections, we walk on well-maintained walkways, and in others, on clearly marked dirt paths.
The overall difficulty is low. There are several climbs, but when it starts to get tiring, there's time to head down, so you can enjoy the walk at a leisurely pace.
Arrival at the Arrecifes sector
After about two hours of trekking, the most challenging part will be behind us, and we'll reach the Arrecifes sector. Here, there are camping options or hammocks if you want to stay overnight, several places to eat, and a perfect beach to relax, although swimming is not permitted. From this point, you can also rent horses to make the trek to Cape San Juan easier.
Continuing along the route, you will find Arenilla, a beach with turquoise waters and calm waves, where this time it is allowed to go into the water and enjoy the sea.
Continuing along the route, just past Arenilla, you'll find La Piscina, a beach surrounded by large rocks that give it the shape of a natural pool, hence its name. Here, you can also jump into the water and enjoy a relaxing swim.
The path continues along a trail surrounded by tall palm trees, a very attractive and peaceful section, completely flat, ideal for walking while enjoying the scenery.
Finally, the palm trees begin to give way to an open space where there is a camping area full of tents, marking the proximity to the main area of Cabo San Juan.
Cape San Juan
Upon arriving at Cabo San Juan, we find ourselves in one of the most iconic corners of Tayrona Park. The area has camping and hammock areas, perfect for those who want to spend the night and enjoy the sunrise and sunset surrounded by nature. Everything is very organized, with designated spaces and basic amenities to make your stay comfortable.
In that area, they assign us the tent we rented and paid for at the park entrance.
There is also a restaurant and small bar in the area, where you can get food and drinks after the trek. Although the prices are a bit higher than on the trail, it's a convenient way to recharge your batteries and rest before exploring the nearby beaches.
Beaches and Cabo San Juan Viewpoint
The beaches of Cape San Juan are truly spectacular: white sand, turquoise waters, and moderate waves, ideal for both relaxing and swimming.
The main beach faces the sea, while small coves protected by rocks create a natural and tranquil setting where you can enjoy the Caribbean landscape.
One of the area's highlights is the Cabo San Juan viewpoint, located on a small hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the beach, the Caribbean Sea, and the park's surroundings.
From there you can appreciate the union of the jungle with the coast, the rock formations that delimit the beaches, and, on clear days, the intense turquoise color of the water.
It's an ideal place to take photos, watch the sunset, or simply stop and enjoy the majesty of Tayrona from above.
If we continue walking, moving away from the Cape, we will find another quieter beach, although with slightly stronger waves.
What to do in Tayrona Park, Cabo San Juan area
Relax
One of the most recommended activities in Tayrona is simply relaxing and enjoying the beach. You can lie on the white sand, listen to the sound of the ocean, and contemplate the contrast between the turquoise waters and the surrounding jungle. It's the perfect time to rest after trekking, read a book, meditate, or simply soak up the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
Tours
From the beach you can see boats leaving and arriving from Taganga, as well as other vessels leaving for snorkeling and diving excursions, showcasing the active life of the Caribbean Sea.
Eating and socializing
At night, the Cabo San Juan restaurant comes alive. All of us who stayed overnight had to wait in line to place our order, which was then brought to our table. The menu features typical dishes from the Colombian Caribbean, and the prices are quite reasonable, considering its location within the park.
The place is also ideal for meeting other travelers. Long tables are often set up where people share stories, experiences, and tips about trekking and adventures in Tayrona, creating a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Watch sunsets and sunrises
If you're up for an early morning, watching the sunrise from the beach is a recommended experience. We tried it, but although it was cloudy that day and we couldn't fully appreciate it, the sensation of the calm of the sea and the jungle is still unique.
How to get back to Taganga or Santa Marta from Tayrona
To return, you have to retrace the same route: approximately 3 hours of trekking to the parking lot, then take the minivans to the park entrance and finally a bus or taxi back to Santa Marta.
If you want to avoid part of the walk and waiting for the bus, another option is to take a boat back to Taganga, which is faster and more comfortable.
For those looking for a more adventurous alternative, it is possible to change the return path and not return through the Zaino entrance.
You can continue trekking towards the village of Chaimara and exit through the entrance to Calabazo. Keep in mind that this route is longer and requires extra energy and time, but it offers the opportunity to explore new landscapes in the park.
What to bring to Tayrona Park
The most important thing to bring to the park is comfortable walking clothes. A good pair of sneakers, shorts, and a T-shirt for trekking, and maybe a jacket in case it gets chilly at night.
Water and some food for the journey. From the main entrance to Tayrona Park, Zaino, and ReefsIt's a two-hour hike. Just make sure you're well-equipped.
It is also advisable to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a flashlight for the tent at night, and chargers (there is phone reception and power outlets in the park).
For more information you can visit the official website of Colombia's National Parks.
What is the best time to visit Tayrona Park?
The best time to visit Tayrona Park is during the dry season, which runs approximately from December to April. During these months, there is less rain, the trails are in better condition, and it is easier to enjoy the beaches and trekking without incident.
The rainy season, which typically runs from May to November, can bring slippery roads and some beaches with stronger waves. Additionally, some park amenities may operate in a limited capacity on rainy days. However, visiting during this time also has its advantages: there are fewer tourists, accommodation prices may be lower, and the jungle is especially green and lush.
In general, if you're looking for quiet beaches and more stable weather, it's best to plan your visit during the dry season. But if you're prioritizing fewer people and greener landscapes, the rainy season can also be a good option, as long as you take precautions.
Final thoughts on the visit to Tayrona Park
I loved Tayrona Park, especially for its unique blend of jungle and beaches with warm, turquoise water. Although I'm not much of a beach lover, this one really impressed me, especially for the natural surroundings: the jungle that reaches the sand, the palm trees, the trails, and the sound of the ocean creating a magical atmosphere.
Whether you arrive on foot or by boat, the experience is still incredible and totally worth it. If you're in Santa Marta, I definitely recommend spending at least a day visiting Tayrona; it's one of those places that will remain etched in your memory and showcases the best of the Colombian Caribbean, combining adventure, nature, and tranquility.