Visiting Tayrona Park in Colombia: Complete Guide

Tayrona National Natural Park is one of Colombia’s most visited treasures, known for its stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes. This article will provide all the information you need to plan your visit to Tayrona Park, covering everything from how to get there to essential tips for an unforgettable experience. Visiting Tayrona Park was one of the highlights of our second round-the-world trip in September 2024, and it is an experience we highly recommend to everyone.

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How to Get to Tayrona Park

There are two main ways to get to Tayrona Park:

Public Bus

Public buses departing from Santa Marta are an economical option, with tickets costing around 14,000 COP per person. If you’re coming from Cartagena (as we did), once you reach downtown Santa Marta, you can catch a bus to Tayrona at the local market. Note that the buses do not have fixed stops, so inform the conductor where you want to get off.

Taxi

Another option is to take a taxi, which costs around 150,000 COP, offering more flexibility in terms of schedule and convenience. This option can be ideal if there are delays with the bus.

Where to Stay When Visiting Tayrona Park

There are two main options for accommodation when visiting Tayrona Park:

Accommodation Inside the Park

Staying inside the park provides immediate proximity to the trails and beaches, but accommodation options are limited. Additionally, if you choose to explore the more popular area of the park, such as Cabo San Juan, you will have a walk of approximately 2.5 hours from the entrance. Avoid bringing large backpacks as the hike can be challenging.

Accommodation Outside the Park

An alternative is to stay outside the park, in areas such as Mendihuaca. The advantage is a greater variety of accommodations and the opportunity to explore local beaches. We stayed at a place near the beach and close to Labirinto Macondo, which has an excellent restaurant.

How to Visit Tayrona Park

If you decide to stay outside the park, as we did, your visit will be relatively simple. Here are some important tips:

• Arrive Early: The park has a limited number of visitors per day, so it’s important to arrive early to secure your entry.

• Long Hike: The trek to Cabo San Juan takes about 2.5 hours. Plan enough time for both the round trip, as well as to enjoy the beaches and have lunch at one of the restaurants along the trail.

Entry Through the Zaino Gate

The most popular entry is through Zaino, where you can find shops and restaurants before starting your adventure. The entry fee for foreigners is about 74,000 COP, and there is a mandatory insurance fee for assistance and rescue costing 6,000 COP. Although payment by card is possible, the system may be out of service, so it’s advisable to bring cash.

After entering the park, you can choose to take a van for 5,000 COP to the start of the trail or walk the first few kilometers.

Tayrona Park Trail (Zaino Entrance)

The trail through the park is a true sensory experience, featuring a variety of landscapes including forests, beaches, and impressive rock formations. The warm, humid climate makes the hike challenging, so it’s essential to be well-prepared.

Along the way, you can stop to observe wildlife, purchase indigenous crafts, and sample local delicacies like ice cream paletas – the coconut one is highly recommended!

Key Points on the Tayrona Park Trail

If you enter through Zaino, here are the must-see spots:

1. Cañaveral

The start of the trail, where you have access to basic services such as restrooms and restaurants. If you don’t want to hike right away, you can rent a horse for a more relaxed experience.

2. Arrecifes

After about an hour of hiking, you’ll reach Arrecifes. Although the waters here are dangerous for swimming, the location offers spectacular views, ideal for photos.

3. La Piscina

Further along, you’ll find La Piscina, a beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming. The natural formation creates a sort of protected pool, ideal for a relaxing moment.

4. Cabo San Juan de Guía

The final destination of the trail for most visitors is Cabo San Juan, known for its famous hut atop a rock. Many choose to spend the night here, either camping or staying in the available rooms. The sunrise here is a must-see.

Tips for Visiting Tayrona Park

• Travel Insurance: Outdoor activities always come with some risk, so to travel with peace of mind, we recommend getting travel insurance. Heymondo accompanies us on our trips, and if you purchase your insurance here, you’ll get a 5% discount.
• Proper Footwear: The terrain can be muddy and slippery, so bring suitable hiking shoes.
• Water and Hydration: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during the hike.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are abundant in the park, and using repellent is essential.
• Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the intense sun, especially at the beaches.
• Cash: As mentioned, card payments are not always possible within the park. To avoid surprises, bring enough cash for food and transportation.

If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable experience in Colombia, visiting Tayrona Park is undoubtedly one of the best choices. With its paradise-like beaches, incredible biodiversity, and challenging trails, this destination offers adventure, relaxation, and a unique immersion in nature.

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