Tayrona National Natural Park
A Caribbean gem with palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles, and ancient indigenous ruins. Explore paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tayrona National Natural Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Caribbean gem with palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles, and ancient indigenous ruins. Explore paradise.
"This place is absolutely fantastic—truly some of the best beaches in Colombia!"
🚶♀️ Hike or Horseback Ride
Hike for 2 hours or take a horse for 45 mins to reach Cabo San Juan. Many prefer hiking in and riding back.
🦟 Don't Forget Mosquito Repellent
Essential for jungle trails and evenings. Some visitors report needing it even during the day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cabo San Juan del Guía
Eastern Tayrona
Iconic beach with a famous red-roofed hut, offering stunning views and a perfect swim spot.
Playa Cristal (Playa Boca de la Piedra)
Near Neguanje
Pristine beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and spotting colorful fish.
Playa Arrecifes
Near the main entrance
Beautiful beach with strong currents, perfect for admiring the powerful waves and coastal scenery.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Trek
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Ancient indigenous city, a challenging but rewarding multi-day hike through lush jungle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Pack Smart for Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Hike or Horseback Ride
Hike for 2 hours or take a horse for 45 mins to reach Cabo San Juan. Many prefer hiking in and riding back.
🦟 Don't Forget Mosquito Repellent
Essential for jungle trails and evenings. Some visitors report needing it even during the day.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is key. Water inside the park can be pricey, so pack your own.
💰 Cash is King
While some places accept cards, having cash is crucial for entrance fees and smaller purchases.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Hike or Horseback Ride
Hike for 2 hours or take a horse for 45 mins to reach Cabo San Juan. Many prefer hiking in and riding back.
🦟 Don't Forget Mosquito Repellent
Essential for jungle trails and evenings. Some visitors report needing it even during the day.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is key. Water inside the park can be pricey, so pack your own.
💰 Cash is King
While some places accept cards, having cash is crucial for entrance fees and smaller purchases.
🥾 Watch Your Step
Wooden plank paths can be loose and uneven. Be cautious, especially when crowded.
🐴 Horse Droppings & Mud
Trails can be muddy and smell of horse droppings, especially when busy.
🚫 Avoid Main Entrance Lines
Consider alternative entrances to bypass long queues at the main gate.
🤿 Snorkel at Playa Cristal
Great spot for snorkeling with clear waters and vibrant marine life. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tayrona National Park is celebrated for its stunning beaches and lush natural beauty, offering a true Caribbean paradise. Visitors love the hiking opportunities and the chance to relax by the sea. However, some find the park can be overcrowded, and trail maintenance could be improved, with occasional issues like mud and horse droppings.
"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."
Harry Bletso
"Great views, hiking, relax spots
entering to the park will cost you around 100 k cop , have entering fee for vehicles and motorcycles be ready and prepared bring water spray tan sunscreen and also spray against mosquitoes. Have an option to stay in the park. Have a couple entrances so some entrances need to walk and some not just check it before you entering the entrance overall the second best national park in all Colombia according to local people when you’re in Santa Marta area must go check it out
Tyrone Park great for families, couples solo travelers, and bring a lot of water with you enjoy"
Yonatan Rubanovich
"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."
MJ “Jimix”
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Santa Marta, you can take a bus to Tayrona National Park for around 6,000 COP. The journey takes about 1-1.5 hours. Taxis and private transfers are also available. +1
Yes, Tayrona has multiple entrances, including El Zaino (main entrance), Calabazo, and Los Naranjos. El Zaino is the most popular but can get crowded.
Yes, boat tours are available from Santa Marta or Taganga, offering a faster and scenic way to reach certain beaches within the park.
Yes, public buses from Santa Marta's central market run frequently to the El Zaino entrance of Tayrona National Park. +1
You can hike, take a horse (for a fee), or use the park's internal shuttle bus service to reach different beaches and points of interest.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees for tourists are around 77,500 COP (off-peak) or 92,000 COP (peak), plus a mandatory insurance fee of 6,000 COP. Prices can vary.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry and avoid disappointment.
The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's best to check the official website for current hours and any temporary closures.
Discounts are typically for Colombian citizens and residents. Foreign tourists usually pay the standard rate.
The mandatory insurance covers basic medical assistance and is a requirement for all visitors entering the park. It costs around 6,000 COP.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cabo San Juan del Guía is the most famous. Other popular choices include Playa Cristal, Playa Arrecifes (for views, not swimming), and Playa La Piscina. +1
Yes, swimming is allowed at beaches like Cabo San Juan and Playa La Piscina. However, Playa Arrecifes has strong currents and is not safe for swimming.
Enjoy hiking, swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna. You can also visit indigenous ruins.
Yes, there are camping sites and basic accommodations available at beaches like Cabo San Juan. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Yes, there are restaurants and kiosks selling food and drinks, but they can be pricey. Packing your own snacks and water is a good idea.
Yes, Tayrona is great for families, offering beautiful beaches and manageable hikes. However, keep a close eye on children near the water.
📸 📸 Photography
Cabo San Juan del Guía with its iconic hut is a must-shoot. Also, capture the lush jungle trails, diverse wildlife, and the stunning coastline. 
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the park's natural beauty.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. Check park regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife, and a sturdy tripod are useful. Waterproof protection is advisable due to humidity and potential rain.
While not widely advertised, some local guides may offer photography-focused tours. Inquire locally or with tour operators.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike to Cabo San Juan is manageable, consider the horseback riding option to save energy, especially with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider camping overnight instead of returning to Santa Marta, which can save on accommodation costs. While entrance fees are fixed, being mindful of optional expenses like horseback riding and choosing to hike instead of taking shuttles can help manage your budget.
🚶♀️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
If you're looking for a more intense adventure, the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) trek is a challenging multi-day expedition that starts near Tayrona and is a bucket-list item for many. Be prepared for varied terrain, including muddy paths and potentially uneven wooden walkways. Bringing sturdy hiking shoes is a must. Consider hiking in and taking a horse or shuttle back to conserve energy for exploring the beaches.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Tayrona's Trails
Be prepared for the conditions: the paths can be muddy, especially after rain, and may have loose wooden planks that require careful footing. The presence of horses on some trails can also lead to mud splashes. Some visitors suggest that the hike itself might not be the most scenic part of the experience, but the reward at the end – the stunning beaches – makes it worthwhile.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the trek to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is a multi-day expedition that starts near Tayrona and delves deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains. This ancient indigenous settlement predates Machu Picchu and offers a profound historical and cultural experience.
The Beaches of Tayrona: A Paradise Found
+1For snorkelers, Playa Cristal (also known as Playa Boca de la Piedra) is a must-visit. Its crystal-clear waters teem with colorful fish, making it an excellent spot for underwater exploration.
Playa Arrecifes, while stunningly beautiful with its powerful waves, is generally not safe for swimming due to strong currents. It's best enjoyed for its scenic views and the dramatic coastal landscape.
Planning Your Stay: Overnight vs. Day Trip
Staying overnight offers a chance to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature. You can start your exploration early, before the main influx of visitors, and enjoy the beaches in a more tranquil setting. There are camping options and basic accommodations available, particularly at Cabo San Juan. Booking these in advance is crucial, as they are popular.
If you opt for an overnight stay, you can hike in and take a horse or shuttle back, or vice versa, balancing adventure with comfort. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to witness the park's beauty at different times of the day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit