Tayrona National Park, also known as Parque Tayrona, is a breathtaking slice of nature nestled along the Colombian Caribbean coast. Situated between the beach and the jungle, this park is the perfect place to escape into nature and enjoy your time relaxing and exploring. Although day trips to Tayrona National Park are possible, I highly recommend spending at least one night in the park to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and nature this place has to offer. In this guide, I will detail all the information needed for an adventreful experience in Tayrona National Park in 2023. From the best time to visit and transportation options to where to stay and what to do, we’ve got you covered in this exploration of Tayrona National Park in Colombia.
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park
- How to get to Tayrona National Park
- Where to stay in Tayrona National Park
- Where to store luggage in Tayrona National Park
- Cost of visiting Tayrona National Park
- What to do in Tayrona National Park
- Things to Know Before Coming to Tayrona National Park
- Embrace the Beauty of Tayrona National Park in 2023
Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park with its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, offers a unique experience throughout the year. However, due to its tropical location, the area has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (December to April)
The dry seasons provide the most pleasant weather for exploration in Tayrona National Park. During these months, the rainfall is minimal, and the trails are in better condition.
December to January marks the high season in Tayrona National Park Colombia, attracting a larger number of tourists. As do the months of the June and July in the wet season. The ideal months for visiting with less crowds and decent weather are February and March. The pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), sets the perfect backdrop for various outdoor activities.
With that said, Tayrona National Park has high humidity making rainfall possible all throughout the year. But don’t let a little rainfall stop you from visiting. Often the rain only lasts a few minutes to an hour and the remainder of the day is beautiful.
Rainy Season (May to November)
The rainy season, characterized by increased rainfall, may present some challenges with muddy and slippery trails. However, this time of year showcases the vibrant greenery and fewer crowds in Parque Tayrona. With the exception of the months of June and July which are peak months despite being in the rainy season.
While the wet season experiences more frequent rain showers, it also brings out the true beauty of Tayrona National Park in Colombia. This is a great time for photography enthusiasts, as the flora is lush and vibrant, providing stunning natural backdrops in Tayrona Park.
How to get to Tayrona National Park
Getting to Tayrona National Park from nearby towns is very simple using public transportation. Here are the primary starting points:
Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park
Santa Marta, often used as a base for exploring the region, is a common starting point for many visitors to Tayrona National Park Colombia. The park is easily accessible via a short 45 minute bus ride from Santa Marta.
In Santa Marta, walk or take a taxi to Mercado Publico. There will be white buses lined up around this corner. Verify with the driver or the ticket attendant that the bus does go to Parque Tayrona before boarding the bus. The bus ride will cost 8000 pesos. Santa Marta is the very first stop and the last stop is Palomino. Tayrona National Park is somewhere in the middle, but don’t worry, they will announce on the bus when you arrive at the park. The very first bus going to Parque Tayrona leaves at 6am and I highly recommend you catch this bus to miss the crowds later in the day.
Palomino to Tayrona National Park
Palomino is a serene beach town further east that also serves as a great base to Tayrona National Park. The park is about a 45 minute ride by bus, and is the same bus that goes from Santa Marta.
In Palomino, walk or take a taxi to the main road. Around this corner, is the bus that goes to Santa Marta and stops at Parque Tayrona along the way. It’s a white and green bus. Be sure to check with the driver or the ticket attendant that this bus goes to Parque Tayrona. The bus ride should cost 8000 pesos.
Taganga to Tayrona National Park
Traveling to Tayrona National Park from Taganga is the most expensive option but will save you the 3 hour hikes getting to Cabo San Juan, the popular camping and beach spot. From Santa Marta, there are blue public buses that go to Taganga right off of Carrera 5. I’m not sure of the exact spot so you will have to ask your hotel or locals. The blue bus should cost 6000 pesos.
Get off at the last stop in Taganga right by the beach. From there you may have to walk the beach to find the boat that goes to Parque Tayrona. The boat ride should cost 80,000 pesos one way and will be about a 1 hour ride straight to Cabo San Juan. The park entrance fee is not included in the boat fee.
While traveling by boat to save your energy from hiking 3 hours to Cabo San Juan sounds like a great idea, it may not be if you are prone to seasickness. I’ve heard complaints of the water being too choppy and several people on the boat getting sick at once. Be prepared to be tossed around on the hour long boat ride depending on how calm the sea is.
Where to stay in Tayrona National Park
The park offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets.
Camping in Tayrona National Park
For a truly immersive experience in nature, consider camping within the park. Several designated camping areas allow you to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and wake up to the breathtaking beauty of the Caribbean coast.
There are a couple options for camping locations. The most popular location is Cabo San Juan, which is about a 3 hour hike from the Zaino (main) entrance. Here, there is a swimmable beach, restaurant, bathrooms, and camping all in one area. The nude beach is also within walking distance to this camping area.
There is also jungle camping available at Arrecifes which is a bit closer to the Zaino entrance. However, the camping is a little bit away from the beach and the beach is also not safe for swimming due to the strong currents. There are bathrooms and a small bakery available in the area.
There is a third camping area called Camping Don Pedro which is also near Arrecifes but further into the jungle.
How to book a campsite in Parque Tayrona
While I was there, I heard rumours about being able to book hammocks and campsites through a Whatsapp number. But I have yet to find this Whatsapp number. The only way I know how to book hammocks or camp sites is when you’re there at the entrance.
The bus dropped me off at the entrance around 7am and I was immediately approached by a travel agent. Through the travel agent I was able to book my hammock at Cabo San Juan for 40,000 pesos for one night. I HIGHLY recommend getting to the entrance as early as possible in order to get a hammock or camp site at your first choice location. I was one of the first people at the entrance and even then they only had 6 hammocks available in Cabo San Juan. Once you book the hammock with the travel agent, they will give you a receipt which you will have to present at the camp site when you arrive as proof of booking. You will also get a wristband.
Tents are over 100,000 pesos. Some camping locations also offer eco-huts or glamping style accomodations that go for even more.
Hotels and Cabins
If you prefer a bit more comfort without compromising on the natural setting, hotels and cabins within or near the park offer a great alternative. These options often blend harmoniously with the environment, providing a cozy retreat.
The most popular hotel inside Parque Tayrona is Ecohabs. Tayrona Ecohabs has beautifully designed huts with comfortables beds and bathrooms. This is a luxury getaway in a fantastic setting. The hotel also offers glamping, tents and hammocks. Not to mention a stunning view of the beach. But beware, the beach is not safe for swimming as the currents are too strong.
For a list of other nearby hotels, take a look at the official Parque Tayrona website.
Accommodation in Nearby Towns
Alternatively, you can opt to stay in the neighboring towns like Santa Marta or Palomino and make day trips to Tayrona National Park. There are various lodging options available, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Furthermore, there are also hotel and hostel options right outside of the Zaino entrance to Tayrona National Park. These are far more convienent than staying in Santa Marta or Palomino as the entrance to the park is in walking distance.
Nonetheless, I highly recommend staying in the park for at least one night for the convienence and for the rustic jungle experience.
Where to store luggage in Tayrona National Park
If you are like me and passing through Tayrona National Park before moving to your next destination, you will need a place to store your bigger and heavier luggage. I had packed a smaller daypack with enough stuff and snacks for one night, and left my bigger bags at a restaurant right ouside the park entrance. I believe most restaurants outside of the entrance allow bag storage, however, this is the one I kpet my bags at for 6000 pesos per day. With staying overnight for one night, I paid a total of 12,000 pesos for bag storage. They gave me a receipt that I had to hold onto to get my bags back the next day.
Cost of visiting Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is one of the more expensive excursions in Colombia. Regardless, it is definitely worth a visit and will probably cost much less than visiting a National Park in the US, which is where I’m from.
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to Tayrona National Park vary for locals and foreigners. The fees also vary depending on the time of year you are going. I highly recommend checking out the official Parque Tayrona website to check the rates (may not be updated so see below for prices as of 2023).
As a foreigner who is not a student or permanent resident of Colombia, this is the process for entering the park. After booking the accomodation with the travel agent and putting my luggage in storage, I walked up to the official park entrance. First I had to buy mandatory health insurance for 6000 pesos per day. Since I was staying overnight, this counted as two days and I paid a total of 12,000 pesos for health insurance and received a wristband. Then I went to buy the entry ticket. During high season, the entry ticket is 73,500 pesos for foreigners. I went to one ticket window where they asked to see my passport. Then I received a receipt and was told to go to another window to pay. Once I paid at that window, I returned to the first window and received the wristband and receipt. I was officially allowed to enter the park.
Once I entered the park, I took a white shuttle van to the parking area and start of the trail that goes across the park. This shuttle costs 5000 pesos and I highly recommend taking it instead of walking 1 hour to the parking area. It is very hot and humid and will save you a ton of time and energy that you will need to hike through the park.
Accommodation Costs
The cost of accommodation within and near Tayrona National Park varies based on the type of lodging you choose. I stayed in a hammock at Cabo San Juan and paid 40,000 pesos for one night. All other lodging will be more than this.
Food and Drinks
Budgeting for meals and drinks is essential for a budget stay at Tayrona National Park. Within the park, food prices can be relatively higher due to limited options and the logistics of transportation. Water is also expensive to try to bring as much water as you can carry into the park. It gets very hot so you will need to stay hydrated. Here’s an estimated breakdown:
- Water costs 4000 pesos for 600ml water bottle. They don’t have anything bigger.
- Breakfast is 20-25k pesos.
- Lunch and dinner is cheapest at 25k pesos.
- Bathrooms cost 2000 pesos to use the toilet, urinal, or showers if you are not staying at the campsite.
I highly recommend bringing some of your own snacks and water to Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta, Colombia.
Total Costs
| Category | Cost (COP) |
|---|---|
| Transportation to/from Tayrona | 16,000 |
| Luggage Storage (2 days) | 12,000 |
| Entry Fee (Health Insurance + Park Ticket) | 85,500 |
| Accomodation (Hammock) | 40,000 |
| Food and Drinks (dinner, breakfast, 3 waters) | 66,000 |
| Shuttle to parking area and trailhead | 10,000 |
| Total | 229,500 |
What to do in Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park offers activities for every type of traveler. From relaxation to adventure, you will find everything here.
Hiking and Exploring Trails
Explore panoramic hikes through dense jungles, unveiling stunning vistas and reaching beautiful beaches. Trails like the path to Cabo San Juan offer rewarding views of the coastline and the opportunity to visit the most popular beaches in Tayrona National Park. Starting from the Zaino entrance, you will pass these beaches in this order:
- Playa Canaveral – Tayrona Ecohabs is around here
- Playa Arrecifes – there is a campsite along with Camping Don Pedro and there is also a small cafe
- Playa Arenilla – there is a restaurant and some small stands
- Playa La Piscina – swimmable beach
- Playa el Cabo/Cabo San Juan de Guia – swimmable beach with campsite, restaurant, and bathrooms
- Playa Nudista – a nude beach a little past Playa el Cabo
- If you continue hiking from Cabo San Juan de Guia then you will eventually reach an archaeological site called Pueblito and Playa Brava.
There is also a more challenging hike to Pueblito, an indigenous village inside the park, from Cabo San Juan or Playa Brava. However, it is no longer possible to go inside the village. The hike is still doable although it does take 2 hours to get there from Cabo San Juan and another 2 hours back.
Watch my Tiktok on the hike from El Zaino entrance to Cabo San Juan for more details!
Beach Relaxation
Beaches in Tayrona National Park in Colombia are nothing short of breathtaking. While most beaches are not safe for swimming, they are still breathtaking places for relaxation. The swimmable beaches in Tayrona are Playa la Piscina, Cabo San Juan, Playa Arenilla, and a few others. The western side of the park has great beaches for swimming, however, most are only accessible by boat making it difficult to get there.
Spotting Wildlife
Wildlife in Tayrona National Park is very diverse. As I was making my walk from the entrance to Cabo San Juan, I heard howler monkeys along the trail. A little spooky but mostly spectacular. I also saw some Capuchin monkeys playing in the trees. But beware, they get quite friendly and get very close to you. There are also several species of birds, reptiles, and insects throughout the park, although they may be difficult to spot and identify. Who knows, maybe you’ll spot a toucan in the trees while eating breakfast!
Things to Know Before Coming to Tayrona National Park
- BRING CASH. They do not accept card anywhere. Can’t stress this enough.
- Bring enough water with you because the 2 hour hike is humid and tiring and water is expensive to buy there. I recommend 4-5 liters for one nights stay.
- Bring some snacks and maybe lunch to save some money instead of buying at the restaurant.
- Not all beaches at Tayrona are swimmable and some beaches have caused deaths. Be wary before entering the water.
- Bring lots of bug spray. You will definitely need it.
- Bring sunscreen and a hat. It gets very sunny.
- Only bring essentials because you will be hiking with all this stuff and it gets very tiring.
- Bring a flashlight if you are staying overnight.
- Bring a power bank. Electricity is not 24/7.
- Bring toilet paper because the bathrooms do not have toilet paper.
Embrace the Beauty of Tayrona National Park in 2023
Your adventure in Tayrona National Park promises an adventure with unforgettable moments immersed in the wonders of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a beach lover, Tayrona has something to offer for everyone. Plan your journey, pack your bags, and let the adventure begin!
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Incredible a lot of great tips.
Very detailed post and gorgeous photos, Tayrona looks like its worth a visit
I loved this article! I’ve been to Tayrona—we actually stayed in the park in a maybe-not-legal Airbnb and boy is that a story. Love your adventure spirit and the how,er monkeys. Keep on traveling!
I’ve never heard of this national park in Columbia before reading this! Looks like a stunning place to visit. Thanks for letting me know about this place! I’ll be saving this helpful guide for a future trip!
National Parks are the best way to explore a new country…and any park with a beach is a park I want to explore! Would love to explore this part of Colombia someday…
This is a great guide. I missed Tayrona on my first trip to Colombia but would love to go back for this and the Cocora Valley
Tayrona National Park is so beautiful! Would love to explore those hiking trails and then hang out at the beach along the Colombian Caribbean coast. A perfect getaway!
As a Brit, the only time I’ve ever set foot in Colombia was on route to Ecuador – and I never left the airport. This certainly sounds like a place I’d really enjoy visiting … it sounded really expensive at first, until I used google to calculate pesos into GB pounds! Would love to hire a hammock for a night!
I didn’t hear about this national park before and I’m so happy you’ve changed this! This is what I imagine paradise looks like and I can’t wait to visit!
Oh my gosh are you kidding! These photos look insane – all I want to do is swing in these hamocks on the beach!
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