Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona)

First established in 1969, Tayrona National Park is named after the Tayrona tribe and remains a sacred space for several indigenous groups in the region. Visitors can trek to Pueblito, the park’s largest set of archaeological ruins; tackle the Nine Stones trail, look out for animals like howler monkeys and jaguars; or go bird-watching—the park is home to more than 300 species of birds. If you want to escape the humidity, spend some time scuba diving or snorkeling.

Daily entries to the park are limited, so you’ll need to book admission in advance to guarantee access. Alternatively, book a hassle-free excursion; options range from half-day trips to multiple-day adventures and can include guided walks, beach hopping, and intimate encounters with indigenous cultures.

• Tayrona National Park is ideal for adventurous travelers and nature lovers.

• The park only allows a limited number of visitors, so book in advance.

• Admission fees vary depending on the time of year and nationality of the visitor.

• Motorized vehicles, alcohol, plastic bags, polystyrene, and musical instruments are not allowed in the park.

• Visitors must have medical emergency and evacuation insurance for each day spent in the park.

• There is no WiFi, no ATMS, and limited cell coverage. Card payments are not accepted, so bring cash.

• Tayrona National Park is neither stroller nor wheelchair accessible.

Tayrona National Park is situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, roughly 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Santa Marta. You can reach the El Zaino entrance to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta by car or take one of the buses marked ‘Tayrona’ from the Santa Marta marketplace. Speed boats also run from nearby Taganga to Cabo San Juan. Alternatively, you can avoid the hassle of public transit entirely by choosing a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

Tayrona National Park is open from morning until evening, and last entry is an hour before closing. Indigenous communities sometimes request park closures around February. It’s more expensive to enter Tayrona National Park during peak seasons, which are typically mid-June to mid-July, around Christmas and Easter, and on three-day weekends. Trails can get especially muddy during the rainy season (roughly April–May and October–November).

After seeing the best of Tayrona National Park, don’t miss the rest of the Colombian Caribbean’s sights. For some city life, head to lively Cartagena, known for its colorful buildings, year-round warm weather, and walkable city walls. Alternatively, you can venture into the La Guajira region, which shares a border with Venezuela, to visit the northernmost point of the continent, Punta Gallinas.

Most travelers say the perfect amount of time to spend in Tayrona National Park is two or three days. This gives enough time to take jungle hikes and get in some beach lazing, too. While you can experience it in one day, a lengthier stay makes the admission fee worthwhile.

Tayrona National Park has three closure periods in the year that allow the park, its nature, and its indigenous people to rest and recuperate. Typically, the closures fall in the first couple of weeks of February, June, and October—double-check before you visit.

Yes, Tayrona can be done in a day, although a trip this short only scratches the surface. To maximize time, book advanced entry, arrive before the doors officially open, and enter at El Zaino. This main entrance puts you within easy reach of highlights like Cabo San Juan beach.

Many visitors have El Pueblito hike on their list of things to do in Tayrona National Park, even though parts are challenging. This forested 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) trail leads from Cabo San Juan beach to the outskirts of El Pueblito village, taking in steep inclines and boulders along the way.

Yes, there are plenty of swimming spots in Tayrona National Park, and many people visit for this reason. Aside from the popular Cabo San Juan, other good swimming beaches include La Piscina and La Concha Bay. When you enter, check with the park staff about swimming conditions and appropriate beaches.

While Tayrona National Park is in a coastal area where cases of malaria are rarer, the park is in Colombia where the malaria risk is official. Speak with your medical provider before a visit, and get advice on relevant medicine and precautions. And pack bug spray to keep the mosquitos at bay.