Tayrona National Park
Location
Tayrona, Magdalena
Distance
34 km
Difficulty
Moderate hike
Highlights
Jungle trekking
Tayrona is Colombia's crown jewel — a protected national park where the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range, plunge into the Caribbean Sea. Pristine beaches like Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, and La Piscina are accessible only on foot through lush jungle trails, which keeps crowds manageable and the ecosystem intact. The park spans over 15,000 hectares of land and 3,000 hectares of sea, with more than 400 bird species and 60 mammal species. Camping under the stars here — with howler monkeys overhead — is genuinely unforgettable.
To decide this beach properly today, combine live map + water temperature + Santa Marta facts.
Highlights
Interactive marine forecast
Dynamic coordinates: 11.3237, -74.0419
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Beach map
Nearby beaches
Plan your visit
Best time to visit
December–April (dry season); avoid weekends and Colombian holidays
Entrance fee
Low season: ~58,000–73,500 COP (~$15–19 USD)
High season: ~87,000 COP (~$22 USD)
High season dates: Dec 15–Jan 30, Jun 15–Jul 15, Semana Santa, holiday weekends
Closure dates
Feb 1–15, Jun 1–15, Oct 19–Nov 2 (indigenous ritual periods)
Getting there
Bus from Santa Marta central market (~9,000 COP, ~30–45 min) to El Zaino entrance. Alternatively, boat from Taganga to Cabo San Juan (~90,000 COP return, 45 min).
Insider tip
Arrive at El Zaino by 6–7 AM — the park caps daily visitors and tickets sell out. Book a hammock at Cabo San Juan in person at the El Zaino desk on arrival, not online.
Warnings
- Several beaches (Arrecifes, Piscina at times) have dangerous riptides — check posted swimming flags
- No ATMs inside the park — bring cash for food, accommodation, and tips
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended at least 10 days before entry
Keep planning your route
Suggested hotels near this area
Ready to visit?
Book a guided tour with transport included.