Explore the jungle trails, stunning beaches, and clear Caribbean waters of Tayrona National Park. Choose from guided hikes, sailing trips, and horseback rides to iconic spots like Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal.
Free Cancellation Discover the hidden bays of Tayrona National Park from the water with an experienced bilingual sailing team.
Free Cancellation A full-day trip to Bahía Concha in Tayrona Park on a classic 58ft ketch with snorkeling, lunch, and paddleboarding.
Free Cancellation Swim and snorkel in the calm, transparent waters of Playa Cristal, a protected bay inside Tayrona National Park.
Free Cancellation Hike through the coastal jungle of Tayrona National Park to reach the iconic shores and viewpoints of Cabo San Juan.
Free Cancellation Hike through Tayrona Park's coastal forests to Cabo San Juan, spotting wildlife and visiting the Kogui community.
Free Cancellation Explore Tayrona Park’s bays by boat with stops at Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Concha, skipping the long hiking trails.
Free Cancellation Explore the jungle trails and iconic beaches of Tayrona National Park, including Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes.
Free Cancellation Guided horseback riding through Tayrona's forests and beaches, focused on nature and relaxation.
Free Cancellation Hike through Tayrona’s coastal rainforest to reach the swimming bays of La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
Free Cancellation Enjoy a relaxing day at Bahía Concha, a calm beach in Tayrona Park accessible without the need for long hikes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Tayrona National Park — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Tayrona National Park offers a stunning collision of lush jungle-clad mountains and wild Caribbean beaches. On a guided tour, you can expect to hike through dense tropical forests, spot native wildlife, and relax on some of South America's most picturesque shores.
The park's most iconic beach features a famous wooden lookout hut perched on a rocky hill. You can swim in the turquoise waters, relax on the white sand, or rent a hammock for the day.
Hike through diverse microclimates, from mangroves to dry tropical forests. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, capuchins, and exotic birds along the scenic coastal trails.
Skip the strenuous hikes and explore Tayrona's rugged coastline by sea. Sailboats and catamarans depart from Santa Marta, offering a relaxing way to see the bays and snorkel in clear waters.
Cool off in this tranquil lagoon protected by a natural coral reef barrier. It is the safest spot for swimming and snorkeling away from the dangerous open-ocean currents.
Learn about the ancient Tairona civilization that once thrived here. The park remains a sacred ancestral territory for indigenous communities connected by a spiritual boundary known as the Black Line.
Marvel at the massive granite boulders and wild, crashing waves at this dramatic beach. While swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerous rip currents, the landscape is unforgettable.
Planning a trip to Tayrona requires a bit of logistical preparation due to strict park regulations and seasonal closures. Here is what you need to know before booking your tour.
The park completely closes to all visitors three times a year for indigenous spiritual cleaning and environmental recovery. Do not book tours between February 1–15, June 1–15, or October 19–November 2.
Many guided tours do not include the park entrance fee for foreign non-residents, which ranges from COP $73,500 to $96,500 depending on the season. You must also purchase a mandatory daily health insurance policy (COP $5,000–$8,000) at the gate in cash.
You can choose strenuous full-day hiking tours to Cabo San Juan, relaxed sailing trips departing from the Santa Marta marina, or direct transport tours to easily accessible beaches like Bahia Concha.
The main hike from the El Zaíno entrance to Cabo San Juan takes up to 2 hours each way in intense heat and humidity. If you have mobility issues, consider a boat tour or a trip to Bahia Concha instead.
Bags are searched by rangers at the entrance gates. Single-use plastics, alcohol, drones, and musical instruments are strictly prohibited. Bring a reusable water filter bottle to stay hydrated without creating plastic waste.
Most guided land tours offer hotel pickup in Santa Marta, but check the fine print for your specific location. Sailing tours usually require you to meet directly at the International Marina in Santa Marta.
Bring plenty of physical Colombian Pesos (COP) as there are absolutely no ATMs inside the park. Pack sturdy hiking shoes for the trails, swimwear, a physical passport, and high-strength insect repellent.
| Guided Hiking Tour (Cabo San Juan) | Sailing & Boat Tour | Accessible Beach Tour (Bahia Concha) | Horseback Riding Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 12-14 hours | 8 hours | 7 hours | 3 hours |
| Activity Level | Moderate to High | Low | Low (Wheelchair Accessible) | Low to Moderate |
| Best For | Active hikers wanting the classic Tayrona experience | Avoiding the jungle hike, ocean views, snorkeling | Families with small children, elderly visitors | Nature lovers wanting a slower pace through the forest |
| Starting Price | $58 - $65 | $55 - $79 | $39 | $115 |
Tayrona National Park operates on a strict daily schedule that changes slightly depending on the season.
Important Entry Cutoffs: The last entry is strictly enforced at 4:00 PM at the main El Zaíno entrance, and 2:00 PM at the Calabazo entrance. If you arrive after these times, you will be denied entry.
Tayrona is located about 34 kilometers from the Santa Marta city center. You have a few main transport options:
The best months to visit Tayrona are during the dry seasons, from January to April and July to September. During these months, rainfall is lower and the jungle trails are much less muddy.
Avoid the Peak Crowds: The absolute busiest times are December 15 to January 30 and June 15 to July 15. During these windows, expect massive queues at the ticket gates and crowded beaches.
Mandatory Closures: You cannot visit the park during its three annual conservation closures: February 1–15, June 1–15, and October 19–November 2.
Overall, Tayrona National Park has highly limited wheelchair accessibility due to its rugged, natural terrain, steep jungle trails, and sandy beaches.
Facilities inside the park are basic but sufficient for day trips and overnight stays. There are absolutely no ATMs inside the park, so bring all the cash you will need.
Tayrona is a highly protected ecological reserve and a sacred ancestral territory. Park rangers strictly enforce the rules at the entrance gates.
The park closes completely three times a year for indigenous spiritual cleaning and environmental recovery. These scheduled closures occur from February 1 to 15, June 1 to 15, and October 19 to November 2.
Many guided tours do not include the entrance fee for foreign non-residents, as it is quite high. In 2026, foreigners pay between COP $73,500 and COP $96,500 depending on the season, which you usually pay directly at the gate.
No, swimming is strictly prohibited at several beaches, including Playa Arrecifes, due to extremely dangerous rip currents. Visitors should only swim in designated safe zones like La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
The hike from the Cañaveral trailhead to Cabo San Juan takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way over a distance of 7 kilometers. It requires a moderate level of fitness due to the rugged terrain, intense heat, and high humidity.
Yes. If you want to avoid the jungle hike, you can book sailboat or catamaran tours that depart from the International Marina in Santa Marta. There are also daily speedboats from the town of Taganga, though the water can be very rough.
No, bringing alcohol and single-use plastic bags or bottles into the park is strictly prohibited to protect the environment. Park rangers search backpacks at the entrance gates and will confiscate these items.
Yes, children under 5 even get free entry. While the long hike to Cabo San Juan might be too strenuous for young kids, families can easily visit accessible areas like Bahia Concha or the calm, sheltered waters of La Piscina.
While it is not always strictly checked by every ranger at the gates, visitors are officially required to show proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. It is highly recommended to carry your physical vaccine card or a photo of it on your phone.
There are absolutely no ATMs inside the park or at the entrance gates. You must bring enough physical Colombian Pesos (COP) to pay for mandatory insurance, shuttle vans, meals, and emergency transport.
Every visitor must purchase a daily health insurance policy at the entrance ticket booth before entering. The cost ranges between COP $5,000 and COP $8,000 per day, which must be paid in cash.
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After a twenty-year career as an economist, Luis returned to his lifelong roots on the water. Having sailed since infancy, he now shares his knowledge of navigation and the sea with those visiting the Colombian coast. Along with a bilingual team, he offers a way to experience Tayrona National Park from the water, focusing on the secluded areas and perspectives that are often missed from the land. The crew speaks both Spanish and English and prioritizes sharing local stories and coastal history throughout the day. The experience is designed to be informative and relaxed, led by professionals who have spent their lives on the water and want to show guests the unique geography of the Tayrona region.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Meet at the Charter Dock at 9:30 AM to board the Sonata, a 58-foot cutter-rigged ketch built in 1979 with a capacity for 26 guests. The boat departs at 10:00 AM sharp, and all passengers must be on board by 9:50 AM. We motor upwind toward Bahía Concha in Tayrona National Park, passing Taganga, Playa Grande, and Aguja Island. Once anchored, you can reach the beach via our shuttle boat or by swimming. The afternoon is spent snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sunbathing, with lunch and one drink served on board roughly an hour after arrival. We depart for the return trip at 3:30 PM, sailing back to the marina if wind conditions allow, with an expected arrival between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted in the marina. In the event that maritime authorities close Tayrona Park, or during scheduled park closures (Feb 1–15, June 1–15, and Oct 19–Nov 2), the tour will visit nearby bays instead; refunds are only issued if all navigation is restricted by authorities.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Playa Cristal is a small, protected bay located within Tayrona National Natural Park near Santa Marta. The beach is recognized for its exceptionally clear water and white sand, often ranking among the top coastal destinations in the Americas. Its name refers to the water's transparency, which provides high visibility even from the shore. The bay's calm conditions and temperate climate make it a reliable spot for relaxation and water sports. Because the waves are minimal, it is an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving. Visitors can observe the coral reefs and diverse marine life that inhabit this section of the national park.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
Cabo San Juan del Guía is the most recognizable destination within Tayrona National Natural Park. This tour takes you on a trek through the park's tropical forest and along several coastlines to reach the famous hilltop gazebo overlooking the Caribbean. Its central location makes it a strategic point for exploring the wider park. The experience centers on ecological walks through diverse landscapes, from shaded jungle paths to open shorelines. After the hike, you will have time to swim in the bay, relax on the beach, or continue exploring the nearby trails that showcase the unique natural beauty of the Colombian coast.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
The tour enters Tayrona Park through the El Zaino sector for a four-hour round-trip hike. Along the way, you will walk through mangroves and tropical dry forests where you can spot native wildlife, including titi, capuchin, and howler monkeys, as well as zainos and needle caimans. The trail also offers a chance to meet the local Kogui community and learn about their presence in the region. You will pass a series of beaches such as La Gumarra, San Felipe, Arrecifes, Arenilla, and La Piscina before reaching Cabo San Juan del Guia. This final stop features a restaurant and bathroom facilities for visitors. The group will stay at Cabo San Juan until 2:00 PM, at which point the return hike begins.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
This boat tour offers a way to explore the bays of Tayrona Park from the water, avoiding the long walks typically required to reach these areas. The route passes by Taganga, Garnet, Chengue, and Gayraca, providing a full view of the park's rugged coastline. Throughout the day, the boat stops at Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Concha. These locations are chosen for their clear water and scenery, allowing plenty of time to swim and relax at each beach before moving to the next destination.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This day trip is designed for travelers who want to see the highlights of Tayrona National Park in a single day. You will hike through the tropical forest to reach the park’s most famous coastal spots, including Arrecifes and the iconic Cabo San Juan. Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to see local wildlife and photograph the unique scenery where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Once at the coast, you can enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch at a local seaside restaurant (not included) and spend the afternoon swimming or resting on the beach. We offer two ways to join the tour: a private option that includes door-to-door transport from your accommodation, or a shared option where you meet the guide at the park entrance via public transit.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This horseback ride begins by crossing the Piedras River into the forests bordering Tayrona Park. The tour follows quiet trails through the trees, using the steady rhythm of the horse to help you relax and connect with the surrounding nature. It is a slower-paced experience intended for those who want to unwind in a peaceful, natural setting. The route leads to Los Naranjos beach, where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. Once there, you can rest by the water or take the opportunity to gallop across the sand. The ride is designed to be mindful and respectful of the animals, providing a calm space to enjoy the coastal scenery. The experience lasts between one and three hours, with departures available twice a day. You can join the morning session from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or the afternoon session from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., which is timed to catch the sunset.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Spanish
This guided trek leads you through Tayrona National Park, where the Colombian jungle meets the Caribbean Sea. Starting on the Canaveral trails, you will hike through dense forest and past the massive granite boulders of Arrecife. The route follows the coastline, providing a close look at the region’s biodiversity and diverse tropical landscapes. As you move further into the park, you will stop at La Piscina, a beach protected by a natural rock reef that creates calm waters ideal for snorkeling. The journey ends at Cabo San Juan del Guia, a site famous for its twin bays and clear water. You will have time to swim and rest on the beach before beginning the return hike. The tour requires a moderate level of physical activity, as it involves walking for several hours on forest paths. It is a direct way to experience the transition from rainforest to sea, visiting the park's most significant landmarks in a single day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Bahía Concha is one of the most accessible spots in Tayrona National Park, known for its calm, clear waters and surrounding mountain scenery. Unlike other parts of the park that require hours of trekking through the jungle, this bay allows you to enjoy the Caribbean coast with minimal physical effort. The beach features golden sand and plenty of natural shade from the trees lining the shore. During the day, you can swim in the gentle waves or snorkel along the rocky edges to see local marine life. The tour is designed for those who want a quiet day by the sea rather than an intense hike. A traditional local lunch is included, typically featuring fresh fish and coconut rice, served right near the beach.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.