Tayrona National Park – There is no denying, it’s beautiful and a bit unique, enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike. It is a stone’s throw away from Santa Marta and is, for good reason, a popular item to cross off the bucket list. There are many ways to access and enjoy this protected beach, abundant with forrest and fauna. To be honest – I did it wrong. I passed Tayrona multiple times en route to other destinations, but didn’t stop as I was a bit “beached” out at the time. When I finally got around to going, I was staying in Taganga and made a last minute, rushed, decision to make the day trip before heading back to Medellín. In hindsight, I would have done it differently. But look – that’s why I write this blog. I’m very happy if I can help at least one person to take advantage of Tayrona to its full extent.
Where To Stay & How To Get There:
- In the Park – option of staying in a hammock or in a tent. The park closes at 4pm, so this option gives you the ability to stay after the crowds leave. Rumor has it, the wind can get a bit intense if staying in a hammock so bring layers
- By the park entrance – hostels are within walking distance from both entrances of the park. The Journey Hostel was recommended by some friends. This allows for easy access to the 2 hour hike through the park to the beach
- Taganga – take the boat or van/private transfer
- Santa Marta – take the local bus and hop off at the entrance of the park
- En route from Palomino – 90 minutes by bus (~$1.50)
*See Santa Marta post for hostel recommendations for Santa Marta and Taganga
My personal opinion:
The boat wasn’t pleasant. I like boats, I didn’t like this boat. It was a rough hour of bouncing up and down on a crowded metal motorized canoe. Would I do it again – maybe. It was laughably bad and I made friends with the other passengers. It was also convenient when staying in Taganga. Unless going with a group, I don’t necessarily think I would opt to stay overnight. A day spent amongst the beaches was enough for me. Next time, I think I would stay outside of the park and hike at least one way. If you manage to pack light enough or leave your belongings in Taganga, hike on the way there and take the boat back to Taganga
Tips:
- When to go, or better yet, when not to go. Avoid holiday weekends at all cost, and in Colombia, there are many. Tayrona may be a gem but by no means is it a hidden gem. So if possible, go sometime during the week
- You will need to buy a park entrance ticket whether you enter by trail or by boat
- Start early, especially if you need to purchase your tickets morning of, arrive by 7:30 am to enter the park at 8. You don’t want to waste time standing in line. I believe my boat pick up was scheduled for 9am but they were running late
- Bring snacks – there is a restaurant and a food cart situation but options are limited and for obvious reasons a bit more expensive
- If taking the boat, be prepared for your belongings to get wet. On the way there, they shoved our backpacks in a compartment in the boat that kept everything dry enough, but on the way back, it was raining and everything was just soaked
- Destinations within the park: Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, Arrecife, The Nudist Beach
- Most popular hike to take El Zaíno to Cabo San Juan ~4 hours
- You can spend a few dollars and take the bus to the point where the park actually starts. The last bus going the opposite way leaves at 6pm, so many of the hikers left the beach around 3 to make it
- Bring cash for tickets, food, and accommodation if you’re staying the night
- You can ride horses but I never really recommend this
- There are various hikes that you can do and beaches to see. At the end of the day, go explore and see what you stumble upon