Tayrona National Park: the natural sanctuary where the Sierra meets the sea

Tayrona National Natural Park is one of Colombia’s most iconic destinations. Located in Santa Marta, it is that unique place where the Sierra Nevada—the world’s highest coastal mountain range—meets the Caribbean Sea, creating landscapes that seem taken from a dream.

More than just a tourist destination, Tayrona is a sacred territory. Its virgin beaches, tropical jungles, and ancestral trails make it a place where nature and spirituality intertwine. For the indigenous Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples, the park is part of their spiritual heart—a space that holds the memory of their ancestors and asks to be visited with respect.

A journey between jungle and beach

Walking through Tayrona means taking trails surrounded by ceiba and palm trees that suddenly open to breathtaking beaches such as Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, or Arrecifes. Each step brings the chance to encounter monkeys, exotic birds, butterflies, or even traces of the indigenous peoples who still inhabit the area.

The contrast is magical: one moment you are under the cool shade of the jungle, and the next you’re facing a turquoise sea stretching to the horizon. Beyond its most famous beaches, there are hidden gems like Playa Cristal or Neguanje, where the water is so transparent it looks like a mirror, or the route to Pueblito Chairama, an ancient Tayrona archaeological city that reveals the living history of this territory.

Tayrona and its ancestral spirit

Visiting Tayrona also requires awareness. The park closes three times a year (February, June, and October) to allow nature to regenerate and to honor the spiritual rest of the indigenous communities who consider it sacred. In addition, visitor capacity is limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

How to get to Tayrona

Reaching the park from Santa Marta is simple: you can take a public bus from downtown or the market to the El Zaino entrance, in a trip of about one hour. From there, a 2 to 2.5-hour hike leads to Cabo San Juan, one of the most visited spots. Another option is to enter through Calabazo, a longer and less crowded trail ideal for those seeking peace and deeper contact with the jungle.

There are also internal transport services to Cañaveral that shorten the initial journey, but the true charm lies in walking—every step is part of the discovery experience.

Entrance fees 2025

Tayrona has differentiated fees depending on season, nationality, and residence:

Nationals or CAN residents (under 25): $26,000 (low) / $29,000 (high)
Nationals or residents over 25: $35,000 (low) / $41,000 (high)
Foreign non-residents: $77,500 (low) / $92,000 (high)
Samarios: permanent preferential rates (from $11,000 at Bahía Concha up to $41,000 in high season)
Vehicles: cars $20,000, buses $108,500, motorcycles $14,500

These resources are reinvested in the conservation of the park and in programs for environmental and cultural sustainability.

Where to sleep and what to bring

Sleeping in Tayrona is part of the experience. You can camp in authorized areas, rent hammocks facing the sea in Cabo San Juan, or stay in ecohabs that offer more comfort and spectacular views.

To fully enjoy the park, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, repellent, enough water, and a willingness to disconnect. Not all beaches are safe for swimming: the safest ones are La Piscina and Cabo San Juan. Practicing responsible tourism is key: avoid single-use plastics, respect trails and wildlife, and support indigenous communities by buying their crafts.

Tierra Querida Tips for travelers

📅 Plan ahead: check the closing dates (February, June, and October) before organizing your trip.
🎟️ Book your spot: entries are limited and sell out quickly in high season. Buy online to secure access.
🥾 Walk and connect: although there is internal transport, hiking the trails on foot is part of Tayrona’s magic.
🧵 Support locals: purchase indigenous crafts at the entrances or along the trails. It’s taking an authentic piece of their culture with you.
🌊 Combine your experience: complement your visit with Minca—its waterfalls and coffee farms—or with Santa Marta’s Historic Center.
🌱 Respect the sanctuary: use biodegradable sunscreen and repellent, leave no trash, and preserve silence in the jungle.

A place for the soul

Tayrona National Park is not just a tourist destination—it’s a reminder of the connection between humanity and nature. Every sunset on its beaches and every sunrise in the jungle are invitations to pause, breathe, and give thanks. Traveling through Colombia also means traveling through the palate and the spirit, and places like Tayrona remind us that our country holds sanctuaries in its geography where life renews itself and the soul finds peace.