must-visit in Santa MartaNational Park & Nature

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

📍 Tayrona National Park, Colombia

1 photos

4.6/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: Colombia, Santa Marta
Category: National Park & Nature
Duration: About 1–2 days (incl. hike)
Opening Hours: Main gate El Zaino opens 7:00 (high season, last entry ~15:00), 8:00 (low season); gate times vary.
Ticket Price: Adult: COP81000 · Foreigners COP 81,000 (low) / 96,500 (high); Bahía Concha COP 43,500 all year. Mandatory insurance ~COP 7,000 extra.
Address: Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Coordinates: 11.3167, -74.0833

Introduction

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on the Caribbean, a national park (IUCN II) of about 225 km² including ~3,000 ha of sea. Its signature is the world's highest coastal range tumbling straight into turquoise water: rainforest runs down to white-sand bays, with corals and turtles in clear water. The park preserves the ancient Tayrona stone ruins of Pueblito (Chairama), and forest and coast trails meet howler monkeys, toucans and iguanas. It is the celebrated natural and cultural treasure of the Santa Marta region — ecotourism and beach holiday in one.

✨ Highlights

Sea meets range

Foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — the world's highest coastal range — rainforest to Caribbean.

Cabo San Juan

Rock gazebo and emerald twin coves, the park's most photogenic and swimmable beach.

Indigenous ruins

Ancient Tayrona stone city of Pueblito (Chairama); part closed to tourism at indigenous request.

Wildlife

Howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, turtles; 400+ bird species recorded.

Sacred homeland

Territory of four peoples — Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuaco, Kankuamo; respect customs and Kankurwa sites.

Eco closures

Three annual closures (Feb 1–15, Jun 1–15, Oct 19–Nov 2) for spiritual rest; check official before travel.

🛈 Practical Info

→Duration：1–2 days suggested; classic El Zaino→Cabo San Juan hike ~2 hours.

→Safety：Beaches like Arrecifes have rip currents and are no-swim; obey flags; carry water/sun protection; a guide helps.

→Closures：Three annual closures (Feb 1–15, Jun 1–15, Oct 19–Nov 2) for indigenous spiritual rest, plus ad-hoc security closures; sacred land—stay on trails.

→Opening Hours：Main gate El Zaino opens 7:00 (high season, last entry ~15:00), 8:00 (low season); gate times vary.

→Transportation：Bus or taxi from Santa Marta ~45 min to main gate El Zaino (~32 km).

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	COP81000

Foreigners COP 81,000 (low) / 96,500 (high); Bahía Concha COP 43,500 all year. Mandatory insurance ~COP 7,000 extra.

💡 Tips

• Cabo San Juan needs a hike or horse—start early to beat heat and crowds.

• Hammock or tent rentals let you overnight inside the park.

• Check Parques Nacionales for closures and ad-hoc security notices before going.

• Some beaches are no-swim; obey flags and rangers.

• No ATM inside—bring cash for food, boats and lockers.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

Main gate El Zaino opens 7:00 (high season, last entry ~15:00), 8:00 (low season); gate times vary.

How much is the admission for Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

Adult: COP81000; Foreigners COP 81,000 (low) / 96,500 (high); Bahía Concha COP 43,500 all year. Mandatory insurance ~COP 7,000 extra.

Any practical tips for visiting Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

Cabo San Juan needs a hike or horse—start early to beat heat and crowds. Hammock or tent rentals let you overnight inside the park.

How long should I spend at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

A typical visit takes About 1–2 days (incl. hike).

Fees, hours and closures change yearly and some sectors close at short notice for security; always check Parques Nacionales de Colombia (parquesnacionales.gov.co) before travel.