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Tayrona National Natural Park

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Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)

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Tayrona National Natural Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, about 34 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta. Established in 1964, the park covers 150 square kilometers, including a 30-square-kilometer marine area. It is globally famous for its remarkable bays, such as Cabo San Juan and Chengue, where lush tropical rainforest meets white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Beyond its natural allure, Tayrona is an essential archaeological site, home to the ruins of Pueblito Chairama, an ancient settlement of the Tairona people who inhabited the region long before the Spanish conquest. The park's biodiversity is immense, hosting over 300 species of birds and rare mammals like the cotton-top tamarin. For the indigenous Kogi, Wiwa, and Arhuaco people, the land remains sacred, and the park is periodically closed to the public for spiritual cleansing rituals. Hiking through Tayrona allows visitors to experience diverse ecosystems, ranging from dry tropical forests to animated coral reefs.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525262727272727272726
Rain mm4312391601157611917326014343

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access is generally through the main entrance at El Zaino or the Palangana sector, reachable by bus or car from Santa Marta; the interior of the park must be explored on foot or by renting horses.
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Best season
The best time to visit is during the drier months from December to March; however, be aware that the park occasionally closes for maintenance and spiritual cleansing by indigenous communities.
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Terrain & paths
Expect a mix of sandy beach paths and undulating jungle trails that can be humid and muddy; the terrain requires moderate physical effort as you hike between different coastal bays and forests.
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What to bring
Essential items include comfortable hiking sandals or shoes, swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of drinking water to handle the heat and humidity of the Caribbean coast.
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Parking
Parking lots are available at the main entrances like El Zaino for a daily fee, but space can be limited during peak holidays, so arriving early is usually necessary to secure a spot for your car.
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Safety
Be cautious of strong ocean currents at certain beaches where swimming is prohibited; stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing local wildlife and always keep an eye on the weather conditions.
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Time needed
Most visitors spend at least one full day in the park, but staying overnight in a hammock or tent for two to three days is highly recommended to fully experience the natural beauty of the area.

Geography

Coordinates
11.28330, -73.96670

Facts

  • Established in 1964 to protect the Caribbean coastline.
  • Covers 150 sq km, including 30 sq km of marine territory.
  • Contains the ancient Tairona ruins of Pueblito Chairama.
  • Home to more than 300 documented species of birds.
  • A critical habitat for the endangered cotton-top tamarin.
  • Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pueblito ChairamaPueblito Chairama<1 km · NExplore →
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)9 km · NWExplore →
MincaMinca17 km · SExplore →
TayronaTayrona22 km · SExplore →
Quinta de San Pedro AlejandrinoQuinta de San Pedro Alejandrino23 km · SExplore →
Tayrona Free Trade ZoneTayrona Free Trade Zone26 km · SExplore →
Santa MartaSanta Marta26 km · SExplore →
Port of Santa MartaPort of Santa Marta28 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tayrona National Natural Park (5)

La cima🌿 nature

High-elevation viewpoint providing a panorama of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the ocean.

Piedra de Donama🏺 historical

An enormous ancient stone carved with intricate pre-Columbian petroglyphs.

Playa Palmarito🎡 recreation

Remote and wild beach known as a significant nesting site for sea turtles.

Playa Guachaquita🎡 recreation

Hidden coastal gem accessible via a challenging jungle hike or by sea.

Bunkuany🏺 historical

Recently uncovered archaeological site with well-preserved stone roads and foundations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming allowed in the sea?
At many beaches, it is life-threatening due to strong currents.
Where can you stay overnight?
There are campsites, hammock areas, and eco-huts.
Is the park closed in February?
Yes, it is often closed for the spiritual cleansing of indigenous groups.
What is Cabo San Juan?
The most famous and photographed beach in the park.
Do you have to hike to reach the beaches?
Yes, you typically hike about 1-2 hours through the jungle.
Tayrona National Natural Park: where is it located?
Tayrona National Natural Park is located in Colombia.
Tayrona National Natural Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include La cima, Piedra de Donama, Playa Palmarito.
Tayrona National Natural Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Tayrona National Natural Park: why is it worth visiting?
Tayrona National Natural Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, about 34 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Santa Marta — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Santa Marta
One of the oldest existing cities in South America.
Minca — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Minca
A lush mountain village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, famous for coffee farms and waterfalls.
Tayrona — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Tayrona
Tayrona National Park enchants with palm-fringed Caribbean beaches that merge directly into the dense jungle.
Palomino — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back coastal town where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.

Nature

Magdalena River — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Magdalena River
The principal river of Colombia, crossing the country from south to north.

More places

Pueblito Chairama — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Pueblito Chairama
Ruins of an ancient Tairona village in Tayrona National Park, showcasing the stone architecture of the indigenous culture.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
An ancient city in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, built by the Tairona culture around 800 AD.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A 17th-century hacienda where South American liberator Simón Bolívar spent his last days in 1830.
Tayrona Free Trade Zone — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Tayrona Free Trade Zone
A major industrial park in Santa Marta, serving companies in logistics and export.
Port of Santa Marta — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Port of Santa Marta
A natural deep-water port, especially known for the export of agricultural products like bananas and coal.
Rodadero Aquarium — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Rodadero Aquarium
A marine aquarium in Santa Marta focusing on local Caribbean marine wildlife.
Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port) — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Puerto Nuevo (Coal Port)
A modern hard coal export port with a direct loading system that minimizes environmental impact.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest coastal mountain range in the world, geologically isolated from the Andes.