Practical Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia

With beautiful, windswept and unspoiled beaches, Tayrona is a must visit for nature lovers along Colombia’s Caribbean coast.  The national park gets its name from the Tairona indigenous culture, and the area is sacred to the indigenous tribes still living in the area.  It is open to visitors most of the year and offers several good hikes along with the beautiful beaches.  Read on for a complete travel guide to Tayrona National Park in Colombia.

*Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  I am a participant in the Amazon Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made after clicking links from this site.  There is never any additional cost to you.  For more information, please consult my Disclosure Policy.

Photo of the beach beside Cabo San Juan in Parque Tayrona
The unspoiled beaches and nature in Tayrona make it a place not to be missed. Read on to learn how to visit yourself in this practical guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia. Image Source: DepositPhotos user jkraft5.

Why You Should Visit Tayrona

If you’re a nature and hiking fan or a beach fan or both, you have to visit Tayrona National Park during your time in Colombia. The park rightly appears at or near the top of any list of the best hiking trails in Colombia.

Even if you’re not the biggest hiking or camping fan, the hike to the most popular place to stay is about 2 hours of mostly easy going. You can also ride horses or take a boat in and out of the park if you’d really prefer not to hike.

While you can technically do a day trip using the boats or horses, or hiking if you really hoof it, you really should stay at least one night. That way you can have some time to explore, enjoy some hiking, and see some of the different beaches. Given the time hiking in and out, Tayrona is best included in a two week Colombia itinerary or more although it’s possible to fit it in a week spent solely on the Caribbean coast.

The beautiful and mostly unspoiled beaches inside the park are the main attraction.  There are a number of different beaches you can visit, and the backdrop of the mountains running into the sea is breathtaking!

Tayrona is a great chance to get away from it all for a few days, enjoy some great beaches, and do some hiking.  It especially makes for a great stop sandwiched in between visits to Minca and Palomino.

Ready to go?  Read on for a complete travel guide to Tayrona, Colombia including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, travel tips, and a packing list for Parque Tayrona.

Photo of 3 girls chatting overlooking the view, another good thing to see at Tayrona Park in Colombia.
“What’s best about Tayrona?” “The beaches are great!” “I love the hiking!”  “To me it’s the beautiful scenery!”

Ultimate Travel Guide to Tayrona Park – Contents

  • How to Get to Tayrona National Park
    • By Bus
    • By Boat
    • How to Get to Tayrona from Cartagena
  • Visitor Info
    • Admission Fees
    • Mandatory Insurance
  • What to Do in Tayrona Park
  • Where to Stay in Tayrona Park
  • Travel Tips for Tayrona Park
  • Packing List for Tayrona Park
Photo of rocks overlooking the Caribbean sea at Tayrona National Park with a Colombian flag flying over them.
Learn all you need to know to plan a trip to Tayrona National Park below. Image Source: From DepositPhotos user jkraft5.

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

*Note:  Some information here may no longer be accurate especially as it relates to bus schedules and prices.  I’ve confirmed and updated the prices of the private charter van companies, but am not sure about public bus prices, and the charter companies are subject to change.

There are a few different options to get to Tayrona.  The easiest is to take a bus from Santa Marta.  You can also get taxis or private cars, although prices are usually quite high.  Additionally, you can take a speed boat to Tayrona from Taganga.

Can You Do a Day Trip to Tayrona?

Yes, although personally I feel it’s best to spend the night as hiking in and back out isn’t worth it.  That being said, if you do want to do a day trip to Tayrona, it’s best to do it with a tour.   You could for example do this  private tour that includes transportation and the entrance fee.

If you want a really unique experience, you could do a sailing day trip to Tayrona, giving you a unique view of the park from the sea.  Doing a day trip to one of the the beaches inside the park but a bit closer to Santa Marta like a tour to Playa Cristal or a tour to Bahía Concha is also a good way to do a day trip to Tayrona.

For another easy beach day trip from Santa Marta, you can also check out this tour to Playa Blanca (not to be confused with the better known Playa Blanca of Barú, closer to Cartagena).

How to Get to Tayrona by Bus

The most popular entrance to the park, El Zaino, is located approximately an hour north of Santa Marta.  You can get the bus from the market in downtown Santa Marta.  Look for the buses that say Tayrona and Palomino.

How to Get to Tayrona from Santa Marta

The bus from Santa Marta costs 7,000 pesos (price last confirmed April 2019).  There are different fares for how far you are going along the route, so be sure to tell the guy collecting the money you are going to Tayrona.

Do expect the bus to get crowded, probably with some people carrying food or other goods.  Our bus had bags of concrete and sacks of rice loaded on it.  One guy even had a box of baby chicks.

If you’d like a more convenient and comfortable but pricier transportation from Santa Marta to Tayrona, you can book a private van to Tayrona from Santa Marta.

 Flying into Santa Marta

Santa Marta is the closest airport to Tayrona Park.  While the ease, cost, and relatively short length of bus travel along the Caribbean Coast may make it not worth flying, if you’re coming from the interior and want to bypass Cartagena, it could save you some time to fly into Santa Marta.

Of course, I would encourage you to fly into Cartagena and enjoy all there is to do there (this website’s name is Cartagena Explorer after all!).  Regardless, it’s a good idea to compare your options which you can do on Colombia’s flagship Avianca airline, looking for a package deal at Expedia.com or Trip.com, looking for a steal at CheapOair.com or Kiwi.com, or comparing prices at SkyScanner.com or Jet Radar.

How to Get to Tayrona from Palomino

If you’re coming from Palomino or Riohacha, just hop on the bus headed towards Santa Marta and get out at the park entrance.  The price for the bus from Palomino to Tayrona should be 3,000 pesos and from Riohacha to Tayrona 10,000 pesos.

*Be sure to check out this Practical Travel Guide to Palomino

How to Get to Tayrona from Minca

If you’re coming from our heading to the mountain town of Minca outside Santa Marta, to travel by bus, you’ll have to pass through Santa Marta (follow the instructions above).  Or you could also opt for a private van transfer between Minca and Tayrona.

*Be sure to check out this Practical Travel Guide to Minca

Photo of an iguana on a rock with a boat in the water behind it at Tayrona Park Colombia.
Besides the bus, it’s also possible to take a boat to Tayrona from Taganga. Image Source: DepositPhotos user StreetFlash

How to Get to Tayrona by Boat

You can also take small speed boats to Tayrona.  The boats leave from the town of Taganga to Cabo San Juan, the most popular place for staying inside the park.  Taganga is just over a hill from Santa Marta.  Check out our guide to Taganga if you want to spend a night there before or after your visit to Tayrona.

The boats leave at approximately 9 a.m..  The return trip leaves between 3 and 4 in the afternoon from Cabo San Juan.

One word of warning:  I normally enjoy boats, but I did not enjoy the boat from Tayrona to Taganga.  Maybe it was just a particularly rough day, but we were bouncing around and I took lots of waves to the face.  Soaking wet and with a sore butt (I’m pretty sure I was bouncing a foot in the air off my seat), I was happy when it was over.

These operations are also questionably organized at best.  While usually, I’m a fan of the less restrictive liability rules, in this case the safety risk seems not worth it.  And it sounds like some have had even worse experiences.  By the same token, lots of people take the boat every day, so presumably most of the time the trip is smoother.

Still, I would strongly recommend avoiding the boat entirely, but if you’re on a tight schedule and the seas don’t look choppy, then it I guess it can save you quite a bit of time.  Just be prepared for a bouncy ride.  Also please note, that the cost of the boat does not include the park entry fee or mandatory insurance.  You will have to pay for those things when you arrive.

Photo of a small motor boat in the bay at Tayrona, one of the ways to get to Tayrona.
I had a choppy (pun intended) experience on the boat, but it’s the quickest option for how to get to Tayrona.

How to Get to Tayrona from Cartagena

If you want to do a day trip to Tayrona from Cartagena, you can do this day tour to Cristal Beach that includes transportation to and from Tayrona as well as the park entrance fee and lunch (via Viator).  Note that that is a separate beach area than the beaches you’ll see hiking in, but if you have to do it in a day from Cartagena, it’s an option.

You can book a private car to take you from Cartagena to Tayrona although it is expensive.

Otherwise you will have to reach Santa Marta.  You can take a private car from Cartagena to Santa Marta but it’s also quite pricey, so a bus will be the best option for most.

You can get buses to Santa Marta at the main Cartagena bus terminal.  These will be the cheapest way to get from Santa Marta to Cartagena.  You can find times and even book ahead at BusBud (note you can likely find more departure times on other companies at the terminal, but those have the added convenience of being able to book ahead).

Berlinas and Marsol offer chartered van service for reasonable prices as well and are the recommended options.  A taxi to the terminal will more than wipe out the savings on the cheaper bus ticket unless you’re a group of 3 or 4.

Berlinas

Berlinas charges 80,000 for buses from Cartagena to Santa Marta and vice versa (price last confirmed November 2020).  Buses leave from 6 am to around 3 pm.  Departure times depend on passenger demand, so it may be worth going the day before and reserving.  Their office is in Marbella, and they arrive to their office in Santa Marta, with a stop to drop off and pick up passengers in Barranquilla.

The bus stops at the office in Rodadero outside of Santa Marta and in Mamatoco.  From Mamatoco, you can catch the bus to Tayrona along the road heading north.

If you return via Berlinas, buses leave Rodadero at 6 am and pass the office in Mamatoco around 7 am until approximately 4 and 5 pm respectively, although also depending on passenger demand.

Marsol

From Cartagena to Santa Marta they have regular departures every 2 hours from 6 am to 4:40 pm.  The price is 90,000 pesos.  (Marsol prices last confirmed November 2020).

This is nearly double the price it was in February 2020 (56,000 pesos).  It’s unclear if that is due to capacity restrictions that will be a temporary increase until things are back to normal or if it is in fact the “new normal.”  Prices tend to increase slightly in January every year as well, so if you’re planning  a trip in 2021, I would plan to pay around 100,000, but again, hard to know.

You can book Marsol buses from Cartagena online ahead of time via Viator here.

Marsol used to have buses that go directly from Cartagena to Tayrona and arrive to the park entrance, but only twice a day.  However, at this time I have confirmed that they do not.  It’s unclear if they will reinstate them once travel picks up and things return to more normal.  I would lean towards yes, since they also have their service to Palomino suspended, but it’s hard to say for sure, and even harder to say when.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Tayrona in late 2020 or early 2021, definitely plan on arriving to Santa Marta first.

Once in Santa Marta, follow the instructions above.  One note, we thought it would be easier to get the bus to the park from Mamatoco, on the outskirts of the city.  When I went several years back that was the main jumping off point to the park.

We were able to get the bus there, but it was already very crowded.  Therefore, I recommend getting the bus in the city center.

The trip to Santa Marta takes about 4 hours from Cartagena.  You will need at least 3 hours for transportation to the park and the hike in to the camp site.  Therefore, make sure you start your trip to Tayrona from Cartagena early in the morning.

*You can check bus routes, times, prices and even book many buses in Colombia at BusBud.  Both Marsol and Berlinas are pretty responsive on their facebook pages which you can find here:  Marsol and Berlinas.

Photo of waves washing up on a beach in Tayrona Colombia
The beaches in Tayrona are beautiful and unspoiled. Image Source: DepostPhotos user jkraft5.

Visitor Information for Tayrona

You do have to pay an admissions fee for Tayrona Park.  The fee varies slightly depending on your nationality as well as the time of year you visit:

Entrance Fees for Tayrona National Park:

*The prices below are the prices listed on the national park service’s website for 2020.  Presumably the fees should be the same when Tayrona reopens, but it may be worth double checking that link (it is down as I update this in late February 2021), and the prices may go up slightly in 2021 (I will try to update once there has been an announcement).

Normal Entrance Fees to Tayrona National Park:

  • Foreigners:  53,500 pesos
  • Colombian Nationals over 25:  24,000 pesos
  • Children Under 5:  free
  • Colombian Nationals aged 5-25:  18,000 pesos
  • People Born in Santa Marta aged 5-25:  9,000 pesos
  • People born in Santa Marta over 25:  12,000 pesos

*Note if you are a foreign resident of Colombia and have your Cédula (ID Card) or a citizen of one of the members of the Andean Community of Nations (CAN), you pay the price of Colombian nationals.

Peak Season Entrance Fees for Tayrona National Park:

  • Foreigners:  63,500 pesos
  • Colombian Nationals Over 25:  28,500 pesos
  • Children Under 5:  Free
  • Colombian Nationals aged 5-25:  20,000 pesos
  • People Born in Santa Marta aged 5-25:  20,000 pesos
  • People born in Santa Marta over 25:  28,500 pesos
  • Note that peak season is:
    • June 15 to July 15
    • December 15 to the end of January
    • The 10 days beginning on the Friday before the week of Easter
    • The higher rates also apply to weekends with Monday holidays (at this site you can see a list of Colombian holidays)
A photo of the sign near the entrance of Tayrona showing the different beaches you can visit in Tayrona Park.
The map at the entrance to Tayrona National Park.

It usually isn’t necessary to buy tickets for Tayrona ahead of time, but if you’re going during peak season, it probably isn’t a bad idea.  The park does have a limited capacity and even if it doesn’t fill up, the lines can get long. (For the time being, you cannot buy tickets online any longer).

Insurance Requirement for Entrance to Tayrona Park

*Note:  It’s not clear if the insurance is still bought separately.  The site linked below and all the info on it below was through the old concessionaire.  I can’t find any information on prices at the National Park Service’s website other than the requirement and 3 suggested companies here.  I would assume if you still buy it separately, you can do so at the entrance and that the prices are comparable if not the same.

You must also buy mandatory medical emergency and evacuation insurance for each day you plan to be in the park.  The insurance costs 2,500 pesos per day and offers coverage for up to 30 million pesos (about 10,000 USD).  Find out more about the insurance at this link.

If you have organized your trip through an agency or as part of a tour, be sure to clarify if the insurance is (or isn’t) included.  If it is, be sure to get a receipt or certificate.

Be wary of tour operators outside the entrance selling the insurance.  They are probably legit, but why risk it when you can just buy it at the park ticket booth?

Once in the park, if you decide to stay for more days, you can buy more days of coverage at Cabo San Juan.  (That is also where you will buy it if you come on the boat).

After you enter, you can take a bus for 3,000 pesos to the parking lot and trail head.  It’ll save you about half an hour.

Photo of a beach in Tayrona National Park Colombia
Read on to learn what to see and do in Parque Tayrona. Spoiler, yes the beaches are at the top of the list. Image source: DepositPhotos user pxhidalgo.

What to Do in Tayrona

Note this covers the areas accessible from the main Zaino entrance, not the areas closer to Santa Marta on the western end of the park.  Those areas are best visited via the day trips from Santa Marta mentioned above.

These areas can also be reached from the Calabazo entrance, but with the closure of the Pueblito trail, require quite a long hike via Playa Brava.  Do note that Playa Brava can be reached by a much shorter hike from Cabo San Juan de la Guía once you hike in via the Zaino entrance.

In other words, unless, you’re planning to stay at Playa Brava and want to reach it first, I would suggest just going in at Zaino.  The hike in from Calabazo is more in the hills and offers less sea views as well.

Enjoy the Beaches

There are a number of nice beaches in Tayrona.  As you hike in, the first one you come to is Arrecifes.  You cannot swim there.  You’ll then pass several others, including La Piscina.  You can swim there.  Offshore rocks make for a natural swimming pool.  It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling.

However, I think the beaches around Cabo San Juan are prettier.  At Cabo, there’s a little bay with calm waters good for wading.  On the other side of the rock, there’s a a nice stretch of beach as well.

If you continue beyond that beach and take a short walk through the forest, you’ll arrive to Playa Brava.  Playa Brava is technically a nude beach, although most people were not actually in the nude when we were there.

The beach at Playa Brava is long and very pretty.  The waves are strong though, and the currents can be dangerous, so it’s advised not to swim there.  I was physically knocked over by the waves.  Therefore, it’s probably best to stick to the beaches marked for swimming.

Photo of one of the beachs at Tayrona National Park. Seeing the beaches is one of the best things to do at Tayrona Park.
The mountains running into the sea are some of the most beautiful things to see in Tayrona. Unfortunately, you can’t swim at Arrecifes Beach.
Photo of a beach in Tayrona in Colombia, Playa Brava, one of the best beaches in Tayrona.
Playa Brava might be rough but is a beautiful stretch of beach.

Hike to Pueblito

*Update:  As of early 2019 Pueblito has been closed to visitors, reportedly permanently, at the request of the indigenous residents.  So unfortunately, this no longer is one of the things to see in Tayrona at least for the time being.  I will try to keep my eyes open and update if it reopens one day.  In the meantime, you’ll just have to enjoy the beach (I know, it’s a tough life out there).

Located in the hills above Cabo is a tiny indigenous village.  There you can see a few huts where some Kogi people live today.  There are also remains of a larger settlement dating to before the Spanish conquest.  The Tairona indigenous civilization was the most advanced in Colombia and the only to have built stone urban centers.

However, the ruins at Pueblito are not really that impressive.  The real attraction is the hike up.  Note we were told it was of moderate difficulty.  For avid hikers that is probably the case, but we found it a bit closer to hard.

There are a few tough inclines and you spend a fair amount of time climbing over boulders.  I’d recommend not doing the hike alone as having someone to boost you up was definitely necessary in a few spots.

While the ruins themselves weren’t that cool, the hike was fun and enough of a challenge to feel like we had accomplished something.  It takes about 2 and a half hours to get to Pueblito from Cabo.

We actually chose to send our bags out on horses and hiked out from Pueblito to the entrance at Calabazo.  That took about 2 and a half more hours.

There’s another longer hike called 9 Piedras that I have not done, but it is supposed to give some great views of the park.

Unplug and Get Away From It All

A couple days in Tayrona is a great way to disconnect.  With no wi-fi and little to no cell service, you’ll have no choice but to stay off facebook and instagram or work email and just relax.

So spend some time enjoying the scenery on the hikes.  Once you’ve worn yourself out, relax with a good book, get your tan on, and take a nap on the beach.  In the evening, you can contemplate your existence and take advantage of the excellent star gazing.

Photo of a girl making a victory pose with the beautiful things to see in Tayrona behind her.
After hikes in and around Tayrona, you deserve a victory lap or great photo!

Where to Stay in Tayrona Park

There are a number of fancy lodges and cabins available both inside and just outside the park.  However, they tend to be very pricey!

Therefore, the most popular option, and my recommendation, for where to stay in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan del Guía.

Cabo San Juan – Most Popular Place to Stay

At Cabo San Juan, you can rent a tent, the space for your own tent, or a hammock.  The hammocks are in a covered area, and there are a limited number of additional hammocks on top of a big rock overlooking the bay.  There are also a limited number of small cabins.

Photo of a group of people at Cabo San Juan, the most popular for where to stay in Tayrona Park in Colombia.
Cabo San Juan is the coolest of the places to stay in Tayrona.

The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner for fairly reasonable prices.  The restaurant serves the typical fish plate as well as rice, chicken, and pasta dishes.  There are a few vegetarian options.  Expect to spend 20-40,000 pesos per meal.

There were also some fresh breads and sandwiches on sale that were really good for 5-7,000 pesos.  You also have to try the bread at the Panaderia Bere on the hike in.  The tomato, cheese, and basil ones are awesome, especially fresh out of the oven.

You can bring in food, but there is no kitchen and no fires at the camp site.  There is also a little tienda that sells snacks and drinks.  An Aguila ran 5,000 pesos when we were last there in late 2018.

Cell service was spotty at best and there was no wi-fi.  There is a small cell charging station by the restaurant.  Do be aware that there are no electrical hookups in the camping area.

Photo of tents with palm trees in the background a the camp site at Tayrona.
The camping area at Cabo San Juan in Tayrona. Image Source: DepositPhotos user pxhidalgo.

Prices for Accommodations at Cabo San Juan del Guía:
(*Note, these prices were confirmed for the November 2020 Tayrona reopening)

  • Hammock in the main area:  $50,000 pesos per person (includes a locker and mosquito net).
  • Hammock on top of the rock overlooking the bay:  *This area is closed for the time being
  • Tent Rental:  $100,000 pesos a person (single and double tents available and rental includes a mattress pad and pillow).
  • With Your Own Tent:  30,000 per person
  • Cabin Rentals:  *Currently closed for the time being
  • $8,000 peso reservation fee with 50% due at time of reservation (how to make the reservation explained below).

Use of the bathrooms and showers are included.  They are pretty decent for communal campsite showers, but you will definitely want a good set of flip flops.

How to Make a Reservation at Cabo San Juan del Guía

You need to make your reservation at least 1 day in advance to ensure there is enough capacity.

You can make your reservation by reaching out to Cabo San Juan via their Instagram or by writing them via Whatsapp at +57 311-258-9907.  There you’ll need to verify availability, confirm your arrival and departure dates, and choice of accommodations.

After confirming your reservation, you’ll have to pay the reservation fee+50% of the price of your accommodations.  You can pay it via a Bancolombia bank transfer or via Western Union.

You can find more information on the accommodations and prices at Cabo San Juan in this .pdf:  Camping CABO SAN JUAN.

Other Places to Stay inside Tayrona National Park

There are a handful of other small lodges and camp sites in Tayrona, although there’s not a ton of info on them online.  Staying at Cabo San Juan is definitely the most common backpacker/camping option.

Those with families or looking for a romantic escape might be interested in one of the more exclusive lodges inside or just outside the park below.

Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona

Located not far from both the Calabazo and Zaino entrance, Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona is nestled amongst the forest and has a gorgeous little property that includes a small pool.  It is still a good hike to the main beaches in the park, but for those looking to be in the park but want something nicer than camp sites or hammocks, it makes for a good choice.

Check Availability and Book Here via Booking.com

Other Places to Stay Outside Tayrona Park

If you’re looking for nicer accommodations, there are a number of good options located just outside the park that offer easy day time access while having more modern amenities than the places to stay in Tayrona itself.

Senda Koguiwa – Amazing Lodge Just Outside the Entrance

Located practically across the street from the Zaino entrance to the park, Senda Koguiwa is one of the newest places to stay near Tayrona.  It is a gorgeous property and features a big onsite pool and is next to a lake and surrounded by nature.

Check Availability and Book Here via Booking.com

Senda Casa Los Naranjos – Atop the Hills Overlooking the Sea

Featuring a gorgeous terrace and pool, the accommodations at Senda Casa Los Naranjos here include a family sized bungalow and private rooms.  It is located just on the northern edge of the park, offering access to the beaches nearby.  A great option for where to stay in Tayrona for a romantic getaway.

Check Availability and Book Here via Booking.com

Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge – Amazing and Exclusive Lodge

Located a bit further outside the park, Quetzal Dorado is an eco-lodge with pretty rooms as well as a small pool and sitting area with an amazing view of the forest and hills.  There are family rooms as well as double rooms available, making this a good choice for families for where to stay near Tayrona.

Check Availability and Book Here via Booking.com

Photo of some people swimming in the water with a mound of rocks with a shelter on top at Tayrona to introduce this travel guide to Tayrona in Colombia.
Another shot of the beach next to Cabo San Juan in Parque Tayrona.

Practical Travel Tips

  • There are no ATMs in the park and cards are not accepted at Cabo san Juan, so be sure to bring cash.
  • If you’re going during the rainy season from October-December, be aware that the trail could be muddy.  Also, be sure to stay off the horse path as it will be worse!  (We made that mistake).
  • You can get large jugs of water just outside the entrance of the park considerably cheaper than in the park (although you do have to carry them in).
  • Bringing alcohol into the park is prohibited.  Police sometimes search bags, sometimes don’t.  We saw people with bottles of wine and whiskey.  So it’s possible you could sneak it in, but be prepared to lose any you take.
  • Don’t litter, remember the park is a sacred site for the indigenous communities!
  • One use plastic bags have also been prohibited in Colombian National Parks, a law that will go into effect starting in April 2020.

Packing List for Tayrona, Colombia

Travel Insurance

It really is a good idea to have travel insurance.  You never know what could happen, especially hiking and swimming in the wild of Tayrona.  2020 has also taught us all the importance of having medical care if we should need it.

I know I mentioned this above, but it is worth repeating.  While you will have the coverage from the obligatory policy to enter the park, a more general plan for your entire time in Colombia is also a good idea.  Check out World Nomads, one of the most well known travel insurance companies.  You can get a quote or learn more about World Nomads travel insurance here.  You can also see the options offered by ExpatsGroup.co for travel insurance especially created for Colombia.  Or if you are visiting multiple countries, you couldYou may also want to compare the options available at Visitors Coverage.

Clothes to Pack for Tayrona

You’re going to be hiking and beaching it, so pack comfortable clothes that you are ok getting dirty in.  And also sweating in, as the climate is hot and humid.

Recommendations for Her:

Recommendations for Him:

Recommended Travel Gear to Pack for Tayrona:

  • I love my Roam backpack that packs in to its front pocket (see review here).  That makes it perfect to stash in a larger pack and use to carry your camera, book, a bottle of water, and whatever else you need to head to the beach or go hike.
  • Speaking of larger packs, the Osprey Rook 65L is roomy and plenty comfortable for hiking, making a great larger pack to take with you to Tayrona and elsewhere in Colombia.
  • If you want something that is carry on compliant, the Osprey Farpoint 40L is also a great option and has plenty of padding to make it easy to carry.
  • There are lockers at Cabo San Juan which makes a good lock a handy accessory to have to keep things safe.  This MasterLock has a code so you don’t have to worry about losing a key and is TSA compliant so you can use it on your bags when you fly too.
  • A good travel towels is a must for Tayrona.  These Rainleaf microfiber towels are easy to pack and can be used at the beach or the campsite showers.
  • A good flashlight is a good idea to have along to make your way back to your tent or hammock late.  This Maglite Mini is perfect and can be easily packed for travel.
  • Finally, you’ll want some good shades for the beach.  These RAWWOOD Bamboo frame sunglasses fit the bill for him or her.  I recently got a pair of my own and love them (see review here).

Other Things to Pack for Tayrona:

  • Sunscreen – You’ll want plenty of it as the Caribbean sun can be withering.  Sunscreen tends to run more expensive in Colombia, so bringing some along is a good idea.  I recommend Coppertone Sport, which holds up well to sweat and ocean.
  • Bug SprayThe mosquitos can come out in droves at night time.  If you bring it from abroad, I recommend OFF! Deep Woods (also available in towelettes) or check out OFF! Botanicals for an all natural option.  If you want a sunscreen/repellent combo, check out Avon’s Skin so Soft Bug Guard.  If you’re planning on camping, this spray can also treat your tent, hammock, or even your clothes to keep bugs way.
  • Water Bottle – If you follow the advice above, and buy a big jug of water, you’ll want something smaller to refill as you go.  I have a Takeya bottle I love and use everyday at my teaching job.  It does keep things cold.  For something easier to pack, check out this collapsable Nomader water bottle.
  • First Aid KitAlthough there is a first aid station, a basic first aid kit isn’t a horrible idea to have with you in Tayrona.  This one from Coleman is palm sized and comes with all the basics you’ll need to patch up any small cuts or scrapes.
  • Travel Toilet Paper – The bathrooms at Cabo San Juan are pretty decent, but it’s never a bad idea to have some backup paper just in case.  These travel tissues are easy to pack and you will be glad you have them if you need them.
  • Stomach Remedy – Speaking of the bathroom, there’s nothing worse than getting a case of traveler’s diarrhea at a campsite.  Therefore, you may want to bring along some Pepto tablets to help in the event that it strikes while in Tayrona.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Tayrona National Park?

There you have it a complete travel guide to Colombia’s Tayrona National Park.  I hope this helped you plan your trip.  If you go, be sure to tell us how you enjoyed it in the comments below!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

Did you like this post?

Share it with your friends!

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter

And don’t forget to like and follow us!

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instragram Follow us on Twitter

Be sure to check out these guides to other destinations near Tayrona:
Travel Guide to Costeño Beach, a chilled out beach just past Tayrona
Travel Guide to Palomino, a backpacker haunt about an hour north
Travel Guide to Minca, a beautiful mountain town outside Santa Marta
Travel Guide to Cabo de la Vela, in the Guajira Peninsula
Travel Guide to Punta Gallinas, the farthest point north on the continent across the desert

Planning a trip to explore Cartagena?

Check out the following posts to help plan:
Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena
Complete Packing List for Cartagena
Top Things to Do in Cartagena

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Bonnie Doyle

    Thanks so much for this info! With the closing of the hike to Pueblito, are there still other hiking options available? Is the 9 Piedras trail still open?

    Also, do you know what the name of the bus stop at the park is called?

    1. Adam McConnaughhay

      Hi Bonnie. Glad it helped! I’m not sure about 9 Piedras. I would think yes since the Pueblito closure to my understanding was primarily because the residents wanted to be left alone. The main entrance to the park is called El Zaino. The bus will stop anywhere someone calls for a stop, but they always stop there and call out to let people know. Still, to be on the safe side say to the guy collecting money you are going to Tayrona, and he will let you know. Good luck planning your trip!

  2. BoJ

    Thank you for the great article and tips.

    I have one tip/remark regarding the tsa lock you’re recommendeding. Never ever EVER! Use it on a locker or a place where your goal is to secure items while you’re not there. The locks are very easily opened with a tsa key you can just order off the Internet for a few bucks and no-one will be even batting an eyelash at someone putting a key into a lock.

    Keep on the good work!

    1. Adam McConnaughhay

      Hey. You know to be honest I had not considered that. Just googled it, and you are right, the masters are out there. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I will have to suggest other locks here and in other posts. Cheers and enjoy your travels in Colombia!

  3. Aly

    Hi is it safe to do this wire transfer to book hammock? I read we can do it when we get there as well

    1. Adam McConnaughhay

      Hi Aly. I would say it’s safe, I do transfers via Bancolombia all the time. The question is if you are doing it via wire from a foreign bank, what the charge is? You might be better off waiting until you are in country and either doing it via a western union or just going into a bank and depositing it (you’d have to double check with Cabo that you can do that, they told me Western Union for foreigners without a Colombian bank account but I don’t see why you wouldn’t just be able to deposit it in the bank either).

  4. Val

    It seems the overnight accomodation is not an option for the next 1 month due to Corona. So how would you make the most of the park in a day trip? Would you recommend getting there by boat if I am totally okay with the roughness?

    1. Adam McConnaughhay

      Hi Val. Yes, if you’re ok with the boat, that might be the best way to see the nicer beaches in a day. It is possible to hike in and out, but you’re talking 2 hours in and then 2 hours back out, so doable. Boat is I guess closer to 45 min-1 hour each way. I’m not 100% sure this is being offered right now and, well to be honest, I haven’t done it so I’m not sure how much quikcer it is than walking, but there are also horses. I’d say though go for the boat, just make sure you have anything that can’t get wet wrapped up in a bag or two!

Comments are closed.