Cabo San Juan: Tayrona's Crown Jewel
Discover paradise at Cabo San Juan: where turquoise waters meet lush jungle in Tayrona National Park's most iconic beach.
Cabo San Juan is a stunning beach located within Tayrona National Natural Park in Colombia, renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sands, and lush rainforest surroundings. It's a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
A brief summary to Playa Del Cabo
- Cabo San Juan del Guia, Santa Marta, Magdalena, CO
- +573112589907
- Visit website
Local tips
- Start your hike early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Aim to arrive at the El Zaino entrance around 8:00 am to maximize your time on the beach.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike, as options within the park can be limited and more expensive.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers suitable for muddy trails and river crossings.
- Pack light! You'll be carrying your belongings on the hike, so only bring essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a swimsuit.
- Consider bringing snorkeling gear to explore the underwater beauty at La Piscina, a calm beach along the way.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Cañaveral parking lot (accessible via shuttle from the El Zaino entrance), begin the 2 to 2.5-hour ecological hike towards Cabo San Juan. Follow the well-marked trail, passing through lush forests and several beaches. The hike is moderately challenging, with some muddy sections and small river crossings. Take a break at La Piscina for a swim and continue to Cabo San Juan. Park entrance fee is approximately COP 73,500.
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Public Transport
From Santa Marta, take a COTRAORIENTE bus from the public market towards El Zaino. Buses leave frequently, and the journey takes about an hour. Ask the driver to drop you off at the El Zaino entrance of Tayrona National Park. Bus fare is approximately COP 9,000. From El Zaino, take a shuttle to Cañaveral parking lot for COP 3,000, where the walking trail to Cabo San Juan begins.
Discover more about Playa Del Cabo
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Tayrona Park
2.9 km
Explore Tayrona Park, a breathtaking national park in Colombia featuring stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage.
Parque Natural Tayrona
5.1 km
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Wachakyta Ecolodge
7.4 km
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Neguanje parque tayrona
12.8 km
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Costeño Beach Hostal
14.3 km
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Entrada Ciudad Perdida
17.9 km
Explore the breathtaking entrance to the Lost City of Colombia, where nature meets ancient history in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
Ciudad Perdida Magdalena
23.5 km
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Centro Cultural y Turístico Casa del Patrimonio de Taganga
25.5 km
Discover the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Taganga at the Centro Cultural y Turístico Casa del Patrimonio, a must-visit destination for travelers.
Museo de la Memoria de Taganga
25.5 km
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Taganga Park
25.5 km
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Ocean Lovers Taganga - PADI Dive Center & Hostel
25.7 km
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taganga - Carrera 1, Magdalena, Colombia
25.8 km
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Museo QUINTA DE SAN PEDRO ALEJANDRINO
25.9 km
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Altar of the Fatherland
26.0 km
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Planes Santa Marta: Tours Santa Marta
26.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Boca De Saco, PNN Tayrona
0.5 km
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Bukaru, Parque Tayrona
1.9 km
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Mirador Parque Tayrona
5.0 km
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Mirador del Parque Tayrona
7.0 km
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Tayrona Park entrance
7.5 km
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Taquilla El Zaino
7.6 km
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Playa Cinto
9.8 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Playa Cinto in Santa Marta, Magdalena, where pristine beaches and vibrant culture create the perfect getaway.
La Poza
11.1 km
Escape to the serene natural pool of La Poza near Santa Marta, a tranquil oasis perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
11.3 km
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Neguanje
12.7 km
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Paso Del Mango
19.4 km
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Quebrada Valencia Santa Marta Magdalena
20.5 km
Discover the natural beauty of Quebrada Valencia near Santa Marta: waterfalls, rainforest trails, and refreshing natural pools await!
Bahia Concha
20.6 km
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Buritaca
22.6 km
Discover Buritaca, Colombia: Where the Buritaca River kisses the Caribbean Sea, offering natural beauty and cultural richness.
Playa Buritaca
22.6 km
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Essential places to dine
Parque Tayrona
5.8 km
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RESTAURANTE YACHAY TAYRONA
7.5 km
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TAYRONA RESTAURANT - BAR - top rated
7.6 km
Discover vibrant Caribbean cuisine at Tayrona Restaurant - Bar in Cañaveral, Santa Marta—where every meal is a celebration.
Restaurante Los Mechones
8.6 km
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Restaurante Donde Ruchy
13.1 km
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Sonrisa de Mar Playa
13.3 km
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Divanga Bar & Restaurant
25.3 km
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El Sitio Bacano
25.5 km
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Ambos Mundos Restaurant
25.5 km
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Babaganoush Restaurante-Bar
25.6 km
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Fatto in casa Taganga
25.6 km
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Blue Restaurant Bar
25.7 km
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Restaurante Bitacora
25.7 km
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Pachamama Restaurante Bar
25.7 km
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Restaurante La Ballena Azúl
25.7 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Panaderia Bere
2.2 km
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ECOHOTEL YACHAY TAYRONA
7.4 km
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Pasteleria la Promesa
22.6 km
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El Yucal
24.4 km
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Desayunos sorpresa santa marta
25.0 km
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Yurelkshop
25.3 km
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A&A Luxury
25.3 km
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Éxito Buenavista Santa Marta
25.3 km
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YOI
25.4 km
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Panamericana Santa Marta C.C. Buenavista
25.4 km
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The Color Wear
25.4 km
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LEVI'S Buenavista Santa Marta
25.4 km
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Arturo Calle
25.4 km
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Centro Comercial Buenavista
25.4 km
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Pilatos
25.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
TheIrishPlace
6.3 km
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Elemento Tayrona Bar
6.4 km
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Sierra Bar
8.6 km
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Los Hermanos Beach Hostal & Bar
14.6 km
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BAR SAN AGATON
24.9 km
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Santa Marta at Bar San Agaton, where local flavors and lively ambiance create unforgettable evenings.
LICORES MAMATOCO
24.9 km
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BEAT BEACH
25.3 km
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Tagangol
25.3 km
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BAR ESTADERO
25.5 km
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Baco's Beer Garden by Ambos Mundos
25.5 km
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CHELADAS_SMR - Granizados
25.5 km
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La Samaria Bar Lounge
25.6 km
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Monkey Drinks
25.7 km
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Casita del Mar
25.7 km
Experience the essence of coastal living at Casita del Mar, a vibrant bar and eatery in Taganga offering fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
Hostel Mirador, Taganga Bar
25.7 km
Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and vibrant social life at Hostel Mirador, Taganga Bar, where stunning views meet local culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Disco bar Buchanan's
23.2 km
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El Salon del Perreo
25.5 km
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El Mirador Hostal y Club Social
26.0 km
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Disco bar Otto
27.2 km
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BABILONIA NIGHT CLUB
28.3 km
Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Santa Marta at Babilonia Night Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable moments await you.
Coco Bongo Disco Bar
28.4 km
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AguArenA
28.5 km
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LA SANTA DISCO CLUB
28.6 km
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Odisea - Lounge & Disco
28.7 km
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7 PK2 Disco bar
28.7 km
Dance the night away at 7 PK2 Disco Bar in Santa Marta, where vibrant music and lively atmosphere create unforgettable nightlife experiences.
ULELEKE DISCO BAR
28.8 km
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Bambora club
28.8 km
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Hangover Disco Bar
28.8 km
Discover Santa Marta's nightlife at Hangover Disco Bar, a lively disco club where music, dancing, and creative cocktails come together for a memorable experience.
Bananas Disco Show
28.9 km
Experience the electrifying nightlife at Bananas Disco Show in Santa Marta, where vibrant music and lively performances create unforgettable memories.
Ciudad Perdida Teyuna - Lost City Trek
28.9 km
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