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Tayrona National Natural Park: Where Jungle Meets the Sea

Discover Tayrona National Park: A Caribbean paradise where pristine beaches meet lush rainforests and ancient cultures in Colombia.

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Tayrona National Natural Park, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast near Santa Marta, is a stunning protected area known for its diverse ecosystems, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the towering Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, being the ancestral home of indigenous communities.

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Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent in the park.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as exploring the park often involves walking on trails.
  • Stay hydrated by bringing plenty of water, especially when hiking.
  • Be aware that swimming is not permitted at all beaches due to strong currents.
  • Consider visiting during the low season to avoid crowds and enjoy lower entrance fees.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Santa Marta, take a Cootransoriente bus from the marketplace towards Tayrona National Park. The bus ride takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs around 9,000 COP. The bus will drop you off at the El Zaíno entrance. From there, you can take a shuttle for roughly 5,000 COP to the trailhead, saving you a 30-minute walk.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Santa Marta to the El Zaíno entrance of Tayrona National Park will cost approximately 80,000 COP and take around 45 minutes. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. From the entrance, you can take a shuttle to the trailhead for about 5,000 COP.

  • Boat

    From Taganga, you can take a boat directly to Cabo San Juan. The boat trip takes about 50 minutes and costs around 50,000 COP one way. Upon arrival at Cabo San Juan, you will still need to register and pay the park entrance fee.

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Discover more about Neguanje

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is a captivating destination where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains meet the Caribbean Sea, creating a landscape of exceptional beauty and ecological diversity. Established in 1969, the park spans approximately 150 square kilometers of land and 30 square kilometers of maritime area, protecting a rich array of flora and fauna. The park's history is deeply intertwined with the indigenous Tairona people, who inhabited the region for centuries before the arrival of the Spanish. Today, their descendants, including the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo communities, maintain a spiritual connection to the land and continue to practice their traditions in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors can explore archaeological sites like Pueblito Chairama, offering glimpses into the ancient Tairona civilization. Tayrona boasts a variety of ecosystems, from sandy beaches and coral reefs to rainforests and mountains. The park is home to over 100 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and 770 species of plants, including jaguars, monkeys, and a wide variety of marine life. Among the park's most popular attractions are its stunning beaches, such as Cabo San Juan, La Piscina, and Playa Cristal. Each beach offers a unique experience, from swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to relaxing on the white sand and enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Tayrona National Natural Park is not only a natural paradise but also a place of cultural and historical significance, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about the rich heritage of Colombia's indigenous communities.

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