Tayrona Park: A Journey Through Colombia’s Jungle Paradise
- Lucie Viktorin
- 10 Minute Read
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Tayrona Park in Colombia should be on every traveler’s and tourist’s to-do-list! It is one of the country’s most famous natural gems, and for very good reason. It gives visitors the possibility to dive into the lush jungles and enjoy gorgeous beaches with zero distractions from the outside world. The beauty of this natural sanctuary is an unforgettable experience in itself! My journey through this jungle paradise was nothing short of magical, and in this post, I’ll take you through my experience – from where I stayed to the hike, the wildlife and my honest review of this breathtaking park. If you’re planning a visit to Tayrona Park in Colombia, this guide will give you all the insight you need!
Accommodation Around Tayrona Park
For our first day in Tayrona Park, me and my travel girly knew we wanted to get the most out of it, which meant getting into the park as soon as possible! Therefore, the logical conclusion for us was to spend a night in a nearby hostel, as we didn’t want to stress the journey. While there are multiple excellent options, we decided on a one-night-stay in The Journey Hostel, just 5 minutes away from the El Zaino entrance when taking a car. To this day I wish we would have arrived a day earlier to enjoy this fantastic hostel a bit more! The food was delicious, the rooms super cozy, the view from top of the hill above the jungle was phenomenal! Like most hostels in the area, they offered some free and some paid evening activites, e.g. free Salsa classes or horseback riding at the beach during sunset. If I were to come back – which I’m definitely planning on – I would love to experience a longer stay in this fantastic spot!
Generally, I would highly recommend this hostel to nature lovers, but if you’re not a fan of more rustic stays, as everything including the bathrooms is very out in the open, you might want to consider other alternatives nearby, such as hostels or hotels in the nearby town of Santa Marta. You’ll probably find more privacy there but at the cost of being further from nature.
Entering Tayrona Park
Depending on where you decide to stay the night before, the entrance closest to your location might differ. As mentioned, our hostel was closest to the entrance El Zaino which we naturally entered through.
Most accommodations will be quite close to one of the three entrances. Ours was only 25 minutes away by foot, 5 minutes by car and about 10 minutes by bus. We opted for the bus, which you pretty much have to holler at, at the side of the road.
At the entrance of Tayrona Park, you will be required to purchase a mandatory park insurance, which is separate from a regular travel insurance. This insurance covers basic medical assistance in case of emergencies within the park, such as accidents or sudden health issues during hikes. Normally, the cost varies depending on the length of your stay, but it’s a small additional fee that ensures safety while inside the park. You will need to purchase this insurance first, before you buy your ticket, as the staff will need to see the insurance band before allowing you access to the park. But don’t worry, there are multiple spots close to the main entrance to purchase them, and even with long lines the sale works very quickly.
The Hike: Distance, Duration, and What to Expect
When entering the park through El Zaino, you’ll be lead to a couple buses that will drive you about 10 minutes closer to the actual hiking routes. The beauty of the park just hits different and I remember how I couldn’t wait to start the hike surrounded by towering palm trees!
The hike we took was about 7 kilometers one way with Cabo San Juan being our final stop, and it took us roughly 3-4 hours to complete. It is worth mentioning that we were taking our sweet time, stopping at certain locations to take photos and to take snack breaks. Therefore, depending on your own pace and how many stops you’ll make, you’ll be more than able to finish the route between two and three hours. Generally, the path was quite easy, but I would still recommend to not underestimate it. The humidity and heat of the rising sun can make it more challenging on the body, especially for those who aren’t used to high temperatures. So bring enough water and don’t forget to add some sugar, preferably from fruits, to your diet!
Along the way, don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular views of the Caribbean coast! There were moments when I couldn’t believe the scenery I was witnessing. The vibrant jungle, the sound of waves and the sight of the vast ocean made the hike unforgettable!
Accommodation Within Tayrona Park
As the opening hours of the park are between 8 AM and 5 PM, it is quite natural for visitors to spend at least one night inside the park, as getting back after a 3 hour hike would be quite stressful and there wouldn’t be sufficient opportunity to enjoy the scenery.
Depending on where you set up camp, you’ll have a few choices on how you want to spend the night. Most camps will give you the option between a tent – size will depend on how big your group is and how much you want to pay – and hammocks. I know that some other travelers went even as far as sleeping directly on the beach, but I’m quite sure it’s generally not recommended. Our little group wanted to sleep in the hammocks from the start and it was amazing! I felt like a happy baby in those things.
You will of course have to pay another rental fee for whichever choice you make, but again, nothing huge! The hammocks were quite dirty from previous users, from the sand and the humidity itself, but you can cover your body overnight with long clothes and wear a hood to shield your hair if you don’t feel super comfortable touching the dirty fabric. Although, if you are traveling through Colombia and are going to Tayrona Park, you’ll probably have experience with these kind of “conditions”. From what I saw, the mattresses in the tents were in much worse shape.
General Recommendations: What to Look Out For in Tayrona Park
No Internet Access
Spend More Time in Tayrona Park
Cover The Essentials
Stay Away From The Wildlife
Keep The Nature Clean
My Honest Review of Tayrona Park in Colombia
I believe it has already become quite clear how I feel about Tayrona Park in Colombia in the course of this blog article: I am in absolute love and awe with this place! The combination of preserved nature, stunning beaches and general energy of relaxation creates a memorable experience that is hard to beat. The hike itself, though challenging at times, mostly due to the heat, was absolutely worth it once we arrived at the beach and got to feel the peace and beauty of our surroundings.
What I loved the most was the raw, untouched beauty of the park. It felt like stepping into another world. The variety of landscapes – lush jungles, rocky coastline and secluded beaches – was breathtaking.
Spending the night in a hammock, listening to the waves and waking up to bird song in the morning, was an absolute highlight for me on this trip!
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Colombia. Would I return? Definitely – there’s so much to explore and I can only imagine how much more there is to discover during a return trip.
As you can see,
Tayrona Park in Colombia offers a truly unique experience that is hard to replicate. From the moment you step into the park, you’re enveloped by nature’s raw beauty and it’s a journey that will stay with you long after you’ve left. If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, make sure to add Tayrona Park to your list. Enjoy this jungle paradise to the fullest! Whether you’re hiking the trails, soaking up the sun on the beach or simply enjoying the tranquility, Tayrona Park is bound to leave a lasting impression. If you are interested in any more travel recommendations, check out these 25 Travel Destinations for 2025 or browse through other blog articles on this page!
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