101 tips for your visit to Tayrona Park
Colombia is a top destination for adventure seekers. And if you are looking for an exciting getaway, we might just have the perfect one for you. Tayrona Park, a member of the National Natural Park System, is in the North of the country, right by the Caribbean Coast. White sand beaches, coastal marine habitats and cloud forests make up this diverse ecosystem. No doubt it is one of the most visited Colombian tourist attractions.
With an average temperature of 27 ºC (80 ºF) all year round, you can visit the park at any time. But if you are able to avoid the holidays, you will find less crowded spots. However, before planning any trip, check the park website. Authorities schedule a few closures throughout the year as part of a natural and cultural preservation strategy.
How to get to Tayrona Park
El Zaino, the main entrance of this National Park, is only 32 km (20 mi) from Santa Marta, a city that is one hour away from Bogotá by plane. Here, you can get to the most popular beaches in the area. Palangana is another access point to Tayrona Park where you can visit sectors such as Neguanje, Gayraca and Playa Cristal.
Whatever choice you make, be aware that you will need one day to explore either side of the park. The gates are open from 8:00 a.m. and if you want to get a peek of each beach, it is better to get there first thing in the morning.
Best Beaches in Tayrona Park
Since El Zaino is the main entrance, the beaches you will find on this side of the park are the most visited.
– Playa Cañaveral: It is a small enchanting beach, but swimming is not allowed. The waters here are rough and the tide is strong all day long. The landscape is unique, so do not forget to shoot a few pics.
– Playa Arrecifes: It is 45 minutes from Playa Cañaveral along a trail through the middle of the tropical forests. This one is the biggest beaches in Tayrona Park, so you will find restaurants to try the local food. Swimming is also not allowed because of the big rocks on which the waves break.
– Playa La Piscina: It is one of the quieter spots in the park. You can finally enjoy the water, do some snorkeling and take beginner diving courses.
– Playa Cabo San Juan del Guía: It is only 15 minutes away from La Piscina and it is the most famous beach in the entire park. There is a hill in the middle of the water and a kiosk at the top. Hike to this site if you would like to have amazing views. You can also swim here, but you must be careful in the afternoons when the tide gets stronger.
If you decide to use the Palangana entrance you can also find crystal clear waters at the Neguanje and Playa Cristal beaches.
Where to Stay in Tayrona Park
There are many places less than 5 minutes from the park where you can find all kinds of accommodation. This is a selection of some of the best rated boutique hotels nearby Tayrona Park and La Guajira.
– Hotel Villa María
www.kalihotels.com/villa-maria-tayrona-es
– Playa Koralia
– Ecohabs Los Naranjos
www.sendahotels.com/es/hotel/ecohabs-los-naranjos/
– Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos
www.casatayronalosnaranjos.com/
– Cayena Beach
Ecotourism and other activities
Tayrona Park is more than just a beach destination and that is a reason why it is considered one of the best places to visit in Colombia.
– Trekking: Going from one beach to the other, you will discover unique trails. The longest one will take you up to 2 hours.
– Wildlife viewing: Mammals such as howler monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, deer, oncillas and jaguars call this National Park their home. You can also spot reptiles such as frogs, iguanas and alligators.
– Birdwatching: Colombia has the largest number of bird species in the world. Hence it is one of the top places to visit in Colombia for ornithologists. You can encounter eagles, the Tayrona bird, king vultures, the Amazonian royal flycatcher, among others.
– Diving: Isla Aguja and Granate are the sites for this sport. Diving trips and equipment rental, as well as courses, are mostly organized by the diving schools of Taganga, a small fishing village near the park.
– Snorkeling: The areas of Neguanje and La Piscina have marked zones to practice snorkeling, always with a guide by your side.
What to bring and to keep in mind
And now that you have a better picture of all the things you can do in the Tayrona Park, it is important you come prepared. You will need:
– Breathable clothes and pants, and long-sleeved shirts to protect your skin from insects and the sun.
– Water resistant hiking shoes.
– A hat, sunglasses and a light raincoat for the rainy season.
– ID documents and proof of medical insurance.
Since it is a protected area, there are rules to follow in order to preserve the environment such as:
– Plastic bags and Styrofoam are prohibited.
– Pets are not allowed.
So, pack your bags and start your new Caribbean adventure. We promise you will never regret it!