El Tayrona National Natural Park is Santa Marta's most famous destination: tropical jungle falling into the Caribbean, virgin beaches and Tayrona remains. But it is no ordinary park: it demands planning. Here is the essentials.

Tickets & entry

You enter through El Zaino or Cañaveral, in daytime hours and with a park ticket. The park closes for a few weeks each year to recover naturally: check the official closures before buying tickets or booking nights.

Which beach to choose

  • Cabo San Juan: the Tayrona postcard. Only on foot or by authorized boat; hammocks and camping with reservation.
  • Bahía Concha: calm seas, ideal for family swimming.
  • Arrecifes: the longest beach, for walking and camping; swimming is restricted due to surf.
  • Pueblito (Chairama): Tayrona archaeological settlement only reached on foot, guide recommended.

How to get around

Everything is on foot along marked trails, with jungle stretches and viewpoints. Bring enough water, biodegradable sunscreen and good shoes: distances between beaches are measured in hours, not minutes. There are also authorized boats between some points depending on sea conditions.

Key fact: Single-use plastic is forbidden inside the park. Bring a thermos, reusable bag and biodegradable sunscreen: they check at the entrance.