>Tayrona National Park is the crown jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Here, the jungle meets the sea, creating a breathtaking landscape of golden beaches, turquoise waters and huge mountains covered in lush green forests.
I recommend staying in Tayrona in one of the EcoHabs or camping areas so you can spend a couple of days exploring the many hiking trails, hidden waterfalls and archeological sites in the national park.
This is one of the best places in Colombia to see wildlife in their natural habitat but you will need to get away from the crowds in Cabo San Juan to see the animals here. You may spot monkeys swinging through the trees, colorful birds soaring above, and even jaguar tracks in the sand.
You can also snorkel in coral reefs teeming with marine life, swim in natural pools, or simply relax under swaying palm trees in the Caribbean breeze.
Ecotourism in Tayrona focuses on conservation and sustainability. The park is closed 3 times a year for 2 weeks of February, June and October so that the local indigenous people can perform rituals and national park authorities can clean the park.
In Tayrona National Park, you can stay in eco-friendly lodges that blend into the environment, support local communities, and enjoy organic, locally sourced food. I recommend learning about local indigenous Kogis, Arhuacos, Wiwas, and Kankuamos peoples and their deep respect for the land while you are visiting the area.
Best Hikes In Tayrona National Park
The most popular hike in the park is the initial 2 hour walk in to Cabo San Juan but if you’re going in high season you may be shocked by just how crowded this area gets.
However, from the Cabo San Juan area, you can access many excellent hiking trails up to the mountain lookouts and to faraway beaches which are much less crowded but you will likely need to spend the night in the park to have time to see everything.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, I’d recommend Colinas de Calabazo, which is accessed by a different entrance but it’s a very challenging full day hike.
While most people do the 4-5 day trek to La Ciudad Perdida to experience an ancient archeological site, there’s actually another significant archeological site in Tayrona National Park called El Pueblito.
Most people who visit Tayrona National Park miss El Pueblito so it’s a great hike to escape the crowds. You can find the trail in the jungle near Cabo San Juan and it goes about 2.5 kilometers on an ancient indigenous trail with only a small elevation gain of about 250 meters (it takes 3-4 hours round trip).
The El Pueblito hike is challenging so I’d recommend camping in the Cabo San Juan area and starting early to avoid the heat.
Video
Location
Add Review
Read More ReviewsAdd Review
Leave a Reply
Claim listing
Added By Kyle Pearce
I started Nature Retreats to spotlight ecolodges, retreat centers and ecotourism projects following sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect fragile biodiversity.
I have been running mindful hiking retreats for the last 7 years that integrate mindful awareness, experiential learning and community building practices.
I have been an experiential learning designer for over a decade through my company DIY Genius, which helps creative people productize their expertise.
Jennifer Brennan
a month agoHighly recommended. This is such a beautiful piece of heaven. Forests are full of wild life. Beaches are clean and clear, beautiful to swim in. Horse riding, kayaking, walking, trail climbing, native residents gathering coconuts, there is so much to see and do.
Rovi Bartolo
in the last weekBeautiful and long hike. Be prepared for all the stairs! Saw lots of monkeys that got really close! The beaches were absolutely beautiful. Only complaint is how crowded it got at the beaches.
Rozina McHugh
2 months agoAmazing! I am speechless at how beautiful it was.. we did the easy route and it was still challenging. But so worth it!! There’s food and drink vendors everywhere. Loads of restaurants and shops - all cash. You can pay entry fee on card at the entrance where the easier route starts
Harry Bilbao
in the last weekTayrona National Park – A Breathtaking Adventure! Tayrona Park is an absolute **must-visit** for nature lovers and adventure seekers! The hike into the park is an experience in itself—about **2 hours of walking** through lush jungle, sandy beaches, and stunning coastal views. It’s **fantastic exercise**, but be prepared: the paths are **rocky and uneven**, so wear good hiking shoes and take your time. This isn’t a manicured tourist trail—it’s raw, wild, and all the more rewarding because of it! Once inside, the scenery is **unreal**: golden beaches, towering palm trees, and crystal-clear water. However, a heads-up—**drinks and snacks inside the park are VERY expensive** (think tourist-trap prices). Pack plenty of **water, snacks, and even a picnic** to save money and stay energized. Despite the rugged terrain and pricey concessions, Tayrona is **worth every step**. The combination of exercise, nature, and sheer beauty makes it a **perfect experience**. Just come prepared, take it slow, and soak in one of Colombia’s most magical places! **Pro tip:** Start early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. And don’t forget your swimsuit—you’ll want to dive into those turquoise waters! 🏝️🥾
Fabrizio Beninati
2 months ago5 out of 5 would recommend! We hiked in from calabazo to Cabo San Juan, spent the night in hammocks and then hiked out through El Zino. If you are looking to hike the park I would recommend this route because it is mostly down hill. If you go through El Zino to Calabazo you'll be hiking up hill most of the way. Also definitely take the motorcycles at Calabazo. They're only 20,000 pesos and saves you an hour. The food and drinks are pretty fairly priced inside Cano San Juan. A lot of people complain but given how remote the location is it's pretty fairly priced. Plates are about 30,000 pesos, beer and water are 8,000 pesos. If you spend the night there it's even better because day visitors have to be off the trail by 5 so you get to enjoy the beach with very few people. What's amazing view, hike and experience! Pro tip: Plan ahead because the park does close down sometimes and isn't open year round. They close down for a few weeks every year. Bring cash, snacks, water and bug repellent!