Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Top choice in Santa Marta & Around


This dazzling slice of mountainous jungle, vast boulders and golden-white sand makes up one of Colombia's most stunning national parks and is a popular destination for backpackers as well as local day-trippers. Sealed off the main road by steep mountains, the park is only accessible on foot, on horseback or by boat, which makes it an exciting and sometimes challenging place to visit. Day trips are perfectly possible, but many visitors overnight at one of the beachside campsites.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Santa Marta & Around attractions

1. Playa Cristal

2.32 MILES

This gorgeous boat-in beach on Bahía Neguange used to be known as Playa del Muerto (Beach of the Dead) – little wonder they decided on a name change. It's…

2. Pueblito

4.55 MILES

From Cabo San Juan del Guía a scenic path goes inland and uphill to the small indigenous village of Pueblito, providing some splendid tropical-forest…

3. Cabo San Juan del Guía

5.56 MILES

Cabo San Juan del Guía is a beautiful cape with a knockout beach. It's also by far the most crowded area of the park, although lack of road access deters…

4. La Piscina

6.14 MILES

As you might guess from the name, La Piscina boasts calm waters that are reasonably safe for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear costs COP$30,000 per…

5. La Arenilla

6.33 MILES

La Arenilla is an attractive beach in a tiny cove framed by massive boulders, with chunky sand and glints of fool's gold dancing in the water. It has a…

6. Arrecifes

6.49 MILES

Coming from Cañaveral, it's a pleasant walk 2.5km west along a trail to Arrecifes, where there are budget lodgings and eating facilities. Bear in mind…

7. Cañaveral

7.91 MILES

Cañaveral is as far as you can go in the park by road. From the car park a trail leads west to Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan del Guía. The beaches in…

8. Castilletes

8.73 MILES

The longest beach in the park and the first place you can turn in for the night, Castilletes can be found some 4km from the El Zaíno park entrance, just…

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