Tayrona National Natural Park, located on the northern coast of Colombia, is a stunning destination known for its natural beauty and paradisiacal beaches. It is a territory of valuable eco-diversity where thorny scrub, dry forest, humid forest and, in the high areas, cloud forest come together.
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Our starting point: Santa Marta
If you are planning to visit Tayrona National Park, Santa Marta will be your starting point, You can take a day trip or longer stays in the park.
The city of Santa Marta is not located within the Tayrona National Natural Park, but it is the closest city. The park is located approximately 34 kilometers northwest and is easily accessible by taxi, bus or private vehicle.
Paradise beaches
As well as being a gateway to the Park, Santa Marta is also a popular tourist destination in its own right. You can see its beautiful colonial architecture, visit the nearby beaches such as El Rodadero and Taganga, and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. As we said before, it is the starting point to explore the impressive Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which is home to the Lost City and other natural and cultural attractions.
Cabo San Juan Beach
If you want to relax and sunbathe this beach has a wide strip of soft white sand. The Caribbean Sea in this area is usually calm and turquoise, making it an attractive place to swim.
You can also rest and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. There are shaded areas provided by palm trees and trees or you can rent hammocks and cabanas. You can see rocky cliffs and lush tropical forests. Additionally, there are nearby trails that connect you to other places in the park, such as La Piscina, a natural saltwater pool perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Crystal Beach
It is located south of Cabo San Juan, and is known for its crystal clear waters and impressive marine biodiversity.
Its name does justice to the clarity and transparency of its waters. You can easily see corals, tropical fish, and other sea creatures while snorkeling. The beach is perfect for those who wish to explore the underwater world and marvel at marine life in its natural state. In addition to snorkeling, you can enjoy the beach sunbathing on the soft white sand or simply relaxing in a hammock under the shade of the palm trees. It is important to note that due to its ecological importance, special care is required when visiting Cristal Beach.
Keep in mind not to step on or damage the corals and follow the instructions of the park rangers to preserve the marine ecosystem.
Pool Beach
It owes its name to a rock formation that creates a natural pool of crystal-clear, calm waters, making it an ideal place to swim and relax. What makes La Piscina special is its sheltered location in a bay, meaning the waves are much gentler than in other areas of the park. This makes it safe and enjoyable to swim, especially for those who are not comfortable with the strong currents or waves of the open sea. La Piscina beach, like others in the area, has the charm of being surrounded by cliffs and dense vegetation and here you can enjoy the sun on the soft white sand or immerse yourself in the turquoise and refreshing waters of the natural pool. Due to its popularity, you may find more people at La Piscina, especially during weekends and in high season.
Indigenous communities
If you visit the Tayrona National Park, you should know about the Kogui and Arhuaco communities, two groups of indigenous peoples that live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region.
These communities have a rich history, culture and traditions that have been preserved over the years. Kogui Community: The Kogui are an indigenous community that calls themselves “Children of the Sun” and consider themselves the guardians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. They are known for their deep spiritual bond with nature and their focus on balance between humans and the natural environment. They maintain a traditional lifestyle and have their own cultural practices and sacred rituals. Arhuaco Community:
The Arhuacos are another indigenous group that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. They are known for their ancestral wisdom and their close relationship with the environment. The Arhuacos believe in the concept of “Aluna”, which is their vision of the universe and the interconnection of all living beings. They are recognized for their skill in craftsmanship, especially in the making of traditional backpacks and fabrics. If you wish to visit these communities, it is important to do so in a respectful and sensitive manner. Permission and prior coordination are required to enter their territories. We recommend doing it through responsible tours or tourism agencies that work in collaboration with communities and respect their customs and values.
Chairama Town
It is an ancient Tayrona indigenous settlement located at the top of the mountain. It is a fascinating archaeological site and offers incredible panoramic views of the park. You can reach Pueblito Chairama through a moderate walk of approximately 2-3 hours.
Taganga
Thisa small fishing town is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Santa Marta. It is next to a bay surrounded by hills and offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its beaches with crystal-clear waters, its relaxed atmosphere and its popularity among divers due to its proximity to the Tayrona National Natural Park and the nearby coral reefs. It is also a popular destination among backpackers and travelers looking for a quiet and picturesque place to enjoy the sea and nature, or go diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating. Taganga is known for its delicious seafood and fresh fish dishes. In the town, you will find several restaurants and food stalls where you can try local cuisine and enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. It also has a lively nightlife with bars and clubs where you can enjoy live music and beach parties. From Taganga, it is easy to access the Tayrona National Park, an impressive protected area that is home to paradisiacal beaches, rainforests and archaeological ruins of the Tayrona culture.
Teyuna or The Lost City
If you have time and are up for a challenging hike, you can join a multi-day expedition to explore the famous Lost City. It was built around the 8th century AD and is considered one of the main archaeological sites in Colombia.