Is Santa Marta and Tayrona Safe in 2026? Latest Security Updates for Travelers

Travel Guide Santa Marta, Travel Guide-Tayrona-National-Park

Santa Marta and Tayrona National Natural Park remain among the most popular destinations in Colombia. Famous for their Caribbean beaches, tropical forests, indigenous heritage, and spectacular scenery, these destinations attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

However, recent headlines about security concerns in the region have caused some travelers to wonder:

Is Santa Marta safe? Is Tayrona National Park safe to visit in 2026?

The answer is yes—with some important context.

Like many destinations around the world, Santa Marta and Tayrona face certain security challenges. However, the vast majority of tourists visit the region without incident and enjoy a memorable experience on one of Colombia’s most beautiful stretches of coastline.

Why Has Tayrona Been in the News?

In February 2026, Colombian authorities temporarily closed Tayrona National Park due to security concerns linked to threats against park staff and growing tensions involving illegal armed groups operating in parts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region. Authorities described the closure as a preventive measure designed to protect visitors, local communities, and park employees.

The closure received significant international media attention because Tayrona is Colombia’s most visited national park, welcoming approximately 600,000 to 750,000 visitors annually.

Fortunately, the closure was temporary.

On March 5, 2026, Tayrona National Park officially reopened after Colombian authorities implemented additional security measures, including a permanent police presence, increased patrols, and closer coordination with local communities and indigenous authorities.

Today, visitors can once again explore the park’s beaches, hiking trails, and natural attractions.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

The recent events highlight an important reality about Colombia:

Security conditions can vary significantly between regions.

The issues that led to Tayrona’s temporary closure were related primarily to conflicts occurring in parts of the broader Sierra Nevada region rather than within the park’s main tourist areas themselves. Authorities chose to close the park proactively while additional security measures were put in place.

Since reopening, tourism activities have resumed under enhanced security protocols.

For travelers, this means staying informed before departure and checking official park updates, but it does not mean that Santa Marta or Tayrona should automatically be removed from your Colombia itinerary.

Is Santa Marta Safe for Tourists?

Santa Marta remains one of Colombia’s most important tourism hubs and serves as the gateway to Tayrona National Park, Minca, Palomino, and the famous Lost City Trek.

Popular tourist areas include:

  • Historic Center (Centro Histórico)
  • El Rodadero
  • Bello Horizonte
  • Pozos Colorados

These areas receive both domestic and international visitors throughout the year.

The most common safety issues reported by tourists are similar to those found in many popular destinations worldwide:

  • Pickpocketing
  • Phone theft
  • Opportunistic theft
  • Tourist scams

Violent incidents involving tourists are relatively uncommon compared to petty crime. Travelers who follow basic precautions significantly reduce their risk.

Is Tayrona National Park Safe to Visit?

For most visitors, Tayrona remains a safe destination when park regulations and local guidance are followed.

In fact, nature often presents a greater risk than crime inside the park.

Strong Ocean Currents

Some beaches in Tayrona have powerful currents and dangerous waves.

Every year, visitors ignore warning signs and attempt to swim in prohibited areas. Beaches such as Arrecifes are known for hazardous conditions, and swimming is restricted in certain locations for good reason.

Always follow posted safety instructions and only swim in designated areas.

Heat and Dehydration

Tayrona’s tropical climate can be challenging, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with high temperatures and humidity.

Visitors should:

  • Carry plenty of water.
  • Wear sun protection.
  • Take breaks during hikes.
  • Start walking early in the morning when temperatures are lower.

Wildlife and Environmental Hazards

Monkeys, iguanas, insects, and other wildlife are part of the Tayrona experience. Visitors should admire animals from a distance and avoid feeding them.

Staying on marked trails also helps prevent accidents and protects the fragile ecosystem.

What Do International Travel Advisories Say?

Several governments, including the United States and Australia, advise travelers to exercise caution when visiting Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks in certain regions of the country. However, these advisories generally distinguish between high-risk conflict zones and Colombia’s major tourism destinations.

This distinction is important.

Colombia is a large country, and security conditions differ considerably between departments, cities, and rural areas. The experience of a tourist visiting Santa Marta and Tayrona is very different from traveling to remote regions affected by active conflict.

Is Minca Safe?

Minca remains one of the safest and most popular eco-tourism destinations near Santa Marta.

Known for its coffee farms, waterfalls, birdwatching, mountain scenery, and eco-lodges, the village attracts both Colombian and international visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the coast.

As with anywhere else, visitors should avoid isolated areas after dark, use reputable transportation providers, and keep valuables secure.

Safety Tips for Visiting Santa Marta and Tayrona

To maximize safety during your trip:

Before You Travel

  • Purchase travel insurance.
  • Book accommodations with strong reviews.
  • Check official park announcements.
  • Follow current travel advisories.

While in Santa Marta

  • Avoid displaying expensive items.
  • Use registered taxis or trusted transportation services.
  • Stay alert in crowded areas.
  • Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Inside Tayrona National Park

  • Stay on official trails.
  • Respect swimming restrictions.
  • Carry sufficient water.
  • Follow ranger instructions.
  • Check weather conditions before your visit.

Should You Still Visit Santa Marta and Tayrona in 2026?

Absolutely.

The temporary closure of Tayrona National Park earlier this year understandably generated concern among travelers. However, the fact that authorities acted quickly, temporarily restricted access, and implemented additional security measures before reopening the park demonstrates a proactive approach to visitor safety.

Today, Santa Marta, Tayrona, and Minca continue to welcome travelers from around the world.

For most visitors, the biggest risks remain the same as in many international tourist destinations: petty theft, poor travel decisions, and ignoring local safety advice.

If you stay informed, use common sense, and follow official recommendations, Santa Marta and Tayrona remain among the most rewarding destinations to visit in Colombia—and some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the entire Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tayrona National Park open in 2026?

Yes. Tayrona National Park reopened on March 5, 2026, after a temporary security-related closure. Visitors should still check official updates before traveling.

Is Santa Marta safe for solo travelers?

Many solo travelers visit Santa Marta successfully each year. Standard precautions regarding transportation, nightlife, and valuables are recommended.

Is Tayrona safer than other parts of Colombia?

Tayrona is one of Colombia’s most established tourism destinations and benefits from a strong tourism infrastructure. However, travelers should always stay informed about local conditions and follow official guidance.

Should recent security concerns stop me from visiting?

Most travelers continue to visit Santa Marta, Tayrona, and Minca without problems. Staying informed and following local advice is far more important than avoiding the region altogether.

Hikes Tayrona National Park

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There are several hikes to do in Tayrona National Park. The hiking trails run through the jungle to some spectacular beaches , where you can enjoy nature, wild monkeys and beautiful views. The hike most travelers do is from Zaino -thru Arrecife- to the most beautiful (and busiest) beach Cabo San Juan. The hike from Calabazo to Playa Brava is a lot less popular. Here you hike off the beaten track and won’t encounter many tourists.

In this article you will find information and tips on these and other hiking trails from the Zaino and Calabazo entrance to Tayrona National Park. This will help you know which hike suits you best!

Trails – ZAINO ENTRANCE

Zaino (40 km. from Santa Marta)

Opening hours of the main entrance of Tayrona National park are from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., you can enter until noon. From Zaino, you can access the beaches Cañaveral, Castilletes, Arrecife, La Piscinita, Cabo San Juan, Arenilla, La Piscina, Playa Nudista and Boca del Saco

Cañaveral is the starting point of two trails: the hike to Cabo San Juan via Arrecife (around 2h one way) and the -not popular- 9 Piedras Trail (1h). From the Zaino entrance, you can start hiking right away (about 4 km) to Cañaveral, or take the shuttle (around COP5000).

The shuttle buses leave when full and you usually don’t have to wait long. The shuttle bus is recommended, because the path to the beginning of the trail is not spectacular. From here you can continue walking or horseback riding.
We ourselves had doubts about horseback riding and we ended up not doing it because we did not want to miss the experience of the hike and we doubted whether we would do any good for the well-being of the horses.

Cabo San Juan Trail via Arrecife
The trail to Playa Arrecife/Cabo San Juan is a well-maintained path that alternates between jungle and beach, over a wooden boardwalk and boulders. The path goes up and down but is not steep and is well manageable.


Several times we saw cute monkeys that we could observe very quietly up close.

Playa Arrecife can be reached (depending on your pace) in an hour.

Just before Playa Arrecife you will find vendors selling ice creams and coco frio.

At Playa Arrecife you can have some food and drinks in the restaurant.

Here you can find more info about staying near Arrecife. Just past Arrecife you will find Bera bakery, where you can buy delicious chocolate caliente (and go to the toilet!). From here it’s about an hour’s walk to Cabo San Juan, where you can swim and snorkel and enjoy the view of the bay.

At Cabo San Juan you will find a restaurant and a store. Here find more info about staying overnight at Cabo San Juan.

The 9 Piedras trail is located near Cañavaral and leads through some large boulders to a lookout point, from which you have a nice view of the park. The large stones are of cultural significance to local indigenous communities and offers scenic views of the jungle and coastline.

Since most people do the Cabo San Juan trail, this trail is generally very quiet.

On this trail, you can camp at Playa Arrecife, Castilletes, Cañaveral and Cabo San Juan. Hotel Ecohabs Tayrona is located in Cañaveral at the beginning of the trail. You can also stay spend the night at cabañas Arrecifes and Ecohabs Cañaveral.

    Trails – CALABAZO ENTRANCE

    Hike to Playa Brava

    The Calabazo entrance (25 km. from Santa Marta) is a 10-minute drive before the Zaino entrance. Opening hours are from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. You can enter until 11 a.m. There are mototaxis in Calabazo, if you don’t want to walk the first 3 km. A mototaxi costs arout COP20,000/$5.

    Calabazo is the entrance for the hike to Pueblito (approx. 2h) and Playa Brava (approx. 3.5h). From Playa Brava you can continue to Cabo San Juan (approx. 2h).  (update 2023: Pueblito is closed to the public, but you can pass it to go to Playa Nudista, about 4h from Calabazo). 

    The closure of El Pueblito has been in effect since 2019 at the request of the indigenous communities, particularly the Kogi people. With the closure, the indigenous community can protect this sacred site and allow for traditional rituals and environmental preservation.

    Because this hiking trail is much quieter than the hiking trail to Cabo San Juan from the Zaino entrance, you are more likely to spot wildlife here.

    You can stay at hotel Playa Brava Teyumakke in a cabana or tent.

    ColombiaMyWay tips

    Tip #1
    If you’re still not sure which hike is best for you, check out our additional tips here:

    Hike from Zaino if you…
    Want to do a hike that is not too intense, on a well-established trail where you can visit several beaches. The trail from the main entrance to Cabo San Juan del Guía is very doable. The trail alternates between wooden decks and rocks and boulders.

    The trail does go up and down but is not steep. You cannot get lost as the trail is very well marked. This is the most popular entrance to the park so it can get very crowded on this trail. It takes you about 2 hours to get to Cabo San Juan. Tip: If you do not want to do the whole route to Cabo San Juan, walk in about an hour to Playa Arrecifes, which is in the middle of the park.

    Even if you don’t walk the entire trail to Cabo San Juan, you can enjoy beautiful views of the coast and have a good chance of seeing monkeys up close.

    At Playa Arrecifes, you can have a drink and eat at the restaurant before walking back to the park entrance.

    Another option is to spend the night in a cabaña or tent/hammock in Playa Arrecife, so you can do the hike to Cabo San Juan the next day, splitting the hike into two parts.

    Hike from Calabazo if you….
    Have a good level of fitness and want to do a challenging hike, then spend the night on an isolated beach away from the many tourists. This is a steep, more difficult hike on a more challenging trail. Especially the first hour is steep. On this trail you will encounter far fewer hikers than from Zaino. This gives you a better chance of seeing wildlife along the way. The trails to Playa Brava and to Boca San Juan take about 3.5-4 hours. If you have the time, you can spend 1 or 2 nights at Playa Brava and then hike to Cabo San Juan and the Zaino exit in 1 day. This will take about 4.5 hours including a stop for a swim at La Piscina. Tip: Want to do this long route Calabazo-Zaino? Then start in Calabazo and not at el Zaino. The climb from Calabazo to Playa Brava is steep and then you have already had the most difficult part of the trip at the beginning. In Playa Brava there is nothing else, (not even a first aid post) but it is a cool place to chill.

    Tip #2
    Check out these itineraries for a multi-day stay in Tayrona National Park here

    Continue reading our Tayrona National Park Travel Guide for more information about  beaches, the best places to stay in and around Tayrona National Park, camping and more.

    Read about our own experience, during our first trip where we did the intense hike from Calabazo to Zaino (and got lost) and our second trip, that was part of our trip along the North Coast from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

    Travel Guide Tayrona National Park

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    All about The Tayrona National Park

    In this travel guide Tayrona National Park, you’ll find everything you need to know for your trip to one of Colombia’s most popular national parks.

    Tayrona National Park covers 150km2 and is located between Santa Marta and Palomino. Its location is spectacular, between the Caribbean Sea and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de St. Marta. In Tayrona national park you can make beautiful hikes on hiking trails that lead through the jungle to some spectacular beaches. On these trails you can spot wildlife, such as monkeys. At a number of beaches you can swim and snorkel, and there are several beautiful places to spend the night in the middle of nature. Also, you can chill in an ecolodge, camp in a tent and sleep in a hammock at Cabo San Juan. Just outside the park there is also a wide choice of cozy hotels and hostels.

    Tairona Indigenous communities
    Long ago, the Tairona Indigenous communities lived in Tayrona National Park and today their descendants, the Kogui, live in the Sierra Nevada. Along with other indigenous groups, they are closely associated with the park.

    Closing dates
    Tayrona is closed 3 times a year so that the indigenous groups can perform spiritual rituals and the ecosystem can recover.

    Closing dates for 2026 are:.

    • Feb. 1 to Feb. 15
    • June 1 through June 15
    • October 19 to November 2

    !!Update March 5 2026: Tayrona National Park re-opened for visitors. After a closure of 5 weeks to strengthen security and environmental protection, travelers can enjoy one of the most beautiful areas on the Caribbean coast again. New surveillance measures are in place. Some areas might still have limited access while environmental restoration continues. 

    ⚠️ Tayrona National Park CLOSED — Travel Update (February 19, 2026)

    Colombia has temporarily closed Tayrona National Park due to security concerns in the region, including road blocks and safety risks affecting visitors and staff.

    Although some local Indigenous communities have indicated limited reopening, this access is not officially authorized by Colombia’s National Parks authority. Tourism operations and guided visits remain suspended until further notice, so be aware of any people offering any services for Tayrona National Park.

    This is not one of the usual ecological closures, authorities say the park will remain closed until security conditions improve, and no reopening date has been confirmed yet.

    👉 If you’re traveling to Colombia soon, check official updates before planning your visit.

    On a tour, Tayrona combines well with other places on the Caribbean coast, such as Minca, Palomino, La Guajira, Ciudad Perdida and Cartagena. Check this link for the trip we took along the North Coast of Colombia.

    In this travel guide you will read everything you need to know to plan a visit to Tayrona National Park: what is the best time to travel, how to get there, prices, what are the best hotels and hostels in Tayrona National Park and beyond, what are the best hikes and the best beaches in Tayrona National Park.

    All about Tayrona National Park

    How to get to Tayrona National Park?
    Prices and check-in procedure
    Hotels and hostels in Tayrona National Park
    Hiking trails – hiking in Tayrona National Park
    Best travel time Tayrona National Park
    How many days in Tayrona National Park?
    Practical info about Tayrona National Park
    Beaches
    Camping

    Camping in Tayrona National Park

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    Camping in Tayrona National Park can be done at campsites in various locations on/ near the beaches in the park. For example, you can camp or sleep in a hammock at the popular Cabo San Juan beach, the quieter Playa Arrecife or near the Zaino entrance at Cañaveral or Castilletes. Prefer to camp off the beaten track? Then book a tent at the isolated Playa Brava beach, reached via the Calabazo entrance. “Wild” camping is not allowed; you must use one of the campsites in Tayrona National Park. In some places you can bring your own tent and only use the facilities, or rent a tent or sleep in a hammock. Here are tips for camping and sleeping in a hammock at campsites in Tayrona National Park.

    ColombiaMyWay tips

    Tip #1
    Come early and reserve your tent or hammock at the Zaino entrance; it’s first come first served. You can’t reserve your spot online, except for Playa Arrecifes and Playa Brava.

    Tip #2
    Before visiting Tayrona National Park, book a night in a hostel or hotel near the park (El Zaino)     or Calabazo so you can be at the entrance early the next day to reserve your campsite. Due to the heat and high humidity, it is recommended that you hike as light as possible and leave your large backpack at the hostel. Continue reading for more information on camping in Tayrona National Park.

    Below is a list of campsites in the park.

    Campsites – ZAINO ENTRANCE

    Cañaveral

    • Location: the campground is a 10-minute walk from the spot where the shuttle drops you off, at the beginning of the hiking trail
    • Swimming is not allowed
    • From here you can do the 9 piedras hike. This is a trail which most visitors skip, as they usually walk straight through to Playa Arrecife and Boca San Juan. When we visited the park in Sept. 2023, the 9 piedras hike was closed due to maintenance.
    • Prices from COP40,000 ($10) for a tent

     

    Castilletes

    • Location: near where the shuttle drops you off, on the right side
    • Swimming is not allowed
    • Prices from COP40,000/$10 for a tent on a large finca. There are also a few private rooms.

    Playa Arrecife

    • Location: Arrecife is in the middle of the park about 50-60 min. hike from Cañaveral (the start of the trail) and 50-60 min. from Cabo San Juan
    • Swimming is not allowed at Playa Arrecife, but you can swim at Playa la Piscina, a 20-minute walk away.
    • Tip: Camping at Playa Arrecife is a good alternative to camping at Cabo San Juan. This is as “back to basics” as Cabo San Juan, but a lot quieter and less rush to get a hammock in time. Prices are a bit lower than at the popular Cabo San Juan. Just keep in mind that you are camping in the jungle and not at the beach
    • Prices: from around COP15,000/$4 for a hammock and from COP40,000/$10 for a tent. There are several campsites such as camping y cabanas Don Pedro, where you can book a hammock, tent, room or cabaña. Camping Tequendama Playa Arrecifes is on a spacious site, with plenty of space between tents for plenty of privacy. Facilities of this campground: hammocks, tents up to 4 people, toilets, showers, restaurant, laundry service, mosquito nets, safety deposit boxes, phone charging stations and wifi in common areas.
    • How do you book a hammock or tent?
      At the Zaino entrance (you can’t do this from the Calabazo entrance). Since Arrecife is a lot quieter than Cabo San Juan, you can probably still get a spot on site outside of busy periods as well.
    • Online via Camping Tequendama Playa Arrecifes. You can book a 2-person tent from $35 per night or a hammock (with mosquito net) for $15 pp.

        Cabo San Juan del Guía

        • Campsite near the most beautiful and busiest beach in Tayrona
        • Location: 2-hour walk from the El Zaino entrance
        • Hammocks cost around COP 40,000–60,000 per night. The hammocks at the Mirador are more expensive. You pay around COP30,000/$7.50 if you bring your own tent. 
        • Tent rentals cost about COP 140,000 for a double tent.
        • Prices may change and depend on the season and spot. The hammocks at the most beautiful spot near the watchtower (mirador) are the most expensive and the most quickly fully booked. Keep in mind that it can be quite windy at the Mirador!
        • Private cabañas: Approximately COP 250,000–400,000 per night, depending on the season and amenities.

        • Facilities: toilets, showers, restaurant, store, phone charging points, lockers, 24h electricity, snorkeling/masks available. A simple breakfast starts at COP8000/$2 and prices for lunch and dinner start at COP18,000/$4.50.
        • How do you book this campground?
          Book a hammock or tent at the Zaino entrance. The hammocks and tents are on the most beautiful beach in Tayrona, but this also means that most people go here and you have to rush for a spot. To get a spot, you need to be at the entrance early. You cannot book this campground from the Calabazo entrance. The tents and hammocks cannot be booked online. However, you can contact the operator for information by WhatsApp, number +573112589907. You can also contact them through the Instagram page of Cabosanjuandelguia. Booking in advance is tricky because it can only be done 1 day in advance and the reservation is only guaranteed with a 50% deposit through a Colombian bank account. Therefore, make sure you get to the entrance on time to make your reservation for Cabo San Juan.

         

        Campsite – CALABAZO entrance

        Playa Brava

        • Location: approx. 3h walk from the Calabazo entrance
        • Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke is in an isolated location, which makes the experience of staying overnight in this accommodation extra special.
        • Swimming is allowed, but only if the sea is calm
        • Prices: you can rent a hammock or bring your own tent for COP25,000/$6. The price for a 2-person “safari tent” is around $60 per night.
        • Facilities: restaurant, wifi in common areas (at limited hours of the day)
        • How do you book your tent or hammock?
          You can make a reservation online at Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke

        Continue reading our Tayrona National Park Travel Guide for information about beaches and more. Follow the link for an article about our trip along the North coast which we made from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

        Beaches Tayrona National Park

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        What are the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona National Park? Can you swim at all the beaches? Can you stay overnight at the beaches and what are the facilities? Here you can find information about the best beaches in Tayrona National Park.

        Tayrona National Park stretches across a large part of the coast and has many beautiful beaches. Due to strong currents, not all beaches are suitable for swimming. Therefore, keep a close eye on the warning signs and flags at the beaches. Here is an overview of the beaches and facilities from El Zaino, Calabazo and the Neguanje entrance.

        BEACHES – ZAINO ENTRANCE

        Cañaveral

        • At the beginning of the walking trail
        • 1e beach after entrance Zaino
        • Accessible by shuttle (10 min.) or walking from the main entrance (Zaino)
        • Camping and eco-habs
        • Swimming not allowed

        Next to Cañaveral is “Playa Piscinita”, where swimming is allowed. This beach with sun umbrellas and sun beds belongs to Hotel Ecohabs Tayrona.

         

        Castilletes

        • A few minutes’ walk from Cañaveral
        • Swimming not allowed
        • Camping on a large finca. There are also a few private rooms
        • Restaurant

        Playa Arrecife

        • Location between the Zaino entrance and Cabo San Juan: 50-60 min. walk from trailhead and 50-60 min. from Cabo San Juan
        • Swimming not allowed
        • Campsites
        • Ecohabs Arrecifes
        • Restaurant

        Playa Arenilla

        • Small beach with calm water
        • 10 min. from Arrecife
        • Swimming allowed
        • No facilities

        Playa la Piscina

        • Small, quiet beach 20 minutes from Arrecife
        • Between Arrecife and Cabo San Juan
        • Swimming allowed
        • Snorkeling
        • No facilities

        Cabo San Juan del Guía

        • Most popular and busiest beach 30 minutes from Playa la Piscina. A photo of this famous beach, you will find in almost every article about Tayrona
        • Accessible: on foot from Zaino, (around 2 hours) Playa Brava (around 2 hours) or by boat from Tatanga (approx. 1 hour)
        • Swimming allowed
        • Snorkeling
        • Campsite and few private cabañas. Hammocks cost around COP40.000-50.000 per night. The private cabañas cost around COP 250.000-400.000, depending on the season. 
        • Restaurant

        Playa Nudista

        • Quiet beach 10 minutes from Cabo San Juan del Guía
        • No facilities
        • Swimming is allowed when the sea is calm, keep an eye on the warning signs
        • Boca del Saco is a quiet beach 10 minutes from Playa Nudista

         

        BEACHES – CALABAZO ENTRANCE

        Playa Brava

        • A secluded beach about a 3.5-hour walk from the Calabazo entrance
        • Swimming is allowed
        • Restaurant available
        • Private cabanas at ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke. There are also glamping options and you can sleep in a hammock or tent (bring your own)

        BEACHES – NEGUANJE ENTRANCE

        Beautiful beaches in another part of the park are Playa Cristal and Playa Cinto, accessible through the Neguanje entrance. Bahía Concha is the beach in Tayrona, which is the closest to Santa Marta, 35 minutes away. These beaches are accessible by car, bus or moto-taxi or by boat or sailing trip .

        Continue reading here for more information about Tayrona National park: camping, the best places to stay in Tayrona National Park, hiking trails, the best travel period, how many nights to stay and other practical information for your visit. Are you going on a tour of Colombia’s north coast? Then read here about the roundtrip which we made from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.

        How many days you should stay in Tayrona National Park

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        How many days do you need for Tayrona National Park?

        How many days do you need for Tayrona National park? Can you visit the park in 1 day or do you need to stay overnight? This information and more, you can find in this article. 

        Tayrona in one day?
        Want to visit Tayrona National Park in one day, do a hike and not spend the night there? It’s definitely doable, if you do the hike from the Zaino entrance to Cabo San Juan. The hike takes -depending on your pace and number of stops- about 2 hours one way. You’ll still have time to swim somewhere. However: keep in mind that the humidity is high, so the hike -in spite of the good hiking path- can be intense. If you don’t want to hike the whole route to Cabo San Juan, you can stop halfway at Playa Arrecife. There you can have a drink and walk back to the Zaino entrance from there. If you want to enjoy the park to the max, visit the various beaches and not have to be in a hurry, then it’s recommended to stay in the park at least one night. Another advantage of this, is that you can experience the park outside the crowds of day-trippers, who leave around 4 p.m. For the hike from Calabazo to Playa Brava, one day is too short. Better to stay overnight at Playa Brava and make it a multi-day trip.

        #ColombiaMyWay tips

        Tip #1
        Book a hotel or hostel near the entrance, a day before your visit to Tayrona National Park
        Because of this, you don’t have to get up super early to get to the park early on the day of your visit. The main entrance opens at 7.00am and if you get there around that time, you avoid the biggest crowds and heat. Most hostels and hotels offer the option of leaving your luggage there, so you only have to bring a small backpack to the park. Read more tips on where to stay near Tayrona National Park.

        Tip #2
        Check out sample trips from Zaino and Calabazo for 3 and 4 days below.

        Itineraries 

        3 DAYS: in/out Zaino

        DAY 1: Spend the night in a hostel or hotel just outside the Zaino entrance. Leave your luggage there and travel alone with a small backpack

        DAY 2: Walk to Tayrona National Park, catch the bus or hostel shuttle to Tayrona’s main entrance, Zaino. The Zaino entrance opens at 7 .00am. If you want to stay overnight at Cabo San Juan, you can reserve your hammock at the entrance.

        DAY 3: Enjoy the beach at Cabo San Juan or hike to nearby beaches. In the afternoon, hike back to the Zaino entrance and catch a bus or tax back to your hostel or hotel. There you can relax or continue on to your next destination.

        4 DAYS:
        With an extra day, you can do the hike from Cabo San Juan del Guía to Playa Brava on day 3 and spend a night there, before leaving the park via the Calabazo exit on day 4 .

        Look here for more information about lodging in and around Tayrona National Park.

        3 DAYS: in/out of Calabazo

        DAY 1: Sleep one night in a hostel or hotel just outside the Calabazo entrance, leave your luggage there and travel alone with a small backpack

        DAY 2: Take a minivan or taxi to the Calabazo entrance. The entrance is open from 7 .00am. Hike to Playa Brava (about. 3.5h) and there you spend the night at Hotel Playa Brava Teyumakke

        DAY 3: On Day 3 you can relax on the beach in the morning. In the afternoon you will hike back to the Calabazo entrance and from there you return to your hotel. There spend another evening relaxing or continue on to your next destination.

        4 DAYS: in Calabazo/out of Zaino
        If you have an extra day, then on day 3 you can do do the hike from Playa Brava to Cabo San Juan (approx. 2h) and spend the night there. NOTE: can’t reserve your hammock for Cabo San Juan at the Calabazo entrance, so you’ll have to do that right upon arrival in Cabo San Juan. On day 4 you will then leave the park via the Zaino exit.

        Look here for more information about the hiking trails and  lodging in and around Tayrona National Park.

        Continue reading our Tayrona National Park Travel Guide for information about beaches and more. Follow the link for an article about our trip along the North coast which we made from Barranquilla to Santa Marta.