Santa Marta to Tayrona Park Hiking Guide

Tayrona National Park is one of the best beach-jungle hikes in Colombia. White sand Caribbean coves surrounded by dense rainforest, 35 km east of Santa Marta. This guide covers every trail, what to pack, where to stay inside the park and how to avoid the crowds at Cabo San Juan.

Quick Answer: The classic Tayrona hike goes from Canaveral or Calabazo entrance to Cabo San Juan beach (2-3 hours each way). Park entry is 68,000 COP for foreigners. You can do it as a day trip from Santa Marta or stay overnight in hammocks or tents at Cabo San Juan. Closed 3 weeks each year for indigenous ceremonies.

Entrance options

Canaveral entrance: most popular, well marked trail, parking, 45 min from Santa Marta
Calabazo entrance: longer hike (3.5-4 h), steeper, denser jungle, fewer tourists
Playa Cristal by boat: avoid the hike entirely, reach the prettiest beach in 45 min from Taganga

Main beaches inside

Arrecifes: first beach, no swimming (strong currents)
La Piscina: protected cove, great snorkeling
Cabo San Juan: iconic two-bay beach, hammock camp
Playa Nudista: clothing optional, 30 min past Cabo
Playa Cristal: clearest water, reached by boat from Taganga

What to pack

Reef safe sunscreen and plenty of water (no potable water inside)
Cash (no ATM and cards often do not work)
Snorkel gear if you have it (rentals are pricey)
Bug spray for the jungle sections
Quick dry clothes and swim gear
Headlamp if sleeping over

Day trip vs overnight

Day trip: leave Santa Marta at 7am, reach Cabo San Juan around 11am, 2 hours at the beach, hike out by 2pm. Overnight: stay in a hammock at Cabo for 35,000-45,000 COP, wake up with the beach empty, hike out next morning. Overnight is 100 percent worth it if you can manage without luxury.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the hike from the entrance to Cabo San Juan?▾

From Canaveral entrance: 2 to 2.5 hours one way (6 km). From Calabazo entrance: 3.5 to 4 hours through denser jungle and more elevation (better for fit hikers). Both meet at Cabo San Juan beach.

Can I sleep inside Tayrona Park?▾

Yes. Cabo San Juan has hammocks (35,000 to 45,000 COP per night) and tents (60,000 COP). Ecohabs (130 USD to 300 USD per night) offer private bungalows. Bring cash only and book in advance during high season.

When is Tayrona closed?▾

The park closes three times a year for one to two weeks each time for indigenous spiritual cleansing ceremonies (usually in February, June and October). Check the official website before planning your trip.

Is it safe to swim in Tayrona?▾

Some beaches have dangerous currents and are marked no swim. Safe swimming beaches: Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, La Piscina. Do not swim at Arrecifes (strong currents have caused drownings).