Tayrona National Park Survival Guide
Parque Tyrona is definitely one of Colombia’s highlights and top tourist destinations. Situated on the Caribbean coast just outside of the beach town Santa Marta, Parque Tyrona is a protected national park and has been since 1969. Thanks to the limited access, the biodiversity of this rich jungle national park and pristine beaches have been preserved. There are 12,000 hectares of land bordering the beautiful Caribbean Ocean.
Tyrona Park is still inhabited by various ancient indigenous tribes, because of this the park closes three times a year so the land can rest and the animals can roam in their natural habitat without the disturbance of tourists, so double check before you head there.
Because it is hard to access and it is not your usual destination spot filled with hostels it is important to be prepared and know what you are in for so you don’t go unprepared.
How to get there
It is important to bear in mind that the park opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm, but you really want to be there as early as possible, to beat the crowds, find a bed and also to avoid walking through the jungle and along the beach in the scorching mid-day sun.
If you are coming from Santa Marta the local bus costs 7,000 COP ($2.50) and drops you right at the entrance, if you are feeling flash you could get an Uber all the way there for about 60,000 COP ($20). The bus ride will take you an hour and a half. The other option is to stay close to the area the day before, Costeno beach is close by and has a beautiful hostel.
Alternatively, if you happen to have been staying in Taganga you can get a boat ride for 25,000 COP ($8) into the park, but if you do so you miss out on the adventure that is walking through the jungle.
The entrance fee to Parque Tyrona is $ 61,500($20) foreigner or $ 27500 $10) for Colombians. If you have been traveling with all your luggage there are small restaurants just at the entrance which will store your main backpack or suitcase for a small fee, pack lightly to go into the park.
Where to stay
There are not many accommodation options in the park and the most basic is the best. On playa Cabo San Juan there is a small open-air hut home to hammocks which you can rent for the night for $20,000 ($7), perched on top of a small ridge above the sea. Where you will be rocked to sleep by the sound of the ocean, and free from mosquitos thanks to the breeze. This is the best place to stay in the whole park, so arrive early to snap up a hammock.
If you are too late or sleeping in a hammock doesn’t float your boat then there are plenty of tents for rent for 40,000 ($13). Staying in a tent is hot and humid in the park so if you can opt for a hammock do! If you are feeling super fancy though you can always fork out and stay in one of the Eco Habs for around $350.
Getting to Cabo San Juan
When you enter the park a jeep can take you a short ten-minute ride to the first beach for $3,000 which cuts off an hour hiking time. You are already in for a decent hike so save yourself the extra hour.
The first beach you will arrive at is Arrecife, there are some expensive huts to stay in here, but in my opinion absolutely not worth it as the beach is not safe to swim. There are various beaches with no swimming signs along the way, heed the warnings, the currents are super strong and there are no lifeguards to save you if you get swept out to see. Many people have died here, so don’t be a hero, just wait a little longer to swim in a safer beach.
The hike starts from Arrecife and will take about 2.5-3 hours to get to Cabo San Juan. It is a hot sweaty walk along the coast, with beautiful views. Not the easiest walk, especially in the heat, so make sure you avoid the midday sun.
Alternatively, there are horses you can hire for 40,000 COP( $13) that will take you inland to your destination, or you could just pay them to take your bags, definitely worth it if you didn’t pack lightly!
Personally, my advice is to walk in and see how you feel. My friends opted to ride horses out - but my boyfriend and I chose to walk (and we still beat them haha). If you know you’re tired and don’t want to worry about it, you can also reserve horses ahead of time.
Packing Essentials
Do bring
● Your passport-you need this to sign in at the gate
● Water! You will need enough water for your hike to San Juan Cabo at least
● Sunscreen- it is hot and there is not a lot of shade
● Mosquito repellent, if you are unlucky enough to get eaten, there are lots of mosquitos here
● Sunnies/hat protect your eyes and face if you can
● Long-sleeved top and long pants- for the mosquitos int he evening!
● Food, snacks and canned food, you can buy food at the restaurants but it is overpriced
● A flashlight- for those midnight walks to the beach
● Bikini/ Swim shorts- it would be a shame if you forgot those!
● Good shoes, as well as flip flops-you, need good shoes to hike in and flip flops for the beach and communal showers
● Money, there is no atm here or at the gate
Don’t bring
● Too much stuff with you
● A tent, here are good enough tents for hire and it is just another weight you could avoid.
● Alcohol or drugs- they will search your bag on the way in.
● Musical instruments are restricted
● Plastic bags and styrofoam
What to do once you are there
It is possible to have a day trip only to Parque Tyrona, but honestly, if you are going to go there it is worth staying overnight and exploring some of the beaches. I would recommend a few days and nights inside the park, there are endless beaches to explore and no internet so it is a perfect chance to disconnect and connect with nature.
There are some great hikes if you are into hiking, the hike to Pueblito will is a 2.5 km hike to a small village habited by indigenous Colombians. Nueve Piedras (nine stones) hike will take you across the cliffs and you will pas some large stone structures along the way.
If you just want to lay by the beach there are plenty to choose from. Cabo San Juan is probably the most picturesque and also most popular but there are plenty more. Castilletes, La Piscina, and Playa Brava to name just a few.
