How to plan a trip to Tayrona Park

Planning a trip to Colombia’s Tayrona Park involves much more than selecting hiking trails and beaches to explore. You’ll also need to buy plane tickets, find accommodation close to the park, consider local transport options, and many other practical details such as currency, language and documentation required for your stay in the country. In addition, to get the most out of your experience, don’t overlook the local culture and prepare a list of local dishes and the best places to try them.

It may sound complicated, but don’t worry because at Passporter we are experts in organising trips and we are here to share our experience with useful tips and recommendations. Dive into this post and start planning your adventure to Tayrona Park today!

1. Prepare your travel documents for Tayrona Park

Before embarking on your Tayrona Park adventure, it is crucial to review and prepare the necessary travel documentation. This process can take some time, but is necessary to ensure a smooth experience, and you’ll see that it’s not complicated at all.

Citizens of many Latin American and EU countries, among others, do not need to apply for a visa for short tourist stays of up to 90 days, and can extend up to 180 days once in the country. To enter the country, you’ll need to present these documents:

• Current passport with an expiry date of more than 6 months.
• Return ticket.
• Proof of financial solvency (in some cases).
• Letter of invitation or hotel reservations.

If you are travelling from a country other than those listed above, you will need to apply for your visa through the Colombian embassies or consulates, or through their online form, which is the easiest and quickest way. The process can take a couple of weeks, so it is advisable to start the process early. The maximum stay generally allowed is 180 days per year, which can be divided into periods of up to 90 days per entry. These are the documents you will need to present to apply for a visa:

• Valid passport valid for at least six months.
• Filled visa application form, available online.
• Recent passport-style photo.
• Documents proving the purpose of the trip (such as letters of invitation, hotel reservations, etc.)
• Proof of financial solvency (such as bank statements).
• Return ticket or travel itinerary.
• Payment of the consular fee (€40 for citizens of Europe and Cuba, €82 for all other nationalities).

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Tayrona Park

Once you’ve got your travel documents ready, it’s time to book flights and accommodation, but for that you need to know the best time to travel, which in this case is between December and March, when the weather is drier and the waters are calm and clear, ideal for diving and other water activities. During these months, the park offers spectacular views and easy access to all its beaches and trails.

However, this season also coincides with a high influx of tourists, which can result in busier beaches and higher prices for accommodation and services. One event not to be missed during this season is the Barranquilla Carnival in February, a celebration of music and culture that will leave you speechless. Keep in mind that there are also more tourists during this time.

3. Find out how to get to Tayrona Park

Here’s a selection of the best ways to get to this natural paradise from different starting points:

• By plane: The nearest airport is Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta, which receives flights from all major Colombian cities and some international flights. Airlines operating here include Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air.
• By car: From Santa Marta take the road northeast along the Troncal del Caribe (Route 90) to the El Zaino entrance, the most commonly used access to the park.
• By bus: From the Santa Marta Transport Terminal take a direct bus to the entrance to El Zaino. The company Expreso Brasilia and other local companies offer regular services to this route.

To get from the airport to the centre of Santa Marte you can take a taxi for 30,000 COP or use ridesharing services such as Uber, which takes about 45 minutes.

Within the park, transport is mainly on foot or horseback, as motorised vehicles do not have access to the internal areas. Hiking trails connect the different beaches and points of interest. So be prepared to walk 😉

For internal transfers near the entrances, minibuses operate from El Zaino to points such as Cañaveral, with fares around COP3,000.

4. Find the accommodation that fits your expectations to enjoy Tayrona Park

The time has come to choose accommodation for your visit to Tayrona Park. In the area you will find many accommodation options in the surrounding urban areas and in the middle of nature: from camping in hammocks or tents to staying in ecolodges with luxury services. There are alternatives for all tastes and budgets. On the Passporter App itself, you can start comparing through Booking today and book the best accommodation before it sells out.

These are some of the best areas to stay in:

• El Rodadero: is a tourist area with a wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment, though moderately expensive.
• Historic Centre: is an area rich in history and culture, with charming colonial streets and a similar price to the previous area.
• Taganga: This is a fishing village known for its bohemian and inexpensive atmosphere.
• Minca: located in the mountains, ideal for lovers of nature and tranquillity at a moderate price.
• Los Naranjos: close to the entrance of the park, perfect for those seeking luxury and comfort.

5. Where and what to eat in Tayrona Park?

At Tayrona Park we were surprised by the delicious dishes based on fresh seafood, such as fish and shellfish, and accompanied by local ingredients such as coconut, plantain and yucca. The dishes are usually simple but full of flavour, and with the quality of the ingredients, you don’t need much more. A wide variety of tropical fruits are also available at mealtimes.

These are the dishes not to be missed during your visit to Taynora Park:

• Fried fish with patacones and coconut rice: this dish includes a whole fried fish, accompanied by fried green plantain slices and rice cooked with coconut milk, offering a combination of crunchy and smooth flavours.
• Seafood casserole: a thick soup combining fresh seafood such as shrimp, mussels and squid in a flavoursome broth, usually with coconut milk and local spices.
• Sancocho de pescado: a traditional stew containing chunks of fish cooked with cassava, plantain, corn and various herbs, creating a comforting and nutritious dish.
• Arroz con camarones: rice cooked with fresh shrimp and often seasoned with garlic, onion, peppers and local spices, providing a colourful and flavourful dish.
• Octopus salad: cooked and chopped octopus mixed with fresh vegetables such as onions, peppers and coriander, all dressed with lemon and olive oil, creating a fresh and delicious salad.

A curious tradition in the region is the consumption of lionfish, an invasive species that has become an exotic delicacy and a way of controlling its population, highlighting the creativity and sustainability of the local cuisine. And a characteristic drink is guandolo, a refreshing mix of panela and lemon that is served cold.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Tayrona Park

For a complete visit to Tayrona National Natural Park, it’s best to spend at least two full days here, during which time we were able to explore the jungle trails at our leisure, enjoy the beautiful beaches and even spend the night under the stars. Remember that entrance to the park costs 62,000 COP for foreigners, and includes access to most areas.

In this post we tell you more about the activities to do and places of interest to see: Tayrona National Park. And here’s a summary of the essentials so you can start creating your travel itinerary with Passporter today:

• Cabo San Juan: known for its iconic viewpoint between two crystal-clear bays, it’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Arrecifes Beach: although it is not suitable for swimming due to its strong currents, it is ideal for walks and nature watching.
• La Piscina Beach: ideal for a safe swim thanks to its calm waters protected by rock formations.
• Canaveral Beach: beautiful and quiet, offering spectacular views without crowds.
• Bahía Concha: although outside the park boundary, it is close by and popular for its tranquillity and natural beauty. Entrance is free but parking is charged.
• Cabo San Juan Trail: a demanding 7.5km hike through jungle that connects several beaches and offers breathtaking views.
• Boca del Saco Beach: the park’s only nudist beach, more secluded and quieter.
• El Zaino: the main entrance to the park, where many trekking routes start and where you can get maps and guides. Entrance fee: 14,000 COP for vehicles.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Tayrona Park

At Tayrona Park we’re sure you’ll have a great time with your friends on pristine beaches and hiking jungle trails that lead to ancient ruins. However, travelling in a group can sometimes lead to debates about which areas to explore, how to balance time between relaxing on the beach and hiking adventures, and how to tailor plans to suit everyone’s interests.

Conflicts may arise, it is inevitable, so we encourage you to plan your trip to Tayrona Park in advance together with your companions. The Passporter application can be a very useful tool to involve the whole group in the organisation, allowing all members of the group to suggest activities that meet everyone’s expectations. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Tayrona Park

• The currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP).
• The entrance fee to the park for tourists is 62,000 COP.
• Although many establishments accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in rural areas.
• Colombia uses A and B plugs, with a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• The official language is Spanish. Learning some basic Spanish phrases can improve your travel experience, especially outside of major cities.
• It’s advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high tourist season (December-January and Easter).
• During high season, activities and excursions can fill up quickly, so consider booking in advance.
• Find out about local festivals or special events that may coincide with your visit, such as the Barranquilla Carnival.
• If you decide to rent a car, remember to always check local traffic regulations and road conditions, especially in rural areas.
• As with any tourist destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Avoid carrying visible valuables.
• Colombia’s climate can vary significantly depending on region and altitude. Wear clothing suitable for warmer climates on the coast and cooler in mountainous areas.
• Colombia is rich in biodiversity. If you visit natural parks, follow the regulations to minimise your environmental impact and contribute to conservation.
• If you wish to have mobile internet during your stay we recommend getting a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Tayrona Park?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app. Inspire other travellers with your experience! You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Tayrona Park.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Tayrona Park