Tayrona National Park

The Tayrona National Park hugs the Caribbean coast and stretches from Taranga Bay, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to the mouth of the Piedras River.

Throughout the park, the visitor enjoys the contrast of white sandy beaches in the north, colourful green rainforest in the central and eastern parts, and an arid western edge.

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Tayrona National Park in Colombia

The park's main tourist attraction is its beaches, located in deep bays. Although in some of them the currents make bathing unadvisable, as many of them are surrounded by coral reefs, they are a real paradise for diving enthusiasts. In the park you can also practice activities such as bird watching or visit archaeological remains such as the ruins of the pre-Hispanic city of Pueblito.

Beaches and tourism in Santa Marta - Colombia

The eastern part, which can be reached via El Zaino, is the most attractive for tourists. From the town to Castilletes, the longest beach in the park, it is only 4km. Following the coast, we find El Cañaveral, to which there is a nice walk of approximately 1 hour from El Zaino, although direct tourist buses can also be taken. Although bathing on its beaches is dangerous, accommodation in its ecohabs is attractive to all nature lovers.Tayrona National ParkIn nearby Arrecifes, where there are suitable places to spend the night (camping, cabins and eco-tourist lodges) as well as restaurants, the atmosphere is more family-oriented. The proximity of La Piscina beach, with safe waters for swimming, also contributes to this. From Arrecifes, it is worthwhile to approach Cabo San Juan de la Guía and Pueblito through a splendid tropical forest. In Pueblito, you can learn about the history of the indigenous people who lived in the area, and the architectural characteristics of their constructions that resemble those of the mythical Lost City.

Pre-Columbian city in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Colombia

The Lost City, built by the Tayronas on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, is another of the jewels of the Park and the largest pre-Columbian city ever discovered. Stone structures of terraces and stairways are still preserved along the slopes of the upper Buritaca valley. Guided tours are available with a 3-day ascent to Ciudad Perdida, a day and a half in the enclave and a two-day descent with interaction with the Kogi people.

Located 34km. from the city of Santa Marta, the best option for visiting Tayrona National Park is to travel to the local Simón Bolivar Airport, to which there are domestic flights from the country's main cities. From Spain you can get cheap flights to Bogotá, the Colombian capital, and from there take another domestic flight to Simón Bolivar Airport to enjoy your holiday in the park.