woman in black and white dress holding red flag standing on beach during daytime

Tayrona National Park

Go for Caribbean beaches set in coves below jungle-covered hills, reached by walking trails through the forest.

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Tayrona National Park sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, east of the city of Santa Marta. Dense jungle comes down to the sand here, and the beaches lie in coves between rocky headlands. The land is sacred to the Indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, so stay on marked routes and follow the park's rules while you visit. The beaches and the walks between them are the main reason to go.

The walk from the main entrance at El Zaino to the outer beaches takes several hours on foot, so pack water, sun cover and shoes you do not mind getting wet. The dry season, roughly December to April, is the most comfortable time to visit, though the Caribbean stays warm all year. Staying in or near the park overnight lets you reach more beaches than a day trip allows. The park closes for set periods during the year, so check the dates before you book anything.

Tayrona National Park in five

Check the closure dates firstThe park closes three times a year for Indigenous ceremonies and recovery. The 2026 closures announced were February 1–15, June 1–15 and October 19 to November 2.Parques Nacionales notice
Arrive early at El ZainoDaily visitor numbers are capped, and the main entrance fills early in high season. Foreign visitors pay a higher fee than Colombians, and mandatory insurance is sold at the gate.
Swim only at the marked beachesStrong currents make many beaches, including Arrecifes, unsafe to swim. Swim at beaches marked as safe, such as La Piscina and Cabo San Juan.
Leave plastic bags behindSingle-use plastic bags are not allowed in the park, and bags are checked at the gate. Carry out all your rubbish.
Plan the walk in with water and sun coverThe trails to the beaches take a few hours on foot with little shade. Start early, carry water and sun protection, and leave time to walk out before dark.

Things to do in Tayrona National Park

See all attractions in Tayrona National Park

a sandy beach with palm trees and people swimming in the water

Sight · Tayrona National ParkPlaya Cristal o playa muerto

Park · Tayrona National ParkParque Nacional Natural TayronaBring your passport and cash. If you drive, have your license plate number ready and be prepared to pay for insurance before joining the foot lines for tickets.

Sight · Tayrona National ParkCabo San Juan del Guia

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Need to know

Entrance: Fee per person, higher for foreigners, plus mandatory insurance Read more
Permits: None for day hikes; camp only at the designated sites
Season: Open most of the year, with closures three times a year
Nearest town: Santa Marta, about 1 hour to El Zaino
Getting there: Bus or taxi from Santa Marta; flights to Santa Marta (SMR)

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Dry, windy
FebruaryClear1 rainy dayHigh29°Low25°Dry, part closed
MarchClear2 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Dry
AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh30°Low26°Dry, hot
MayRain17 rainy daysHigh30°Low26°Rains start
JuneRain21 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh29°Low26°Part closed
JulyRain18 rainy daysHigh30°Low26°Short dry spell
AugustRain21 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low26°Humid
SeptemberRain22 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low26°Rain
OctoberRain25 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Wet, late closure
NovemberRain21 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Wet
DecemberPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Dry, holidays

Average daily high and low in Santa Marta, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Tayrona National Park

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 31°
Humidity: 77%
Wind: 5 km/h
Chance of rain: 77%

Tayrona National Park

03:06 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today28°25°77%Monday: Rain. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 77%.
Tue29°25°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 100%.
Wed28°25°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 100%.
Thu29°24°100%Thursday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
Fri28°24°100%Friday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
Sat28°24°100%Saturday: Rain. High 28°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
Sun30°24°68%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 68%.

Updated 11:20 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 3,192 COP

Amount

Converted to

COP · Colombian Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Tayrona National Park

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

Feb–MarBarranquilla's CarnivalBarranquilla, a day trip

Before you go to Tayrona National Park

Stays near Santa MartaEarly bus to the El Zaino gateCheck availability

Tayrona day toursTransport from Santa MartaCompare tours

eSIM for the Caribbean coastExpect little signal on the trailsRead the guide

Insurance for beach and trail daysCheck cover if closures hit your datesRead the guide

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Rules for Tayrona National Park, checked

The park closes three times a year: Feb 1–15, Jun 1–15 and Oct 19–Nov 2, when ecotourism services are suspended.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source

Plan around Tayrona National Park

All of Colombia

Regions, flights, entry rules and money

Read the guide Cartagena

The walled city, a long ride west along the coast

Read the guide Money basics

Cash and cards for park camps and small shops

Read the guide Travel insurance

Cover for currents, injuries and closures

Read the guide

Tayrona National Park FAQ

When is Tayrona National Park closed in 2026?

The park announced closures from February 1–15, June 1–15 and October 19 to November 2, 2026. Check the Parques Nacionales site before you travel, as dates can change.

How do I get to Tayrona from Santa Marta?

Take a bus or taxi east to the El Zaino entrance, about 1 hour. From the gate, a shuttle and trails lead to the beaches.

Can I stay overnight in Tayrona?

Yes, at the designated campsites and lodgings inside the park, such as those near Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan. Book ahead in high season.

What should I pack for Tayrona?

Light, quick-drying clothes, sturdy sandals or trail shoes, a headlamp if you camp, a refillable bottle and sunscreen. No single-use plastic bags. Repellent helps at night, and a dry bag protects your phone in tropical storms.

How long should I spend in Tayrona?

One full day lets you walk in and out. One night lets you see the beaches early and late without the day-trip rush. Two nights suit slower hikes, but campsites need booking in high season.