From Wikitravel

The popular Tayrona Park lies at the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta in Colombia. It has some of South Americas loveliest coastline. This little delightful spot is located about 30 minutes from the city of Rodadero, with beautiful beaches, hammocks to rent for the night, food, water and surf (be careful though, there is a strong riptide - experienced surfers only!). Additionally, you can get a guide to take you to a native village in the nearby mountains.

[edit] Understand

[edit] History

[edit] Landscape

[edit] Flora and fauna

[edit] Climate

[edit] Get in

From Santa Marta take the bus from the corner of Calle 11 with Carrera 11. It leaves when it is full and costs C$4,000. Ask the bus driver to drop you off at the park entrance, it is about one hour. From the park entrance it is another 4 kilometres to Cañaveral. You can either walk, take a van for C$2,000 or try to hitch a ride.

A taxi from Santa Marta might be an alternative for groups of 3 or 4 persons.

With a large number of people it might work out cheaper to rent a boat from Santa Marta or Taganga. You get dropped off at one of the park's beaches and this way you avoid the entrance fee.

There are a few camping areas in front of the park entrance that charge approximately C$3,000 per tent. This is an alternative in case you cannot get into the park the same day of your arrival.

[edit] Fees/Permits

The entrance fee is C$25.000 for foreigners and C$9.000 for Colombian citizens, children from the age of 5 pay C$5000.

Take lots of food and water with you, it's incredible expensive inside the park (compared to col. standards). For example a can of coke is C$2500, beer C$3000 and a 5 liter bottle is C$6000.

Officially a yellow fever certificate showing vaccination at least 10 days earlier is required and sometimes it is enforced. The vaccination is free in clinics in Santa Marta.

[edit] Get around

[edit][add listing] See

A 60 minute uphill walk from El Cabo is El Pueblito. An archaeological site similar to Ciudad Perdida only much smaller in size. (11°19'0.92"N, 73°58'43.38"W)

[edit][add listing] Do

From Arrecifes (11°18'51.23"N, 73°56'58.24"W), there is a 15 minute walk to the lagoon known as La Piscina (11°19'26.82"N, 73°57'33.01"W). A reef in front of the coast forms a natural swimming pool. It is safe to swim here.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

Travelers can get food from the different native or local restaurants present in Arrecife, El Cabo and La Piscina. There is a variety of sea food, such as the tropical fish plate with rice and salad.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

At Cañaveral there are the famous Ecohabs [1], luxury accommodation in small or big Huts from C$440,000/night/double occupation including taxes and breakfast.

From Cañaveral it's a 45 minute walk to Arrecifes. Here are some restaurants and places to sleep: the Aviatur place and two or three independently run.

A hammock costs C$6,000 per night and a cabaña for 2 costs C$100,000 (Finca Paraiso) or C$300,000 (Aviatur).

At the Aviatur camp site, price is C$11,000 p.P. (small kids free), renting a tent incl. 2 mats is C$15,000.

Another 30 minute walk is El Cabo. One of the most popular spots to stay the night. There are hammocks for rent (C$6.000 - C$12000, depending on whether its tourist season) and a camping area. There is also a restaurant, serving expensive but safe and tasty food. There is only electricity few hours a day and the bathrooms are basic. At night it might get busy which takes away the place charm, but at daytime you find most beaches almost deserted.

[edit] Stay safe

It is prohibited to swim in the sea near Arrecifes due to the danger of strong riptides.

[edit] Get out

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