Image by javarman3 / Getty Images
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is a magical slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast, with stunning stretches of golden sandy beach backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Behind it all rise the steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range. The park stretches along the coast from the Bahía de Taganga near Santa Marta to the mouth of the Río Piedras, 22mi (35km) east, and covers some 30,000 acres of land and 7000 acres of coral-rich sea.
The park gets extremely crowded in high season (December and January), and vicious currents mean that most of the gorgeous beaches aren't suitable for swimming, though you can take a dip and snorkel (with great care) at a select, safer few. Despite this, Tayrona is an immensely attractive place and one that's rewarding and exciting to wander.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.
Beach
Cabo San Juan del GuíaCabo San Juan del Guía is a beautiful cape with a knockout beach. It's also by far the most crowded area of the park, although lack of road access deters casual day-trippers. The area has a restaurant and a campsite, with hammocks and cabins, in a spectacular lookout on a rock in the middle of the beach. It's possible to spend a very atmospheric night here. Swimming is also possible most of the time, but don't go in too deep.
Village
PueblitoFrom Cabo San Juan del Guía a scenic path goes inland and uphill to the small indigenous village of Pueblito, providing some splendid tropical-forest scenery and getting you to Pueblito in 1½ hours. In the tranquil village you can see traditional houses and various sites sacred to residents, making for an interesting change of pace from the beach.
Beach
Playa CristalThis gorgeous boat-in beach on Bahía Neguange used to be known as Playa del Muerto (Beach of the Dead) – little wonder they decided on a name change. It's a wonderful place to spend the day on the sand, and there are several shacks serving up fresh fish and cold beers. You'll need to take a boat from Cabo San Juan del Guía (COP$60,000 for up to 10 people, so it's worth hanging around for other potential punters).
Beach
CañaveralCañaveral is as far as you can go in the park by road. From the car park a trail leads west to Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan del Guía. The beaches in Cañaveral are very beautiful – golden sand and blue water – but there's no shade, and swimming can be dangerous because of treacherous offshore currents. There are several places to stay here.
Beach
La ArenillaLa Arenilla is an attractive beach in a tiny cove framed by massive boulders, with chunky sand and glints of fool's gold dancing in the water. It has a sweet little restaurant with great sea views from its tables. It's a good alternative to the throngs at nearby San Juan del Guía.
Beach
La PiscinaAs you might guess from the name, La Piscina boasts calm waters that are reasonably safe for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear costs COP$30,000 per hour, or COP$50,000 if you go with an instructor.
Beach
CastilletesThe longest beach in the park and the first place you can turn in for the night, Castilletes can be found some 4km from the El Zaíno park entrance, just before the road ends.
Beach
ArrecifesComing from Cañaveral, it's a pleasant walk 2.5km west along a trail to Arrecifes, where there are budget lodgings and eating facilities. Bear in mind that sea currents here are just as dangerous as those in Cañaveral, although decent, safe beaches are found nearby. If you don't want to walk to Arrecifes from Cañaveral, horses are available (COP$20,000 one way).