Discover Interesting Facts About Tayrona National Park

Some places are beyond description, and Tayrona Park is one of them. With its amazing landscapes, sacred history, and outstanding biodiversity, it’s a place that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

If you’re someone who loves a bit of adventure and wants to dive into the culture and nature behind this place, this travel guide is packed with fun facts about Tayrona National Park that will help you get the most out of this experience. 

Why Tayrona Was Declared a National Park

Tayrona became a protected natural park to help preserve its ecological value and cultural heritage. It used to be home to the Tairona civilization, which built more than 250 settlements, including stone paths, terraces, agriculture, irrigation systems, and ceremonial sites. Pretty impressive, right?

Today, although no indigenous communities live inside the park, it’s still a sacred ancestral territory for the Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo people. They are subjected to a spiritual boundary known as the “Black Line” (Línea Negra), which connects sacred sites across the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Some of the sacred places, about 40 in total, are off-limits to tourists because they’re considered spiritually protected. Others, especially the beaches like Cabo San Juan, Bahía Concha, Gaycara, and Isla Aguja, are open to travelers as long as they’re treated with respect. 

What exactly does Black Line mean?

Línea Negra, or Black Line, is the spiritual and cultural foundation of the ancestral territory of the Sierra Nevada indigenous communities. 

Rooted in the “Law of Origin (Línea de origen), which guides the governance and way of life of these communities, the Línea Negra is like a map or sacred network that forms a circle of life and protection around the Sierra Nevada, uniting more than 300 sacred sites that are vital for maintaining natural, cultural, and spiritual balance. 

These sites are where the mamos (spiritual leaders) perform pagamentos (ancestral offerings and other ceremonies to ensure harmony between nature, cosmos, and people.)

Meet the Four Indigenous Communities of the Sierra Nevada

Kogui

The Kogui are considered direct descendants of the Taironas. They mostly live in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, and they see themselves as the "Elder Brothers" of humanity and believe they were entrusted with caring for the world.

This community is deeply spiritual and is guided by their Mamos (leaders who ensure balance and harmony). Despite some influence from modern society, the Koguis have managed to preserve their traditions and customs.

Arhuaco

The Arhuaco community is situated between the Cesar and Magdalena departments. Like the Kogui, they also believe they're responsible for maintaining the world's spiritual and natural harmony.

Wiwa

The Wiwa live in the warmer, lower-altitude areas of the Sierra Nevada. They're known for their craftsmanship (artesanías), especially the production of fique-based bags and hammocks. This community maintains a strong cultural identity through their language and customs, despite their interaction with the modern world.

Kankuamo

The Kankuamo people have experienced the most cultural disru

ption. Many lost their language and traditions during the 19th and 20th centuries, but in recent decades, there have been efforts to recover their customs and cultural identity.

The Biodiversity of Tayrona National Park

Tayrona Park is well-known for its rich biodiversity, which can be appreciated in its marine and terrestrial ecosystems, archaeological heritage, and biological diversity.

Fun fact: UNESCO declared Tayrona Park a Biosphere Reserve in 1979.

Fantastic Animals You Might See

Tayrona Park is also a paradise of wildlife, its rich biodiversity makes it one of the most important natural sanctuaries in Colombia:

Terrestrial: Jaguar, Tigrillo, Ocelot, Zainos, Night Monkeys, Anteaters, Squirrels

Aerial: Condor, White Eagle, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, Blue Peacock, Paujil, Macaws

Marine: Gogo Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Parrotfish, Moray Eels, Snappers, Coral Reefs

Great Unique Flora

Tayrona Park boasts a fascinating diversity of plant life, thriving across five tropical biomes: thorny dry scrublands, tropical dry forests, mangroves, tropical humid forests, and sub-Andean cloud forests. 

Spanning 12,000 hectares of land, the park features a wide range of ecosystems,  from cacti and low shrubs to towering trees and dense rainforests.

Over 1,380 plant species have been recorded in the area. Among them, you’ll find species such as Trupillo, Guamacho, Aromo, Wild Olive, and Hardwood Shrimp.

Likewise, the humid forest in the eastern part of the park remains lush and green year-round, hosting a diverse array of bromeliads, orchids, mosses, and other plant species.

In addition, mangrove forests are also present and play a vital role in protecting the coastline while helping mitigate climate change. The park is home to red, white, black mangroves, and buttonwood, species that can be found in areas like Concha, Cabo San Juan, Arrecifes, and Neguanje, among others. 

About Tayrona’s Ecosystems

One of the great things about Tayrona is its endemic biodiversity, thanks to the Sierra Nevada region, which features a variety of mountain climates:

• Thorny forest

• Dry forest

• Humid forest

• Cloud forest

Fun fact: Did you know? Tayrona Park contains the best-preserved remnant of tropical dry forests in Colombia.

• Beaches

• Lagoons

• Mangrove stands

• Rocky shorelines

• Coral formations

• Sedimentary seabeds

• Seagrass meadows

• Algal beds

  
  

Fun fact: The Sierra Nevada is the highest coastal mountain range in the world. Its geographical isolation significantly contributes to its remarkable biodiversity.

The Park’s Role in Conservation Efforts

To protect Tayrona Park and support the survival of Indigenous people, the Colombian government, in collaboration with Indigenous leaders and the National Natural Park (Parques Nacionales Naturales), agreed to establish a conservation plan that includes closing the park during three periods each year: February 1–15 ( Kugkui shikasa season), June 1–15 Saka Juso season) October 19–November 2 ( Nabbatashi season).

These closure periods are used for environmental restoration, cultural activities, and spiritual ceremonies held by the indigenous communities within the territory.

How to Experience the Wonders of Tayrona

Best Trails and Hikes to Discover Tayrona’s Secrets

Tayrona has several trails, but all of them are interconnected, forming one main hiking route. So, the real decision is how far you want to go and which entrance you’d like to go in. 

The most popular and the main entry point is El Zaino. From there, you can hike to Cabo San Juan and return along the same path. On the way, you’ll pass through Cañaveral, Arrecifes, La Piscina, and finally Cabo San Juan. This trail normally takes about 3-5 hours round-trip.

If you’re up for more adrenaline, there’s Calabazo, a challenging and longer route. You’ll hike through Teykú or Playa Brava, cross forested hills, and eventually reach Cabo San Juan. From there, you can continue your adventure and exit through El Zaino. Estimated that roughly six hours will be required to complete this entire trail.

Want more details? Be sure to check our article: Maximize Your Tayrona Experience: Best Hiking Routes

Tayrona's Best Birdwatching Experiences

Tayrona is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 390 bird species spotted in the area, including native birds and migratory species.

Some of the amazing species you might find include the Solitary Eagle,  White Hawk, Royal Flycatcher, Blue-billed Curassow, Black-crowned Antshrike , Red-headed Troupial, Plain Chachalaca, King Vulture, just to name a few.

Around 14.25% of these birds are endangered, so we highly recommend respecting the wildlife and the environment, and of course, hiring a local guide. 

Don’t forget to bring the proper equipment, like binoculars, a camera, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and shoes.

If you’re not quite sure what to bring to Tayrona, please check: What to Pack for Tayrona National Park?

Best Photography Spots Are at Tayrona Park

Tayrona Park is picture-perfect in every way. With its amazing ecosystems and great biodiversity, it’s an ideal place to capture unique shots of flora, fauna, and landscapes.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to photograph for commercial purposes,  make sure to get permission in advance from Colombia’s National Natural Parks authority.

Snorkeling and Diving in Tayrona

If you’re a great fanatic of the sea, you’ll be happy to know you can go scuba diving near Isla Aguja and Granate. To book your dive, head to Taganga, a nearby fishing town that has reputable diving schools.

On the other hand, if you prefer snorkeling, you’ll find great spots in the Neguanje, La Piscina, and Playa del Muerto (AKA Playa Cristal) areas. Once there,  you can hire professionals to make the most of this experience.

As you can notice, Tayrona offers not just fun but also learning through its marine and land-based activities. In the Granate Marine Sector (Sector Marino Granate), you can enjoy free diving or scuba diving, hop on a boat tour, learn about local heritage, spot marine wildlife, and take amazing pictures. 

Other areas with similar activities include Bahía Concha, Gaycara Beach, and Playa del Muerto.

If you still want to try other, but still fascinating experiences, we invite you to check out the awesome activities you can try near Tayrona Park. 

What to Know Before Visiting Tayrona Park

Can you make a reservation before visiting Tayrona Park?

This is a common doubt. Currently, you cannot book tickets in advance. Therefore, it’s advisable to arrive early, as daily tickets are limited. Keep in mind that the park opens at 8:00 AM, but lines start forming earlier, especially on weekends or during high seasons.

Where to stay near Tayrona Park? 

If you'd rather have a more comfortable option to spend the night, you can book at The Journey Hostel Tayrona, which is just a 5-minute drive from the main park entrance. It offers amazing views, an infinity pool, cozy, private and semi-private rooms, free breakfast, and a delicious meal to go.

Where is Tayrona Park located?

Tayrona Park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Colombia’s Caribbean Region. It’s within the Santa Marta jurisdiction, which is the capital of the Magdalena Department.  

How do you get to Tayrona Park from Santa Marta?

Santa Marta is the closest city to Tayrona Park, just about 27,7 km (17 miles) away. You can get to the park by taking a local bus from the main marketplace; these buses pass through Mamatoco, near the Terminal de Transportes. Look for the distinctive white, blue, and green buses operated by Cootransoriente. The bus fare is approximately 10,000 COP (2-3 USD). And they run from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Don't forget to let the driver know whether you’re heading to the Zaino or Calabazo entrance. If you are coming from the airport or prefer a shuttle service (puerta a puerta), which costs around 200.000 COP (50 USD) for up to four people.

Check more information: Exploring Tayrona National Park: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

What are the main entrances to the Tayrona Park?

The best spots to start your hike are El Zaino and Calabazo. If you’re looking to explore some beautiful, secluded beaches on the eastern side of the park, you can also check out the Neguanje entrance, which is great for taking boat trips. 

How long does it take to go through Tayrona Park?

It really depends on the trail you choose. If you go for the Calabazo loop, you can expect to spend about 6 hours exploring, while the El Zaino trail is a bit quicker, taking around 3 to 5 hours for a round trip. 

How much does it cost to enter the park in 2025?

High Season:

Nationals, resident foreigners, or individuals from the Andean Community (CAN) (5 to 24 years): COP 29,000 (USD 7-8)

Nationals, resident foreigners, or individuals from the Andean Community (CAN)  Over 25: COP 41,000 (USD 10)

Tourists: COP 92,000 (USD 22-23)

Low season:

Nationals, resident foreigners, or individuals from the Andean Community (CAN) (5 to 24 years): COP 26,000 (USD 6-7)

Nationals, resident foreigners, or individuals from the Andean Community (CAN)  Over 25: COP 35,000 (USD 8)

Tourists: COP 77,500 (USD 19)