We get off at an isolated stop where a few shops line up hoping to sell last-minute supplies. I look at a road that disappears in a blur of forest vegetation and I go in this direction. After everything we’ve read, we know we’re going to be pampered. It is a complete retreat from the noise of white traffic, the gray darkness of concrete roads, and crowded sidewalks dotted with jewelry dealers and tourist police. This should be exactly our kind of place.
ARRIVAL AT TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
The largest city closest to the Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta. It has an airport and is located about 20 miles from the park. Flights from anywhere in Colombia to Santa Marta should be very inexpensive with Viva Air. Once in Santa Marta, there are many ways to get to Tayrona, including by boat, bus, organized tour, or car rental.
While traveling with a rental car to Tayrona National Park is possible, the routes can be toll. And it is quite easy to get there without worrying about driving in a foreign country. That being said, the Road is not that difficult at all.
ENTRANCE TO THE “PARQUE TAYRONA“
The shuttle bus that takes visitors to the starting point is also included in the organized tours. For those who travel like ourselves or who enter by Bus, the cost is one Dollar. It’s worth it: the trail from the entrance to the trail takes about an hour and is nowhere near as remarkable. For those who stay in Tayrona, it would be crazy to carry their suitcases for this extra hour. Unfortunately, there are not many mobile or Internet services in the park. There is a place — the Restaurant on the beach of Cañaveral- where you can receive a Signal.
HIKING IN THE TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
During our hike, we meander on dirt trails mixed with wooden platforms and steps. Hiking trails climb and meander through dense plant life with clattering bird calls, colorful feathers, and the distant sound of the ocean. We sweat in the blink of an eye, we are happy to climb back on the rocks and walk among the trees. Although we feel completely alone in this Pristine ecosystem, we are hardly the first to take these paths. Founded in 1864, the Tayrona National Park has been home to natural and archaeological treasures for 150 years and preserves indigenous culture.
TAYRONA COMPANIES
Tayrona Park is special for various reasons. In this relatively small protected area, you will find a huge ecological diversity, including dry scrub forests, tropical rainforests, and high cloud forests. From here, the sandy path takes us through the thickets of the jungle, with blackberries, bushes, and low peaks On one side and a high forest on the other. The sea disappears except for the metronome of the waves and a gust of wind through the dense green that surrounds us. The animals crawl as we pass – a scattering of birds and one or the other lizard Agouti or Jesus.
YOU CAN SUNBATHE ON THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
The beauty of the Beaches of the Tayrona National Park is legendary for Travelers and Locals alike. Having spent some time there myself, I can assure you that these sandy swaths justify admiration. Cabo San Juan is the most popular beach in the park, as it is open for swimming, offers stunning views, and is located on the edge of a huge campsite. La Piscina is another popular beach for swimming. There is even a NUDIST Beach!