How much is Tayrona park entry in 2026? +
For non-resident foreigners: around 70,500 COP (~€16) in low season and 92,000 COP (~€21) in high season (mid-June to mid-July, mid-December to end of January and Holy Week), plus mandatory insurance of about 6,000 COP per day. Tickets online via Parques Nacionales or at the El Zaino gate, passport required.
When is Tayrona park closed in 2026? +
Three scheduled closures, agreed with the four Sierra Nevada peoples (Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, Kankuamo) for their ceremonies and ecosystem rest: February 1-15, June 1-15 and October 19 to November 2. In early 2026 an exceptional extra closure also ran from February 17 to March 5: check the official site before booking.
Hammock, tent or ecohab: where to sleep in the park? +
A hammock under the thatched hut at Cabo San Juan (~40,000-60,000 COP) is the emblematic experience, rustic but magical at dawn. The Arrecifes campsites offer equipped tents and quieter cabañas. The Ecohabs at Cañaveral, sea-facing round huts at €300-450 a night, are the only premium option. Book everywhere in high season.
Can you visit Tayrona as a day trip? +
Yes, it's actually the most common format: enter at 8am, walk 2 h to Cabo San Juan, swim, lunch and head back before the gates close (entry until around 4pm, exit by 5:30pm). An overnight changes the experience though: near-empty beaches before 10am and after 4pm.
Is swimming dangerous in Tayrona? +
Yes on most beaches: violent rip currents at Arrecifes, Cañaveral and Playa Brava, where swimming is forbidden and signposted. The safe zones are La Piscina, Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal. Respect the flags and never swim at night.
How do you reach the park from Santa Marta? +
By public bus from Santa Marta's market to the El Zaino gate (45 min-1 h, ~10,000-12,000 COP), by taxi (~80,000-100,000 COP), or by lancha from Taganga straight to Cabo San Juan (~50,000 COP, 45 min). From Santa Marta airport, allow 1h15 by road.
Do you need a guide for Tayrona? +
No, the main El Zaino-Cabo San Juan trail is marked and busy: it's easily done unguided. A naturalist guide (bookable at the gate or through Santa Marta hotels) adds a lot for wildlife, and becomes useful for quieter sectors like Bahía Concha or to understand Tayrona culture.
Do you need a visa for Colombia? +
No for French and EU nationals: 90 days visa-free on arrival, extendable once. See our [Colombia visa guide](/en/destinations/colombia/practical/visa-colombia/) for other nationalities.
