Wild Jungle Life and Dream Beaches in Tayrona National Park
A nature reserve for all the senses: In Tayrona National Park, explorers, adventurers and wildlife fans are offered great experiences.
The path to a Caribbean natural paradise
The Tayrona National Park in northern Colombia can be reached by various means. Private shuttle services and a bus from Santa Marta in the direction of Palomino are the most common means of transport. The latter departs from the marketplace of Santa Marta and stops after about an hour at the main entrance of the national park. The uncomplicated journey makes a visit to the natural paradise on the Caribbean coast also possible as a day trip. For those starting from Cartagena, a stopover in Santa Marta or a private shuttle bus is recommended, which takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach the park entrance "Entrada Zaino".
Beaches like a picture book
Turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, coconut palm-lined bays: The nature reserve at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range is a year-round hotspot for travellers to Colombia for many reasons. Among its most popular dream beaches are La Piscina and Cabo San Juan del Guia. Here you can not only swim safely, but also refresh yourself with cool fruit juices and replenish your water supply. There are few opportunities to do so on the two- to three-hour hike (start from the main entrance).
The protection of indigenous heritage
As tempting as the idea may be, wild camping is strictly prohibited in the territory of the indigenous communities of Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco. They see protecting, caring for and preserving the land of their ancestors as one of their most important tasks. This includes designating demarcated areas for tourists. The income from the provision of accommodation, camping sites, catering and tour guides is intended to promote local value creation and maintain the natural balance in the park.
Spend the night in the jungle
Whether you pitch your own tents, rent hammocks for the night or rent bungalows: Visitors have a variety of options for spending the night in the park. Among the most popular campsites are those located directly on the beaches of Cabo San Juan and Arrecife. A touch more luxury and an associated gourmet restaurant are offered by the "Ecohabs Tequendama" on the more secluded beach of Cañaveral.
Species diversity
Tropical rainforest, Caribbean coast, snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada: The 15,000-hectare area fascinates with its phenomenal biodiversity. In order to protect and preserve this, Colombia's most popular national park closes several times a year - usually in February, June and October - for about two weeks. Whether capuchin or howler monkey, iguana, anteater or white eagle - during this time the shy forest dwellers dare to come out of their hiding places. But even away from the main season in June/July and December/January, there is a good chance of observing numerous animals in their natural habitat.
Hiking for advanced
In the heart of the reserve is one of the most important testimonies of the Tayrona indigenous people: the former village "El Pueblito". The Tayrona were a pre-Columbian people with a highly developed culture. To visit their most famous site, the "Ciudad Perdida", it requires a hike of several days. No less demanding, but much shorter, is the two- to three-hour tour to the smaller edition deep in the jungle of the protected area. It is advisable to set off with the first rays of sunshine and - again - make sure you have enough water supplies.
Strengthening in tropical heat
Delicious refreshments in the form of juices and fruits made from coconut, mango, pineapple or passion fruit are available at isolated stalls or restaurants near the beach. These local treasures provide energy and help against dehydration. If you're feeling peckish, try the arepas filled with cheese or egg, freshly prepared by the indigenous population. A visit to the gourmet restaurant "Yachay Tayrona" will delight all those in search of authentic Colombian taste experiences.
Photo credits
- Header - Photo by Loren Bedeli (owned by Edelweiss)
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