Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona — Attraction in Magdalena

We had heard many mixed reviews from travellers about Tayrona and the blogs also gave some different info as well, so judt thought I'd write a more detailed review for anyone with questions about Tayrona or contemplating going.

As a summary, yes it's totally worth it to go there, however if you don't like mud, walking or slightly expensive prices for food (30-40k) meals and entrances (approx. $80k pp), then maybe give it a miss. For a more detailed summary read on.

Upon entering Tayrona, there's a little process. You need insurance (mandatory, even if you have travel insurance) which is 12k per person, per day. You can do this inside the ticket area or outside too. You will get a band to show you've paid insurance. Outside of the park, you can also book accommodation for Cabo San Juan. We camped with our own tent, which was 30k per person, per night. I think the hammocks were 40k, and mirador hammocks were 50k. We spoke to people at the mirador and they said it was a great view at night with the stars (we went up there for sunrise even though we didn't stay in a mirador hammock) and they said it was not cold, as other people on blogs have said, but as always be prepared.

You also need to get your entrance ticket (67k, one time payment), which is a somewhat inefficient 3 step process: get your ID checked, pay the ticket, then get your ticket. This is all done in the same area at the entrance to the park

Afterwards, you have the choice to walk 3-5kms, or catch a collectivo, which we did (and most others, as its a 2 hour walk even after the collectivo). The collectivo was 5k per person, each way. After about 10-15 mins drive, you start your walk. The terrain at the beginning is fine. Little bit of mud here and there, but overall pretty good. The last hour is pretty muddy, and you will get your shoes/feet muddy. Quite a few people walked barefoot. You can choose your own paths at some points (as the areas become quite wide), but pretty inevitable you'll get dirty but hey, that's part of the experience.

Once you get to San Juan, you'll realise it was worth it. Beautiful coloured beach and just a chill vibe. Only downside is there are quite a lot of people. If you are staying overnight, and I highly recommend you do, it might be worth it to check out other beaches for a change and to avoid crowds. Go to the left/east side of Cabo San Juan (when facing the water), and follow the path for 30 mins where you'll hit two beaches. However, the path there is SUPER muddy. Way worse than earlier, so just go barefoot. Its only about 50m of mud, but it takes about 5-10 mins to get through. After that, smooth sailing to see two beaches, however. both you cannot swim in. Its nice to chill though because they're super quiet.

In the 'village' of Cabo San Juan, there's a restaurant where food is about 30k-50k (menu attached). There's also football!!! That was a nice surprise.

Overall, we loved our time at Tayrona as we love hiking, beaches and nature. I highly recommend staying overnight as you can a more peaceful beach and can see the stars at night and sunrise in the morning, plus it means you are not hiking 4-5 hours in one...

Tayrona National Park is breathtaking, but my visit was overshadowed by poor management and an obvious focus on making money over creating a good experience. From the start, there are multiple fees: insurance, entrance, and accommodation like tents or hammocks. None of these can be paid by card, forcing visitors to carry large amounts of cash. Inside the park, card payments are still not accepted, but they conveniently offer an ATM with extra fees. This outdated system feels like an unnecessary inconvenience, especially considering how overpriced everything is compared to the surrounding area.

The rules about not bringing plastic bottles or alcohol seem reasonable at first for environmental reasons, but they sell both inside the park, creating more waste since there’s no water refill station. This contradiction makes the rule feel less about protecting the environment and more about forcing visitors to buy from them.

The accommodations are disappointing. Despite paying a premium, the bathrooms are inadequate, with only two sinks for the entire camp, limited showers, and no toilet paper in the mornings or evenings. When the weather is bad, there’s no help or alternatives provided. I saw someone sleeping in a hammock who was terrified during a thunderstorm, but the staff didn’t offer any assistance or support.

The mandatory insurance fee felt like a waste. It’s supposed to cover emergencies, but when a friend asked for a simple bandage, the staff didn’t have any basic first-aid supplies. It’s frustrating to pay for a service that doesn’t actually provide any help when needed.

One of the most upsetting parts was the horse service. Horses are used to carry not only tourists but also heavy suitcases along the difficult trek. The animals looked skinny and exhausted, struggling with the weight on rough trails. This service should be canceled for animal welfare reasons. It’s sad to see tourists prioritize their own comfort at the expense of these animals’ well-being. On top of that, the constant use of horses has badly damaged the trails, making them harder to walk. Hikers are also forced to stop frequently to let horses pass, disrupting the trek.

The restaurants didn’t make up for the disappointment. Service was very slow, the food was overpriced, and the quality was average at best. The pathways throughout the park are poorly maintained, and during rain, they become muddy, flooded, and dangerous to walk on. For the amount of money visitors pay, it’s clear that none of it is being reinvested into maintaining the park or improving the visitor experience.

What’s most frustrating is that Tayrona could be an incredible destination, but the focus on profit overshadows its natural beauty. Instead of feeling welcomed and cared for, visitors are left dealing with high prices, poor facilities, and disappointing services. I won’t be returning to Tayrona, and I can’t recommend it to others. There are better places nearby that are more affordable, more enjoyable, and managed in a way that respects both nature...

Tyrona National Park is undoubtedly one of the most captivating places I've had the pleasure of visiting in Colombia. If you're considering a trip there, I highly recommend embarking on this adventure. However, I must caution you that reaching your destination via a jungle trek demands a certain level of physical fitness. First and foremost, be prepared for the significant strain this journey will place on your joints and tendons due to the challenging terrain. You'll be traversing rocky mountains, climbing boulders, descending cliffs, and walking on sandy soil. The trek takes approximately three hours one way, all under the oppressive tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures. The beach at the end of this trek, San Juan, is both intriguing and unique. However, its allure is highly dependent on the weather. On a sunny day, the beach is breathtaking, with its azure waters and picturesque setting providing perfect photo opportunities. Conversely, on cloudy days, the beach can appear rather dreary, with its many rocks and the sea losing its vibrant color, resulting in less-than-stellar photographs. Therefore, it’s wise to hope for clear skies to fully enjoy the few hours you can spend on this beautiful beach. For those looking for a more secluded spot to relax and sunbathe, I recommend continuing a bit further through the shrubbery along a trail to reach another beach. While less scenic, this beach offers greater comfort for sunbathing and swimming, and you'll encounter fewer people. Nonetheless, you must be mindful of the time. Plan to begin your return journey around three hours after noon, as darkness falls around six o'clock. Traversing the jungle in twilight can be extremely challenging and disorienting, so it's crucial to start early and leave the beach with enough daylight to make it back safely. An alternative to the arduous hike is taking a boat to the beach. However, I must warn those considering this option. The waves are often rough, causing the boats to bounce violently. Watching people depart on these boats, it seemed to me that such a ride could be quite jarring, possibly leaving you feeling like your insides have been shaken loose. Therefore, while the hike is demanding, I recommend it over the boat ride, provided you are confident in your physical stamina. Along the path, there are several medical points with doctors available, and insurance is mandatory for the journey. This ensures that in case of any mishaps, immediate assistance is available. In conclusion, Tyrona National Park offers a remarkable adventure filled with natural beauty and challenges. Proper preparation and respect for the journey's demands will allow you to fully appreciate this stunning slice of Colombia. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and set off on an unforgettable trek through the lush jungle to reach the enchanting...