Santa Marta Magdalena, Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

The Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is situated on the northern coast of Colombia, a mere 30-minute drive from Santa Marta, Magdalena. This expansive national park encompasses around 150 square kilometers of land and over 30 kilometers of coastline, offering long, picturesque stretches of sandy shoreline. However, most of the park's beaches are not suitable for swimming due to their rugged terrain. Visitors will marvel at the park's stunning capes, coves, and lagoons.

Explore places to stay near Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona and enjoy the serene beauty of its picturesque beaches and lush surroundings.

Notably, the park boasts some of Colombia's most popular beaches, including La Piscina, a small, picturesque beach protected by a coral reef and deemed safe for swimming. Conversely, Arrecifes, a beautiful, wide, sandy beach surrounded by lush forest, is considered unsafe for swimming. Cañaveral, with similar scenery and safety levels, also offers nearby campsites. La Piscinita is a secluded cove that may permit swimming, depending on weather conditions, signaled by posted flags. Finally, Cabo San Juan de Guia Beach, often abbreviated as "El Cabo," is Tayrona's most famous beach and considered a safe swimming spot.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the incomparable beauty of the beach, with spectacular natural landscapes that allow visitors to relax and forget their worries. Some visitors complain about the physical exhaustion of the walk and the additional costs to enter the park, but others recommend it as a very good visit option. However, one visitor warns others not to buy from a specific store at the park entrance as they experienced poor quality products and lost their money. Another review simply describes the beach as a delicious and magical place.

Where to Stay near Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

Most visitors to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona stay in the nearby town of Santa Marta or the small village of Taganga, both of which offer a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels. For those looking to stay closer to the park, ecohabs and campsites within the park, such as those near Cañaveral, provide a unique experience just a short walk from the beach.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona?

Latitude: 11.3064 / Longitude: -74.0658

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is located in Santa Marta Magdalena. The following map of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona shows the exact location.

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: Weather Today

📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
Today is a challenging day for a beach visit, as conditions are quite unsettled and not ideal for lounging by the shore. You should be cautious, as frequent light drizzle is expected throughout the day. The air temperature will reach 31.6 °C, but strong, gusty winds are likely to make your time on the sand uncomfortable. With a UV Index of 8.7, you must prioritize sun protection despite the clouds. The sea temperature is 28.4 °C, making the water warm, but swimming is currently discouraged due to significant wave heights that create rough conditions. Given the combination of blustery winds and shifting weather, it is best to postpone your trip to the coast until the air settles and the water calms down for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
🌬️

Air

Low / High26.9°C/31.6°C
Feels Like (High)37.1°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature28.4 °C
Wave Height1.6 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance88%
Rainfall0.2 mm
Rain Duration2 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:46/18:13
Sunshine Hours12.0 hrs
UV Index8.7
Cloud Cover20%
💨

Wind

Speed32.5 km/h
Gusts64.8 km/h
DirectionNE

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona