Hiking Tayrona National Park: Calabazo to Cabo San Juan

Last Updated: September 2026

Tayrona National Park was right at the top of our list of places to visit during our trip to Colombia. Located on the Caribbean coast, close to Santa Marta, Tayrona is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush jungle, hiking trails and abundant wildlife.

But we weren’t just interested in spending the day relaxing on the beach. We wanted to explore the park on foot and decided to hike from the Calabazo entrance to Cabo San Juan, spending the night inside the park before hiking out the following day.

We completed this hike in August 2019, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in Colombia. However, trail access and park regulations can change, so if you’re planning to follow the same route, make sure you check the latest conditions before your visit.

El Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona attracts visitors from all over Colombia and around the world. Although a lot of people visit Tayrona solely for its stunning beaches, it’s not just about the beaches. Tayrona is a fabulous place for nature lovers and it’s a great place to hike. There are several hiking trails to tackle in the park and, in fact, to get to the beaches, you’ll have to hike or pay for a ride there on one of the horses. It’s not possible to drive to the beaches.

We enjoy a good hike, so there was no way we’d pay for a sad horse to carry us to the beaches. We thought it would be fun to hike through the jungle and that reaching the beaches would be a great reward. I’m glad we did. We had an amazing day, completing a loop from the park’s Calabazo entrance around to its Zaino entrance, via all of the beaches east of Nudist Beach.

Why Start at the Calabazo Entrance?

There are several entrances to Tayrona National Park, with El Zaino and Calabazo being the most relevant if you’re planning to hike towards Cabo San Juan.

The El Zaino entrance is the main and most popular entrance to the park. From here, visitors can take a shuttle further into the park towards Cañaveral, where the hiking trails towards the beaches begin. Because this is the main entrance, it can get very busy, particularly during weekends and peak periods.

The Calabazo entrance offers a completely different experience. When we visited, it was much quieter and far less obvious from the main road. We simply bought our tickets and insurance and headed off into the jungle.

For us, the biggest reason to start at Calabazo was the chance to experience a quieter and more challenging side of Tayrona. We didn’t encounter any other travellers between the entrance and Nudist Beach and had the jungle almost entirely to ourselves. It was incredibly peaceful and one of our favourite parts of the hike.

Of course, that all changed once we reached the popular beaches around Cabo San Juan!

Important: We completed this route in August 2019. Access from Calabazo and the trails within Tayrona can change, so check current trail conditions and park regulations before planning to follow the same route.

Can You Hike From Calabazo to Cabo San Juan?

Before arriving in Tayrona, we had read conflicting information online about whether it was possible to hike from the Calabazo entrance to Cabo San Juan due to restrictions around Pueblito, the Indigenous settlement located along the traditional route.

Thankfully, the owner of our hostel, Manigua Tayrona Hostel, confirmed that we could still hike from Calabazo towards Cabo San Juan without visiting Pueblito.

This was great news for us because the Calabazo entrance was less than 100 metres from our hostel. It also meant we could begin our hike early in the morning without first taking a bus or taxi to El Zaino.

The hike to Nudist Beach

The hard part, going up

The next morning, we headed to the Calabazo entrance at opening time. There was no queue, we paid our entrance and insurance fees and started hiking.

The first hour or so is pretty constant uphill walking and will be quite strenuous if you are not moderately fit. The heat is the main issue; it’s very humid, so expect to sweat – a lot! Simon was dripping with sweat within minutes!

The trail is on a wide dirt track that is easy to follow. A few signposts are pointing the way and letting you know that you are still on the right path. The key point is not to take the path to Playa Brava when you get to the junction. You need to head to the right. However, you will see a sign earlier on in the hike pointing to Playa Brava when the track curves around to the right and you do need to follow that sign! Just don’t follow the second sign to Playa Brava.

Your best bet is to use the maps.me app and download the map for north Colombia. Then you will have the trail clearly visible and be able to see where the junction is. The app’s maps are accessible offline which is very helpful.

Before you reach the turn off for Pueblito (the track now heads around the outskirts of the village), there are various homes and camping grounds. If you are thirsty, you can buy fresh water or soft drinks from the locals selling them. However, you should take plenty of water with you. We went through about four litres of water between us before we reached the beach.

Then the slippery part… 

After a while, the track switches to a narrow path and then eventually you start heading downhill through the forest for the remainder of the trek. You need to take care on the downhill track as it is quite narrow and can be slippery. Make sure you wear walking shoes with good grip.

Don’t do this hike in flip-flops, even though you are on your way to the beach. Just bring them along and switch shoes later. I would recommend wearing closed shoes because you will come across colonies of ants that like to bite toes!

It is pretty easy to follow the track because unless it has been raining, there are footsteps from previous hikers and also plenty of horse dung from when people have taken horses.

It took us 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach the nudist beach which was pretty much empty when we arrived.

Nudist Beach 

Once you arrive at the nudist beach you can take a dip there and believe me you will want one! We pretty much ran in! But be extremely careful not to go in more than waist-deep as there is a lot of undertows pulling you out and the waves are very strong. You shouldn’t swim there, just take a small dip in the shallows to refresh yourself.

Note: It’s ok to keep your clothes on. We certainly did!

Punta Piedra

To reach the next beach along, Punta Piedra, head back up the path you came from and take the path off to the left straight afterwards. That path takes you behind the rocks and onto the next beach. This beach also seems to be treated by some as a nudist beach!

By this point, you may start to see hordes of locals arriving at the far end of the beach by boat and preparing to walk along to Cabo San Juan.

You can take a dip at this beach as well. There is not as strong current but again, we wouldn’t advise swimming – just take a dip in the shallows.

Cabo San Juan

Follow the path at the end of the second beach. It will take you to Cabo San Juan.

Cabo San Juan is the most popular beach in the Tayrona National Park. That’s for good reasons; it’s picture-perfect. It has crystal clear water, a beautiful sandy beach and a mirador to view it all from above. The view of the mirador is the most common picture of the park you’ll see online.

People can spend the night at Cabo San Juan (see below), so you’ll also find a restaurant, bar and toilets there.

Unfortunately, Cabo San Juan is not the quiet beach you might be hoping for. Compared to the first two beaches, it is very crowded. We still managed to find a spot to lie down but it wasn’t the peaceful beach we wanted.

Cabo San Juan is safe to swim in so feel free to jump in. You will want to. 

La Piscina 

The next beach along is La Piscina which is the best one for swimming because it is the calmest beach. It’s only a fifteen-minute walk from Cabo San Juan. It’s also really nice and although not quite as busy as Cabo San Juan, it is still pretty busy. However, it is a longer beach so the crowds seem thinner.

In La Piscina you can hire snorkelling masks to explore the local reef. 

Arrecife and Carnaveral 

The two beaches further along heading towards the Zaino entrance are Arrecife and Carnaveral . Although beautiful, these two beaches are very wild and aren’t swimmable. The currents there are way too strong so don’t even try; several people have died there.

In Arrecife, you will find the best chocolate bread in the park, in a small bakery just back from the beach on the trail to Carnaveral. They are made fresh and still warm when you buy them. Yum!

Look out for monkeys on the way to Carnaveral. We saw many cheeky monkeys hanging in the trees and playing with coconuts!

Making your way to exit at Zaino

Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to walk from La Piscina or Cabo San Juan back towards Cañaveral, where you can catch a shuttle to the El Zaino entrance. It can get busy towards the end of the day, so allow plenty of time rather than leaving your exit until the last minute.

Once you reach El Zaino, you can catch a taxi or local bus back to your accommodation or towards Santa Marta. The local buses can get very crowded and sweaty, but by that stage, you’ll probably be pretty sweaty too!

You can also walk between Cañaveral and the El Zaino entrance, but after a full day of hiking, we were far too exhausted to even consider that option!

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Tayrona National Park?

Entrance fees to Tayrona National Park vary depending on your nationality, age and whether you visit during high or low season. Prices are updated regularly, so rather than listing them here, we recommend checking the official Tayrona National Park website for the latest entrance fees before your visit.

Visitors are also required to have accident insurance for the duration of their time inside the park. This can be arranged when purchasing your park entry or through an authorised provider.

If you’re visiting during a busy period, it’s also worth checking whether you need to purchase your entrance ticket in advance.

Where to stay when visiting Tayrona National Park? 

You can either decide to stay inside the park or alternatively, there is plenty of accommodation outside the park, close by. We decided to stay outside the park.

Staying Overnight at Cabo San Juan

If you want more time to enjoy Tayrona National Park, it is possible to spend the night at Cabo San Juan. Accommodation is basic, with options including hammocks and camping, but staying overnight means you can enjoy the park after many of the day visitors have left.

Accommodation can fill up, particularly during busy periods, so it’s a good idea to book ahead and check the latest availability and prices before your visit.

There is also a very expensive hotel, the Ecohabs Tayrona, that you can splurge on if you have the means. It looks fabulous!

Outside the park

Manigua Tayrona Hostel

We stayed at the Manigua Tayrona Hostel and it was the best location to enter the park, just 100 metres from the Calabazo entrance. It is set amongst the jungle and very quiet. The staff were also very helpful with organising anything you might need. See their latest prices here. 

Other accommodation near the park

Top reviewed: Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge or Eco Hostal Yuluka

Great value: Recuerdos del Tayrona

Is One Day Enough?

Although you can see several of the main beaches in one day, if you want to truly relax and enjoy the park, you are better off staying at least one night. It’s so beautiful, and you’ll find it much quieter once many of the day-trippers have gone.

We only stayed for the day because I hate camping, but we could easily have stayed an extra day.

How to get to the Tayrona National Park?

First, you’ll need to make your way to Santa Marta, the main gateway to Tayrona National Park. Santa Marta has an airport with domestic flights from major Colombian cities, including Bogotá and Medellín. Flying is by far the quickest option if you’re coming from either of these cities, as travelling overland can take a very long time.

If you’re travelling from Cartagena, you can take a bus or arrange a shared transfer to Santa Marta. The journey generally takes around four to five hours, depending on traffic and the type of transport you choose.

From Santa Marta, local buses run towards Tayrona National Park and the journey takes roughly an hour, depending on traffic and which park entrance you are using. Taxis and private transfers are also available if you prefer a more convenient option.

If you’re planning to start your hike from Calabazo, make sure you tell the driver where you need to get off, as it is before the main El Zaino entrance.

Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park

The best time to visit Tayrona National Park is generally during the drier months from December to March, when there is less rainfall and hiking conditions are usually better. However, this is also a popular time to visit, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

Tayrona is hot and humid year-round, so an early start is always a good idea if you’re planning to hike. Remember that the park also closes several times each year, so check the closure dates before planning your trip.

How Difficult Is the Calabazo to Cabo San Juan Hike?

The hike from Calabazo to Cabo San Juan is challenging, particularly because of the heat, humidity and some steep sections through the jungle. The trail can also become muddy and slippery after rain.

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker, but a reasonable level of fitness will make the hike much more enjoyable. Start early, wear good walking shoes and carry plenty of water.

We found the hike tiring but incredibly rewarding. Walking through the jungle with barely another person around before eventually reaching Tayrona’s beautiful beaches was one of the highlights of our visit.

What do you need to bring for your time in the Tayrona National Park? 

• Plenty of water: Bring enough water for your hike, especially if you’re taking the longer route from Calabazo. Drinks are available inside the park, but they are more expensive.
• Sunscreen: Apply plenty and remember to reapply. We both managed to get very burnt in Tayrona even though we used sunscreen!
• Hat and sunglasses: The sun can be extremely strong, particularly once you leave the shade of the jungle.
• Insect repellent: There are plenty of mosquitoes and sand flies around, so good insect repellent is essential.
• Your passport: You may need to show identification when entering the park, so have your passport with you.
• Snacks: Bring some food for the hike, particularly if you’re planning a long day or staying overnight. Remember that single-use plastics are restricted inside Tayrona National Park, so pack accordingly.
• Swimsuit and towel: You’ll definitely want them once you reach the beaches! Always swim only in permitted areas and follow the warning flags and signs.
• Light layers: If you’re staying overnight, bring something warmer for the evening.
• Cash: Don’t rely on being able to access an ATM inside the park, and having some cash is useful for food, drinks and other small purchases.
• Good walking shoes: If you’re hiking from Calabazo, wear comfortable shoes with good grip. Some sections of the trail can be steep, muddy and slippery.

What not to do in Tayrona National Park? 

Please, please, please don’t leave your rubbish lying around. Take it back with you or dispose of it in one of the bins inside the park. Believe it or not, we found empty cans of beers and soft drinks on the beaches. It made us so angry that people could be so filthy and disrespectful.

Also if you come across an alligator, don’t try and touch them. I know that’s a stupid thing to say but as you can see from the signs around the park, some people lack common sense!

Tayrona National Park FAQs

Is Tayrona National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most beautiful national parks, combining tropical jungle, hiking trails, wildlife and stunning Caribbean beaches.

How Many Days Do You Need in Tayrona?

You can see some of the highlights in one day, but two days with one night inside the park will give you more time to enjoy the beaches and hiking trails without rushing.

Can You Visit Tayrona Without a Guide?

Yes. You can explore the main authorised hiking trails in Tayrona National Park independently. Always stick to marked trails and follow current instructions from park rangers.

Can You Swim in Tayrona National Park?

Yes, but not at every beach. Strong currents make some beaches extremely dangerous for swimming. Only swim in authorised areas and always obey warning signs and red flags.

What Is the Best Entrance to Tayrona National Park?

It depends on what you want to do. El Zaino is the main and most popular entrance and provides easy access towards Cañaveral, Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan. Calabazo is a good option for hikers wanting to explore a quieter section of the park.

Is the Hike to Cabo San Juan Difficult?

From El Zaino, the hike is moderately challenging, mainly because of the heat and humidity. Hiking from Calabazo is longer and more strenuous, with steeper and rougher sections, so good footwear and plenty of water are essential.

When Is Tayrona National Park Closed?

Tayrona National Park currently closes three times each year to allow the environment and Indigenous communities a period of rest and cultural and spiritual renewal:

• 1–15 February
• 1–15 June
• 19 October–2 November

Additional temporary closures can occur because of weather, safety or other conditions, so always check the official park website before visiting.

Read More

Hiking the Cocora Valley, Colombia

A Perfect Trip to Guatape, Colombia’s Most Colourful Town