Before you go: check the park is open
Tayrona closes three times a year to let the ecosystem rest and for ceremonies of the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo peoples, a measure known as "Respira Tayrona". In 2026 the closures are February 1–15, June 1–15 and October 19 – November 2, 2026.
The park has a daily visitor cap and opens in the morning, so aim to arrive before 9:00 a.m., especially in high season. Closure dates and fees can change: confirm them at parquesnacionales.gov.co before you travel.
Getting there from El Rodadero
- Tour with pickup at your apartment: the easiest option. No buses to figure out and no scramble for a ride back at the end of the day.
- Car or taxi: take the Troncal del Caribe highway toward Riohacha. The El Zaíno entrance is 1 to 1.5 hours away, depending on traffic.
- Bus: buses to Palomino and Riohacha leave from around Santa Marta's public market (Mercado Público) from early morning and drop you at El Zaíno in about an hour. From El Rodadero you first need to get to the market.
- Boat from Taganga: goes straight to Cabo San Juan in under an hour, but the sea gets rough, especially from December to March when the trade winds blow. Skip it if you get seasick.
The hike: from El Zaíno to Cabo San Juan
From El Zaíno, a shuttle van covers the roughly 4 km of road to Cañaveral, where the trail starts. At an easy pace, the walk to Cabo San Juan takes about 2 hours each way:
- Cañaveral → Arrecifes: about 1 hour, through forest and stretches of sand.
- Arrecifes → La Piscina: about 20 minutes along the shore.
- La Piscina → Cabo San Juan: another 20 to 30 minutes.
Where to swim (and where not to)
Not every beach in Tayrona is safe for swimming. Several have very strong currents and have claimed lives, so always follow the signs and the lifeguards.
| Beach | Swimming? | What it's like |
|---|---|---|
| Arrecifes | No | Dangerous currents. Great for walking and photos |
| La Piscina | Yes | Calm water sheltered by a line of rocks |
| Cabo San Juan | Yes | Two small bays; the park's most famous beach |
What to pack
- ID: your passport if you're a foreign visitor.
- Cash for the entrance fee, the per-person insurance, the shuttle and food.
- Water, snacks, biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Comfortable shoes for the trail and sandals for the beach.
- A bag to carry your trash out of the park.
When to go
December to April is drier and the trails are in better shape, but it's also the busiest season. September to November brings more rain, and mud slows the hike down. If you can, avoid weekends and public holidays.
Quick answers
How long does it take to get to Tayrona from El Rodadero?
1 to 1.5 hours by car to the El Zaíno entrance. From there, hiking to Cabo San Juan takes about 2 more hours.
When is Tayrona Park closed in 2026?
February 1–15, June 1–15 and October 19 – November 2, 2026. Dates are set by Colombia's National Parks service, so confirm them before you travel.
Can you swim at Arrecifes?
No. Arrecifes has dangerous currents and swimming is banned. Keep walking to La Piscina or Cabo San Juan to swim.
