Yulia Saf 
Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Tayrona) is one of the best places in Colombia for adventure and hiking lovers, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share my experience hiking there with you! I’ve been to this park and absolutely loved every second there! And while I was at it, I also figured out where to stay in Tayrona National Park, Colombia for the best experience.
But since Google Maps are often misleading and hard to read (been there, done that), I created this detailed guide to help you understand exactly where the entrances are, where you should stay, and how to get around.
The main and most convenient entrance to the park is El Zaino, and you want to start your hike from here.
As far as accommodation goes, you can choose to stay inside the park, near the main entrance, or in cities within an hour’s ride from the park. In the article, I talk in detail about all these options, and I also share top-rated accommodation in each (that I cherry-picked!) so you can easily decide on the best place to stay for you!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Ready to book your hotel? Here are the best of the best hotels near El Zaino, the main entrance to the park:
- Best luxury hotel: Senda Casa Tayrona
- Best mid-range hotel: Villa Maria Tayrona
- Best budget hotel: Eco Hostal Yuluka
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Where to stay inside Tayrona Park
- 2. Where to stay near Tayrona National Park
- 3. Other cities to stay in near Tayrona National Park
- Tips and practical information for staying in Tayrona National Park
- FAQs about hotels in Tayrona National Park
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Parque Tayrona
1. Where to stay inside Tayrona Park
So the big question, where to sleep in Tayrona Park, and does this make sense at all? Definitely yes, staying inside Tayrona National Park is great because you’re already there in the morning (when most visits start) and ready to explore without thinking about transport.
In terms of where to sleep, there are currently three options for staying overnight:
- renting an eco-hub, which is the most expensive option, offering the greatest levels of comfort
- staying in a hotel, which is ideal for mid-range travelers and those seeking comfort without breaking the bank
- staying in a campsite with a rented tent, your own tent, or in a hammock, which is the predominant accommodation type inside the park
Below is a useful map with all the options you have for staying inside the National Park.
But first, if you want to find out more about the park, such as when is the best time to go, why this place is so famous, and what should be on your packing list, I suggest you read my complete guide to Tayrona National Park! I share my best tips there that I gathered from my very own hike in the park!
Now let’s talk about each of the Tayrona National Park accommodation options:
1.1. Staying in an eco-hub ($$$)
Want to feel adventurous but don’t like to camp? The eco-hubs are the luxury option for adventurers!
The eco-hubs in Tayrona are the most comfortable (and, thus, expensive) option for spending the night inside the park.
The 14 “eco-hubs” are actually wooden bungalows located in the area around Cañaveral Beach (this one isn’t swimmable due to strong currents!). One hub can fit up to 3 or 4 people, but most are suitable for 2.
From the eco hubs, you can easily access the East and the West side of the park for further exploration. You can also easily get to La Piscina, one of the few swimmable beaches in the area!
The eco-hubs have a spa, a restaurant, and shuttle cabs that can take you from Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tanganga, or the airport to the eco-hubs inside the park. You can find more details and check the up-to-date rates via Booking.com.
PRICE: from 890,000 COP (US$219) per night
1.2. Staying in hotels ($$)
Staying in a hotel is a great option that’s more affordable than the eco-hub, but still really beautiful.
Most of the hotels are located near El Zaino entrance, which is really convenient since this is the main entrance to the park. These hotels are some 15 minutes walk from the main entrance, and another 20-30 minutes to the beginning of the official hiking route.
Basically, you’ll have to hike to get to the beaches or take a horse ride to get there. You can also ask the hotel to arrange a shuttle ride or help you get to particular places that you want to see.
Most of the hotels inside the park fall into the mid-range and budget category. If you prefer luxury options, stay in eco-hubs inside the park or pick a hotel near the main entrance (I’ll talk more about places to stay near the park later).
Mid-range (from US$70 up to US$110):
- Ecohotel Yachay Tayrona – A dreamy location where you can see Toucans and other wildlife, enjoy delicious food, be woken up to birds chirping, just stunning! The hotel is near El Zaino entrance and everyone raves about the beautiful views.
- Ecolodge Playa Brava Teyumakke – This hotel has nice private wooden tents and bungalows with mosquito nets, but is far away at Playa Brava (which is great for seclusion and beautiful beaches). If you choose this hotel, it’s better to enter through the El Calabazo entrance rather than El Zaino.
Budget (up to US$70):
- Hostal Zirumake – A top-rated hostel with small rooms just a 7-minute walk from Castilletes Beach and 40 minutes from the beginning of the hiking route, with buses that can take you both to the entrance and the hike start.
- Hotel Jasayma – A stunning hotel located a 30-minute walk from the start of the trail, you can take a short shuttle ride or walk. They have an on-site restaurant serving local cuisine and the beds here come with nets (really important for protection from mosquitoes).
1.3. Staying in a tent at a campsite ($)
If you want to experience nature while you are in the park, then staying at a campsite might be a good option for you. If you decide to do some Tayrona National Park camping, you can either rent a tent and a sleeping bag from the staff while you are there, or you can bring your own tent if you don’t mind carrying it with you every day.
Again, reserving your spot in advance is impossible (with only one exception, which I will talk about in a second), and securing your place works on a first-come, first-serve basis.
This is why I recommend arriving at the campsite as soon as possible and/or choosing a less crowded camping area (Cabo San Juan is the most popular one, for example). Chances are that you won’t find any free spots if you arrive after lunch.
The exception: As far as I know, only at Playa Brava (map) can you book your place in advance. They have hammocks, tents, and even cabins there. The way to do it is to send an email to this address: [email protected] with your request and questions. They are usually quick, but they will reply in Spanish.
NOTE: You are not allowed to camp in the wild at Tayrona National Park. Making a fire is also strictly prohibited.
Now, here are the best camping areas in the park:
- Cabo San Juan: Most famous, beautiful, and crowded area for camping in Tayrona National Park, but don’t expect much luxury. It has tents and hammocks to rent, or you can bring your own.
PRICE: around 140,000 COP (around US$34) for a 2-person tent per night if you want to rent a tent from them; 30,000 COP (US$7) for your own tent. - Arrecife (where I stayed): Less crowded than Cabo San Juan, 2 camps there: Yuluka and Don Pedro. La Piscina is the fabulous beach inside the park where you can swim and surf only a 20-minute walk from Arrecifes.
PRICE: 15,000 COP (around US$3) per person in Yuluka and 25,000 COP (US$6) in Don Pedro. - Playa Brava: Beautiful, raw, and secluded, the Playa Brava campsite is the perfect option if you want to avoid crowds.
PRICE: 25,000 COP (US$6) per person per night for a tent - Cañaveral: Close to the main entrance of the park, but not that close to the beach. The eco-hubs are also located in this area.
PRICE: 30,000 COP (US$7) per tent per night - Bahia Concha: Located in a completely different National Park area, closest beach to Santa Marta. A good option only if you want to enjoy a calm, relaxing day on the beach and proceed the next day to the main part of the park for hiking.
PRICE: 5,000 COP (~US$1) for the entrance to the park and 25,000 COP (US$6) for the tent
1.4. Renting a hummock ($)
Tayrona National Park hummocks might seem like a romantic solution for your stay. But let me tell you right from the start that they are usually located in one big communal room in the campsites (that I mentioned above, with tents), they’re very crowded and close to each other and sometimes even in poor condition, especially at Cabo San Juan.
For example, the space is so limited that if someone decides to go to the toilet during the night, he/she will probably touch your hummock and wake you up. I read the opinions of many disappointed tourists who changed their minds regarding the hummocks. I myself wanted to rent a hummock, but when I saw the conditions, I changed my mind and paid a bit extra for the tent, and I had no regrets!
Plus, a lot of the hammocks won’t have a mosquito net and the campsite will charge you about $10 for the net! So you really should bring your own net or have a towel or linen to cover up. Also, get some warm clothes and bring your own locker if you don’t want to pay extra for using on-site lockers.
If you decide to stay in hammocks, please note that everything works on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to arrive early at the campsite and pay for your hammock.
As I mentioned previously, the only exception is at Playa Brava, here you can book your hammock in advance by writing an email to this address: [email protected] or contact them via Whatsapp at +57 315 230 0818.
I also saw some online reviews stating that you can find booths near the park’s entrances where you can book your hammock in advance, but this isn’t verified. If you see them, give it a try and let me know below if it worked!
The price for the hammocks starts from 20,000 COP (around US$5) per person per night.
2. Where to stay near Tayrona National Park
By staying near Tayrona Park (on the roads leading to the park), you’ll be just a short ride away (5 or 10 minutes) from the main entrance. This is perfect because you usually want to arrive at the park at 7 AM before the crowds show up!
There are plenty of hotels for all budgets near El Zaino, which, again, is the most popular entrance. You can easily take a public bus, a taxi, or a shuttle ride (offered by some hotels) to get to the main gate, or you can walk if you’re situated really close.
The staff at nearby hotels already know that most people stay for the park visit, so they will assist you with transport or provide any information about the park you may need!
NOTE: If you are spending the night outside the National Park, you will have to pay the entrance fee each day you return. The entrance fee for foreigners is from 73,500 COP (~US$18) to 87.500 COP (~ US$21), depending on the season.
Now these are the best hotels near Tayrona National Park I found and sorted by budget. Note that there are more options nearby, but to keep things simple, I made sure to include only the top-rated ones that I’d personally stay in:
Luxury (US$100 and more):
- Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos – One of the most beautiful places to stay near Tayrona with stunning views, an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and the most friendly staff. The hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the park entrance.
- Playa Pikua Ecolodge – A beautiful hotel on a private beach in the Caribbean Sea, located only 10 minutes away by car from Tayrona National Park. This is one of the top-rated places to stay near Tayrona!
- Senda Koguiwa – Located close to Tayrona National Park entrance in El Zaino, this location has a restaurant on site and comfortable rooms surrounded by palm trees!
Mid-range (from US$60 – US$100):
- Playa Los Angeles – Excellent accommodation option in Los Naranjos with direct access to the beach and beautiful rooms and hammocks. This lodge is the ideal spot for some relaxing vacation days full of delicious food and a gorgeous surrounding landscape!
- Villa Maria Tayrona, a Kali Hotels – A stunning resort on a huge property with spread-out bungalows for ultimate privacy. A public bus stop to the park is located right in front of the hotel, but you can also ask them to organize a ride (5 minutes to Zaino).
Budget (up to US$60):
- Tayrona Tented Lodge – I stayed in this lodge which is a 15-minute drive from the park’s entrance. Some people made the mistake of booking here thinking it’s inside the park because Gmaps shows it as such, so just know that it’s on the outside. Make sure to book as much in advance as possible – I could only get it for 1 night because it was already booked! You can read more about my experience there in my Ultimate Guide to Tayrona National Park.
- Eco Hostal Yuluka – One of the most popular hostels near the main entrance of the park with a free shuttle to the park every day at 8 AM. The rooms are really nice with an outdoor space and a hammock where you can relax after the hike.
- The Journey Hostel – A nice hostel just a 15-min walk from the park’s entrance you won’t even need to worry about transportation.
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3. Other cities to stay in near Tayrona National Park
I made a selection of hotels in cities that are within 1-hour ride from Tayrona National Park that have great reviews. It’s important to stay within an hour’s reach because otherwise, it’ll be really hard to make it to the park by 7 AM.
These are the 3 most popular places to stay within an hour’s drive from Tayrona:
3.1. Santa Marta – top area to stay before visiting the park
Most tourists (including me) come to Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta.
Santa Marta is a popular place to stay before or after your trip to Tayrona National Park as it is a bit less than an hour away by car/bus, and it has a great connection to Cartagena, which is the biggest city in the region where again most tourists come from.
Most hotels in Santa Marta are already used to assisting travelers with questions and requests related to the hike. My hotel had a special big locker where you can lock your luggage, take the key with you, and then return it after you’re finished with the Tayrona Park, so that’s a big plus!
These are great options to stay in Santa Marta:
- Luxury (US$120 and up): Hotel Boutique Don Pepe – One of the best boutique hotels in Tayrona that provides world-class service and a relaxing stay! This fantastic accommodation is located in Santa Marta, only 150 m from the beach, and it awaits with free WiFi, a restaurant, free private parking, a spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a private bathroom, and more!
- Mid-range (from US$80 to US$120): Mercure Santa Marta Emile – This gorgeous hotel has a fantastic outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, free WiFi, a fitness center, and even a bar. What more can you wish for?
- Budget (up to US$80): Hotel Boutique Jardín Del Duque – A top-rated boutique hotel where you can also find some budget rooms. It’s located right in the city’s historical center, and it provides an airport shuttle, free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and an outdoor swimming pool.
3.2. Palomino – a backpacker-friendly, laid-back town
Palomino is a great place to stay before or after your hike! The ride from here to the Tayrona National Park takes around 45 minutes.
There are beautiful beaches where you can chill and plenty of affordable accommodation options, so I definitely recommend it for budget travelers. Also, the city is known as a hotspot for backpackers and it’s really easy to meet fellow travelers here!
Now let’s check out the best accommodation in the area:
- Luxury (US$120 and up): Aite Hotel – This is one of the best resorts in Palomino, located only 200 m away from a private beach. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and you can even choose to stay in a beach bungalow.
- Mid-range (US$40 – US$120): Makao – Another excellent hotel choice in Palomino, this hotel awaits you with gorgeous, bright rooms, free private parking, free WiFi, and an excellent on-site restaurant that serves local dishes!
- Budget (up to US$40): Hostal Grand Park – Backpacker’s favorite hostel with a large pool and free breakfast. The best value for money you’ll find around!
3.3. Minca – a great place to cool off
Minca is a lovely town in the Sierra Nevada mountains where you can cool off after your hike as the temperatures here are more pleasant.
This place is also known for charming sunset views, beautiful nature, and a few hiking trails of its own.
The ride to the Tayrona National Park takes around 40 minutes.
These are the best hotels I found for you in Minca. I’d personally LOVE to stay in every one of them!
- Luxury (US$100 and up): Sierra Alta Finca Boutique – This excellent accommodation offers romantic rooms, a great garden perfect for relaxation, a terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, and even an on-site restaurant where you can try delicious dishes!
- Mid-range (from US$50 – US$100): Masaya Casas Viejas – This top-rated hotel has jaw-dropping views, friendly staff, and plenty of common areas where you can meet fellow travelers. Everyone loves the relaxed, friendly vibe and says it’s easy to meet new people!
- Budget (up to US$50): Loma Nevada Minca Hostel – This hostel is the perfect place if you want great service at a reasonable price. Enjoy an American or vegan daily breakfast next to the outdoor swimming pool!
| 🏕️ Best camping: | Cabo San Juan |
| 🌳 Best stay inside Tayrona NP: | The eco-habs |
| 📍 Best nearest city: | Santa Marta |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel Boutique Don Pepe |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | Villa Maria Tayrona |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Eco Hostal Yuluka |
Tips and practical information for staying in Tayrona National Park
Before I let you go, I want to share a few useful tips and information you should know before heading to Tayrona:
- If you choose to stay in hotels outside of the National Park, leave your luggage in the hotel.
- Prepare your passport and yellow fever vaccination record at the entrance. Officially, visitors are required to have this vaccination, but in practice, they don’t really check for it. Read more details about this on the website of Tayrona Park.
- Start your visit as early as possible (7 AM is best, this is when the park opens) to get to the hiking trails before the crowds.
- You can take a horse ride to get around Tayrona in case you don’t hike. You’ll miss the beautiful views, though!
- There are plenty of food options inside the park, so don’t stock up on meals. Just bring snacks and some water.
- A mosquito spray is a MUST! Especially if you stay overnight in the park.
- Have cash on you as some food places won’t accept cards inside the park.
- Make your way to the exit of the park before 5 PM, as this is when the park closes. It can also get dark really quickly.
FAQs about hotels in Tayrona National Park
🏕️ What is the best camping in Tayrona?
One of the best camping sites to stay while in Tayrona is Cabo San Juan, where you will find the best camping options! I recommend choosing tents over hammocks for camping as they are way more comfortable and private.
📍 Where should I stay near Tayrona National Park?
The best place to stay near Tayrona Park is Senda Casa, it’s just a short drive from the main entrance! The closest cities within an hour drive include Santa Marta (most popular), Palomino, and Minca.
📅 How many days are enough to stay in Tayrona National Park?
You can stay one night but I believe it will be a rushed experience, so I recommend 2 to 3 days. There’s so much to see and do here, and you can only enjoy it when you take your time!
👙 What should I wear when visiting Tayrona?
Since you will be walking, I recommend packing comfortable and light clothes, sneakers, and, of course, swimwear to enjoy the beautiful beaches!
🥾 What is the best Tayrona hike?
The best place to hike in Parque Tayrona has to be the El Zaino Tayrona – Cabo San Juan, a trail that takes 3 hours to complete!
🌙 Can you stay in Tayrona National Park overnight?
Absolutely! If you want to stay right inside the park, you can sleep in eco-hubs (luxury), hotels (mid-range), and camps (budget)!
📆 When’s the best time to visit Tayrona?
You can visit throughout the year, but the busiest time is in December and January, as this is when most locals visit. Weather-wise, February and March are the most pleasant.
🚐 How do you get to Tayrona National Park?
Most tourists visit Tayrona from Cartagena. You can take a public bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta, and then take a local bus to the park (there are 2 hourly departures) or drive there if you can rent a car.
🏖️ What are the best beaches in Tayrona?
Cabo San Juan, Playa Cristal, and Bahia Concha are the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona.
🎟️ Do you need a Tayrona National Park ticket?
Yes, you need to buy a ticket to enter Tayrona. There’s no need to make reservations in advance, you can buy your ticket at the entrance on the day of arrival.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Parque Tayrona
You’ve reached the end of our guide on where to stay in Tayrona National Park! I hope this article will help you decide which is the best option for you, considering your expectations and budget!
I recommend staying inside the park in eco-hubs if you can afford it or considering a hotel near the park (but not further than an hour’s ride) for greater comfort!
If you still have doubts about what is the top accommodation option for your stay, here are my top 2 choices:
- Hotel Boutique Don Pepe – this is one of my favorite hotels in the heart of Santa Marta
- Senda Koguiwa – the best place to stay near the park and have easy access to the beaches
Please do not forget to book your favorite accommodation option in advance to secure the best spot! And, of course, if you have further questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to help!
Enjoy Tayrona National Park,
Yulia
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