Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park, Colombia 🇨🇴: 6 Best Areas & Accommodation

Tayrona National Park offers some of Colombia’s most stunning accommodation options, from eco-friendly jungle lodges to beachfront camping under the stars. Finding the perfect place to stay can make or break your Caribbean coast adventure, whether you’re seeking luxury comfort or budget-friendly hammock rentals.

This guide covers all six main areas where you can stay in and around Tayrona National Park. I’ll share my personal insights on each location, helping you choose the spot that matches your travel style and budget perfectly.

Best Accommodation in Tayrona National Park: 🏠

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Masaya Collection Cayena
• ✨ 5-Star: Tawaca Ecohotel
• 🏨 4-Star: Gardenia Springs
• 🛏️ 3-Star: Eco Hostal Paraíso
• 💸 Cheap: Camping Tequendama - Parque Tayrona
• 🏢 Apartment: Ecohotel Yachay Dentro del Parque Tayrona
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Cabañas Tequendama - Parque Tayrona
• 🏩 For Couples: The Valley Tayrona hostel- A social jungle hostel

Quick Guide to Best Areas to Stay: 📋

• 🌊 For Ocean Views: Cañaveral
• 🧘 For Tranquility: Arrecifes Area
• 🏖️ For Beach Lovers: Cabo San Juan
• 🚪 For Easy Access: El Zaino

1. Cañaveral Area – Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park for Ocean Views

Beach Access. Cañaveral gives you the best beachfront spots with amazing ocean views right in Tayrona National Park. I love how you can actually swim here safely, which isn’t always the case at other park beaches. Plus, you’re super close to jungle hiking trails if you want to explore.

Practical Access. You need to walk about 20 minutes from El Zaino entrance on easy-to-follow trails to get to Cañaveral. Bring a flashlight if you’re arriving early because the jungle path gets pretty dark. You can rent horses at the entrance to carry your bags, which is super helpful.

Activities Available. The snorkeling here is really good, and you can spot tons of birds easily. I found some cool hidden trails that take you to amazing viewpoints over the Caribbean Sea. Keep your eyes open for colorful birds and maybe some monkeys too.

Wildlife Watching. The area provides excellent opportunities for spotting howler monkeys swinging through cecropia trees and toucans feeding on tropical fruits. I discovered several species of hummingbirds that visit the flowering trees near the beach, especially during early morning hours. The diversity here includes poison dart frogs hiding under fallen logs and iguanas sunbathing on rocks.

Water Conditions. The Caribbean waters here maintain perfect swimming temperatures between 26-28°C throughout the year. I found the current strength varies with tides, but generally stays gentle enough for comfortable swimming sessions lasting hours. The sandy bottom slopes gradually from the shore, making entry safe even for children.

Best Hotels in Cañaveral

• The Valley Tayrona hostel- A social jungle hostel – This vibrant backpacker hub offers dormitory beds and private rooms in a jungle setting, featuring a communal kitchen and social areas perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
• Camping Tequendama - Parque Tayrona – This budget-friendly camping option provides tent rentals and hammock spaces right on the beach, offering the most authentic and affordable way to experience Tayrona’s natural beauty.

2. Arrecifes Area – Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park for Tranquility

Peaceful Environment. Arrecifes gives you the quietest experience in Tayrona National Park, away from crowded beach areas. I found this spot perfect when you want to disconnect and hear only jungle sounds and ocean waves. The area sits between dense forest and open coastline, creating a unique balance.

Natural Features. This area has some of the most beautiful coral formations you can see during low tide, particularly the staghorn coral that grows in shallow pools. The rocky coastline here creates natural pools where parrotfish and angelfish swim around colorful sea anemones. I love watching the waves crash against the coral formations, especially during sunset when the water turns golden.

Trail Connections. Arrecifes connects to several hiking paths that lead deeper into the park’s interior, including the 45-minute trail to Pueblito ruins. The main trail takes you to hidden waterfalls like Cascada Valencia and bird-watching spots that most visitors miss. You can also walk to other beach areas along well-marked coastal paths.

Wildlife Watching. The variety of animals here is incredible – I’ve spotted howler monkeys, colorful parrots, and tiny hummingbirds. Early morning walks often reveal more wildlife activity when animals come out to feed. The area also has some of the best opportunities for night sounds from different jungle creatures.

Water Activities. Swimming here requires more caution due to stronger currents, but the snorkeling is amazing. I recommend staying close to the rocky areas where the water is calmer. The clear water lets you see tropical fish and sometimes rays swimming near the coral.

Best Hotels in Arrecifes

• Cabañas Tequendama - Parque Tayrona – This rustic beachfront accommodation offers simple cabins with mosquito nets and basic amenities, perfect for budget travelers who want to stay directly in the Arrecifes area.
• Happy Camping Arrecifes – This cheerful camping site provides tent rentals and hammock options right on Arrecifes beach, offering a fun and social atmosphere for backpackers exploring Tayrona National Park.

3. Cabo San Juan – Top Place to Stay in Tayrona National Park for Beach Lovers

Beach Quality. Cabo San Juan offers the most Instagram-worthy beach in the entire park with its famous viewpoint. The golden sand beach curves perfectly between two rocky points, creating a protected swimming area. I think this is where you get the classic Caribbean beach experience that everyone dreams about.

Swimming Conditions. The water here stays calm most of the year, with temperatures around 26-28°C that feel perfect for long swimming sessions. I found the beach has both shallow areas under 1 meter deep for kids and deeper sections reaching 3-4 meters for adults. The sandy bottom slopes gradually, making entry easy even for nervous swimmers.

Hiking Access. Several trails start from this area, including the famous hike to the Cabo San Juan viewpoint that involves climbing over massive granite boulders. The walk takes about 15 minutes uphill through thick jungle vegetation, but the panoramic views are worth every step. You can also access trails leading to other beaches and jungle areas.

Photography Spots. This area has the most photogenic locations in the entire park. The viewpoint gives you perfect shots of the coastline, while the beach itself offers great sunrise and sunset opportunities. I always recommend bringing a waterproof camera case for beach shots.

Beach Activities. The protected bay here creates ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking during calm weather periods. I love how the shallow reef areas provide excellent snorkeling opportunities with visibility reaching up to 10 meters on clear days. The beach also attracts local fishermen who use traditional nets, creating interesting cultural photography opportunities.

Best Hotels in Cabo San Juan

• Arrecifes Refugio de Conciencia – This beachfront eco-retreat offers comfortable accommodations with outdoor bathrooms and direct access to La Piscina beach, featuring a restaurant and bar in a tranquil natural setting within Tayrona National Park.
• La Cima Tayrona – This mountain camping site offers basic tents with stunning views of both Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean Sea, providing a unique glamping experience just steps from Tayrona National Natural Park with restaurant and coffee shop facilities.

4. El Zaino Entrance – Where to Stay in for Easy Tayrona Park Entrance

Convenience Factor. El Zaino entrance area gives you the easiest access to Tayrona National Park without long walks. I found this perfect for people carrying heavy luggage or those who prefer shorter walking distances. You’re literally at the park gates, so no jungle trekking required.

Transport Hub. All buses and taxis from Santa Marta drop you off right here at the concrete parking area that holds about 50 vehicles. The area has parking spaces for people coming by car, plus local transport options like horse rides that cost around 15,000 COP per bag. I recommend this spot if you’re planning day trips to different park areas.

Services Available. You’ll find more practical services here than inside the park – like ATMs, small shops, and phone charging stations. The area has restaurants serving local food and cold drinks. I always stock up on snacks and water here before going deeper into the park.

Day Trip Base. This location works great as a base for exploring different park areas without staying inside. You can easily visit multiple beaches in one day and return to more comfortable facilities. I think it’s perfect for people who want park access but prefer modern conveniences.

Local Community. The area has a small local community of about 200 people who offer authentic Colombian experiences like arepas con queso and fresh coconut water. You can try traditional food, buy handmade crafts made from local materials like palm leaves, and learn about local culture. I enjoyed talking with locals who shared stories about the park’s history and wildlife.

Best Hotels in El Zaino

Luxury Hotels

• Senda Koguiwa – This 4-star hotel offers beautiful cabins located right in front of the main entrance of Tayrona Park, just 5 minutes walking distance. The property features 26 rooms with swimming pool, restaurant, and highly-rated breakfast with a guest review score of 9.1.
• Kantawa Hotel & Spa – Located in Calabazo, just 3 km from Tayrona National Park entrance, this upscale property features outdoor pool, spa facilities with steam bath, flotation tank, jacuzzi, and Turkish bath. The resort offers delicious food and is only about 10 minutes to the El Zaino entrance.
• Senda Watapuy – This elegant property is situated at Troncal del Caribe Km 30, offering outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, and free private parking. The hotel maintains high standards with modern amenities and comfortable accommodations.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Casa de Campo Castillete – This unique property is located within Tayrona Natural Park itself, offering children’s play area, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and game room. The finca-style accommodation provides an authentic Colombian countryside experience with modern amenities.
• Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge by Mareygua – Located in Los Naranjos, only 1.5 km from Tayrona National Park entrance, this eco-friendly lodge offers private rustic rooms with balcony and bathroom. The property features mountain views, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, and free WiFi.
• Eco Hostal Yuluka – Ideally located on Km 28 Via Santa Marta – Riohacha, this hostel is just 1.3 km from El Zaino center. The property offers excellent value for money with basic but comfortable accommodations and good access to the park.

Best Hostels

• Eco Hostal La Perla Tayrona – Located in El Zaino with Castilletes Beach reachable within 1.8 miles, this hostel offers concierge services, allergy-free rooms, garden, free WiFi, and terrace. The property features an indoor pool, shared kitchen, and provides hiking opportunities in the surrounding area.
• Cabañas y Hostal Orlando y Más Na – This budget-friendly option offers basic accommodation with cabin-style rooms and hostel facilities, perfect for travelers seeking affordable stays near Tayrona National Park entrance.

5. Playa Los Naranjos – Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park for Luxury and Privacy

Exclusive Setting. Playa Los Naranjos offers the most private and upscale experience in the entire Tayrona area. I found this beach much less crowded than other spots, giving you that secluded Caribbean feeling. The area attracts people who want luxury without sacrificing the natural park experience.

Beach Characteristics. This beach has the softest sand and clearest water I’ve seen in the park, with visibility reaching up to 15 meters underwater. The coastline here forms a protected bay that’s perfect for relaxing swims, sheltered by two rocky headlands covered in mangrove trees. I love how the palm trees create natural shade spots along the entire 800-meter beach length.

Premium Experiences. The area offers more upscale activities like private guided tours and exclusive snorkeling trips. You can arrange spa treatments with ocean views and gourmet dining experiences. I recommend booking these services in advance since they fill up quickly.

Natural Surroundings. The jungle here feels more pristine and untouched compared to busier park areas, with giant cecropia trees reaching 30 meters high and bromeliads growing on every branch. I’ve spotted rare birds like the lance-tailed manakin and butterflies that you won’t see in crowded zones. The area also has some of the most beautiful coral formations for underwater exploration.

Access Requirements. Getting here requires a longer walk through jungle trails, which keeps the crowds away. I suggest bringing good walking shoes and plenty of water for the trek. The isolation is part of the charm, but plan accordingly for the journey.

Best Hotels in Playa Los Naranjos

Luxury Hotels in Los Naranjos

• Villa Playa Tayrona – This premium beachfront villa offers luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean views and direct beach access, featuring spacious rooms with modern amenities and personalized service in the exclusive Los Naranjos area.
• Senda Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos – This upscale eco-lodge combines luxury with sustainability, offering elegant cabins with private terraces and panoramic views of both the Caribbean Sea and Sierra Nevada mountains.
• Casa Origen – This boutique property features beautifully designed rooms with authentic Colombian architecture, premium amenities, and peaceful garden settings perfect for romantic getaways.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels in Los Naranjos

• Finca Barlovento Maloka – This charming finca-style accommodation offers comfortable rooms with traditional Colombian design, surrounded by lush gardens and providing excellent value for money near Tayrona Park.
• Senda Kokkos Beach – This beachfront property provides modern rooms with ocean views at affordable rates, featuring a restaurant and easy access to pristine beaches in the Los Naranjos area.
• Casa Bambu Tayrona – This eco-friendly accommodation offers comfortable bamboo cabins with private bathrooms and terraces, providing a unique sustainable experience at moderate prices.

Best Hostels in Los Naranjos

• Hotel Casa Barlovento – This budget-friendly hotel offers clean, simple rooms with basic amenities and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for backpackers and budget travelers exploring Tayrona National Park.
• The Journey Hostel – This social hostel provides dormitory beds and private rooms in a relaxed setting, featuring communal areas where travelers can meet and share experiences about their Tayrona adventures.
• Casa Xue Alma Lodge – This spiritual retreat offers simple accommodation with meditation spaces and wellness activities, providing a peaceful escape at affordable rates.

6. Costeño Beach – Where to Stay near Tayrona National Park for Surfing & Backpacker Vibes

Surf Culture. Costeño Beach sits just outside the park and has the best surfing conditions on this stretch of coast with consistent 1-2 meter waves throughout the year. I found the waves here perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers, breaking over a sandy bottom that’s safer than reef breaks. The beach has a laid-back atmosphere that attracts surfers from around the world.

Local Atmosphere. The vibe here is very different from inside the park – more social and party-oriented with beach volleyball games happening daily around 4 PM. You’ll meet lots of other travelers, especially surfers and backpackers speaking English, Spanish, German, and French. I enjoyed the evening gatherings where people share travel stories and surf tips around beach bonfires.

Park Access. You can easily reach Tayrona’s main areas by walking along the beach or taking local transport. The distance to El Zaino entrance is about 30 minutes on foot. I recommend this spot if you want to explore the park during the day but prefer a livelier scene at night.

Activities and Nightlife. Besides surfing, you can enjoy beach volleyball, yoga sessions, and live music events. The area has several bars and restaurants that stay open late. I love how you can experience both nature and social activities in one location.

Wave Conditions. The surf breaks here work best during the dry season from December to April when offshore winds create cleaner wave faces. I found the left-hand point break particularly good for intermediate surfers, while the beach break closer to shore works well for beginners learning to catch their first waves. The water temperature stays warm enough for surfing without a wetsuit year-round.

Best Hotels in Costeño Beach

Luxury Hotels in Guachaca

• Masaya Collection Cayena – This premium beachfront resort offers elegantly designed villas with private pools and panoramic ocean views, featuring world-class amenities including spa services and gourmet dining just minutes from Tayrona National Park.
• Casa Dos Almas – This exclusive boutique property combines luxury with authentic Colombian charm, offering spacious suites with stunning mountain and sea views, private terraces, and personalized service in a tranquil setting.
• Tayrona Tented Lodge – This unique glamping experience offers luxury safari-style tents with modern amenities, providing an adventurous yet comfortable stay surrounded by tropical nature near Tayrona’s pristine beaches.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels in Guachaca

• Blue Mango Beach Hotel – This charming beachfront property offers comfortable rooms with ocean views at affordable rates, featuring a restaurant and easy access to both Guachaca beach and Tayrona National Park entrance.
• Lote 10 Tayrona Glamping – This eco-friendly glamping site provides comfortable tents with private bathrooms and outdoor terraces, offering a unique camping experience with modern conveniences at moderate prices.
• Bohemia Beach Tayrona – This relaxed beachfront accommodation features simple but comfortable rooms with direct beach access, perfect for travelers seeking a laid-back atmosphere without breaking the budget.

Best Hostels in Guachaca

• Eco Hostal Paraíso – This eco-friendly hostel offers clean dormitory beds and private rooms in a peaceful garden setting, featuring shared kitchen facilities and a social atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
• Hostal Brisas del Campo – This rustic countryside hostel provides basic but comfortable accommodation with traditional Colombian hospitality, offering excellent value for money and easy access to Tayrona National Park.
• Encanto Hostel – This friendly budget accommodation offers shared dorms and private rooms with basic amenities, featuring a communal area where backpackers can relax and plan their Tayrona adventures.

FAQ about Visiting Tayrona National Park in Colombia

What accommodation options exist inside Tayrona National Park?

You can choose from eco-lodges, rustic cabins, and hammock camping within the park boundaries. The most popular options include staying at Cañaveral, Arrecifes, or Cabo San Juan areas inside Parque Tayrona.

How do I get to Tayrona National Park from Cartagena?

Take a bus from Cartagena to Santa Marta, then catch local transport to the main entrance at El Zaino. The total journey takes about 5-6 hours and costs around 50,000-70,000 COP for the entire trip to Colombia’s most famous national park.

What’s the entrance fee for Tayrona National Park?

The entrance fee is 60,000 COP for adults and 30,000 COP for children. You pay this at the entrance to Tayrona Park, and it’s valid for one day of visit to Tayrona.

Can I stay overnight inside Tayrona National Park?

Yes, you can stay overnight within the park at designated accommodation areas. The most popular spots to stay in the park include Cañaveral, Arrecifes, and Cabo San Juan beach areas.

Which hotels in Tayrona National Park offer beach access?

Cañaveral and Cabo San Juan provide the closest beach access for overnight stays. These areas let you wake up directly on the beach in Tayrona and enjoy swimming right from your accommodation.

What’s the best place to stay close to entrance?

El Zaino entrance area offers the most convenient access without long walks into Parque Tayrona. I recommend this spot if you want to stay overnight but prefer easy access to modern amenities and transport.

What things to do in Tayrona during day visits?

You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, hiking to viewpoints, and wildlife watching during your day in Tayrona. The park also offers trails to Pueblito ruins and opportunities to spot monkeys and tropical birds.

Are there hostels for budget accommodation in Tayrona?

Costeño Beach outside the park offers the cheapest hostel options for budget travelers. You can also find hammock rentals and shared spaces within the park for backpackers who want to stay overnight.

When does Tayrona Park close for maintenance?

Tayrona park closes annually in February for ecosystem maintenance and conservation work. During this time, you cannot visit Tayrona National Park or book any accommodation within the protected area.

How do I plan a trip to Tayrona from other Colombia destinations?

Most visitors fly into Santa Marta or Cartagena, then take ground transport to reach the entrance of Tayrona. I suggest booking your trip to Colombia during dry season months for the best weather conditions when you visit Tayrona National Park.