Nature · Tayrona National Natural Park

Where the Sierra Nevada plunges into the Caribbean

Jungle, rivers, reefs and five beaches you can reach on foot. It all starts at the door of your room at Jasayma.

15,000hectares of protected jungle and sea
300+bird species
5beaches you can walk to
4ancestral peoples who look after it

Here the mountains roll green down to the sea, howler monkeys wake up the morning and the day is measured in beaches. You don't have to go far to live Tayrona: you're already inside.

Things to do

Six ways to live the park

Hiking

Trails for all levels: from 10 minutes to La Piscinita to 2–2.5 hours to Cabo San Juan, starting at the Cañaveral parking lot. Local guides on request.

Snorkeling & beaches

Coral reefs at Cañaveral with colorful fish, starfish and, with luck, turtles. Gear for rent inside the park. Beginner friendly.

Wildlife watching

Over 300 bird species, howler monkeys, iguanas, butterflies and tropical flora. Best times: very early and at sunset.

Yoga & wellness

Sunrise yoga, guided meditation and relaxing massages on request. For all levels.

Culture & community

Respectfully learn about the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and their crafts.

Sunsets

Sunsets from Arrecifes or the hotel terrace. The best way to end a day in Tayrona.

The trail

The beaches on foot, one by one

La Piscinita, 10 minutes down the right-hand trail, and four more beaches along the main trail, one after another, all the way to Cabo San Juan.

Safe to swim
Swim with care
No swimming

Illustrated map of Tayrona Park with its trails and beaches

Open the full map ↗

Video · narrated in Spanish

The route, from Jasayma to Cabo San Juan

In just over 2 minutes: how to reach the trails, which beach you find on each stretch, how long you walk and what to bring.

Jump to:

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P
Start of the trailsThe shuttle that passes in front of Jasayma drops you here. 100 m later the path splits: right to La Piscinita, straight on to the other beaches.
10'
Stop 1

10 min walk

La Piscinita (Cañaveral)

A small bay with calm water where you can swim, with a restaurant and tables by the sea, sun loungers and a beautiful sunset.

100 m from where the shuttle drops you off, take the trail on the right: a 10-minute walk.

✅ Safe to swim
45'
Stop 2

45 min walk

Arrecifes

An imposing landscape of giant rocks and open sea, with strong waves. Perfect for walking and photos.

Take the trail that goes straight ahead: about 45 minutes from the start of the trails.

⛔ Entering the sea is forbidden
+15'
Stop 3

15 min from Arrecifes

Arenilla

A small beach of fine sand surrounded by rocks. Quiet and uncrowded, perfect if you want some privacy.

A 15-minute walk from Arrecifes, on the same trail.

⚠️ Swim with care
+15'
Stop 4

15 min from Arenilla

La Piscina

A natural pool sheltered by a line of rocks: clear, calm water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

A 15-minute walk from Arenilla.

✅ Safe to swim
+35'

Stop 5 · Tayrona's postcard

35 min from La Piscina

Cabo San Juan del Guía

Tayrona's most famous postcard: two bays, a palm grove and the lookout on the rocks. Go early.

A 35-minute walk from La Piscina. The whole route takes 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace.

✅ Safe to swim

Approximate times, depending on your walking pace. The whole route to Cabo San Juan takes 2 to 2.5 hours.

Lagoon surrounded by palms reflecting the jungle

Pink sunrise over the jungle and the Sierra Nevada

Who lives here

A jungle you hear before you see it

Tayrona packs dry forest, rainforest, mangroves, lagoons and reefs into just a few kilometers. That's why every walk comes with company.

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Howler monkeysTheir roar is the park's alarm clock.
🦜
Over 300 bird speciesBest very early and at sunset.
🦎
IguanasSunbathing on rocks and trails.
🐢
Sea turtlesWith luck, swimming near the reefs.
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Butterflies and tropical floraPalm groves and tropical forest all along the way.

Sacred land

For the peoples of the Sierra, this sea is the father and water is the mother

The Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo have cared for this land since long before it was a park. The trail signs remind you: Jalyintana, Father of the sea.