Visit Tayrona, Colombia's natural wonder
Nominated by UNESCO as one of the five most important national parks in the world, Tayrona is truly a special place. Lush forests intersect with bright blue water, as the sound of monkeys echoes through the palm trees.
Due to its location between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Caribbean Ocean, Parque Tayrona has been blessed with spectacular biodiversity in its flora and fauna. We’re not just talking birds - although there are over 300 bird species to be spotted - we’re talking monkeys, jaguars, pumas and other rare and exotic species, many distinct to this region of the world.
In this travel guide, you will find everything you need to know to plan an incredible trip to Tayrona National Park.
Avoid Instagram's tourist trap
You've probably seen this picture before. Even if it might seem like a dream location, this is Tayrona's most famous tourist trap, where millions of people come to take the same picture to post on Instagram. This is also the place where tour companies take you from Santa Marta when you say that you want to visit Tayrona National Park.
Besides being a crowded place, it's also very expensive to visit. You have to pay the bus to get there, the entrance fee to the national park and even life insurance. In total, you will have to pay around 250.000 COP which is about 50 USD. Not worth it for what you get!
If you are looking for an exclusive experience immersed in nature between jungle and sea, and you want the best of Tayrona in one place, I am ready to share another dreamlike location.
LOS NARANJOS, THE TROPICAL PARADISE
Los Naranjos is my favourite place in Colombia. Whether you prefer lush mountains or the sea, you get the best of two worlds in one place. This location is so unique that you see the river meeting with the ocean from the hotel room.
The best part is that you can enjoy this tropical paradise in tranquillity because not many people have access to this place. In fact, the whole 'Los Naranjos' area is private and only the hotel members can enter inside. On the site, there are 6 small resorts and a private bar. The place is so immense that you can take long walks immersed in the jungle while looking at the palm trees, or enjoying the waves by the beach all for yourself.
Check my video to see how this place looks
WHERE TO STAY?
I liked this place so much that I wanted to return to Los Naranjos two weeks later. I had the chance to stay in two different breathtaking Hotels. The resorts are a bit pricey by Colombian standards, however, it is absolutely worth it if you ask me. For what you get and the exclusivity of the place it's still cheaper than any high-standard hotel in other parts of the world.
CASA BAMBU TAYRONA
As the name suggests it is a luxury resort made of bamboo. The hotel is located right in the heart of the jungle, only 5 minutes from the private beach. Don't be surprised if in the morning you get woken up by the sound of the monkeys, It happened to me a couple of times.
Even though you are surrounded by nature, it's very well isolated from the outside and no bugs or mosquitos are entering the room. The best part of the accommodation is the dark-blue pool contrasting with the green-lush scenery.
When I entered in Villa Playa Tayrona I was completely speechless. The breathtaking view is something you can only see in movies.
From the pool you can see the river's current meeting with the ocean, and from the room you hear the waves crashing.
This resort is the most exclusive (and most expensive) of Los Naranjos, but it is worth it for a life-time experience.
From the beautiful green terrace, you can also see the caymans chilling in the river which is only two feets away from the accomodation.
Where else can you get this?!
ACTIVITIES
PADDLEBOARDING IN THE RIVER
From the accommodation, you can book some tours and go paddleboarding in the jungle river. I recommend it if you love adventure and you are not afraid of caymans.
SURFING
The Caribbean Sea of Tayrona is also the perfect place for surfing! Book a lesson from the hotel to get to experience an adrenaline day at the sea.
ENJOY THE SUNSET WITH THE VIEW
Only a couple of minutes from the resorts you can find Sierra Bar. I recommend going here right before sunset, sipping a tasty Colombian cocktail, and admiring the beautiful red colours of the sky reflecting into the river. This bar is also the best place in Los Naranjos to watch the sunset, you can see the jungle with the caymans right in front and in the back you have the ocean.
I am not a huge drinker, but the cocktails here are delicious and you can also have some little fish snacks.