Tayrona Park Hiking Page

We hiked the main route, starting at the main park entrance in El Zaino past Cañaveral to Arrecifes then along the coast to beaches at Arenillas, Las Piscinas Naturales and Cabo San Juan. Finally we hiked to El Pueblito and back out to the highway at the Calabazo entrance to the park. You can do this hike in either direction.

El Zaino to Cañaveral: (50 minutes - 4 km) Take a bus from Santa Marta to Tayrona (leave every 1/2 hour from corner of Calle 11 & Carr. 11). Get off at El Zaino - this is the main entrance to the park. The entrance fee is $2.50 - $3.00 depending on the season. From here it's an easy walk down a paved road to Cañaveral. Beautiful forest on either side and good animal spotting (birds & monkeys). You can take a taxi on this section if you like.
Cañaveral to Arrecifes: (50 minutes) When you reach the map of Tayrona and the road curves right to Cañaveral, continue straight on the dirt path. Follow the path and signs to Arrecifes. Beautiful forest. Arrecifes has lodging and restaurants.
Arrecifes to Arenillas: (10-15 minutes) From the beach at Arrecifes head west about 10 minutes - Arenillas is the next bay. There is a ship wreck and a camping spot here.
Arenillas to Las Piscinas Naturales: (10-15 minutes) Continue west along the coast trail about 10 more minutes. Las Piscinas has a large bay and the trail will take you right past a 2 story white house where you may be able to stay.
Las Piscinas to Cabo San Juan: (30-40 minutes)Continue west again along the coast trail. There is a sign here and a restaurant. You can continue further along the coast or hike inland to Pueblito. Nice beaches and great people.
Cabo San Juan to Pueblito: (1 hour, 15 minutes) Trail heads inland behind the restaurant. You will cross a stream and then jog left. You will quickly come to a crossroads with a sign for Pueblito. Follow the direction of the sign (if you're coming from Pueblito, stay to your right here). After awhile the path will turn into a rock trail. Just keep straight on the main trail all the way to the ruins. Bring plenty of water. Beautiful forest and views.
Pueblito to Highway: (2 hours) As you enter the center of Pueblito you will see a cabin in front of you and the huts that Indians are living in will be to your right. Go right and walk past the huts and continue past the signs for Pueblito. Here you will find the trail to the highway. In 5 - 10 minutes you will come to a "Y" in the trail - stay to your left. Keep straight and on the main trail for 30-40 more minutes and you will reach a sign for Playa Brava. Go the opposite direction (don't go to the beach). Continue on the main trail all the way to the highway (1 hour). Nice Scenery.

NOTES:
- If you decide to hike from the other direction take bus for Tayrona and get off at Calabazo (there's a sign for Tayrona Park and for Pueblito trail). Entrance fee here is $2.00.
- We had lots of really small ticks on us after the hike from Pueblito to the highway. We are not sure if we got them in the forest or where we waited for the bus on the highway, but check yourself after hiking.

HIKES WE DIDN'T DO:
Playa Brava from Pueblito/Hwy trail: The sign at the trailhead says that there is loding and restaurant here. We have no idea how long the hike is or how much lodging would cost. Check at Miramar Hotel in Santa Marta for info.
Playa Naranjos from El Zaino/Cañaveral road: We're not sure how far it is or if there is lodging but you should be able to camp here.
Cabo San Juan to Bahia Cinto: We are pretty sure you can do this hike but check around. You will have to hire a guide.

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