Tayrona Park

Parque Tayrona

Parque Tayrona is a beautiful, vast and diverse national park, located 1 hour from Santa Marta. The park can be enjoyed on a quick day trip, a short 2-3 day stay, or explored for weeks of hiking, camping and beach hopping.   Be sure to not miss El Cabo San Juan beach; you’ll recognize the stunning scenery from the covers of nearly every guide book of Colombia.  Hike to Pueblito for a challenging ascent up ancient Tayrona stairs to see the site of a former indigenous village. Catch a boat to Playa Cristal and marvel as you stand in crystal blue water and look down at tropical fish swimming around your feet.  Tayrona is breath taking place that will make you feel as though you’ve truly arrived in paradise.

Cost: 37,500 pesos entrance fee; 6,000 pesos bus fare each way; 2,000 pesos jeep ride to the begining of the trail

What to bring: bathingsuit, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, plastic bag in case it rains, water

La Brisa Tranquila

LA BRISA TRANQUILA

THE BEACH HOSTAL

This old coconut farm turned hostel is located on the beach 5 km past Parque Tayrona and one hour away from La Brisa Loca.  It’s the perfect beach retreat where you can take surfing lessons or lounge in a hammock, discover secret waterfalls or play a fierce game of beach volleyball.  The place boasts a communal, friendly atmosphere and you’re sure to make a friend or two. The parties here are excellent, but since the lights go out (aka the sun goes down) around 7, you’ll never have a problem getting up for your morning surf.

Cost: Hammocks to Private Suites range from 25,000 to 140,000 pesos

What to bring: bathing suit, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, snacks, a good book