Santa Marta’s main attraction, Tayrona National Park, delivers a perfect blend of jungle and beach exploration. The standard guided tour, priced at $38, packs essential experiences into a well-organized day. You’ll spend 4 hours hiking through lush forests followed by 3 hours relaxing at pristine Cabo San Juan beach. The package smartly includes air-conditioned transport, insurance, and entrance fees for Colombian citizens.
I’m particularly impressed by this tour’s value – it hits all the park’s highlights while keeping groups manageable. Though English-speaking guides can be hit-or-miss, the natural wonders speak for themselves.
Let’s explore the best tour options available in Santa Marta’s natural paradise.
Key Points
- The Tayrona National Park tour offers a guided hiking experience through tropical forests and the Cabo San Juan beach.
- The tour has a 90% traveler recommendation with 60 positive reviews and a starting price of $38 per person.
- The 11-hour excursion includes air-conditioned transportation, tourist insurance, and entrance fees for Colombian nationals.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility issues, and requires moderate physical fitness.
- The tour provides opportunities to experience the local flora and fauna and capture scenic views, with professional guides available in both Spanish and English.
Guided Hiking Through Tayrona National Park and Cabo San Juan
One of the most popular tours in Santa Marta is the guided hiking experience through Tayrona National Park and the stunning Cabo San Juan. This tour boasts a 90% traveler recommendation and has received 60 positive reviews. For a price starting at $38 per person, visitors can explore the park’s natural wonders with the help of a professional guide who speaks both Spanish and English.
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, tourist insurance, and entrance fees for Colombian nationals. However, foreign travelers must pay an additional 49,000 COP (around $12 USD) tax.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness.
Pickup and drop-off are provided at each traveler’s accommodation, with a half-hour time frame based on the hotel order. For those outside the Santa Marta perimeter, a meeting point is provided.
The tour doesn’t include pickups in Taganga or after entering the park. Despite some negative feedback about guide language proficiency and transportation delays, the tour operator seems committed to addressing these issues and improving the overall experience.
Read our full review: Guided Hiking Through Tayrona National Park and Cabo San Juan Review
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From Santa Marta: Tayrona National Park Guided Tour
A popular option for exploring the natural wonders of Tayrona National Park from Santa Marta is the guided tour. Priced from $59.64 per person, this 11-hour excursion includes hotel pickup, private bus transportation, and a knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guide.
The itinerary features a 1.5-hour bus ride to the park, followed by a 4-hour ecological hike through the tropical forests. Visitors will then enjoy a 3-hour break at the stunning Cabo San Juan beach for swimming and relaxation before the return journey.
While the tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility issues, it offers the chance to take in the park’s local flora and fauna, capture scenic views, and take memorable photographs.
With a 3.8/5 overall rating based on 89 reviews, the tour generally earns praise for the guide’s expertise, though transportation and value for money receive more mixed feedback.
To prepare, visitors should bring appropriate gear and be aware of park rules, such as no outside food, drinks, or pets allowed.
Read our full review: From Santa Marta: Tayrona National Park Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Tayrona National Park offers a stunning natural setting for a guided hiking tour. The Cabo San Juan beach and trails provide an excellent opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and impressive landscapes. With a knowledgeable guide, visitors can make the most of their time in this beautiful corner of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.