Parque Nacional Tayrona

Parque Nacional Tayrona

Just a few hours by 4x4 or bus from either Cartagena or Santa Marta Parque Nacional Tayrona is the perfect place to get away from the hot and sweaty cities on the Carribean coast and find your own piece of paradise.

The area traditionally beloned to the Tayrona Indians, this is one of  Colombia’s most popular national parks. It boasts extraordinary scenery: perfect white sandy beaches, gorgeous limestone cliffs and strecthes of lush rainforest that rise to an altitude of over 500m.

There are arid regions in the west that hold pleasant brown hills and many interesting plant species including cacti. Move towards the centre for areas more water based- such as the extensive forests which are home to many different types of wildlife- perfect for animal and nature lovers alike.

You can also spot many interesting archeological remains from a time when the Indians ruled supreme over the huge mass of land- the most reverred of which is the pre-Hispanic town of Pueblito- thought to have been one of the larger areas used to settle.

Beach lovers will love this park. You can lie out on the golden sands- or get some shade from the many surrounding coconut palms. You will get the impression that these are beaches in their purest form- not dissimilar to what you would find on a  remote desert island somewhere.

The area is ideal for snorkelling but make sure to bring your own gear as there may not be rental gear available. Also it is important to be aware that some beaches are not safe for swimming due to the strong ocean currents. One of the most popular beaches is Cabo San Juan where it is safe to swim. Camping facilities are available on a few of the beaches or there are hammocks for rent.

Diving
The tropical waters of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve around the Caribbean Islands of San Andrés and Providencia are home to a multitude of spectacular fish and coral species. Both Islands owned by Colombia, and a 1 hour flight from Bogata,  have excellent dive sites all around them.   Back on the mainland, Islas del Rosario, Tayrona National Park and Taganga offer a great range of diving, Taganga being the most popular of these three.

Mountain Climbing
Climb the 5,400m, snow-capped volcano, Nevado del Ruiz in Los Nevados National Park.

Amazon Basin
Take a jungle tour into the Amazon basin which covers almost one-third of Colombia’s territory. Take a boat from Leticia to the nearby Amacayu National Park and visit the Indian tribes. 

Shopping
Colombia offers great local produce including gold jewellery, art, antiques and leather goods.  It also produces first-grade precious stones with the emeralds being among the most perfect in the world.  Bogotá and Medillin has numerous shopping malls and districts.

Nightlife
Colombia has a vibrant nightlife with busy bars and nightclubs filled with dancers doing salsa, cumbia and merengue. Botoga offers ballet, opera, drama, music and casinos.

Dining
Restaurants offer local and international cuisine to suit all tastes.  Local dishes are a good choice and tend to have a touch of Spanish influence.