Colombia

Classic Colombia / Land of Coffee & Tayrona / Archeology & History / By the Sea / Nature Tour
Bogota / Cartagena / Amazon / Coffee Region / Pacific Region / Guajira / Rosario Islands
Tayrona Park / San Agustin / Ciudad Perdida Trek / Los Nevados Trek / Guajira Adventure

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is located on the Colombian Atlantic coast a few kilometers from Santa Marta. The park’s boundaries extend from just beyond the bay of Taganga to where the Piedras River opens out into the sea. The National Park covers an area of 15,000 hectares, 75% of which are of land and the remaining are marine. Climate oscillates between temperate and hot with an average temperature of 25 to 30ºC. One of the main entries to the Park is found at El Zaino, 34km from Santa Marta, from here one can gain access to the bays, natural beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, mountains and exuberant vegetation found within. Many types of animal inhabit this area including more than 100 mammals, 200 birds and numerous reptiles. It makes up part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range separate from the Andes that makes for a unique ecosystem that rises up from absolute sea level where there are beaches of fine white sand through tropical forests to snowcapped altitudes of 5,770masl.

In Tayrona National Park there are various archeological sites that prove the existence of ancient cultures such as the Tayrona city of “Chairama”(in the indigenous language) or Pueblito, where it is believed that a community of at least 400 indigenous people inhabited in the pre-Columbian period and where still exist points of interest sacred to the Koguis, Arhuacos and Arsarios. These tribes are all descended from the ancient Tayrona people who were one of the most advanced pre-Columbian tribes to have lived over the centuries in the Sierra Nevada. These towns and cities were joined by Stone pathways which extended from populous mountainsides up to the peaks in the Sierra. These were circular windowless houses with stone terraces, palm roofs and painted with a whitewash. The real accomplishment of engineering were the cities that were built upon terraces that were first used for agricultural purposes and then later for homes. They channeled the mountain streams through their homes and through their crops to be sure to prevent an erosion of the land.

From the bay of Cañaveral a three hour hike over stone pathways leads to Pueblito, one of the most well-established Tayrona developments given the prevalence of bridges, channels, terraces and pottery. The beaches of Arrecifes, La Piscina, Cabo de San Juan del Guía y Castilletes are within reach from Cañaveral as well. These beaches are all very distinct, some with still inviting waters, others with turbulent surf and thick with vegetation but all making the visitor feel as if he or she has been transported to another world, one of savage yet paradisiacal scenery. In the park itself there are many opportunities to enjoy such activities as mini treks, snorkeling, bird watching, kayaking, rent bicycles or just contemplate nature.

Day 1 | Santa Marta - Tayrona National Park
Arrival at Santa Marta airport and then undertake a roughly 1.15 hours transfer to Tayrona National Park along the road that leads to Riohacha in the northeastern Colombian Caribbean. Enter the park at El Zaino, one of the main entrances and drive on a further 15 minutes to Cañaveral. Check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax and overnight day. Meals: - / - / -

Day 2 & 3 | T ayrona National Park
Free days to relax on the beach or enjoy individual activities such as mini treks to Pueblito, snorkeling, rent horses, bicycles or kayaks as a means of visiting other beaches. Meals: B / - / -

Day 4 | Tayrona National Park - Santa Marta
After breakfast, transfer in the morning to Santa Marta airport. Meals: B / - / -

2011 Price per person in US$:

		Single	Double	Triple
Ecohabs	low	$1457	$730	$541
Ecohabs	high	$1709	$856	$628
Cabanas de Arrecifes	low	$1082	$541	$421
Cabanas de Arrecifes	high	$1358	$682	$511
Posadas Turisticas

ALL DAY NEGUANJE & PLAYA CRISTAL
Leaving by car from Cañaveral in Tayrona National Park to Gayrana Bay. After 40 minutes drive, get to the first entry point of the Tayrona National Park called Palangana. Continue along a winding road through the scenic tropical forest before opening out onto what is known as the Sea of the Seven Waves, a natural viewpoint from which one can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Descent down to the Playa de Neguanje into the Bay of Gairaca and hop onto a local boat where the fishermen will sail around the cove to Playa Cristal. This beach stands out for its extraordinary beauty and is the ideal place to enjoy the water, the sun and the opportunity to paddle between the coral reefs here. Return by boat to Gayraca Bay and back to Cañaveral inside the Tayrona National Park.
Duration: Approximately six to seven hours. Guide: Private bilingual guide.

TREKKING TO ARRECIFE AND CABO SAN JUAN
Leave from Cañaveral, walking through the forest and its different micro climates begin. Birds are in abundance and on some occasions might be possible to see squirrels and monkeys playing in the trees. After roughly 45 minutes walking, arrive at Arrecifes, one of the park’s most scenic and beautiful areas, which will astounds you with its beauty and drama with restless seas crashing on huge boulders. Continue by walking along the coast to La Piscina, a naturally calm stretch of beach ideal for bathing. Then, head on to El Cabo de San Juan de Guía which leaves an indelible mark on your memory due to its enormous boulders. Enjoy a free time in the beach to rest or take a bath. Return to Cañaveral in the afternoon.
Duration: Approximately nine hours. Guide: Private bilingual guide.
Note: This is a reasonably hard trek and requires a degree of physical fitness.

All day mini trek to Pueblito
After breakfast, leave by car from Cañaveral to a little town called Calabazo. Here begins the hike along a pathway that leads to Pueblito. This snaking pathway leads through the foothills offering up spectacular views on its climbs broken only by the chatter of birdsong and brings one to areas with immense rocks, exuberant vegetation until reaching an approximate altitude of 200masl. Upon arrival at Pueblito, which is of incredible cultural importance, there is the feeling of being at the heart of the Tayrona civilization. The tropical flora and eerie silence seem appropriate to the setting here amongst the ruins of terraces, homes, bridges, stairways and architectural achievements all of which are silent witnessed to the Tayrona civilization. Speak with some local indigenous people and learn more about their culture. Currently only one Tayrona family lives here but the complex architecture is evident due to the canal system, the aqueduct, stone bridges and stairways which lead to the beach. Further 2 hour walk leads to the Playa Cabo San Juan de Guía. Ideal for relaxing or swimming in the waters off this protected beach. After lunch, the walk continues for a further 45 minutes to Cañaveral.
Duration: Approximately nine hours. Guide: Private bilingual guide.
Note: In order to go on this excursion is necessary to have good physical conditions as the climbs and descents are physically demanding

TAIRONAKA
Taironaka is an ecological and archeological reserve within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta inaugurated on June 15 2008. There are the remnants of a Tayrona settlement here in this area known for its splendid vegetation, temperate climate and abundance of fauna. Leave in the morning from Cañaveral to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on a 60km journey that will take roughly 1.30 hour along the highway that heads to the Guajira. Go out the National Park and cross some rivers as Piedras, Mendihuaca, Guachaca, Buritaca and Don Diego; until arriving at Taironaka. In the midst of all of this nature is the Tayrona heritage of mysteries and wisdom. There are pathways, terraces, stairs, aqueducts and a ceremonial house which shows how the Tayrona people lived and how the Kogui, their ancestors, continue to live. In Taironaka, kayak trips are available allowing one to glide along with the river or simply contemplate and relish the feeling of peace. Embrace the Macondo tree, the largest type of tree in this region and absorb its positive energy. Visit a small museum where there are displayed Tayrona’s urns, flutes, axes, ceremonial dishes and arrows amongst
other items found and collected in this region. Koguis, or as they are sometimes known Kaggabbas, still inhabit this region in the nearby river basins and ecotourism here is organized so that it benefits the conservations of this indigenous group and allows for them to remain true to their lifestyle and culture.
Duration: Approximately seven to eight hours.
Guide: Private bilingual guide.

Ecohabs
Address: Cañaveral area, Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia

The Ecohabs is a colony of Tayrona huts style cabins on a coastal hill, fully equipped for their visitors comfort without losing the ecological feeling.
Guests can appreciate not only the most stunning beaches of the Colombian coast but the vast nature around it, being close to natives indigenous tribes of the area.
Location: In the Cañaveral sector of Tayrona National Park, 34 km from Santa Marta.
Facilities: The hotel has 14 two – story Ecohabs (three doubles and 11 doubles with additional beds for two children maximum) with private bathrooms with hot water, hammocks, mini bar, coffee maker, plasma TV, ceiling fans, safety deposit box and telephone for internal communication.
Services: Two restaurants, a spa, an eco-shop, communication from the park, drinking water, 110v electricity supply.

Cabañas de Arrecifes
Address: Arrecifes area, Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia

Situated in Tayrona Natural Park, about 45 minutes from the main entrance to the park is situated the Arrecifes area, which cabins are made from local material to protect and respect the natural surroundings.
Location: In the Arrecifes sector of Tayrona National Park, 34 km from Santa Marta.
Facilities: Arrecifes offers different lodging options: Cabins: In total there are 6 cabins with maximum accommodation of 4 people each with private bathrooms and hot water, fan, hammocks, mini bar, coffee maker, TV, safety box and ceiling fans. Hammocks: this area has a capacity of 60
hammocks. Visitors can bring their own or rent one with a mosquito net. A locker for personal objects is available.
Services: A restaurant with typical local food.

There are also a number of Posadas Turisticas in the area that we can book. These are very basic Tourist inns built to match the local architecture and operated by locals. In the most beautiful corners of Colombia (many far from the urban centers), nothing is better than to lodge in an inn to live like the local people, to learn their customs and to delight with the cooking pleasures, that have been perfected generation after generation. In them, the comfort of a five star hotel is exchanged for a life experience. Natural, cultural, gastronomical and human experiences, rather than luxury, are offered to guests who prefer to know first hand a region, its people and her customs, in an adventure that feeds each and every one of the senses. Some have water and electricity, while some do not have electricity, so the amenities here are very basic. Probably best for Spanish-speakers.

Colombia

Tayrona National Park

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