When you are in the Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, more and more often mentioned as one of the best beaches in the world, you really feel far away from it all.

Getting there is not that easy. By plane, visitors arrive in Santa Marta, taking taxis or buses on to the Park, about an hour away. Then, for the true roughing it experience, rent a mule to take you through the jungle, finally meandering your way to the beach and your hut. (There are several accomodations options, depending on your comfort needs and financial resources.)

If it´s not Holy Week or Christmas time, when hordes of families from Bogota take over, expect to be able to find your own secluded beach if you want. The rocky coastline against the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra Nevada is indeed stunning. There are very few swimming opportunities at the Park, and just listening to the roar of the waves tells you why: it´s dangerous out there!

It´s all about relaxing in Tayrona, and the most difficult decision you will have to make is what time to have lunch. However if you need a break from all that relaxing, you can head past the wild horses lazing on the beach and up, up and up a fairly strenuous trail to El Pueblito, an old settlement of the Tayrona Indians, less impressive than the Ciudad Perdida, but more accessible.

Written by  frequentflyer.

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Tayrona National Park

Wild and empty beaches and crashing waves are to be found here after some strenuous hiking through the rainforest. Worth the effort to join other adventurous travellers here, though, as the place is teeming with wildlife as well as the odd ruin to explore. No hotels to speak of, but hammocks and a campsite provide laid-back accommodation. Its national park status protects it from development.

 

Review posted 20th March 2008 by beach_boy.

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