Home › Tayrona › Where to stay
Where to stay in Tayrona
Tayrona is defined by the contrast between the humid jungle foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean coast. Accommodation spans from remote eco-lodges near the park gates to beachfront hotels further west. Choosing where to stay dictates your proximity to hiking trails versus surf breaks, and requires navigating unpaved access roads and river crossings.
Rent a car in Tayrona
Compare rental cars from local and international companies, with free cancellation on most bookings.
Compare car rentals in TayronaEl Zaino
Set right at the park's primary gateway, this dusty roadside cluster of cabanas and open-air cafes feels purely functional rather than charming. It is entirely walkable to the ticket office and trailheads, meaning you can beat the tour buses. Down the dirt tracks, you will find river swimming spots and the start of the dense jungle trails.
Palomino
Located an hour east of the park, Palomino revolves around a wide, grey-sand beach where a river meets the sea. The unpaved main street and sandy paths are packed with bamboo hostels, open-air pizzerias, and cocktail bars. Everything is within walking distance, from yoga studios to surf shacks, though the beach breaks have strong undertows.
Los Naranjos
Positioned between the Rio Piedras and the eastern edge of Tayrona, this lush area features upscale eco-lodges nestled in the canopy and pastureland. It feels tranquil and secluded, with paths leading directly down to wild, crashing beaches like Playa Grande. You can walk between secluded properties and local seafood shacks along dirt tracks.
Taganga
A horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by arid mountains, Taganga is a steep, bustling village historically known for cheap diving. Narrow, dusty streets run down to a boat-filled beach lined with dive shops and open-air bars. Everything is walkable, though the hills are punishing in the midday heat, and the main beach gets very crowded with local vendors.
One thing to think about
Avoid staying directly inside Tayrona National Park in the basic hammock camps unless you are strictly backpacking; they are damp, overpriced, and lack basic amenities. Also avoid booking places in Riohacha thinking it is a gateway to Tayrona—it is hours away and lacks the jungle atmosphere.
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Tayrona are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities
Common questions
Can I walk from Palomino to Tayrona National Park?
No, it is roughly a 45-to-50-minute drive west. You will need to take a local bus, a shared taxi, or hire a moto-taxi along the main highway to reach the El Zaino entrance.
Are there ATMs inside Tayrona National Park or the surrounding villages?
ATMs are extremely scarce outside of larger hubs like Santa Marta. Palomino has a couple that frequently run out of cash or lose power, so you must bring sufficient Colombian pesos for your stay.
What is the best way to avoid the crowds on the trails?
Stay in El Zaino and arrive at the ticket gates by 7:00 AM before the day-trippers arrive from Santa Marta. This ensures a quieter trek through the forest to Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan.
Hotel links go to Booking.com.