Colombia is said to be one of the most colorful countries on Earth. Some may find it too cheesy when everything is so colorful, but Colombians just like it that way. Colombian cuisine, which we knew nothing about before the trip, is just as varied. I’m not going to lie to you, I didn’t like dry pork skins, hooves or drinks with salt. I lost five kilos in five weeks, but I still liked a lot of food there. What did we like best in Colombia?

What makes Colombian cuisine so diverse

Colombia is a land of contrasts – from tropical coasts to high Andes. Each region offers its own specialties, from the traditional Bogota dish – Ajiaco, to fish delicacies with coconut milk from the Caribbean coast and Cartagena. In short, you will come across new and unique tastes in every part of the country. In the mountainous regions, meat and potatoes dominate, while on the coast you can enjoy fresh seafood and fish. And the fruit? You will taste goodies that you didn’t even know existed (literally).

Tip: 15 tips for the most beautiful places in Colombia, where you will feel like you are on another planet

22 tips for traditional Colombian foods

Colombian cuisine was really interesting and, as the saying goes, ‘like a Spanish village’ to us. I appreciated fresh fish, exotic fruits and fruit smoothies the most And also all kinds of food from green bananas (plantains). Try what you can, because you won’t find such foods here.

1. Ajiaco – Chicken soup with three types of potatoes, corn and sour cream will warm your body and soul. Since we arrived a little bit sick from the air conditioner after 50 hours of travel, this soup came in handy upon arrival. Even though it reminds me of a soup and main course combined, it tastes really great.
2. Bandeja Paisa – If there is one dish that defines Colombia, it is Bandeja Paisa. it is a plate with a little bit of each. You will find meat, beans, rice, avocado, eggs and other goodies on it. 

3. Lechon – Would you like a slow-roasted pig filled with rice and spices? It might sound weird, but it’s completely normal here.
4. Morcilla Rellena – If you think the intestines can’t be a culinary experience, Morcilla Rellena will mislead you. This delicacy, grilled or fried until crispy, is full of flavors. So if there are any gourmets here, you can try it.
5. Empanadas – Colombian empanadas are fried until golden and filled with meat, cheese or potatoes. We ate them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can buy them on every corner and I believe that Everyone will really like this dish.
6. Pandebono – Cornmeal, cheese and eggs bread is eaten immediately after taking it out of the oven when it is still warm and soft. 
7. Patacones – Patacones, also known as Tostones, are crispy patties made from sycamores. These patties are fried twice – the first time for softness, the second time for crunchiness. You will most often get them as one of the side dishes for the main course, but you can also enjoy them as a snack.
8. Tamales – A tamal is a dish wrapped in a banana leaf in which you can find corn dough filled with chicken, vegetables and spices, which are cooked slowly to make the flavors blend perfectly. Each region has its own option. I really fell in love with this dish. Although it looked strange, the taste was divine.

9. Arepa – A simple corn patty that you can eat both sweet and salty. Arepa is eaten in Colombia the same way as a bread in our country. If you come across a local ‘bakery’, take a few of them to stock up on. But we won’t lie to you, somewhere they tasted like a rubber sole, but in the local bakeries it was something delicious.
10. Cazuela de Mariscos – Seafood in creamy coconut broth, that’s Cazuela de Mariscos. It is a soup full of shrimp, crabs and fish and is served with a portion of rice. 
11. Chocolate con queso – Colombians like to mix strange tastes, so you can have hot chocolate with cheese. Yeah, you read that right. In addition, they also add the goat cheese to hot tea. I didn’t really like it, but it’s something that everyone probably has to try for themselves.
12. Patacones with Hogao – Crispy fried banana patties, topped with Hogao tomato, onion and coriander sauce.
13. Frijoles Rancheros – a dish made of red beans, which may resemble our bean stew, but it tastes really good. Somewhere it can be served with meat, rice, or perhaps with fried bananas on top. I highly recommend it!

14. Ajiaco santafereño – a typical soup made of Bogotá, which combines chicken meat, corn cobs, potatoes and unique guasca spices. Served with avocado, capers and rice.
15. Chicharron Con Arepa – Crispy fried pork skin placed on a soft arep. The locals especially like it, but when I tried Chicharron, I’d say it’s a treat for the dog.
16. Arroz Con Chivo – Goat meat stewed with rice and vegetables, often served with avocado and fried bananas. 
17. Mute – Seasoned stewed meat with beef, chicken or pork in a spicy sauce. Served with beans and rice.
18. Sancocho de Pescado – A fish soup that is often served on the northern coast of Colombia. 
19. Arroz Con Coco – rice cooked in coconut milk with onions, garlic and coriander. It is served with chicken or fish. You can also come across it in the sweet version, which is eaten as a dessert.
20. Carne Oreada – beef marinated with onions, tomatoes and coriander, grilled until tender. 
21. La Picada – A mix of meat, potatoes and vegetables served with arepas. 
22. La Changua – Milk soup with cheese and poached eggs, typical breakfast in Bogotá. It is served with crispy bread.

PS: For a snack at Laguna de Guatavita, we got a slice of goat cheese with sweet gelatin that resembled marmalade. We tried it, but it tasted really weird.

What is drunk in Colombia

I have a lot of friends from abroad and everyone is surprised that beer is so cheap in our country (a few years ago, paradoxically, cheaper than water). It is no wonder that we are a nation of beer drinkers. They do have beer in Colombia, but they prefer something else.

• Aguardiente – You can buy sugar cane schnapps with an anise flavor, which is sold in a cardboard box as milk, on every corner. It has a distinct taste and several variants according to the alcohol content. No matter what you eat, it’s a nice headache in the morning.
• Chicha – a fermented drink of the original inhabitants of the Andes, has a tradition dating back to ancient times. It is mostly made from corn, sometimes from fruit. It has a slightly sour taste, yet it tastes very good. Just don’t drink it too much so that it doesn’t have a laxative effect on you. 

• Agua panela – Do you know the panel? It is a dried cane juice that is used as a sweetener and as a popular drink when it is dissolved in hot water. It’s pretty good, but very sweet.

TIP: Are you going to visit Medellín and Comuna 13? We will advise you 17 tips to see, where to stay and what to watch out for in Medellín.

Fruit smoothies for a few crowns

What surprised me was that in almost every establishment, they made homemade fruit smoothies, which cost just a few pesos there. I liked the smoothies from Mango or Maracuja the most, but there were really a lot to choose from. They just like to add sugar to it, so don’t forget to say ‘Sin Azúcar’!

TIP: Are you looking forward to Colombia for real Colombian coffee? You can visit some coffee plantations, most of which are around the town Salento, where there are also the tallest palm trees in the world.

Where to have a good BBC beer – Bogota Beer Company

If you are one of those who simply like to have a smooth beer or two on vacation or on the go, don’t worry. There is a BBC franchise or Bogota Beer Company in Colombia where you can have a really good draft beer (mostly there are bottles everywhere). But also expect that it will be more expensive (relatively to other prices). One beer there cost us around 2,5 EUR for 0.5 l. 

Tip: What is the capital of Colombia? 13 interesting places in Bogotá

Where and how to eat as a local

If you are in tourist areas or larger cities, restaurants and businesses will be at every turn. You might not recognize the places where the locals eat at first glance. Our friends from Colombia were often with us, who took us to places that I would call a garage, a backyard in the garden or simply someone’s kitchen at home, and it was usually a real experience. The food there was for a fraction of the price (soup, main meal and drink for 2 EUR), but I don’t want to lie to you, we didn’t always like the food.

If you also want to eat where locals do, look for sunken small kitchens and businesses, stalls or bakeries where local people go (Or try to ask them, they will be happy to advise you). But don’t expect any luxury, menu or list of allergens.

Tip:13 things to take on a plane for a long flight

What are the prices of food in Colombia

Prices are constantly rising in all countries. It depends on whether you will eat in someone’s backyard on a wooden log in the countryside, or if you will be in a beautiful restaurant in the middle of the big city. But it is true that you can eat well in Colombia and for a few euros. In tourist areas, you will pay 18,000 to 30,000 COP per meal (depending on what you eat, but steak or fresh fish are more expensive than a bowl of rice). Where the locals eat, you can easily pay 10,000 COP for the entire menu. 

TIP: One of the most beautiful places in Colombia is definitely Tayrona National Park. You can find everything you need to know in our complete article.

Colombia’s national food

There can be many national dishes in Colombia, because each area has its own. One of them can be the just-mentioned food Bandeja Paisa, which comes from the Antioquia region. It’s a food where you have a lot on your plate and don’t know what to eat first. There you will find beans, fried plantains, chorizo, arep, avocado and rice. JAs a national soup, sancocho, which is cooked from meat and then served with rice and avocado or other vegetables, could be considered national.

• Breakfast It tends to be simple, but nutritious. Typical are arepas (corn pancakes) with cheese, eggs or avocado, often supplemented with a cup of sweet coffee. In some areas, people eat caldo – beef or chicken broth. Otherwise, they also normally have soup for breakfast, which is not exactly common for us.
• Lunch It is hearty and, like ours, includes soup and a main course. Common are foods like Sancocho (meat and vegetable soup), Bandeja Paisa or Ajiaco. As a side dish, it is most often rice, a small portion of beans or a crispy plantain.
• Dinner It tends to be lighter. Many Colombians have, for example, tamales, soup or arepa with various fillings. 

The conclusion and what we really liked

For me, discovering new cuisines and flavors is definitely a part of traveling. I like to try all kinds of food, even if I don’t always like everything. Colombian cuisine is really rich. I liked these foods the most: Tamales, Frijoles Rancheros, Bandeja Paisa, Empanadas and especially fresh fish and fruit.

Tip: What security does Colombia have and 6 tips on what (not) to do in Colombia

FAQ

Resources

Osorio, D.G., 2020. Traditional Colombian Cuisines Objects and Ritual. Projetica, 11(3es.), pp.166-182.

Mahecha, J.D., 2015. Forms of Colombian Cuisine: Interpretation of Traditional Culinary Knowledge in Three Cultural Settings. Cooking Technology: Transformations in Culinary Practice in Mexico and Latin America, p.153.

Mahecha, J., 2017. A New Culinary Culture in Colombia: Equality and Identity in the Interpretation of Traditional Cuisines.

Everyone who is going to Colombia will probably fly to Bogota. Although Colombia attracts travelers mainly with nature, the rainforests and the Caribbean, If you have a few days to spare, there is a lot that the capital city of Colombia Bogota has to offer. We were so fascinated by Bogota that we spent 9 days here with our local friends, who showed us secluded places in the vicinity that we probably would never have discovered without them. We have 13 interesting places for you to see in Bogota and its surroundings.

What should you think about when planning a trip to Bogota

Before we explore together what the capital of Colombia, Bogota and other cities are like, we have some practical information for you to start with.

What is security in Bogota

Everyone who is going to Colombia is probably interested in the issue of security in Colombia. It is different in different parts of this country, but in general, it is less safe in big cities than somewhere in nature, and the city center is often a center of higher crime. Therefore, it is always best to consult, for example, in accommodation, which places to avoid. And if you don’t have someone local with you, better not to wander anywhere at night. What to watch out for?

• Don’t carry more money with you,
• Keep money in multiple places,
• Do not carry with you any expensive things that could attract attention,
• Stick to places where there are a lot of people,
• Do not withdraw money from ATMs on the street (withdraw from those that are inside buildings and shopping centers),
• If you have a backpack, watch out for it,
• Try to blend in with the locals.

Tip: What security does Colombia have: 6 tips on what to (not) do in Colombia

TIP: What security does Colombia have and tips to watch out for

When to go to Bogotá

Although Bogota will probably not be the only destination of your trip to Colombia, it is good to know that Bogota is located at a higher altitude and although this area may be considered a tropical climate, it is The weather in Bogota is quite unstable. The most precipitation here rains from about the month of April to July, while it is quite dry here from December to March, so this range is the best time to visit. But definitely pack a waterproof jacket, it will probably come in handy in the city as well.

TIP: How about visiting the famous drugMedellin or a colonial cityCartagena de IndiasOn the Caribbean coast?

Transportation in Bogotá

We warn you in advance that Traffic in Bogotá and throughout the country seems incredible to you. We definitely do not recommend renting a car here. The fastest way to get around the city is the Transmilenio buses, which have their own lane all over the city, which you will really appreciate, Because otherwise there are traffic jams everywhere and always (for example, we stood in traffic at 3 in the morning because of it and missed the plane).

TIP: Are you already packing your bags for Colombia? With a backpack on our backs, we wandered across the country for over a month and chose 15 most beautiful places to see in Colombia.

The capital of Colombia Bogota and 12 places to see in and around Bogotá

Do you have a few days in Bogotá and want to use them to the fullest? I believe that our tips on what to see in Bogota and the surrounding area will inspire you. I think 2 days are enough for you in the city itself, but there is really a lot in the area. From waterfalls, national parks, picturesque villages to the legacy of drug cartels. Everyone will find something for themselves. In Bogotá, we liked the climb to Monserrate and the historic district of La Candelaria the most. From the surroundings then Villa de Leyva, Laguna de Guatavita and Nimaima.

1. La Candelaria Quarter and Bogota’s Historic Heart

Every traveler will probably delve into the historic center. The capital of Colombia, Bogota, really offers a lot, so it If you want to start your adventure in Bogotá, the historic district of La Candelaria is the right place. This picturesque neighborhood, located in the very center of the city, represents An authentic piece of Colombian history and culture. Narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses with wooden balconies and colorfully painted facades create an atmosphere that will instantly absorb you. 

2. Plaza de Bolívar Square

In the La Candelaria district there is also the main square Plaza de Bolívar. In the square you will see beautiful colonial buildings, in addition, you can take a picture with the llama, feed the pigeons and eat something good. The square was originally known as Plaza Mayor and from 1821 was named Plaza de la Constitución. 

It is located on the northern edge of the square Palace of Justice, while the Southern side is framed by the National Capitol, the seat of the Colombian Congress. The mayor’s palace (Palacio Liévano), built between 1902 and 1905, is located on the west side. On the eastern side, the primary Bogotá Cathedral, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century, dominates.

3. Botero Museum – Bizarre on canvas

Do you like bizarre? There is no art like art and I am convinced that you have never seen anything like this before. The Botero Museum exhibits the works of the famous Colombian painter Fernando Boter, who is known for his unique ‘boterismo’ style, depicting excessively round figures and shapes. In addition to his works, you will also find works by world masters such as Picasso, Dalí or Monet. Moreover it is Free admission to the museum, so you can at least take a look.

 4. Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar

Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar is one of the largest and most important public parks in Bogota, spread over more than 400 hectares in the very heart of the city. This vast park complex is often compared to New York’s Central Park and acts as the ‘green lungs’ of the Colombian capital. In addition, it is located on the western edge of the park Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis. So if you want to be closer to nature again for a while, you can have a picnic or a walk in the park.

TIP: Are you attracted to nature? Then definitely go explore the Caribbean beaches in conjunction with the rainforest inTayrona National Park.

5. Cerro de Monserrate viewpoint (3152 m)

What we liked the most in Bogotá was a smaller hike to the viewpoint on Mount Monserrate, which is part of the eastern Kordillery Mountains and which you can easily walk to from the city. Since the city of Bogota is at a fairly high altitude, even a small hike gave us quite a bit of work and we were out of breath, but it’s certainly not a thing that no one can handle. At the top you will see hummingbirds, a chapel, a basilica and wonderful views of the whole city. Be sure to go out sometime during the day to get back in the light and not wander around the hills in the dark.

6. Gold Museum in Bogotá

The Gold Museum in Bogotá is one of the most visited tourist spots in Colombia. Since gold is an inherent part of this area and is a significant part of history, it’s quite nice to go here if you have some time. There you will see collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and various metal alloys, including Tumbaga, which were sacred to the original cultures. 

What other museums in Bogota can you visit

Like other capitals, Bogota has many museums with different focuses that you can visit.

• Museo Santa Clara with Baroque art,
• Museo Historico de la Policia (Historical Police Museum),
• Museo Nacional (Colombian National Museum),
• Scientific Museum of Maloky.

Tip: You will most likely visit Bogota either way. If you have a few days to spare, we have 13 tips for great places,What to see in and around Bogotá.

7. Villa de Leyva – a picturesque colonial village

About a 3-4 hour drive from Bogota lies Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautifully preserved colonial cities in Colombia. This picturesque city transports you back to the 16th century Thanks to its cobbled streets, white facades of houses and the largest square in Colombia, Plaza Mayor. Don’t miss the Casa Terracota Museum, a unique ceramic building that resembles a clay palace.

We recommend staying here overnight, so that you can really soak up the local calm atmosphere after sunset and discover the surrounding natural beauty, such as El Fosil, where you can see the preserved fossils of prehistoric creatures.

8. Laguna de Guatavita – Legendary El Dorado Lake full of gold

If you want to fall out of the big city into nature for a while, we recommend the nature reserve and Lake Laguna de Guatavita, which is considered the place of origin of the legend of El Dorado. This circular lake, hidden among the green hills, is the place where the native chiefs performed golden ceremonies and threw the treasures into the water as sacrifices to the gods. 

The journey by car takes about 1.5 hours from Bogota. The entrance fee includes a guided tour (only in Spanish, but it’s still worth it), which will introduce you to the history and legends associated with this place. We really liked the tour of the reservation and we are glad that we went there, even though we didn’t really understand them, because otherwise we wouldn’t be able to get to such places at all.

What the Legend of El Dorad tells

The legend of El Dorad tells about a golden city that was supposed to be hidden somewhere in the South American mountains. According to the original version from the Muisc SE tribe At the coronation of the new ruler, he performed a ritual on Lake Guatavita: the monarch covered himself with gold dust, rode the raft into the center of the lake and offered gold and gems to the gods. The Spanish conquistadors interpreted this legend as the existence of a rich city full of gold. This triggered a feverish search that lasted for centuries but The mythical city has never been found.

9. Catedral de Sal V Zipaquirá – underground salt cathedral in the mine

An hour’s drive from Bogota is the Catedral de Sal salt cathedral in Zipaquirá, located in the salt mine. The cathedral is carved into the former salt mine and is located 180 meters underground, where it was created as a place for miners’ prayers, who needed protection from danger.

The total area exceeds 8,500 m². It is carved from huge walls and tunnels and consists of several chapels, statues and altars, all made of rock salt. Visitors walk the Way of the Cross, which depicts the 14 stops of Christ’s suffering, when it arrives at the main hall of the cathedral, in which it is great Salt Cross – one of the largest of its kind in the world.

It’s such an unconventional place that you probably wouldn’t think of going, but we really liked it. At the entrance, you’ll receive an audio guide (thankfully, it’s also in English) and you go through the entire mine at your own pace.

TIP: And what is it like Colombian cuisine? 22 tips for traditional food in Colombia

Emerald Tour

The tour of the salt cathedral also includes an exhibition of all kinds of emeralds, which were already mined by indigenous tribes before colonization. Colombia is still one of the largest producers of emeralds in the world, and the three main areas of mining include Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor. We were completely captivated by the Emerald Exhibition, because there are really unique pieces that you just don’t see anywhere.

10. Pacho Village and Drug Cartels Legacy

Are you interested in the history of drug cartels? Then The village of Pacho, located about 80 km from Bogotá, might surprise you. In the 1980s, it was the center of operations for José Gonzalo Rodríguez Gach, one of the most powerful drug lords of the Medellin cartel. You may have already heard of him by nickname ‘El Mexicano’. He had farms and ranches in the smell, which they used to produce and distribute cocaine. The city and its surroundings were under his control and, thanks to his influence, became a key point for the drug trade in the region.

What you can see there today

We went to the village with our Colombian friend. We went through the whole ranch, farms And part of the village and it felt a bit like a ghost town. We talked there with the local people, who told us that, for example, they helped out at the ranch as children, and we also learned interesting things about this place. Everyone knows Pablo Escobar, but he was far from the only drug lord in Colombia. That’s why you can see in the village of Pacho behind the scenes and the environment of the drug trade, but without tourism, which is needed in Medellin.

11. Parque Natural Chicaque

If you love nature and hiking, visit Chicaque Nature Park, which is located about 30 km from Bogota. This natural paradise offers more than 20 km of hiking trails that will take you through dense foggy forests, waterfalls and rocky viewpoints. You will see here not only beautiful nature, but also a lot of animals. Inside the park you will also find an ecological farm.

12. Nimaima and the Center for Adrenaline Activities in Nature

If you are an adventurer in body and soul like us, Nimaima is a place that is guaranteed to excite you! Nimaima is a beautiful place in the middle of nature, in which there are adrenaline activities of daily bread. Forget the hustle and bustle of the big city and go to Wild trails that lead through fresh jungle and deep canyons. The Río Negro is ideal for those who have the courage to tame its currents while rafting, or to plunge from it into the depths during canoeing. There are a lot to choose from here.

Rafting on Río Negro

Our friend prepared a surprise for us in the form of rafting. Since we both go on the water here in the Czech Republic, we really liked the idea. The Río Negro truly lives up to its name, due to the unique bedrock, minerals seep into the water, giving the river its distinct black color. When going down the river was quite wild and No one told us that their goal was not to conquer the rapids, but to take a bath, because it was the fun. 

So I flipped right behind the first rapids and couldn’t climb back into the boat. If I had known, I would have arranged additional insurance for extreme sports, because I had soaked my water so much that I was afraid that something would be made of the dirty water. Anyway, it was a really lively trip and I believe that the adrenaline enthusiasts will find something here.

Tip: Did you know that Colombia also has the tallest palm trees in the world, the best coffee and also a lot of hummingbirds? You can see everything in the mountain the village of Salento, which is full of colors and an incredibly amazing atmosphere.

13. La Chorrera – Colombia’s highest waterfall

Are you attracted by nature and waterfalls? Then head to the highest waterfall in all of Colombia  La Chorrera. Only 45 minutes by bus and you will find yourself at the beginning of the trail. A roughly three-hour walk through the beautiful landscape of foggy forests, pastures and narrow paths awaits you. At the end, you will be rewarded with a view of the water falling from a height of almost 600 meters. On the way back, you can still jump to the smaller El Chiflon waterfall, where you will pass directly behind the water wall. 

A little bit of Bogota’s history

The capital of Colombia, Bogota, has a fascinating history that dates back to the time of pre-Columbian civilizations. The area was originally inhabited by the Muisci tribe, who flourished here thanks to rich gold reserves and trade routes. In 1538, the Spanish Conqueror arrived in the area Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, who founded the city of Santa Fé de Bogotá here.

During the colonial era, Bogotá became an important cultural and political center of the Spanish Empire in South America. In 1810, the struggle for independence began here, which led Simón Bolívar to the liberation of Colombia (after which it is also the name of the main square). Since then, Bogotá has grown and transformed into a modern metropolis, despite facing challenges such as political instability and violence associated with drug cartels in the 20th century.

Where did we also like it

We experienced another adventure, where we flew halfway around the world with a one-way ticket Sri Lanka, which completely captivated us. We wandered around for a month beaches in Sri Lanka, discovered local cuisine, nature, traveled to the center of the island tea plantations or Lion’s Mount Sigiriya. So if you don’t know where to go, we recommend all twenty!

FAQ

Resources

Bellón, E.R. and González, L.G., 2014. Tourism in Colombia. In tourism as an instrument for development: a theoretical and practical study (Vol. 5, pp. 211-226). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Mohan, R., 1980. The People of Bogota: Who They Are, What They Earn, Where They Live. In the People of Bogota: Who They Are, What They Earn, Where They Live (pp. 153-153).

Rueda Esteban, n.r., 2017. Is the tourist management important for the religious heritage in bogota?.

Ochoa, L., 2004. Cosas Viejas de la Villa de la Candelaria (vol. 15). itm.

Gómez Ortiz, S.J. And González Jiménez, J.A., 2019. Turismo en Bogotá.

Tayrona National Park is one of those places that will simply take your breath away. You’re just standing there, looking at the beauty and believing your eyes that you’re really here. Tayrona National Park is located in the north of Colombia on the Caribbean coast and it has everything – beaches, rainforest, wild nature and you can see the highest mountains of Colombia. How to get here, where to stay and what places to visit in Tayrona?

Why visit Tayrona

If you’ve ever dreamed of a place where a mysterious jungle is mixed with the Caribbean, Tayrona National Park is the real deal. Whether you want to experience an adrenaline adventure or just enjoy the silence and peace of nature, everyone will find something for themselves here. 

Tayrona National Park – History and Native Residents

There is a story behind every corner of Tayrona. Tayrona National Park is home to the former Tairon civilization, which lived here until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. It was a highly developed culture that had a strong peasant and business tradition. Many of their settlements were located in the area that today forms the park.

Colombian Machu Picchu

The most interesting part is the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, which is the lost city of the Tairons, which was built on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Walking through the remnants of these ancient settlements, you feel like you’ve gone back in time. The stone terraces, paths and ruins of the temples tell stories about the lives of the people who inhabited the area more than a thousand years ago. It’s like a small Colombian Machu Picchu.

Tayrona National Park Fauna and Flora

Tayrona National Park is truly a tropical paradise where mountains, jungles and the Caribbean meet. In the heart of the park you will find a dense jungle full of exotic plants and animals – monkeys, toucans, parrots, jaguars, And many others, including snakes and spiders – for which there are medical stations nearby.

Tip: 15 most beautiful places in Colombia a must see

How to Get to Tayrona National Park

Getting to Tayrona is pretty cool. The best option is to take a bus from the nearby town of Santa Marta, by taxi, boat or car (but it will be much more expensive). The entrances and access points to get to the park include El Zaino (main entrance with asphalt road, from where you can easily reach the beaches) and Calabazo.

• Buses: Green buses run regularly on the Santa Marta – Guachaca route. They leave Santa Marta from department store Buenavista. The journey to the main entrance of El Zaino will cost you about 7000 COP. 
• Ships: A boat trip that goes to Tayron National Park can also be an experience From Taganga. The journey takes about 45 minutes and will cost you 60,000 COP. But always agree in advance with the locals (on the price, return and other conditions).

Tayrona National Park – When to go

The best time to visit is the dry season from December to March, when the weather is stable, without rains and temperatures are around 28-30°C. On the contrary, from August to October there is a rainy season when the trails are slippery and some parts of the park may be inaccessible.

We were here in August and the temperatures were milder than expected. During the day it was rather cloudy, but sometimes the sun came out, but sometimes we also got really wet and some routes were very muddy.

ATTENTION: Although most of the park is accessible throughout the year, during February and mid-June and October the park is closed for nature conservation or maintenance. Data changes every year, so it pays to check your current information online.

TIP: Are you also going to visit Cartagena? We will advise you The best places around and in the city.

Tayrona National Park and entrance fee

The entrance to the park is around 53,000 COP for foreigners, depending on the season (Prices may vary). We recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally immediately after opening the ticket offices, when there are usually smaller queues, or if you have accommodation indoors, then in the afternoon (it is not always possible to plan a timing in Colombia).

Tickets are only sold in limited quantities, namely 1,850 per day, And this means that it is better to secure tickets as soon as possible (in the season). If you plan to stay in the park overnight, the ticket should be valid until you leave the park, but they may have asked us for a more expensive entrance fee based on the number of days we were in the park. 

Attention: the entrance to the park closes at 4 in the afternoon and most of the accommodation is still a short walk away. Therefore, we recommend using the jeep from the main gate Or horses (a popular attraction) to arrive at the accommodation in the light (it gets dark around 6:30 p.m.), because many trails are in the jungle, which is not exactly ideal in the dark. 

You can find Tayrona’s official website and information about tickets and opening hours Here.

where to stay in tayron

The best thing about the whole trip to Tayrona was Accommodation inside the park. There are a lot of options here, thanks to which you can have an absolutely unforgettable experience and sleep in the jungle. I don’t know if you sleep, the jungle is quite noisy, but for me it was the best balm for the soul. Where to stay in Tayron NP?

• Camping and eco chats: For true adventurers, the most popular accommodation option is in the form of camping directly in the park (we didn’t use that with regard to the rain). One of the most popular campsites is right on the beach of Cabo San Juan. You can sleep in cabins, tents or just in a hammock.
• Luxury accommodation: If you don’t want to camp or go here out of season, there are hotels and various environmental resorts in the area of the entrance to El Zaino Park.
• Family Hostels: If you’re looking for authentic Colombian hospitality, head to your local family hostels. We took advantage of that and it was probably our best accommodation in life. We slept in a small shed and in the middle of the property was a kitchen and an outdoor bathroom.

To give you an idea of the tent, it will cost you 18,000 COP and a hammock for 20,000 COP. We recommend packing supplies as food and drink prices in the park are more expensive (There are also shops before entering the park where you can buy something extra).

The best accommodation in a national park

When we searched Tayrona National Park Accommodation We wanted to live right inside so that we could enjoy nature as much as possible. We can therefore recommend the following places:

• Jasayma Dentro Del Parque Tayrona Hotel
• Camping Tequendama – Parque Tayrona
• Lodge Cacao

Tip: Although most of the travelers flee Bogota after landing, we discovered a lot of amazing places in the area with local friends. What to see in and around Bogotá?

What to do in Tayron NP and the best trips around

Tayrona National Park is one of the most popular parks in all of Colombia. It offers not only breathtaking beaches, but also adventures in the jungle, wildlife observation and the possibility of camping in a wonderful environment. If you are going to this area, I recommend staying here for a few days and thoroughly enjoying not only the beach but also everything else. What can you visit inside the park?

Day trip and walk through the park from the main entrance of El Zaino

From the main entrance of El Zaino, an asphalt road leads to the beaches and the starting point to other places from where the trails lead. Jeeps and shuttle buses run on this route if you want to shorten your journey. Otherwise The road to the sea is about 4 km long. From here you will have a comfortable four-kilometer road to Cañaveral. Although not very interesting, it provides a pleasant walk through the shade under the dense vegetation and is the perfect start for your hike. 

Worth noting Turn to Castilettes Beach, where you can rest in peace. But beware, this beach has dangerous currents. From there you can continue through the other two beaches to Arrecifes, La Piscina and Playa Cabo San Juan de Guía.

The most popular place in the whole park – Cabo San Juan del Guía Beach

This beach is considered one of the most beautiful not only in Colombia, but also in the world. You will see here Beautiful white sand, giant boulders, palm-covered peninsula and beautiful azure sea. In addition, it is a place that connects two beaches into one with a small viewpoint, which is an icon for this place. In addition, there is a river from the forest, in which there may also be crocodiles. 

In Cabo San Juan are campsites I Cottages, where many travelers and locals go (our friend spent a few months here). Cabo San Juan is accessible via the footpath from Cañaveral or Calabazo. You can also get here by boat from Taganga, but I definitely recommend having the whole experience on foot. 

Trek to Cabo San Juan Beach from Calabazo

If you want a bigger adventure and prefer to avoid the crowds, choose a trek from the village of Calabazo. This entrance is less frequented, which some may appreciate. After a few hundred meters you enter the jungle. The route has an elevation gain of 450 m, is more than 8 km long and takes around three hours.

Tayrona National Park Heart – Playa Arrecifes

Arrecifes Beach is located in the heart of Tayrona National Park and is known for its enormous waves. But there are strong currents here, that’s why it’s not at all for swimming. But it has beautiful light sand and plants all around. It is located about 3 km from Cañaveral and is accessible on foot from the main route. 

Tip: In Colombia, you can discover not only nature, but also cities such as Medellín, which until recently was one of the most dangerous places on earth. Today it is full of tourists and Pablo Escobar’s legacy. What to see in Medellin? 

Playa Arenilla Hidden Beach

This small, hidden beach is an ideal place for those who want to be alone and enjoy the peace in the heart of the tropical jungle. You can get here on the way from Cañaveral towards Cabo San Juan. This beach is not very well known, so here you might be completely alone like us (that’s one of my most beautiful experiences in my life).

Caribbean Paradise Playa La Piscina

Playa La Piscina is a Caribbean paradise, known for its calm water ideal for snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by huge boulders and palm trees and creates a natural pool where you can swim in peace. La Piscina is located less than 30 minutes walk from Cabo San Juan to go on the trail around the coast. It is great for relaxing on the way to the more distant Cabo San Juan.

Trek to the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida

One of the biggest attractions of Colombia is the trek to Ciudad Perdida, also known as the ‘Lost City’, which is the archaeological treasure of Tayrona. There you will find the ancient ruins of an ancient city, which is also Colombia’s Machu Picchu. This lost 9th century Native American metropolis It lies in the heart of the jungle and it is all the more magical that there is no easy path leading here.

You can get here after a several-day hike through the jungle, which starts in the village of Mamey. The expeditions lead through the mountains and the jungle and can last up to 3 to 6 days. You need equipment and a guide for this And you can only go there in the season (otherwise the river levels are high and cannot be crossed). A trek to Ciudad Perdida will cost you around 6 thousand. CZK per person.

Unfortunately, we had to skip this trek to Ciudad Perdida, because the rainy season was starting and we learned from other travelers that they had to ford rivers with their backpacks overhead and water up to their necks, which may not be very safe. So hopefully it will work out for us next time.

Bay of Bahía Cinto

Another place you can see if you have some extra time is Bahía Cinto Bay. There is peace here and, like everywhere, beautiful nature all around. You can get here by boat from nearby beaches like Cabo San Juan. 

Seven Waves Beach

Other wonderful beaches in Tayrona are definitely Seven Waves Beach, which is named after how many waves go to shore in turn. There are strong currents here though, so it’s Bathing is prohibited. Seven Waves Beach is located near the access road from Cañaveral towards Cabo San Juan. 

Neguanje’s hidden beach

This beach is hidden deep in Tayrona National Park. It is surrounded by forest, palm trees and you can enjoy wonderful views of the ocean here. Neguanje Beach is a lot popular with locals, who come here to enjoy the peace. It is accessible by walking from Cañaveral, approximately 30 minutes’ walk. 

Bahía Gayraca Bay

Bahía Gayraca is one of the most beautiful bays in Tayrona. It is known for its emerald green waters and sandy beaches, where you can swim or even dive. Bahía Gayraca Bay is accessible by boat and on foot along the trails. 

Bahía Chengue Bay

Bahía Chengue is one of the lesser-known but beautiful places of the park. It is quite isolated and not well-groomed, which you will especially appreciate if you go to Tayrona in high season. You can easily walk here by foot from Calabazo. 

Bay of Bahía Concha

Bahía Concha is a beautiful bay with white sand and crystal clear water where you can have a good swim. Locals and tourists who love this place come here. 

Beach at the end of the world – Playa Brava

If you have more time and desire for a real adventure, consider visiting Playa Brava. This deserted beach that is Hidden deep in the park and you can only get here after a few days of walking. If you decide For a multi-day trek, you can take the route El Zaino – Cabo San Juan – Pueblito – Playa Brava – Calabo. The path will take you to the jungle, where you will feel that you are at the end of the world. 

Playa Brava is calm and surrounded by palm trees, and at night you can relax in bungalows on the beach, where you can order dinner and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. And if you’re in the mood for another adventure, you can go on a one-hour jungle walk to the waterfall.

Snorkeling in Tayron

If you’re a water element, don’t miss a trip to Taganga, which is one of the best snorkeling spots around Tayrona. From Taganga they will take you by boat to the beach, where you can snorkel in the clear water between corals and flocks of colorful fish. Although the beaches in the park are not very well known for snorkeling, you will definitely like Taganga.

Playa Cristal and swimming with dolphins

Tayrona National Park is also home to dolphins, which you can go to see from Playa Cristal. Dolphins like to move among corals and rocks here, So if you’re lucky, you can meet them with sea turtles. But it is not a commercially organized expedition. You can get here by boat from the village of Taganga and the rest is up to you.

Mountain hiking and treks in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

From Tayron National Park you can see as far as the highest mountains in all of Colombia and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. Local guides and travel guides will offer you all kinds of treks and trips to the mountains. The starting point for most treks is the village of Mamey.

TIP: Another adventure awaited us on the wild Sri Lanka, where are tea plantations, Breathtaking beaches And also historical monuments as sigiriya.

FAQ

Resources

Brüggemann, J., Hernández, M., Rodríguez, E., Soler, J. and Tapper, R., 2002. Biodiversity and Tourism in the Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity: The Case of the Tayrona National Park, Colombia. In Report of the Workshop at Cañaveral, Tayrona National Park, 25-30 November 2001. German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.

OJEDA, D., 2011, April. Whose Paradise? Conservation, Tourism and Land Grabbing in Tayrona Natural Park, Colombia. In International Conference on Global Land Grabbing (pp. 6-8).

Wilson, B., Londono, J.C., Ferrer, J. and Popp, B., 2023. Colombia’s Tayrona National Park: Recommendations for Future Regional Development. In Handbook on Tourism and Behaviour Change (pp. 250-268). Edward Elgar Publishing.