The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
There are certain places that stick with you for decades after you travel to them. The scent of the tropical flora, the dense, humid atmosphere, and views so beautiful you wonder how it’s possible you’re enjoying it all alone. Tayrona National Park is one of those places. With tropical jungle brushing shoulders with powdery white beaches, it’s absolutely spellbinding.
Set on Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, the one thing you will quickly learn is that where to stay in Tayrona National Park is almost as important as what to do in the park. The area is large, rugged, and wildly diverse, not to mention a little tricky to get around. Here’s what I learned about the best areas, as well as the top accommodations in the park.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tayrona National Park?
- Tayrona National Park Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Tayrona National Park
- Tayrona National Park’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQs About Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
- What To Pack For Tayrona National Park
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tayrona National Park
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Tayrona National Park?
Too much to read, too little time? Don’t fret, these are three of the best places to spend a night in Tayrona while traveling in Colombia – we’re on jungle time, after all!
Wachakyta Ecolodge | Best Hotel in Tayrona National Park
This eco-lodge is the dream destination for a couples getaway. It’s set right on the beach with hardly another soul around. It features environmentally friendly tented suites with five-star amenities, including dining, which is a highlight for many guests.
The lodge is the type of luxury where you can walk around barefoot with a sarong wrapped around you, while also indulging in delicious meals prepared to order.
Costeno Beach | Best Hostel in Tayrona National Park
Costeno Beach is Tayrona’s ultimate party hostel. It hits the sweet spot between being incredibly social and vibey while also offering a peaceful swimming pool that looks more like it belongs in a five-star hotel than a place this affordable. You’ll make countless friends over $1 beers and share stories of your national park explorations under the stars.
The hostel is steps from the sea, with a huge open terrace set right
on the beach. It’s not hard to see why this is the area’s social hotspot.
Frana Lodge Tayrona – Hummingbird | Best Nature Lodge in Tayrona National Park
Frana Lodge offers the best of both hotel and self-catering facilities. Each of its four bungalows has its own little kitchen and dining area, but there are also common spaces where guests can mingle with one another.
This place to stay in Tayrona National Park is inspired by the indoor/outdoor aesthetic, with open walls and thatched roofs that make you feel like you’re deep in the jungle every minute of the day.
Tayrona National Park Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Tayrona National Park
El Zaino / Calabazo
El Zaino is the main gateway to Tayrona National Park, while Calabazo is the second entrance. Both are ideally located for first-time visitors—not too far from the buzz of Santa Marta, yet they feel worlds away from the city
Los Naranjos / Guachaca
If you want fewer crowds and a slower pace, the zone between Los Naranjos and Guachaca is the ideal setup. Los Naranjos is on the coastline, while Guachaca is set just inland, on the Rio Guachaca.
Playa Cinto
Playa Cinto is a secluded beachy bay that you can only reach by boat. If you’re after privacy and nature, it doesn’t get much more remote and beautiful than this.
Tayrona National Park is hands down one of Colombia’s most beautiful places. Tucked between the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, it’s a natural patchwork of colourful jungle, secret coves, and white sand beaches that is a must on any trip to Colombia.
The thing is, it’s hard to compartmentalise just how big the area is and how different each area feels depending on where you stay in Tayrona National Park. Many visitors choose to stay in the city of Santa Marta, less than an hour’s drive from the park. I’ve recommended three different areas, which are much closer to the park. After all, we’re looking for that wild, off-the-beaten-track experience, aren’t we?
If this is your first time visiting, El Zaino and Calabazo are two of the most convenient and central bases. El Zaino is technically the main entrance to the park and is dotted with eco hotels, glamping shops, and rustic treehouses. So basically, super safe and easy to get to! Calabazo is another entrance, with fewer properties, but still a good selection. They’re great for quick access to the park’s most popular trails, as well as tours and expeditions to nearby beaches.
For a more secluded experience, Los Naranjos and Guachaca are ideal. These coastal regions are just outside the park boundaries, which means you’ll be surrounded by the jungle and beautiful beaches while being just a short drive from the park. The beaches here, especially near Los Naranjos, are wild and rugged, with few crowds and maximum beauty.
And then there’s Playa Cinto, a tough-to-get-to, remote region that feels like a luxury escape into a different world. It’s accessible primarily by boat, which makes it feel seriously under-the-radar and exclusive. It has upscale lodges and boutique eco-hotels, which are suitable for honeymooners or luxury travellers. This is the kind of place you’ll wake up in fresh white linen in a handcrafted treehouse, enjoy your coffee with the birds, spend all day snorkelling around nearby reefs, and finish off with a cocktail overlooking the ocean. It’s magical.
Tayrona National Park’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Here’s a little breakdown of the three main places to stay in Tayrona National Park, combined with some incredible accommodation recommendations, as well as things to do in each location:
1. El Zaino / Calabazo – Where to Stay in a Tayrona National Park for Your First Time
El Zaino is the main gateway to this epic Colombian national park, while Calabazo is the second entrance. Both are ideally located for first-time visitors—not too far from the buzz of Santa Marta, yet they feel worlds away from the city. These areas have a friendly, laid-back vibe with a good mix of Colombian locals, backpackers, and eco-conscious travellers. This is reflected in the accommodations available, too. For instance, there are plenty of hostels, nature lodges, and eco-friendly places to stay around here.
They’re the most convenient place to stay if you want to explore Tayrona’s best hikes, beaches, viewpoints, and towns without needing extra transport. Particularly in El Zaino, there are plenty of local guides and tours that can take you into the park.
Portales del Tayrona Garden Hotel | Best Hotel in El Zaino / Calabazo
Portales del Tayrona feels like a secret garden retreat. As its name suggests, the most exciting feature of this hotel is its garden, complete with bougainvillaea pot plants and wild tropical foliage that smells just as beautiful as it looks.
You’ll be greeted with birdsong as you stroll through the property, which includes a pool, a lily pond, and plenty of terraces with hammocks to unwind in. The rooms strike a balance between earthy and elegant. They’re simple and cool, perfect for a good night’s rest after a jungle hike.
Hostel Mama Tayrona | Best Hostel in El Zaino / Calabazo
Hostel Mama Tayrona might just be the best hostel in Colombia. There’s a solid community spirit here, whether you’re swapping stories over cocktails at the bar, lounging about in the hammocks, or swimming in the refreshing pool.
The staff go above and beyond to make sure guests are well taken care of, in a way that will make you feel like you’ve made a few new friends. It’s basic but beautiful, making this the perfect place to stay in Tayrona National Park for budget travellers.
Frana Lodge Tayrona – Hummingbird | Best Nature Lodge in El Zaino / Calabazo
Set in the fringes of the wild jungle, Frana Lodge is made up of a pair of eco-friendly buildings with thatched roofs and wooden walls. The aesthetic is open and raw, allowing guests to feel totally immersed in the nature that surrounds them, whether in the outdoor kitchen or in the bedroom.
There’s an elemental beauty about this place, and a lot of it is thanks to the open-air design and off-grid feel.
Things to See and Do in El Zaino / Calabazo
- Take a day trip to hike to the double waterfall and pools in Minca
- Explore Tayrona National Park on a sailing excursion
- Trek through the dense jungle on a hike through Paso del Mango
- Join a bird watching tour or follow your own self-guided version
- Learn the bean-to-bar process and make your own chocolate in Paso del Mango
- Do sunrise yoga at one of the eco-hotels or hostels
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey2. Los Naranjos / Guachaca – Best Place to Stay in Tayrona National Park for Remote Beaches
If you want fewer crowds and a slower pace, the zone between Los Naranjos and Guachaca is the ideal off the beaten path setup. Los Naranjos is on the coastline, while Guachaca is set just inland, on the Rio Guachaca. The two towns are just outside the national park boundaries, set a reasonable distance from Santa Marta and most tourist hubs. They’re deep jungle locations, the beaches are wilder, the buildings are sparse, and the hostels are lively.
You’ll find everything from cabins overlooking the sea to luxury beach resorts and even some hostels that are so social you’ll leave with plenty of new friends from this Tayrona National Park neighbourhood. This area is great for nature lovers who want quick access to the park but crave more unique accommodation.
Senda Koguiwa | Best Luxury Hotel in Los Naranjos / Guachaca
If I had to describe Senda Koguiwa in two words, they would be ‘barefoot luxury’. It’s luxurious and opulent, with high-end facilities and top-notch service, but it feels remote and wild. Think private bungalows surrounded by lush jungles, just a stroll from a rushing river, and not far from some of the best beaches in Tayrona.
The grounds are immaculate, the pool feels like it’s floating above the jungle, and the staff really put their heart into everything they do.
Costeno Beach | Best Party Hostel in Los Naranjos / Guachaca
If you like to spend your days by the pool and evenings dancing under the stars, Costeno Beach might just be the coolest place to stay in Tayrona National Park. It’s a hostel in the traditional sense, but it feels more like a jungle retreat than anything else.
The swimming pool is a clear highlight, shaded by palms and always with a good vibe. But the bar terrace, with views directly onto the beach, is undoubtedly the real star of the show.
Sea View Cabin | Best Cabin in Los Naranjos / Guachaca
If you’re on the hunt for a private self-catering rental, you’ll struggle to find one better than this. It’s set in the trees overlooking the jungle, and let me tell you, this terrace has some of the best views in the area. The structure is made entirely from local wood and is designed with an indoor/outdoor aesthetic that allows you to feel one with nature even from the comfort of your bed.
The kitchen is basic yet well-equipped to prepare and heat simple dishes. It even has a small work-from-home desk with surprisingly reliable Wi-Fi.
Things to See and Do in Los Naranjos / Guachaca
- Learn about the prehistory of the Don Diego River on an archaeological walk
- Spend the day swimming and sunbathing at Playa Cañaveral
- Hike through the national park to Cabo San Juan with scenic viewpoints, swims, and wildlife viewing along the way.
- Challenge yourself at the intricate maze at Laberinto Macondo
- Trek through the forest and visit seven beaches around Cape San Juan del Guía on a guided tour
- Hike to the waterfalls and pools at Refugio Gotsezhy
3. Playa Cinto – Best Area in Tayrona National Park for Luxury Resorts
Playa Cinto is a secluded beachy bay that you can only reach by boat. If you’re after delicious Colombian food, privacy and nature, it doesn’t get much more remote and beautiful than this. The water is calm, crystal clear, and there will barely be another human on the beach to share it with. This area is all about disconnecting from reality.
It’s home to some high-end hotels with personalised services and a budget-friendly hostel, all of which are dedicated to maintaining the local environment. It’s perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone looking to escape the world.
Tayrona Crystal Beach Lookout | Best Traditional Hotel in Playa Cinto
Tayrona Crystal Beach Lookout is an affordable, simple, and comfortable place to stay in Tayrona National Park that feels like a homestay. You’ll spend your days floating in the pristine bay, and your evenings watching the sun set from your balcony.
The design is basic, but it fits perfectly into the untouched surroundings. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a castaway, minus the impending doom and stress.
M Hostel Tayrona | Best Hostel in Playa Cinto
M Hostel is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Unlike other hostels, it’s not a particularly social one, although there are always friends to be made when sharing a dorm with strangers. It’s got a breezy, beach bum feeling with hammocks swaying under palm trees and piles of discarded coconut shells.
The rooms are minimalistic, with options for private suites and dorm-style offerings. But the real deciding point is that the beach is literally a stone’s throw away.
Wachakyta Ecolodge | Best Luxury Eco-Lodge in Playa Cinto
Wachakyta Ecolodge feels like an ode to nature and everything it provides. Calling it simple might sound like an insult, but I mean it in the best possible way. The designers have curated the space with private bungalows, tented suites, and common areas made from materials from the area. The surroundings are the real winner, with a beautiful bay of clear ocean right at the doorstep of the hotel.
It’s calm and cocooned, yet somehow feels totally connected to the wild energy of the surrounding national parks and oceans.
Things to See and Do in Playa Cinto
- Discover the beautiful, clear water and gorgeous beaches at Playa Cristal
- Go snorkelling around the untouched beaches and bays of El Remanso, Granate, and Bahia Concha
- Learn to scuba dive in the calm and clear waters and explore the underwater world of the national park
- Stargaze on a clear night and admire the Milky Way with hardly any light pollution
- Sail through the waters of Tayrona National Park to Bahia Concha
- Snorkel over the tropical reefs in the bay
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs About Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
According to travellers, these are some of the most frequently asked questions people ask when trying to figure out where to stay in Tayrona National Park:
What To Pack For Tayrona National Park
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for Colombia is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tayrona National Park
Colombia travel insurance is a must-buy before heading out on your trip!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is one of those places you might think only exists on the pages of a National Geographic magazine. But it’s real, and it’s actually super easy to access considering how wild and remote it feels. The main thing you’ll need to consider is where to stay in Tayrona National Park.
Whether you base yourself in El Zaino for easy access to tours and hikes, or venture east to Los Naranjos for calm beaches and eco retreats, or even further afield to a luxury resort or hostel like M Hostel Tayrona in Playa Cinto, there are no shortages of unique places to stay in Tayrona National Park. While it’s up to you how you choose to spend your time, one thing I can assure you is that you’ll leave feeling refreshed, revitalised, and energised by the jungle.
Photo: @sebagvivas
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Colombia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Colombia.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Colombia to plan your trip.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth South America backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
