10 Best Hikes In Tayrona National Park And Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
“Imagine a pyramid standing alone by the sea, each side a hundred miles long. It’s a mountain nearly four miles high. In its folds imagine every different climate on earth. This is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and the people hidden here call the Sierra the Heart of the World and themselves the Elder Brothers.”
—Alan Ereira (filmmaker, director of the 1990 BBC documentary From the Heart of the World: The Elder Brothers’ Warning)
If you’re looking to plan a hiking trip to Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on Colombia’s Northern Caribbean Coast offers some of the best hiking trails in the country.
Known by the local indigenous people as Gonawindua or the “Heart of the World” by local indigenous peoples the Kogi, Wiwi, Arhuaco and Kankuamo, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique pyramid-shaped mountain range on the northern tip of Colombia.
In this mountain range, you have nearly every important climatic zone found in Colombia from tropical beaches and rainforests in the clouds to high alpine paramos and the glaciers that cap the 5,000 m peaks Cerro Colon and Cerro Simon Bolivar, which are the highest in the country.
For hiking, the best places to base yourself are Mina, Palomino, El Rodadero, Taganga or Santa Marta’s historical center, which is celebrating 500 years in 2025.
In this hiking guide to Tayrona National Park and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, I’d like to share with you the best hikes that you can do in the area if you’re thinking about planning to do a trip here.
1. Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)
The trek to Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City, is a legendary 4- to 5-day adventure through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Spanning about 44 miles round-trip, you’ll climb steep jungle trails, cross rivers and pass indigenous Kogui villages. The reward is the ancient Tairona ruins, hidden in lush forest at 1,200 meters—older than Machu Picchu.
This hike isn’t for the faint-hearted; it’s hot, humid, and physically demanding with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain. You’ll need a guide, as it’s organized through licensed agencies in Santa Marta or Taganga. Pack light, bring bug spray, and prepare for an unforgettable immersion in history and nature.
Expect to ford the Buritaca River multiple times—sometimes waist-deep—and sleep in basic camps with hammocks or bunk beds. The final ascent up 1,200 mossy stone steps to the city is a highlight, offering panoramic views and a sense of triumph. It’s a bucket-list hike that blends adventure and archaeology.
2. Cerro Kennedy
Cerro Kennedy is a challenging yet stunning hike in the Sierra Nevada, reaching 3,100 meters for jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks and the Caribbean coast. This mountain is named after John F. Kennedy and there is a Colombian military base on the mountain because it offers a vantage point to see the surrounding area.
This is also an important sacred place for local indigenous people, who call it Nukulinzhduwe. The lakes and wetlands here provide the headwaters to 7 rivers that flow down from the Sierra Nevada. If you want to learn more about local indigenous people before your visit, I recommend watching the documentary Aluna about the Kogi people’s spiritual ecology.
If you want easier access to start the Cerro Kennedy hike before sunrise, I’d recommend staying at the El Dorado Birding Reserve, which is high in the cloud forests and offers one of the best locations for birdwatching in Colombia (where you will find the highest bird biodiversity in the world with over 2,000 species).
You can also book a tour to Cerro Kennedy or hire a motorcycle taxi in the town of Minca to take you on the 1.5-hour trip up to the trailhead at 4 am if you want to catch the sunrise. Camping near the summit under a star-filled sky is a magical experience. On clear days, you can see Pico Colón and the distant ocean at sunrise. It’s much cooler up here than in Tayrona, so pack layers.
3. Bunkuany Trek
Don’t have time to do the 4-day Ciudad Perdida trek? The Bunkuany Trek is a lesser-known gem in the Sierra Nevada, starting near Tayrona National Park and leading to the ancient archaeological site of Bunkuany.
This moderate 2-day hike covers about 12-15 miles, winding through jungle and indigenous lands. It’s a cultural journey as much as a physical one so I recommend doing it with a local indigenous guide.
This hiking trek is much quieter and less busy than the Ciudad Perdia. It offers solitude and a chance to connect with Kogi guides who share their traditions and culture.
It’s also not nearly as grueling as Ciudad Perdida. However, muddy paths and unpredictable weather can test you. Basic camping or homestays with locals are your overnight options. This hike is perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure with a spiritual twist.
4. Colinas de Calabazo
If you’re looking for a longer hike in Tayrona National Park that not nearly as crowded as the more popular entrance then this is it. Colinas de Calabazo is a rugged hike from the Calabazo entrance, which is much less touristy than the main El Zaino entrance.
This hike is an 18-mile round-trip that takes 8-9 hours, leading to Playa Brava and Cabo San Juan where you can rent a tent or ecohab hut for the night. It’s a steep, muddy slog through dense jungle so make you bring sturdy shoes and at least 3 liters of water.
Starting with an 8 km climb, you’ll pass indigenous villages and the archaeological site of Pueblito (now closed to visitors) before descending to the coast. The trail’s remoteness means wildlife sightings—monkeys and birds—are common. Playa Brava’s wild beauty feels like a secret reward.
It’s tougher than the main coastal route, with elevation changes and slippery sections, especially after rain. You can camp at Playa Brava or push on to Cabo San Juan. This hike is for those who crave a challenging, less-crowded Tayrona experience.
5. Cabo San Juan
The Cabo San Juan hike is Tayrona’s most popular trail, starting at the El Zaino entrance and covering 8 miles round-trip in 4-5 hours. It’s a moderate walk through jungle and along beaches like Arrecifes and La Piscina, ending at the iconic Cabo San Juan beach. The scenery—turquoise waters and palm-lined shores—is postcard-perfect.
The path is well-trodden but can get muddy, with some rocky climbs and horse traffic to dodge. It’s low elevation, under 700 feet, making it accessible for most hikers, though the heat and crowds peak in high season. Swimming at La Piscina or Cabo San Juan is a refreshing bonus.
You’ll pay the park fee (around 87,000 COP for foreigners) and can camp or rent hammocks at Cabo San Juan. Start early to beat the rush and enjoy the coastal vibe. It’s the classic Tayrona hike—busy but beautiful.
6. Taganga To Bahia Concha
The Taganga to Bahia Concha hike is a short, scenic coastal jaunt outside Tayrona’s main boundaries, taking 2-3 hours one-way over 4-5 miles. Starting in the fishing village of Taganga, you’ll follow dirt paths and cliffs to the sandy Bahia Concha beach. It’s a chill escape with ocean views.
This trail is easygoing, with minimal elevation gain, though it’s exposed—sun protection is a must. You’ll pass rocky coves and quiet stretches before hitting Bahia Concha, where swimming and snorkeling are on offer. It’s less wild than Tayrona’s interior hikes.
No park fees apply here, as it’s just outside the official boundary, but it’s still part of the region’s charm. You can return by boat or moto-taxi if you’re not up for the walk back. It’s a laid-back option for a half-day outing.
7. Quebrada Valencia
Quebrada Valencia, near Tayrona, is a quick 1-2 hour hike to a stunning waterfall, about 3 miles round-trip from the trailhead off the Santa Marta-Riohacha road. The path cuts through forest to a series of cascades where you can swim in cool, clear pools. It’s a refreshing detour.
It’s flat and easy, with little elevation gain, making it family-friendly, though the trail can be slippery after rain. The falls are tallest in the wet season (May-November), surrounded by lush greenery and rocks perfect for lounging. It’s a hidden spot often overlooked by park visitors.
You’ll need a short bus ride from Santa Marta (about 45 minutes) to reach the start. No guides or fees are required—just bring water and a swimsuit. This hike is a peaceful, low-effort nature fix.
8. Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor is a short, scenic coastal hike starting from the bustling beach town of El Rodadero, just south of Santa Marta. This 2-3 mile round-trip takes about 1-2 hours, leading to the secluded Playa del Amor. I also recommend visiting Playa Inca Inca along the way.
The trail follows a rocky coastal path with minimal elevation gain, offering views of the Caribbean and passing small coves. It’s an easy walk, though the sun can be intense—hat and water are essentials. Playa del Amor’s calm waters and quiet sands feel like a hidden gem.
You’ll dodge some boat traffic noise near the start, but it fades as you go. Swimming and relaxing are the rewards—no park fees, just a local adventure. This hike is perfect for a spontaneous beach getaway.
9. Pico Cristóbal Colón
Pico Cristóbal Colón is the ultimate Sierra Nevada challenge—a 10+ day expedition to Colombia’s highest peak at 5,775 meters. Starting from Valledupar or Santa Marta, it’s a 50-60 mile round-trip through jungle, páramo and glaciers. Only expert mountaineers should attempt it.
The climb involves massive elevation gain (over 5,000 meters), extreme weather and technical sections with ice and rock. Indigenous permission and experienced guides are mandatory because the logistics are complex.
It’s remote, cold, and dangerous, with campsites shifting from humid forests to icy altitudes. Few complete it due to the physical and mental toll. This hike is for hardcore adventurers chasing the top of Colombia.
10. Playa Cristal
Playa Cristal is a short and sweet hike from the Neguanje entrance of Tayrona National Park, a 3-4 mile round-trip taking 2-3 hours with a boat or jeep assist to the trailhead. It’s an easy walk to a pristine beach with crystal-clear water. Snorkeling here is top-notch.
The trail is flat, winding through dry forest to the coast, with minimal elevation gain. It’s less jungly than Cabo San Juan but just as beautiful, with fewer crowds. The beach’s white sand and coral reefs steal the show.
Park fees apply (same as El Zaino), and you’ll need transport from Santa Marta to Neguanje. It’s a mellow hike for a relaxed beach day. Playa Cristal is Tayrona’s chill coastal gem.
These 10 hikes span Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada’s best—from coastal strolls to epic ascents. Whether you’re after beaches, ruins, or peaks, there’s a trail calling your name in this wild Colombian paradise!
Planning Your Hiking Trip To The Sierra Nevada
Tayrona National Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta showcase Colombia’s stunning variety. Think rugged peaks, thick jungles, and pristine beaches. From the epic Ciudad Perdida trek to the short Playa del Amor hike, these hiking trails suit all adventurers.
These hikes blend natural beauty with rich stories. The Bunkuany Trek reveals Kogui traditions, Cerro Kennedy offers quiet forests, and Quebrada Valencia boasts lively ecosystems. They test your stamina and lift your spirits, from Colinas de Calabazo’s mud to Playa Cristal’s calm shores.
Timing matters—wet season (May-November) boosts waterfalls but slicks paths, while dry months (December-April) ease hikes yet pack popular spots like Cabo San Juan. Pack sun gear, good shoes, and curiosity. Tayrona and the Sierra Nevada call to every explorer, from mountaineers to beach lovers.
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