Tayrona National Park private tour: Hike to Cabo San Juan beach

Hotel or accommodation pickup in Santa Marta. Meet your certified local tour guide and driver, then start the private transfer to Tayrona National Park along the road that borders the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. On the way, your guide will explain about the region, briefly introduce the plan for the day and answer your first questions.

At the El Zaino main entrance, your certified guide will personally handle all tickets, insurance, and visitor registration — no need to wait in line. During this time, you’ll be free to use the restroom, buy snacks or water, or pick up any last-minute items. Once everything is ready, you’ll meet your guide again and continue by private vehicle into the park, heading toward the starting point of the hike: Cañaveral

Begin your ecological walk through Tayrona National Park with a gentle 4.5 km (2.8 mi) trail section starting from Cañaveral. This part of the hike features shaded jungle paths, wooden walkways, and mild slopes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy lush tropical vegetation, ocean breezes, and the possibility of spotting monkeys, lizards or birds before continuing toward Playa La Piscina — a calm and scenic beach area deeper inside the park.

After passing Arenilla Beach, we arrive at Playa La Piscina — a calm, naturally sheltered bay ideal for swimming and relaxing. This stop is also a decision point: you may enjoy a quick dip, take photos, or rest in the shade before continuing the final stretch toward Cabo San Juan. The trail from here to the cape is approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi), usually taking around 30 minutes (each way) at a steady pace. It’s up to you whether to stay here longer or continue onward to complete the full hike.

You've reached Cabo San Juan — the most iconic beach inside Tayrona National Park. The short trail from La Piscina involves a sandy and rocky path that leads to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking turquoise waters, golden sand, granite boulders, and lush jungle all in one breathtaking scene. It’s up to you whether to take a refreshing swim, relax under the palms, or simply enjoy the view and take photos before heading back. A small kiosk is available where you may purchase drinks or access restrooms (at your own cost). After enjoying this spot, we begin the return hike toward La Piscina

After visiting Cabo San Juan, we return to Playa La Piscina, following the same scenic trail back. This calm, sheltered bay is a perfect place to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the view. It’s up to you whether to take a refreshing dip or use this time for an optional lunch at your own cost. Some travelers choose to unwind here, while others prefer to keep a steady pace. After this break, we continue on the trail toward Cañaveral to complete the return hike.

We begin the return hike from Playa La Piscina back toward the Cañaveral sector, following the same ecological trail in reverse. This 4.5 km (2.8 mi) section typically takes less time than the outbound hike, as there are fewer informational pauses. Still, we may stop briefly if we spot monkeys, birds, or other wildlife along the way. Once we reach the parking area, your private vehicle will be waiting — along with bottled water to refresh before the drive back to Santa Marta.

After completing the hike, we board the private vehicle waiting at the Cañaveral parking area for the return trip to Santa Marta. This is a great moment to rest, enjoy the air conditioning, or simply relax after a full day of nature and adventure. Many travelers take the opportunity to nap or reflect on the experience during the scenic drive back to the city. Drop-off is included at your hotel or the same location where the tour began.