The 5 Best National Park Trips in Colombia

1.Tayrona National Park Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 131 reviews · 11 hours · from $77Our pick

You’ll leave Santa Marta or El Rodadero early, ride to Tayrona, and walk about four hours through forest and beaches to Cabo San Juan. A Spanish-speaking guide leads the route, with three hours for swimming, lunch, and the viewpoint. Guides have included Luiz and Jesus. Bring cash for the 55,000 COP foreigner tax.

“Malheureusement, je trouve que l’activité ne vaut pas du tout son prix. Le guide ne parlait pas un mot anglais, ok c’était précisé que l’activité se faisait en espagnol mais à certains moments on se savait pas quoi faire et il ne nous aidait pas. Pendant tout le trajet il avait l’air pressé, il enchaînait tout et il ne prenait pas le temps de se poser. Le trajet est de plus ou moins 12km et c’est un aller retour, on reprend le même chemin pour rentrer et ça va encore plus vite que pour l’aller. Je vous conseille vivement de le faire par vous même, ce n’est pas compliqué car…”

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2.Guided Hiking through Tayrona National Park and Cabo San Juan

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 73 reviews · from $45Best value

Leave Santa Marta early for Tayrona’s El Zaino entrance, then hike through tropical forest, mangroves, and several beaches to Cabo San Juan. You get transport, park insurance, and a guide in a mixed Spanish and English group. Allow for a hot, demanding walk and extra fees if you are a foreign visitor.

“the place is actually nice, but the tour a real shamble. The bus was 1.5h late and the guide was not able to speak at all. When I complained after the tour, I have been told the other guide was sick, but really not an excuse”

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3.Tayrona National Park: Scuba Diving Tour for Beginners

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 4 hours · from $138Top rated

Meet at Santa Marta marina for a four-hour beginner scuba session in calm waters near Tayrona National Park. A PADI professional teaches gear use, hand signals, and basic underwater skills before guiding you beneath the surface. The group is limited to four, with English or Spanish instruction, equipment, photos, videos, snacks, and refreshments included.

“This particular dive was one of the best i have ever taken…i plan on doing this again there in a month!!!”

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4.Aviary National Park Tour with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 5 hours · from $83

Travel from Cartagena to Colombia’s National Aviary in a private, air-conditioned van with hotel pickup, entry included, and a Spanish-speaking driver. Spend about two to three hours walking the 17-acre park, where you can see more than 135 bird species, iguanas, and possibly a bird show. Drivers such as Ismael Herrera and Renso have earned praise for their kindness.

“Excellent aviary. We were picked up at our hotel on time. Vehicle with airco and seatbelts. Polite driver. Awful roads but that’s just how it is. Good communication. I fully recommend it.”

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5.Sumapaz National Park Hike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 13 reviews · 8 hours · from $136

Leave Bogotá for an eight-hour private hike across Sumapaz Páramo, one of the world’s highest plateaus. Your English or Spanish-speaking guide leads you through muddy trails, mist, water wells, and tall frailejones at 3,500 to 4,000 meters. Guides such as Kata, Liz, Steven, and Emilio have shared local ecology, Chibcha traditions, and Colombia’s conservation challenges.

“We took a tour with Alexander to Sumapaz National Park. It was beautiful; we didn't see a soul the entire day. The guide was very friendly, funny, and spoke English. Highly recommended!”

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