Tayrona National Park

Introduction

Tayrona National Park is situated along the Caribbean coast 35 km east of Santa Marta and covers 115 square miles of sea in the Caribbean and 460 square miles of land area, extending from sea level to an altitude of 1000 metres. The west end of the park is dry scrub, and is less accessible, while the east end is predominantly dry tropical forest reminiscent of an oak woodlands found on Europe and the US.

Getting to the Reserve

The principle access to the park is via Cañaverales which can be reached by bus from Santa Marta. Many hotels in the area will also arrange visits. The walk to Arrecifes, the first village to be reached in the park, and back is easily done in a day. Accommodation is also available in Arrecifes. Permission must be obtained from the Environment Ministry in Santa Marta before hand. They can also arrange accommodation for you.

Birds to look for

The walk to Arrecifes and beyond appears to be most productive. Look for Blue-backed and White-bearded Manakins, Jet and White-bellied Antbirds, White-fringed Antwren, King Vulture, Crested Guan, Military Macaw, Rufous-capped Warbler, Scrub Greenlet, Long-billed Gnatwren, Little Tinamou, Zone-tailed, Grey and Short-tailed Hawk, Blue-crowned Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, One-coloured Becard, Blue Dacnis, a selection of North American migrants - especially during September and October, several flycatchers including Southern Bentbill. Also Red-billed Emerald, Pale-bellied Hermit and Orange-crowned Oriole and if luck is on your side you may even see Blue-billed Currasow which is known to exist in the park and can occasionally be seen drinking from pools within the park.

Site List