Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park, on Colombia's Caribbean coast near Santa Marta, is one of the most beautiful coastal parks in South America, where dense tropical rainforest, alive with monkeys and birds, tumbles down from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains to meet a coastline of golden beaches, turquoise coves and giant granite boulders. Reached on foot or horseback through the jungle, its idyllic beaches like Cabo San Juan are a paradise for swimming, camping and unwinding.

What you actually see

• The beaches - the golden coves like Cabo San Juan and La Piscina.
• The jungle trails - the walk through rainforest to the beaches.
• The giant boulders - the dramatic granite boulders on the shore.
• The wildlife - the monkeys, birds and coastal nature.

When to go

The drier months, roughly December to March and July to August, for the best weather; note the park closes for a few weeks each year for ecological rest and indigenous ceremonies, so check dates before planning. It is hot and humid year-round.

Honest expectations

Reaching the best beaches means a hot, sweaty jungle hike of an hour or two, or a horse, so it takes some effort; it is not a drive-up beach. The park closes for periods each year, so check. Not all beaches are safe for swimming due to strong currents, so heed the warnings. Facilities are basic, and it gets busy in peak season.

Nearby

Santa Marta, the trek to the Lost City and the fishing village of Taganga are nearby.