The 6 National Parks Tours in Colombia to Clear a Day For

1.Tayrona National Park Guided Tour

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

This 11-hour Spanish-language tour takes you from Santa Marta or El Rodadero to Tayrona by private bus, then along a four-hour forest trail to Cabo San Juan. You will pass Cañaveral, Arrecifes, Arenilla, and Piscina Natural, swim for three hours, and visit a viewpoint. Guides have included Luiz and Jesus. Bring cash for lunch and the 55,000 COP foreigner tax.

“Mi reserva era para las 6:30. El conductor me llamó a las 5:55, bajé lo más rápido posible y el coche ya se había ido. El hotel me informó que el coche no regresaría. El conductor envió un mensaje anoche a las 11:54, pero para esa hora ya estaba dormido y tampoco me llamó. ¿Por qué no me avisaron antes? Podrían haber pedido al hotel que me informara. Esta ha sido una experiencia muy mala.”

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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 before sunrise for a guided hike through Tayrona’s El Zaino sector. Walk past mangroves, dry forest, beaches, and viewpoints before reaching Cabo San Juan for swimming and lunch. The tour uses a mixed Spanish and English guide, includes park entry for Colombian nationals, and requires an extra foreigner tax.

“Had a great experience! The hike was not easy but definitely worth it. The crew was nice and professional!”

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3.Chingaza National Park Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 28 reviews · 7 hours · from $158

Leave Bogotá at 7:00 AM for Chingaza National Park, where a local guide leads you along the Rincón del Oso Trail through high Andean forest and páramo. Expect about three to four hours of moderate walking, changing weather, and possible sightings of deer or spectacled bears. Hotel pickup, park fees, snacks, water, and an English-speaking guide are included.

“Belle activité! Le guide, la traductrice et le chauffeur sont tous très gentils. Le guide est natif de la région. Les terres appartenaient à sa famille avant qu’elles ne fassent partie du parc national. Il a une excellente connaissance de la faune et de la flore. Attention d’apporter une gourde d’eau, le plastique a usage unique est interdit dans le parc.”

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4.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 Tayrona National Park. A PADI professional explains the gear, hand signals, and basic underwater skills before you practice in calm water. Groups are limited to four, with English or Spanish instruction, boat transport, 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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5.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 vehicle with your entry ticket included. Spend about two to four hours walking the 17-acre park, where you can see more than 135 bird species and possibly a bird show. Spanish-speaking drivers such as Renso and Ismael have earned praise for friendly service.

“The aviary was fantastic. We are birdwatchers and photographers so could have spent 4 hours instead of 2.5 hours.”

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6.Sumapaz National Park Hike Tour

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

Travel from Bogotá into Sumapaz National Park for a private, guided hike across the world’s largest Andean páramo. Walk muddy high-altitude trails between 3,500 and 4,000 meters, spot frailejones, learn about Chibcha traditions and water conservation, then return to Bogotá. English and Spanish guides are available.

“This was an absolutely amazing hike. The nature and landscape were breathtaking. Our guide Kata shared interesting information and stories about surrounding. This was a great opportunity to learn about vegetation, see some very tall frailejones, enjoy the view over surrounding Andes and have some tasty arepas and panela tea with guide Bernard and his cat Coco.”

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