Every year, many travelers arrive in Santa Marta hoping to visit Playa Cristal or Cinto, only to find that Parque Tayrona National Park is closed. This is neither a whim nor an impromptu closure: the scheduled closures are in accordance with agreements with the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
In this article, we explain why the park closes, the dates for 2026, how much admission costs this year, and how to plan your trip so the closure doesn’t catch you by surprise.
Why Parque Tayrona Closes
Tayrona National Natural Park is part of the ancestral territory of the peoples of the Sierra Nevada. Scheduled closures are agreed upon with them so that the territory can rest and so that they can perform their rituals. During those weeks, the park does not receive visitors.
For those of us who make our living from the sea in Santa Marta, understanding this is part of traveling with respect. A two-week closure also gives beaches, trails, and ecosystems—which see a lot of visitors the rest of the year—a chance to recover.
The villages of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the world’s highest coastal mountain range and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Four indigenous peoples live there:
- Kogui
- Arhuaco
- Wiwa
- Kankuamo
Every community has its own identity and its own way of relating to the land. If you want to start learning about them, the Wikipedia page on the Kogui people is a good place to start, although nothing replaces listening to their own voices and respecting their decisions regarding the land.
How to Travel Respectfully in the Region
You don’t need to be an expert to be a good visitor. A few simple gestures are all it takes to make a difference:
- Respect the closing dates and do not try to enter the park when it is closed.
- Follow the park rules and the instructions of park rangers and captains.
- Do not take photos of indigenous people without asking for permission.
- Do not leave trash on beaches or trails, and do not take stones, shells, or plants.
- If you buy handicrafts, do so directly and respectfully.
From the motorboat, the connection between the mountains and the sea is evident: the green mountains slope down almost to the water’s edge and form the bays that make Tayrona famous.
Tayrona National Park Closure Schedule for 2026
According to reports by Blu Radio and Infobae in January 2026, the closures scheduled for this year are:
- February 1–15.
- June 1–15.
- October 19 through November 2. The park reopens on November 3.
In addition, in February 2026, the park closed temporarily for safety reasons and reopened in early March. These types of unscheduled closures can also occur, so the golden rule is to always check the Colombian National Natural Parks website before your trip, as dates are subject to change.
Can you go out on the water when the park is closed?
No. During the closure, you cannot visit any of the park’s beaches, not even by motorboat. That includes Playa Cristal, Cinto, and Bahía Concha.
Tayrona National Park entrance fees in 2026
The 2026 rates are set by Resolution 551 of 2025. These are the prices in Colombian pesos for the low season, high season, and the Bahía Concha area:
- Colombians, foreign residents, CAN citizens, and people under 25: $27,500 / $30,500 / $15,000.
- Same group, ages 25 and older: $36,500 / $43,000 / $26,000.
- Non-resident foreigners (outside the CAN): $81,000 / $96,500 / $43,500.
These fees are not included in the price of the motorboat, nor is the $12,000 COP departure tax per person. Confirm the amounts before your visit and bring the document proving your eligibility.
How to Plan Your Trip Around Road Closures
If your dates are flexible, the easiest thing to do is avoid the days the park is closed if your priority is to explore the park’s beaches. If your dates are set, that’s okay: the Santa Marta coast has much more to offer than just Tayrona.
If you’re traveling right before or after the closure
Book your Tayrona trip as early as possible during your stay. For example, if you arrive on October 15, try to take the trip to Playa Cristal, Cinto, or Bahía Concha before the 19th. If you arrive in late October, keep in mind that the park reopens on November 3.
If your trip falls during the closure
Choose routes outside the park. These are the available options:
- Inca Inca and Taganga.
- Playa Grande and Playa Blanca.
- El Rodadero and the Acuario del Rodadero.
- Bajo Bello Horizonte—for snorkeling.
- Sunset motorboat tour.
We’ll tell you how to combine them in our article on motorboat routes when Tayrona is closed. A very popular option is the private boat trip to Inca Inca and Taganga. And if you’re interested in snorkeling, check out the best snorkeling spots accessible by private motorboat, where we explain which ones are still available.
When the park is open: how to get there by sea
Getting to Tayrona by private motorboat avoids long walks and allows you to visit several beaches in a single day. Prices for 2026 for a full boat start at 2,100,000 COP for Bahía Concha and Granate, 2,250,000 COP for Playa Cristal, 2,400,000 COP for Cinto, and 2,550,000 COP for the combination of Cinto, Playa Cristal, and Bahía Concha.
If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth it, read our analysis on whether a motorboat tour to Parque Tayrona is worth it. And if you’re coming from abroad, remember that the authorities require the yellow fever vaccine to visit Tayrona; we explain this in the guide for international travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Tayrona reopen after the October closure?
According to the 2026 calendar, it reopens on November 3. Check the official National Parks website before your trip.
Can I see Tayrona from the lancha while the park is closed?
During the closure, you cannot visit the park’s beaches, not even by boat. That’s why the itineraries for those dates focus on destinations outside the park.
Is admission to the park included in the price of the motorboat?
No. The entrance fee to Tayrona and the departure tax (12,000 COP per person) are paid separately.
What happens if the park closes unexpectedly?
We’ll help you find an alternative route outside the park. The terms for date changes and cancellations are confirmed in writing before you book.
Plan your trip with the calendar in hand. Message us on WhatsApp from the Serenity Boat Rental booking page with your dates, and we’ll let you know which routes are available for your trip.