The hike to Cabo San Juan
From the El Zaino entrance, the trail to Cabo San Juan del Guía covers about 7 km of tropical jungle to the park's most famous beach, taking two to three hours over terrain of roots, rocks and, depending on the season, some muddy stretches. The path passes Arrecifes and La Piscina, two intermediate beaches where you can stop to swim (at Arrecifes the current is dangerous and swimming isn't recommended); those who'd rather not walk the whole way can hire horses to near Cabo San Juan.
Why it's different from other Caribbean beaches
Tayrona combines tropical jungle, giant granite boulders dropping straight into the sea, and archaeological remains from the Tayrona culture that lived here before the Spanish arrived; the Pueblito site, with stone terraces set in the jungle, can be visited on a separate roughly two-hour hike from Cabo San Juan. The mix of mountain (the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal range, is visible throughout) and coast means the landscape keeps changing within just a few kilometres.
Planning it
The park closes for one month a year (usually February or June) for ecological rest, so it's worth checking the calendar before travelling. There are camping areas and hammocks at Cabo San Juan for those who want to stay overnight, but in high season it's worth booking ahead since spots are limited. Bring enough water, since inside the park it's limited and expensive, and insect repellent for the jungle stretches.