It is now a Hosteling International hostel in only its 4th or 5th year. It is a wonderful place to be and to explore from.
www.thedreamerhostel.com/
cra 51 N 26d-161 Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
+57 300 251 65 34
Google map: bit.ly/rztKF9
A campsite/hostel for nature lovers. Perfect place to start nature walks all over the Tayrona park and its surroundings.
2 km from the main entrance you find a sign Castilletes on your right-hand side. After 200 metres you get to the beach where the campsite is located. On request they supply good information on the park and its surroundings through email.
See their website: www.campingtayrona.com
It's a large protected natural park, kilometers of great white pristine beaches right by the rainforest, exuberant and incredible wildlife, nice people, nice food (don't miss the chocolate filled bread), ancient ruins, excellent weather, beautiful women. It's a great place to visit, but please, don't be a tourist, and take care of the place.
You can sleep in hammocks, camp or sleep in a small hotel or in some government administrated ecological houses - this place is awesome you can stay there for ever and never get tired.
Please be aware of powerful underwater currents and the powerful waves because there are no hospitals or lifeguards nearby. As this is a protected wild area you must consider there are wild animals and insects so get all the medicines you need for allergies or any other stuff. You must consult the Colombian government website for the shots you must get to enter certain areas (yellow fever, malaria and any other required) otherwise you might not be allowed to enter and of course you might get deadly sick and..........yes....die.
From Bogota fly or take a bus to Santa Marta, then ask a local where to find transportation to the park, don't be fooled, don't pa more than $7 dollars, the bus will drop you at the entrance and from there you walk through the rain forest, you must pay an entrance fee and negotiate the price of the accomodation but is around 2 - 7 per night per person in a camping site or hammocks. for more info or photos of my trips to this place email me at danielbernate@gmail.com I will gladly give you info, guide you or whatever you need.
This is the official Colombian tourism website. It does have an English version. I specially recommend our national natural parks. In fact, The Guardian has chosen the beaches at Tayrona Park as the world's second best. You'll also find useful tips for your Colombia trip.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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