There is a magical place, I have heard many times, on television and the radio. I had seen photos and videos and suddenly this place became part of my dreams.
The Tayrona National Natural Park located in the north of Colombia with an area of around 225 km2 covers the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, according to the official website of national parks in Colombia this park has ecosystems such as dry forest, humid forest, cloud forest; and as for the coastal area, the park contains beaches, lagoons and mangroves.
I consider this short description to be enough to understand why visiting this place represented a great desire for me for a long time. Today I can happily say that going to Tayrona Park stopped being a dream to become part of my reality in May 2024.
Tayora Park is considered one of South America’s most important ecological reserves. This wonderful place is home to a wide variety of species, so it has great beauty in terms of flora and fauna. The park is known for its wide aerial fauna. According to the official website of Tayrona Park, it is estimated that it is home to 350 species of birds – an inventory that continues – since the place is a refuge for birds that migrate through South America. Birds that remain in the park can also be highlighted, such as the white eagle, the condor, macaws and many more species.
On the other hand, in terms of fauna in Tayrona, there are jaguars, peccaries, anteaters, howler monkeys, among others. I could continue writing about the natural wealth of Tayrona Park and surely I would not finish in one day. Keep in mind that I have not mentioned its vast flora or the indigenous communities that inhabit the park, perhaps that is something that you will have to discover on your own.
Definitely having the privilege of visiting this place is priceless, and I would love to return. To be honest, going to the park and walking through the rainforest to find the beach for about 3 hours in a temperature of almost 40 degrees Celsius was not easy at all, I would like to go back and be more detailed, maybe stay longer in the park (my visit was 1 day) take many more photos and enjoy the magic of this place slowly.
Please do not misunderstand me, I do accept that it is a somewhat complex experience when it comes to the long walk and so on, but it is worth it, every second is worth it. For example, you are walking through the rainforest but the sound of the sea in the distance is worth it, you see the strong waves – Even in some parts of the park, the waves can be deadly.- it is worth it, seeing the high mountains while submerged in the sea, listening to the howler monkey, reaching “El Cabo San Juan” with its crystal clear waters, even getting soaked in the middle of the jungle with the strongest downpour I have ever seen in my life, it is definitely worth it.
If you are planning your next vacation, if you love nature, if you want to disconnect from everything and live a unique experience, I invite you to seriously consider visiting the wonderful Tayrona Park.
SOURCES
Parque Nacional Tayrona (Natural Park Tyrona)
Parque Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (Natural Praks from Colomia)