The Tayrona National Natural Park, one of Colombia’s most visited destinations, closes temporarily three times a year to allow its ecosystems to recover and to respect the spiritual practices of the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
If you’re planning to visit Santa Marta in 2026, it’s very important to know these dates to avoid surprises during your trip. Below, you’ll find the official closure dates for Tayrona Park in 2026, the reasons behind this decision, and some tips for planning your visit.
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| First closure | February 1 – February 15 |
| Second closure | June 1 – June 15 |
| Third closure | October 19 – November 2 |
Tayrona Park will be closed to the public during three periods in 2026. During these dates, visitor access will not be permitted through any of the park’s entrances.
The first closure of the year takes place between February 1 and 15.
During this period, spiritual activities are carried out by the native indigenous peoples and environmental recovery processes take place. Many people who visit Santa Marta during high season are unaware of this information, so it’s recommended to check the calendar before planning your visit.
The second closure takes place from June 1 to 15.
During this time of year, the park takes the opportunity to reduce tourism pressure and allow the ecosystems of the protected area to have a rest period, in addition to the spiritual activities carried out by the indigenous peoples.
The last closure of the year takes place between October 19 and November 2.
This period also coincides with important moments within the cultural and spiritual practices of the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada, as well as the sustainability activities carried out by the park rangers of Tayrona Park.
The closure of Tayrona Park is not something recent. For several years now, an annual calendar has been established to allow nature to recover and to respect the indigenous worldview of the territory.
The main objective of the closure is to:
During these weeks, the park rests from the constant flow of visitors who arrive every day from Santa Marta and other regions of the world.
Every year thousands of tourists visit Tayrona National Natural Park to enjoy its beaches, trails, and natural landscapes. However, many people are not aware that the high number of visitors also has an impact on the ecosystems of this natural destination.
Mass tourist arrivals can affect:
For this reason, the temporary closure also has a clear environmental objective: to give the park a rest and allow natural restoration of its ecosystems.
Especially during one of the driest times of the year, these breaks help restore the balance of the territory.
