Ecocamping Lui

What makes Tayrona National Park such a fab destination is the spectacular mix of beaches and tropical rainforest, so it’s highly recommended that guests get a good look at both of these, on sea-view hikes and beach days. Start with a stroll to Arrecifes beach,15 minutes’ walk away, for some gorgeous mountain views and stunning sunsets. Dangerous currents mean that you can’t swim here; for that you’ll want to wander on to Cabo San Juan beach (45 minutes), a swoon-worthy spot where two fine sandy stretches are flanked by swaying palms and clear waters. If that’s given you a taste for jungle hiking, you may like to tackle the famed Ciudad Perdida from nearby Santa Marta (an hour’s drive away). Not up for multi-day treks? Stick around in the city to visit the gold museum and see the colonial quinta where Simon Bolivar lived out his last days. For more on the activity side of things, head to Palomino (55 minutes’ drive) for river tubing, or make for Minca (an hour and 10 minutes) for mountain hikes and tasty tours of coffee plantations and chocolate farms.