Tayrona National Park is 35 km east of Santa Marta, and the main entrance, El Zaíno, is on the main coastal highway. Buses between Santa Marta and Riohacha pass El Zaíno every hour or so; the journey from Santa Marta takes about 45 minutes. Collectivo minibuses operate the same route more frequently from the central market area in Santa Marta. Taxis from Santa Marta cost around 80,000-100,000 pesos and take about 40 minutes.
From El Zaíno, you walk or take a horse or shuttle to Canaveral, then continue on foot along the trail through the forest to Arrecifes, La Piscina, and Cabo San Juan. The full walk from El Zaíno to Cabo San Juan takes two to three hours depending on pace and stops. There is also a western entrance at Calabazo, used by hikers who are doing the Pueblito circuit.
Entry fees are charged at the gate and must be pre-booked online via the Parques Nacionales website during peak season (December-January and July-August). Foreigners pay a higher rate than Colombians. Cash is accepted off-peak.