Tyrona National Park Adventure: Eco-Lodge, Hammocks, and Hiking the Colombian Coast

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Planning Your Tyrona National Park Escape

Introduction to Tyrona National Park: A Vlogger's Journey

My boyfriend, Ru, our friend Julienne, and I embarked on a two-night adventure in Colombia's Tyrona National Park. We planned a mix of comfort and ruggedness: one night in an eco-lodge, the other in a hammock. This vlog documents our experience, showing you what to expect on your own Tyrona trip.

Entering the park through the main entrance (ELO), we paid the entrance fee and health insurance. The park itself is huge – over 150 square kilometers – so planning your entry point based on what you want to see is key. We chose ELO for our first time.

Our first night's stay at an eco-lodge was a pleasant surprise. It turned out to be affordable, especially since we split the cost between three people. The lodge offered a pool, breakfast, and a comfortable bed – a welcome relief after our travels! It proved to be the perfect balance between budget-friendly accommodation and a proper place to rest up for the next day's adventure.

Entering the Park and Choosing Your Accommodation

Entering Tyrona National Park through the main entrance (ELO) was straightforward. We paid the entrance fee and health insurance – a small price to pay for the adventure that awaited. The park's sheer size – over 150 square kilometers – is something to consider when planning your trip. Choosing your entry point depends entirely on your itinerary, but ELO served as a perfect base for our first-time exploration.

For our first night, we opted for an eco-lodge. I’ll admit, I was pleasantly surprised. Sharing the cost among three of us made it incredibly affordable, a welcome change of pace from some of the more expensive accommodations I've encountered on other trips. The lodge itself was a delightful spot offering a pool, included breakfast, and, most importantly, a comfortable bed! It was exactly the kind of balance we were hoping for: a budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort after a long journey.

Honestly, I'd initially assumed that eco-lodges within Tyrona would be prohibitively expensive. But this one defied expectations. If you're looking for a place to recharge before venturing further into the wilderness, and you're okay with sharing a room (which really does help with the price!), it's well worth considering. The pool was a welcome bonus after a day of hiking – a perfect way to relax and soak in the Colombian sun before our hammock adventure the following night.

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Exploring Tyrona's Beaches and Jungle Trails

Beach Hopping and a Unique Hammock Experience

After a restful night at the eco-lodge, we embarked on our beach-hopping adventure. The jungle trail was lush and surprisingly well-maintained, a pleasant contrast to some of the more rugged paths I've experienced. We even had a thrilling close encounter with some playful monkeys – a definite highlight!

Our first beach stop wasn't ideal for swimming; the waves were too rough. But the journey itself was captivating. We finally found Playa de Piscina, a stunning beach with calmer waters, perfect for a refreshing dip. The clear turquoise water and relatively small crowd made it a true oasis.

The trek continued to Cabo San Juan, renowned for its massive camping area and hammocks. Unfortunately, the cheaper ground hammocks were fully booked. We opted for the more expensive 'Mirador' hammocks, offering stunning views but with a trade-off: a significant hike to the nearest bathroom and a chilly, windy night. While the view was spectacular, the lack of convenient facilities was a definite consideration for future hammock-sleepers.

Sleeping in a hammock was... an experience. Between the wind, the cold, and the somewhat inconvenient bathroom situation, it wasn't exactly luxurious, but the unique setting and breathtaking sunrise made it worth it. Ultimately, choosing between the cheaper hammocks and the more expensive ones is a balancing act. If you value convenience, the lower hammocks are clearly superior, even if you miss out on the panoramic vista.

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Reflecting on the Adventure: Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Departure and Post-Trip Reflections

Leaving Cabo San Juan felt bittersweet. The sunrise was breathtaking, a perfect final image to carry with me, but I was also ready for a proper bed and a hot shower. The hike back was surprisingly manageable in the cool morning air, even with my lingering headache. We made good time, a welcome change from the slow, hot trudge of the previous day. It was a solid reminder of how much the time of day impacts a hike.

Looking back, the hammock experience at Cabo San Juan was undeniably unique. The view was spectacular, undoubtedly. However, the cold, the wind, the distance to the bathroom (especially at night!), and my unfortunate stomach issues definitely made it a test of endurance. While I wouldn't trade the memory, I'd recommend carefully weighing the pros and cons – particularly the potential inconvenience – before booking a Mirador hammock. The lower hammocks, despite the lack of a view, seem far more practical.

Tyrona exceeded my expectations. It was an incredible mix of organized trails, lush jungle, beautiful beaches, and thrilling wildlife encounters. The affordability of our eco-lodge stay was a bonus, proving that a comfortable night's rest doesn't have to break the bank. My advice? Plan carefully. Choose your entry point, book accommodations in advance (especially if you want a ground hammock!), and pack layers – those Mirador hammocks get chilly!

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FAQ

What type of accommodation options are available in Tayrona National Park?

Tayrona National Park offers a range of accommodation, from budget-friendly eco-lodges with amenities like pools and breakfast to hammocks at Cabo San Juan. Eco-lodges are a good option for comfort and rest, while hammocks provide a unique experience but may lack certain conveniences like nearby bathrooms.

What is the best way to plan a trip to Tayrona National Park?

Careful planning is crucial. Choose your entry point (ELO is the main entrance) based on your itinerary. Book accommodations in advance, especially hammocks, as they can fill up quickly. Consider the time of year and pack accordingly; layers are recommended for cooler evenings, especially in the higher hammock locations.

What are the key differences between the ground hammocks and the 'Mirador' hammocks at Cabo San Juan?

Ground hammocks are cheaper and offer greater convenience with closer access to bathrooms and facilities. 'Mirador' hammocks are more expensive, offering stunning views but at the cost of convenience – including a significant hike to the nearest bathroom and potential for cold, windy nights.