Colombia’s Tayrona Park Shutdown Due to Environmental Damage and Illegal Building Efforts Causes Economic Woes for Santa Marta Tourism Industry: You Need to Know - Travel And Tour World

February 27, 2026 - 19:35

Colombia's iconic Tayrona National Park remains closed to visitors indefinitely, with environmental degradation and unauthorized construction projects halting tourism to the coastal preserve. The extended shutdown is delivering a severe economic blow to the nearby city of Santa Marta, which relies heavily on the park's draw for international and domestic travelers.

The closure began as part of the park's scheduled annual rest period, a month-long hiatus intended for ecosystem recovery. However, authorities discovered extensive damage to critical trails and infrastructure following recent heavy rains, preventing a timely reopening. This environmental setback was exacerbated by the discovery of illegal building efforts within the park's protected boundaries. These unauthorized constructions, erected without environmental permits, have created additional complications for restoration teams.

Local businesses in Santa Marta, from hotels and tour operators to restaurants and transportation services, are reporting significant losses. The park is a cornerstone of the region's economy, and its prolonged inaccessibility has created widespread uncertainty for the tourism sector. Officials have not provided a potential reopening date, stating that comprehensive assessments and remediation of both the natural damage and the illicit structures must be completed first. The focus remains on the park's ecological rehabilitation before any return of tourist activity can be considered.