L  A   D  A  T  C  O     T  O  U  R   S
	HOME	South America	Falkland Islands	Antarctica	Unique Destinations	Unique Experiences	Newsstand	e-mail

Tayrona Park EcoHabs near Santa Marta, Colombia

ABOUT TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK AND the "EcoHabs" - in their own words:

General Information on the Tayrona national Park:
Created in 1964, the Tayrona National Park is located in the Colombian Atlantic Coast, 34 kilometers to the north east of the historic city of Santa Marta.

In addition to the biological importance of the park, its cultural importance is also outstanding. It is believed that about 15 or 20 thousand years ago, when the last glaciation's effects could still be seen, small nomadic hunters' and gatherers' hordes occupied the Park's area. Towards the VI and VII century, this area was occupied by tribes located on the coast and on high parts., known as Tayronas. The indigenous occupation lasted until XVI century. Landscapes of great white rocks and cobbled paths that ascend towards the vestiges of pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the Tayrona culture.

Fauna: The variety of fauna and flora is a consequence of the 12,000 terrestrial hectares and the 3,000 of marine strip that extend from the level of the sea to 900 meters of height, making possible the existence of different earth and sea ecosystems. The park protects 27 species of fauna and typical flora and 56 endangered species. There are more than 100 species of mammals reported: the Tigrillo, the armadillo and the deer; more than 40 species of bats and species of primates; more than 400 species of birds: the Condor, solitary eagle and white eagle; a variety of reptiles: Green turtle, tortoiseshell turtle, sea turtle and the Caguama, snakes, iguanas, in addition to amphibians.

Vegetation: Characterized by the ecological influence and the fluvial precipitation according to the sector. From great trees to cactus are developed in the area. Ecosystems of tropical dry forest, wetlands, mangrove swamps, sedimentary bottoms, rocky coasts, beaches, prairies of marine grass and coral reefs.

Gounds: Bays, beaches, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, fish, mollusks and seaweed share the area with hills, forests, bushes, more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and archaeological ruins of the Tayrona culture.

In the marine bottom there are coral reefs and prairies of marine grass that provide sustenance and shelter to other organisms, 50 coral species, more than 100 seaweed, abundant and colorful invertebrates: Sedentary worms, black fire worms, black sea urchin, anemones, snails, bivalves, shrimps, crabs, starfishes, lobsters and sponges. Between the fish there stand out: Pargos, meros, morenas and loros.

About the EcoHabs:
In the Caņaveral sector there are 14 Ecohabs (indigenous house), 3 appropriate for double accommodation and 11 for double accommodation with additional beds, maximum 4 people in familiar accommodation.

The Ecohab has: