When I planned my trip to Colombia, I never thought I would be seeing anything like this. The lonely planet book describes the park as having palm-fringed beaches scattered with huge boulders that were once worshipped by the local indigenous people whom the park is named after.

Taryona Park was the most beautiful, serene and peaceful place I have ever been to. Maybe it was because I was not expecting it, or maybe it was because its energy was healing and calming but I am so glad I went. We hiked about 4 hours into the jungle where we were greeted with tiny white monkeys who are so intrigued with visitors. These monkeys followed me for a little bit on the trail. You wouldn’t notice them unless you were looking for them. Then we saw a large brown monkey trying to break open a fruit on a tree, pretty hilarious. I saw a sloth as well! So slow and silly. That hike I heard bird sounds I never have, and saw beautiful plants. I am in love with the jungle!

After 4 hours in 90 degree weather we finally reached a beach! However, there was still more to hike! 3 more beaches to go, jungle, beach, jungle, beach! A dream come true! I did the hike with some people from my hostel and with my friend Monique from WSU. Small world while staying in Tayrona we ran into some WSU and UW people. One guy from my class!

The beaches are unbelievable. The Caribbean sea is so salty and warm and turquoise and blue! We slept on hammocks on the beach and it was incredible, such a wonderful sleep! Spent the day walking beaches and hiking in the jungle. Not to mention there was a full moon that literally lit up the whole sky which made it perfect for night hiking in the jungle!

One morning I woke up early to go for a short walk and ended up a little lost in the jungle. I found myself in a field of wildflowers and as soon as I walked into the pathway there were butterflies (mariposas) that swarmed all around me. Soft sunlight was peaking through the trees as I was barefoot searching for the beach! One hour later I finally found it but how beautiful that hike was.

This was the first place that I know I will definitely have to come back to at some point in my life. It took away all my worries and transformed me into a place of calmness and relaxation. Just amazing!