MEET ME IN THE PARK
Among Colombia's many world-class attractions, the Tayrona National Natural Park stands out as a perfect way to experience the country at its all-natural best.
The Tayrona National Natural Park is situated in the northern Colombian department of Magdalena on the Caribbean coast, just one hour away from Santa Marta and about four hours from the touristic Cartagena. The national park was established in 1964 and covers an area of 150sqkm, where astonishing white sand beaches with a crystalline sea and a unique jungle landscape merge to create a natural retreat for rest and relaxation.
The park boasts outstanding flora and fauna, with a plethora of different trees and flowers, as well as nearly 59 species of mammals, among which the gray-bellied night monkey, the brown-throated sloth, armadillos, jaguars, and the giant anteater stand out. According to park authorities, there are around 70 species of bats, 396 species of birds, and numerous unique reptiles. Visitors will also be able to observe a wide array of sea species such as mollusks and turtles.
The natural park is also in close proximity to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range isolated from the Andes that is home to four indigenous ethnic groups, namely the Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco. Even though these peoples do not inhabit Tayrona Park, they consider it part of their ancestral territory. In fact, usually once every year the park is closed so that these ethnic groups can undertake a spiritual cleansing of the site (and so that mother nature can take a month of rest from the 1 million tourists that visit the park every year).
Visitors have two main accommodation options. The more adventurous can stay at the camping areas, where they can bring their own tent or sleep in a hammock at a low price. There are two camping areas, one of which is in the Arrecife sector, which can accommodate up to 400 people, while the other is Cañaveral, where 200 people can stay. Those looking for a more comfortable and unique accommodation can take advantage of park's 14 ecohabs located in the Arrecife sector, all of which feature the same amenities found in a conventional hotel—the most exquisite way to balance leisure and nature. 
MEET ME IN THE PARK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Bruce Mac Master, President, National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI)
TBY talks to Bruce Mac Master, President of the National Business Association of Colombia (ANDI), on tackling obstacles to competitiveness in the economy, participating in the global value chain, and the impact of the currency devaluation.
read articleFocus: Bank Expansion Abroad
Fortune Favors the Brave
Colombian banks have greatly expanded their operations in Central America in the last decade. The dramatic growth of the middle class and the internationalization of the Colombian economy has propelled growth. The market has shaken the shackles of the large players who used to dominate the market, with smaller institutions expanding and widening their coverage across the region.
read articleInterview
Mauricio De La Mora Rodríguez, Former President, National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH)
TBY talks to Mauricio De La Mora Rodríguez, Former President of National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), on promoting investment, gaining knowledge of offshore activities, and the short-term outlook.
read articleInterview
Eduardo Jaramillo Cuervo, President & CEO, General Electric (GE)
TBY talks to Eduardo Jaramillo Cuervo, President & CEO of General Electric (GE), on the role GE intends to play in developing Colombia's energy value chain and creating a diversified matrix to support the country's energy needs for years to come.
read articleInterview
Adriana Lucia Falla, General Manager, SoftManagement S.A
TBY talks to Adriana Lucia Falla, General Manager of SoftManagement S.A., on the important elements of the company's business, its key strengths compared to its competitors, and the significance of the IT sector in Colombia.
read articleInterview
Juan Martin Caicedo Ferrer, Executive President , Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure (CCI)
TBY talks to Juan Martin Caicedo Ferrer, Executive President of the Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure (CCI), on the future of infrastructure in the country, challenges, and the role of SMEs.
read articleFocus: 4G Generation
Motoring Toward Development
Colombia is looking toward the future and improving its transportation network by renewing road infrastructure, putting an end to the nation's underdevelopment in roads and highways. The government estimates that in the next four years the 4G program will dramatically enhance the Colombian economy, shortening traveling time between cities and, consequently, reducing transportation costs.
read articleFocus: Coffee
Morning Joe
Colombian coffee has an incredible reputation for its aroma, taste, and purity, which is why it is considered one of the best quality coffees in the world. This belief has not changed despite the entrance of huge producing countries such as Ethiopia, Brazil, and Vietnam into the market.
read articleReview: Education
Gold Star For You
In recent decades, Colombia made changes to nearly every level and aspect of its education system and has been exceeding the expected results, putting the country on the right track to achieve the president's goal of becoming the best educated country in the region.
read articleReview: Tourism
It's Not Magic
A reputation for violence had for many years stunted the growth of Colombia's tourism sector. But now that the country has enormously improved its image abroad, there is little to prevent it from becoming one of the most ideal destinations in Latin America.
read article