Lost City Trek Colombia (Ciudad Perdida)
Hike to Hidden City Colombia in 4 days from Santa Marta
Briefing
The Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days, also known as Teyuna, is the most chosen trekking by travelers who decide to visit the Tayrona village. It is an experience of nature and archeology in the Colombian jungle. Here, the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada are the inhabitants.
On this tour, you walk an average of 6 hours a day through the jungle and the nights are spent in camps. What makes this tour one of the best experiences in Colombia is the arrival at the Lost City, which has remained virtually untouched for centuries.
This trek is rated medium-high difficulty due to the climatic conditions in which it is done (heat and humidity) and the total number of hours you will walk each day.
Tour details
Included
- Transportation
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English)
- Food
- Lodging
- Entrance to La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)
- Indigenous communities fee
- Everything that is needed to make this a well enjoyable and memorable experience
Not included
- Breakfast on the first day
- Alcoholic beverages
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you will receive 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of no-show, no refunds will be given.
Tour itinerary
DAY 1 ➡ Santa Marta - Mamey - Camp 1
7.6 Km (4.7 mi) - 04 h
Initial elevation: 140 m (460 feet)
Highest altitude: 450 m (1475 feet above sea level)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rest: Camp 1
The adventure begins 🎒
The transportation will pick us up at our lodging in Santa Marta between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. to start the trip to the great Colombian jungle. Once the group is gathered, we will start the drive to Mamey in a 4x4 off-road vehicle for two and a half hours. Upon arrival, we will have lunch to regain strength and be ready for the start of the trek.
During the next 4 hours, we will walk through rivers and waterfalls where we can bathe and enjoy the authentic nature in the jungle. Around 6:30 p.m. we will arrive at "Camp 1", where we will be served dinner and spend the night in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets.
DAY 2 ➡ Camp 1 - Mutanzi - Rio Buritaca - Camp 3
15.2 Km (9.44 mi) - 07 h
Initial elevation: 500 m (1640 feet)
Highest altitude: 900 m (2950 feet above sea level)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rest: Camp 3
Visit to the indigenous village
Our day starts early with a good breakfast, so we can make the most of the trekking day and avoid the hottest hours of the day. The second day's hike lasts 7 hours through the jungle of the Sierra Nevada and the Buritaca River valley. Along the way, we will stop for lunch at "Camp 2" and pass through the Mutanzi indigenous village, where we will learn about the lifestyle of the Kogui community.
The second day of the Ciudad Perdida tour will end when we arrive at "Camp 3", where we will have dinner and spend the night in hammocks, tents, or beds.
DAY 3 ➡ Camp 3 - Lost City - Camp 2
10 Km (6.2 mi) - 06 h
Initial elevation: 900 m (1640 feet)
Highest altitude: 1200 m (3940 feet above sea level)
Difficulty: Moderate
Rest: Camp 2
Arrival at Lost City
The third day is the most spectacular route, the ascent to the Lost City. After breakfast, we will start the hike up the 1,200 steps that ascend to the Tayrona village. Once in the Lost City, the guide will give you a tour of the area and explain the history and secrets of this magical place.
At the end of the guided tour, you will have free time throughout the morning to enjoy all the surroundings and corners that this place has to offer. After this intense day, we will return to "Camp 2", where we will have dinner and spend the night in hammocks or beds. Tomorrow will be the last day of our Lost City Trek in Colombia.
DAY 4 ➡ Camp 2 - Mamey - Santa Marta
14.8 Km (9.2 mi) - 07 h
Initial elevation: 470 m (1540 feet)
Highest altitude: 470 m (1540 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Return
After enjoying breakfast, we will start the last day of the Lost City trek. During this 7-hour journey, we will pass by waterfalls and rivers until we return to Mamey. There, the van will be waiting for us to have lunch and return to Santa Marta. Once in the coastal city, we will say goodbye to the guide and to those who have been our adventure companions during these 4 days.
What to bring to Lost City Trek Colombia (Ciudad Perdida)
- Backpack of 30 liters
- Trekking boots (not new)
- Sandals or booties to cross the rivers
- Two shorts
- 3 long pants
- 3 short-sleeved T-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved cotton T-shirt (thin fabric)
- 4 pairs of socks
- Sandals or flip-flops for changing at campsites
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Bathing suit
- Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Towel
- Plastic bags (to keep dry clothes separate from wet clothes)
- Camera
Where does the tour Lost City Trek Colombia (Ciudad Perdida) start
Most travelers usually arrive in Santa Marta by departing from Cartagena. It is a 4 ½ hour trip, that also passes by Barranquilla. If you are taking the bus remember to wear warm clothes as the drivers usually run the air conditioning at full strength. Another option to get to Santa Marta is by plane since the city has an airport with regular flights to and from all the main cities of Colombia. Avianca, LAN, and the low-cost airline Vivacolombia are full-service airlines that fly to Santa Marta. If you are arriving at the airport, we also offer pickup and transfer service to your hotel.
Questions & Answers
What is the difficulty level of this tour?
It has a medium difficulty level. The trek is not really demanding, but the weather conditions (warm and humid) make it more difficult.How are the 4 and 5-day tours different?
The first 3 days of the tour are shared between both tours. It is only on the 4th day of the tour that the groups split up, as the travelers who make the tour in 4 days start the return to Santa Marta. Those travelers who booked the 5-day tour will make one last trek to "Camp 1" on day 4, where they will spend the last night and enjoy an afternoon in the natural pools of the area. Afterward, they will return to Santa Marta on the morning of the 5th day of the tour.Does the guide speak English?
This depends on the guide, although most of them speak basic English, there will still be a translator joining the tour.How many people will be in the tour?
The group’s maximum size is 15 people, but usually, there are 10 travelers per group.How high is The Lost City?
The altitude ranges between 900 meters (2950 feet) and 1,200 meters (3940 feet) above sea level.Do the camps have bathrooms and showers?
Yes, all camps have a toilet and a shower. We always recommend taking personal care products such as soap, toothbrush, etc.What kind of luggage should I bring?
A backpack for trekking is the best option, since you will walk a long distance with it. Try to keep it lightweight, as you should just bring the basics you may need such as clothes, a water bottle, insect repellent, or a flashlight. In case you can not leave the rest of your luggage at your accommodation, you can leave it in the main office.What clothes do you advise wearing for this tour?
We recommend sneakers or boots, sports clothes for the trek, and comfortable long-sleeved shirts and pants for the camps. You can find the whole packing list at “What to bring to Lost City Trek”.What type of accommodation does the tour include?
The accommodations are camps managed by the native communities. Once you arrive at the accommodation, they will provide you with a bed or a hammock, both options with mosquito netting, depending on availability. The community assigns where you will sleep, so we cannot guarantee that you will have a bed when you make your reservation.Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No, you will find sheets, blankets and mosquito nets on the beds.Is it possible to have a special menu: vegetarian, gluten-free, etc?
Yes, any type of menu is available. Tell us in the “notes” during your booking.What kind of shoes should I bring?
The best options are waterproof hiking boots, but you can use regular boots or even comfortable sports shoes. In addition, it is really convenient to bring sandals to use at the camps while resting.When is the best time to visit The Lost City?
Any time of the year is good to visit The Lost City, but it is good to know that the rainy season is during the months of October and November. Take note that the month of September remains closed due to the natives taking part in a purification ritual.Is The Lost City closed in February?
No, The Lost City is closed in September for a purification ritual carried out by the natives. In February, Parque Tayrona closes, but this does not affect the trek since it is in a completely different sector.
Lost City Trek Colombia (Ciudad Perdida) tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you from Colombia
- (12 reviews)Santa Marta, Colombia5 daysEnglish & SpanishFree cancellation!
- 🌟 NEW ITINERARY!(4 reviews)Santa Marta, Colombia3 daysEnglish and SpanishFree cancellation!
Other travelers also booked
- (2 reviews)Santa Marta, Colombia3 daysSpanishFree cancellation!
