Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days

Transfer from Santa Marta

Your guide will pick you up in a 4×4 vehicle at your accommodation in Santa Marta or Taganga between 7:00 and 9:00 AM. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before via WhatsApp. The drive to El Mamey (Machete Pelao) takes about 2.5 hours and passes through the tropical landscapes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

If you prefer, you can go directly to the local agency’s office in downtown Santa Marta, where you can leave any luggage you don’t need during the trek. Luggage storage is free of charge, and you’ll be able to pick up your belongings once the tour ends.

✈️ Arriving or departing by plane?

If you need a transfer to or from Santa Marta Airport, just let us know — we’ll help you add this extra service to your booking.

Start of the Lost City Trek Colombia

After arriving in El Mamey, you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch before starting your hike toward the Lost City (Teyuna).

The first day includes about 4 hours of trekking through jungle trails, crossing rivers and small waterfalls alongside your local indigenous guide.

You’ll have time to swim in the river and enjoy the lush nature of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. At sunset, you’ll reach Camp 1, where a hot dinner and a well-deserved rest in beds or hammocks with mosquito nets await you.

💙 Howlanders Tip

During the Ciudad Perdida Trek, you’ll cross several rivers on foot — so your feet will get wet. We recommend bringing sandals or water shoes for the crossings to keep your boots dry for the rest of the hike. Due to the high humidity, it’s very difficult to dry shoes at the campsites.

Trekking Through the Buritaca River Valley

The second day of the Lost City Trek begins early with a hearty breakfast before setting off on another day of adventure. Starting early lets you make the most of the day and avoid the hottest hours. Over about 7 hours of trekking, you’ll follow jungle trails surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, walking along the Buritaca River Valley and taking in breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Mutanzi Indigenous Village and the Kogui Community

Around midday, you’ll stop for lunch and a short rest at Camp 2. Along the way, you’ll visit the Mutanzi Indigenous Village, where you’ll learn about the Kogui community, their traditions, and their deep spiritual connection with nature and the Sierra Nevada.

Night at Camp 3

After an intense but rewarding day of hiking, you’ll reach Camp 3, where dinner and a well-earned rest await you. Spend the night in beds or hammocks with mosquito nets, listening to the sounds of the jungle as you prepare for the most anticipated moment of the trek — the visit to Teyuna, the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida).

Ascent to the Lost City (Teyuna)

The third day of the Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days is the most anticipated — the visit to Teyuna, the Lost City, the ancient capital of the Tayrona civilization. After breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent of 1,200 stone steps leading to the archaeological site. Once at the top, your local indigenous guide will take you on a fascinating tour of the ruins, sharing stories about the history, culture, and rituals of the native communities who still inhabit this sacred land.

Explore one of Colombia’s most sacred sites

Enjoy free time to explore the terraces, walk along the ancient stone paths, take stunning photos, and absorb the spiritual energy that makes the Lost City such a unique and unforgettable place. From its circular platforms, you can imagine how the Tayrona people once lived deep in the jungle centuries ago.

Return to Camp 2

After your visit, you’ll begin the hike back to Camp 2, where dinner and your final night on the trek await. Relax, share stories with your fellow travelers, and enjoy your last evening surrounded by the sounds of the jungle before returning to Santa Marta the next day.

Return from Camp 2 to El Mamey

After breakfast, you’ll begin the final day of the Lost City Trek Colombia. The route back takes you across rivers, waterfalls, and jungle trails, offering one last chance to enjoy the incredible landscapes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

The hike to El Mamey (Machete Pelao) takes around 7 hours, with stops to rest, take photos, and appreciate the lush tropical surroundings.

Transfer to Santa Marta

Upon arrival in El Mamey, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch before boarding the 4×4 vehicle back to Santa Marta.

Once in the city, you’ll say goodbye to your guide and travel companions — closing an unforgettable four-day adventure through the Colombian jungle and the ancient trails leading to the Lost City (Teyuna).