Lost City Trek Colombia (Ciudad Perdida tour)

The level of difficulty of the Lost City Tour of Santa Marta is medium-high. The trekking is not too demanding however the weather conditions (heat and humidity) and the number of hours walking each day increase the difficulty level. The most challenging time to make the trek is from mid-July to October.

During these four months, the rains increase, encouraging the vegetation and undergrowth to grow wilder, making it more difficult to trek through. The high temperatures paired with the rain also cause mud and humidity. It’s imperative to be physically healthy to complete the 4-Day Lost City Tour of Santa Marta.

The trekking for both tours is the same but the difference lies in the distance covered over days 4 and 5 of the tour. The first three days of the tour are the same in both the 4-day and 5-day versions. In the 4-day tour, on the fourth and last day of the tour, the group walks from Camp 2 to Mamey (and from there back to Santa Marta); in the 5-day tour on the fourth day, the group walks from Camp 2 to Camp 1, and on the fifth day of the tour, from Camp 1 to Mamey. While both versions are considered equally medium-high difficulty, if you are looking for the least demanding of the two tours, we recommend booking the 5-day Ciudad Perdida Tour here.

The maximum group size for the Santa Marta Lost City Tour is 15 travelers however you will meet other groups at the campsites.

The tour is available in English and Spanish. The local agency organizes the groups taking into account the preferred language of each traveler. If the guide speaks very basic English, a translator will be added to the tour.

Yes, all camps have bathrooms and showers (between 2 and 4 per camp). We advise bringing your personal hygiene products such as soap, toothbrushes, etc. The boldest travelers can refresh themselves directly in the cool river.

A trekking backpack is the best option because you'll be walking long distances. Limit yourself to just the essentials and travel light with items such as clothes, a bottle of water, insect repellent, and a flashlight. If you cannot leave your luggage at your accommodation, there is a luggage locker service at the local agency.

We recommend well-fitted sneakers or hiking boots that cover the ankle. We also advise bringing sports clothes, comfortable long-sleeved shirts, and pants for the campsites. You can see the list of recommended items to bring in the section "What to bring to Tour Ciudad Perdida Santa Marta".

The Ciudad Perdida Santa Marta tour includes three nights of lodging at campsites. The campsites are basic and located along the trail. This is the only accommodation option available during the trek. Each is equipped with beds or hammocks with mosquito nets and is covered by a roof without walls. They share common bathrooms and showers (between 2 and 4 in each per camp) and a common dining area. The Indigenous community creates sleeping arrangements (hammock or bed), therefore we cannot guarantee that you will have a bed or hammock when making your reservation.

If you prefer, you can bring your own sleeping bag in your backpack but it is not necessary. The beds and hammocks in the camps are equipped with sheets, blankets, and mosquito nets.

Yes, menus for special diets are available. You only have to indicate it in the 'Notes' section when making your reservation.

The best footwear is waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankles however normal boots or even comfortable sneakers are suitable. We highly recommend bringing sandals to wear in the camps while resting and extra water shoes to cross rivers.

The altitude ranges between 3,000 ft and 4,000 ft (900 and 1,200 m) above sea level.

Any time of the year is great to visit La Ciudad Perdida but it is good to know the rainy season is from October to November. Keep in mind that during September, the archaeological site is closed for maintenance work done by the locals.