Views of the archaeological terraces of the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Stone trail through the jungle during the Ciudad Perdida 3-day trek in Colombia
Couple enjoying the sights in the Lost City during the 3-day tour.
Mountain scenery and clouds over Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Indigenous guide explaining the Tayrona culture during the 3-day Lost City tour.
Group of hikers crossing a river during the Ciudad Perdida 3-day trek.
Traditional palm houses of the indigenous communities in the Sierra Nevada
Group of travelers walking with a local guide to an indigenous camp.
Common dining area in one of the camps of the Ciudad Perdida trek.
Hammocks with mosquito nets in the campsites of the Ciudad Perdida 3-day tour.
Bunk beds with mosquito nets in the campsites of the 3-day Ciudad Perdida tour in Colombia.
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Lost City Trek Colombia 3 Days

Private 3-day Lost City trek, the most demanding version of this jungle adventure

(7 reviews)

To join a group tour 👉 book the Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days

Santa Marta
3 days
Spanish and English
Starts: Pick-up from your accommodation in Santa Marta at 5:00 AM
Ends: Drop-off at your accommodation in Santa Marta between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
Free cancellation!

Briefing

The 3 Day Lost City Trek is the shortest version of the traditional Lost City Trek from Santa Marta — and the only one operated exclusively as a private tour. It’s designed for travelers who want to complete the most iconic route to the ancient Tayrona city in record time, accompanied by a private local guide.

Over the course of three days, you’ll hike 7 to 11 hours per day through the lush jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, spending the nights in camps run by indigenous communities. This is a physically demanding trek, due to both the hot and humid conditions and the long hiking hours each day.

Ready for the challenge? Here’s everything you need to know before you go:

Tour details

Included

  • Private transportation in a 4x4 vehicle
  • Private local guide
  • Contributions to indigenous and farming communities, and to ICANH
  • All meals during the tour
  • Snacks and fruit during the trek
  • 1 night of lodging at Camp 3
  • 1 night of lodging in Camp 2
  • Travel insurance
  • Entrance fee to the archaeological site

Not included

  • Beverages
  • Mules for luggage transport

Important information

🔴 Requirements for the trek

  • To join the 3 Day Lost City Trek, it’s essential to be in good physical condition.
  • The trek is rated medium to high difficulty — you’ll hike between 7 and 11 hours per day for three days on steep, muddy, and sometimes slippery trails, under the warm and humid conditions typical of the rainforest.
  • No previous mountain experience is required, but good endurance and an adventurous spirit are a must.

⛺ Camping during the trek

  • During the trek, you’ll spend two nights in basic jungle campsites located along the trail.
  • Each camp offers beds or hammocks with mosquito nets, a covered sleeping area, and shared bathrooms and showers (usually 2 to 4 per camp).
  • Meals are served in a communal dining area, and the experience is simple but authentic — this is the only type of accommodation available along the route and an essential part of the adventure.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the total amount paid. After this period, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Mamey (Machete Pelao) – Camp 3

Difficulty: High

Distance: 13.6 mi (22 km)

Total hiking time: 11 hours

Overnight: Camp 3

5:00 AM

Transfer from Santa Marta

Your private guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Santa Marta in a 4×4 vehicle at 5:00 AM. The drive to El Mamey (Machete Pelao) takes about 2.5 hours, passing 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 can collect your belongings once the tour ends.

Ciudad Perdida Lost City 3 days tour 4x4 vehicle in Colombia

Mamey - Start of trek

Upon arrival in Mamey, enjoy a traditional breakfast before continuing the journey by motorcycle to the Vista Hermosa trailhead. From there, the adventure begins.

After about two hours of hiking, you’ll pass near the indigenous community of Mutanzhi, where you can observe the harmony between the local people and their natural surroundings.

Travelers with a local guide at the archaeological ruins of the Lost City during the 3-day tour

Mumake Camp

Continue hiking for another 40 minutes until reaching Mumake Camp, where a homemade lunch will be waiting for you.

Camp 3 (Mamo Romualdo Camp / Paradise Camp)

In the afternoon, resume your ascent for about five hours until you reach the Mamo Romualdo Camp, also known as Paradise Camp. There, you’ll have dinner included and spend the night in beds or hammocks, both equipped with mosquito nets.

Rest area at the Mamo Romualdo camp during the 3-day Ciudad Perdida tour.

Day 2: Camp 3 – Lost City – Camp 2

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 8 mi (13 km)

Total hiking time: 6 hours

Overnight: Camp 2

The Lost City

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent to the most anticipated point of the journey — the Lost City of the Tayrona people. The hike takes about one hour, leading you through dense jungle to this impressive archaeological site hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada. The climb is demanding, but the panoramic views and mystical atmosphere make every step worthwhile.

Together with your local guide, you’ll enjoy a two-hour guided tour through the archaeological, ethnological, and historical areas, learning about the Tayrona culture and the spiritual importance of the site. You’ll then have free time to wander the stone terraces and ceremonial structures at your own pace.

Views of the archaeological terraces of the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

From Camp 3 to Camp 2

After the visit, return to Camp 3 for lunch and a short rest before continuing the trek toward Camp 2, where you’ll spend the second and final night of the 3 Day Lost City Trek.

This section takes around four hours of hiking along jungle trails surrounded by tropical vegetation and rivers.

Traditional indigenous dwellings in the Sierra Nevada during the Ciudad Perdida 3-day tour

Day 3: Camp 2 – Mamey (Machete Pelao) – Santa Marta

Difficulty: Medium

Distance: 10.5 mi (17 km)

Total hiking time: 7 hours

End of the tour: Santa Marta

Camp 2

Your last day in the Colombian jungle begins with an early breakfast before starting the final stage of the 3 Day Lost City Trek — a long but incredibly rewarding day.

Mamey (Machete Pelao)

From Camp 2, you’ll hike for about seven hours back to the starting point, the village of Mamey (Machete Pelao). Along the way, you’ll cross lush jungle trails, rivers, and rolling hills, the perfect scenery to reflect on your adventure before reaching the end of the trail.

Hikers crossing a river during the Ciudad Perdida 3-day trek in Colombia

Transfer to Santa Marta

Once in Mamey, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some rest before boarding your private 4x4 vehicle back to Santa Marta.

The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, giving you time to relax and relive the highlights of your journey to the Lost City.

4WD vehicle heading to Santa Marta from Mamey

What to bring to Lost City Trek Colombia 3 Days tour

Packing smart is essential to make the most of your 3 Day Lost City Trek. Keep in mind that you’ll be hiking 7 to 11 hours per day for three days through the jungle — with heat, humidity, and occasional rain. Pack only what you need and keep your backpack as light as possible.

✅ Recommended packing list by Howlanders:

  • 30-liter backpack
  • Trekking boots (well-worn to avoid blisters)
  • Sandals or water shoes for river crossings
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 3 pairs of long pants
  • 3 short-sleeve T-shirts
  • 1 lightweight long-sleeve shirt (cotton or quick-dry)
  • 4 pairs of socks
  • Sandals or flip-flops for the campsites
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Headlamp
  • Swimsuit
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet paper
  • Microfiber towel
  • Plastic bags to separate wet and dry clothes
  • Camera or phone with enough battery

💡 Extra tip: Store your clothes inside airtight or waterproof bags within your backpack to keep them dry during river crossings or in case of rain.

Where does the tour Lost City Trek Colombia 3 Days start

The tour starts and ends in Santa Marta (Colombia), with round-trip 4×4 transportation to the village of El Mamey (Machete Pelao) — the starting point of the hike to the archaeological ruins of Teyuna, the Lost City.

The only way to access this archaeological site is by booking an authorized guided tour to the Lost City from Santa Marta.

How to Get to Santa Marta (Colombia)

  • Most travelers reach Santa Marta from Cartagena, a scenic journey of about 4.5 hours with a stop in Barranquilla.
    • If you’re traveling by bus, remember to bring a light jacket — the air conditioning can be quite strong.
  • You can also fly directly to Santa Marta, which has an airport connected to Colombia’s main cities. The airlines currently operating are Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air Colombia (low cost).
    • If you’d like to add a transfer to or from Santa Marta Airport at the start or end of your trek, simply let us know when booking and we’ll help you include this optional service.

Questions & Answers

  • Can I do the tour in a group?

    If you prefer to do the Ciudad Perdida Tour in a group rather than privately, you can book the 4-day version — the most popular option among travelers who want to share the experience with others. Due to its difficulty and faster pace, the 3 Day Lost City Trek is available exclusively as a private tour.

  • What is the level of difficulty of the 3-day tour?

    The trek is considered medium-high difficulty. It’s not technically demanding, but the heat and humidity make it challenging. Since this is the shorter version, the daily stages are longer.

    Between July and October, the trek can be even tougher due to heavier rainfall, which makes the terrain muddy and the vegetation denser.

  • Does the guide speak English?

    Most guides speak basic English. If needed, you can request an English translator to accompany you throughout the tour. Because this is a private tour, the translator can be included free of charge when you book.

  • How many people will be on the tour?

    The 3 Day Lost City Trek is operated only in private service, meaning you’ll hike with your own guide and without other travelers in your group. However, you’ll meet other trekkers at the shared campsites along the route.

  • Do the camps have restrooms and showers?

    Yes, all camps have bathrooms and showers. We recommend bringing your own personal hygiene items such as soap, toothbrush, and towel.

  • What kind of luggage should I bring on the tour?

    A light trekking backpack is ideal. You’ll carry it throughout the hike, so pack only the essentials — comfortable clothing, water bottle, flashlight, insect repellent, and toiletries. Any extra luggage can be left at your hotel in Santa Marta, where most accommodations offer a free luggage storage service.

  • What clothes should I bring for the trek?

    We recommend hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, breathable clothing for the hikes, and long-sleeve shirts and pants for evenings at the camps to protect against insects and vegetation.

  • What are the campsites like?

    The camps along the Ciudad Perdida trek are managed by local indigenous communities. Upon arrival, you’ll be assigned either a bed or a hammock, both equipped with mosquito nets, depending on availability. It’s not possible to choose in advance.

  • Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?

    No, it’s not necessary. The camps provide sheets, blankets, and mosquito nets, but you can bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer.

  • Can I request special meals (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)?

    Yes. Simply note your dietary requirements in the “Comments” or “Notes” field when booking, and the team will adapt your meals accordingly.

  • What type of footwear is recommended?

    Waterproof hiking boots are the best choice. You can also wear comfortable sneakers for hiking and bring sandals or flip-flops to use at the campsites.

  • At what altitude is the Lost City trek?

    The route ranges between 900 and 1,200 meters (2,950–3,940 ft) above sea level.

  • When is the best time to do the Lost City trek?

    The 3 Day Lost City Trek can be done year-round. The rainy season runs from October to November, when the trails can be wetter.

    Note that the Lost City is closed in October for maintenance work carried out by the local communities.

  • Is the Lost City closed in February?

    No. The Lost City closes in October, not February. Tayrona National Park closes in February, but this does not affect the trek, as it’s located in a completely different area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Lost City Trek Colombia 3 Days tour reviews with Howlanders

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