Colombia: The Lost City Trek

Santa Marta - Adan Campsite - Paraíso Teyuna Campsite - Wiwa Campsite - Cartagena

Adventure, Hiking

The Lost City, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia, is said to be one of the best treks in South America. Experience ancient architecture, breathtaking views and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including hundreds of bird species, found only in this area. Enjoy the tranquil mountain streams and waterfalls and interact with indigenous communities that inhabit the Colombian jungle. Trip disclaimer: This trek is rated as moderate/difficult due to steep hills, narrow stone stairs, as well as crossing the Buritaca River several times. Depending on the time of year, it may require walking through mud and high water river levels. Resistance to tropical humid climate is needed and medium physical condition.

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 20 spots

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels and campsites (campsite accommodations will be either a bed or hammock and are assigned upon arrival at the site)

  • 6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners

  • TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) , between 8 AM and 5 PM

  • TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers to Rafael Núñez International Airport (SKTG) on the last day

Activities Included

  • Lost City Trek - Day 1
  • Lost City Trek - Day 2
  • Lost City Trek - Day 3
  • Lost City Trek - Day 4
  • Orientation Walk in Cartagena's Walled City

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels and campsites (campsite accommodations will be either a bed or hammock and are assigned upon arrival at the site)
  • Local guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers
  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5pm on first day)
  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
  • Trekking poles

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Bienvenidos and welcome to Colombia! TrovaTrip will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel where your adventure begins.

transfer

40 MIN

Airport Transfer

meal

dinner

Dinner at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Tayromar Hotel

Overnight in Santa Marta.

Day 2

info

Day 2

Today the trek begins! Grab a hearty breakfast and get ready for adventure.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

5 HOURS

Lost City Trek - Day 1

The Lost City tour begins with a 3-hour, 4x4 drive to Mamey, the starting point of the 8 mile trek. The first 4 miles will take you to Point of View Tres Cruces, where you will stop for a delicious fruit snack. The hike continues to the campsite at Adan, for your first night on the trail. You’ll have many opportunities to rest and cool off in the natural river pools and refreshing waterfalls as you make your way to the Lost City. Duration: 4-5 hours / Length: 4.7 miles / Elevation: 492 feet-1510 feet / Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

meal

lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

meal

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included.

accommodation

Adan Campsite

Overnight in the campsite. Disclaimer: campsite amenities are very rustic, sleeping accommodations could be a bed or hammock and are assigned on the spot. Camp facilities: electricity, bathrooms and showers.

Day 3

info

Day 3

On your second day, you’ll start the hike bright and early to take advantage of the cool air and magnificent sunrise.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite is included.

activity

8 HOURS

Lost City Trek - Day 2

After an early breakfast, the hike will take you beside the Buritaca River and the village of Mutanshi, home to the indigenous Kogui tribe. The Kogui tribe, who live in seclusion, have inhabited this area for 500 years. The Kogui people are deeply connected to nature, believing that they exist to care for the world. The trek today will take around 8 hours through the lush Colombian jungle, across breathtaking landscapes and local farmlands. Duration: 7-8 hours / Length: 9 miles / Elevation: 1510 feet - 4954 feet/ Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

meal

lunch

Lunch at the campsite is included.

meal

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included.

accommodation

Paraíso Teyuna Campsite

Overnight in the campsite. Disclaimer: campsite amenities are very rustic, sleeping accommodations could be a bed or hammock and are assigned on the spot. Camp facilities: electricity, bathrooms and showers.

Day 4

info

Day 4

Today you will experience the most breathtaking part of the trek! The ascent up to Tayrona Village, through dense jungle to the Lost City, untouched for centuries.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite is included.

activity

5 HOURS

Lost City Trek - Day 3

Fuel up before climbing the 1,200 stone steps leading to the archaeological site of The Lost City. Each oval terrace was the foundation of an earth home which made up the main settlement of the pre-Colombian, Tayrona tribe. The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida is composed of 169 stone terraces carved into the mountainside. This site is 650 years older than Machu Picchu! Learn more about The Lost City and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains before making your descent. After lunch, you’ll hike to the campsite where you will spend the third night. Duration: 5 hours / Length: 4.7 miles / Elevation: 4954 feet -3937 feet-1411 feet / Difficulty: Intermediate/Hard

meal

lunch

Lunch on the hike is included.

meal

dinner

Dinner at the campsite is included.

accommodation

Wiwa Campsite

Overnight in the campsite. Disclaimer: campsite amenities are very rustic, sleeping accommodations could be a bed or hammock and are assigned on the spot. Camp facilities: electricity, bathrooms and showers.

Day 5

info

Day 5

Today the adventure comes to an end! Enjoy one last trek on your way back.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the campsite is included.

activity

4 HOURS

Lost City Trek - Day 4

It's time to head back to the city, beginning with a bright and early hike to Mamey. There will be plenty of opportunities to take refreshing breaks in the cool natural pools and waterfalls along the way. You’ll stop for lunch at Mamey before embarking on your 4x4 journey back to Santa Marta. Duration: 4 hours / Length: 4.6 mi / Elevation: 1411 feet-492 feet / Difficulty: Intermediate/Hard

meal

lunch

Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Tayromar Hotel

Overnight in Santa Marta.

Day 6

info

Day 6

It's your last day in Colombia! Enjoy it by exploring the beautiful city of Cartagena.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

activity

1 HOUR

Orientation Walk in Cartagena's Walled City

You will enter the walled city of Cartagena via the Puerta Del Reloj, or clock tower. The city itself includes the triangular Plaza de los Coches, a vibrant, arcaded walkway lined with street vendors. It is also home to the Inquisition Palace, a museum of historical artifacts and San Pedro Claver Cloister, dedicated to the patron saint of enslaved people. The tree lined walkways of Plaza Bolivar, offers a place to relax and cool off on the shaded benches, with the soothing sounds of the fountains in the background.

meal

dinner

Dinner at a local restaurant is included.

accommodation

Don Pedro de Heredia

Overnight in Cartagena.

Day 7

info

Day 7

All good things must come to an end! You'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

transfer

35 MIN

Airport Transfer

Recent Reviews

Our 1% Promise

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of your booking will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe. Learn more at cooleffect.org.

$1188+ USD

per traveler
Request trip

$1188+ USD

per traveler