Ciudad Perdida 'Lost City' Trek - 4 Days

Journey to the historic Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and unravel the ancient majestic city hidden deep in Colombia’s jungle on a 4-day trekking tour! Built with stone terraces carved into a mountain, with numerous plazas, canals, and stone paths, the Lost City is considered as one of the must-see ancient ruins in the world. Take in the breathtaking natural landscapes, admire the remnants of the once-vibrant settlement, interact with the indigenous people, and experience one of the most challenging yet enriching adventures of your life. 

Itinerary:

Day 1: Santa Marta - El Mamey - First Campsite

Start the tour with a pick up or meet up at the meeting point. Then, depart on a 3-hour drive to El Mamey Village, starting point of the Lost City trek. Halfway through the trek, stop at the Viewpoint of the Three Courses to take a short break and refresh a little by eating delectable fruits. You can also take refreshing dips and enjoy the natural pools that Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta has to offer. Then, continue to the first campsite, Adan or Alfredo, where you will spend the first night.

The first campsites have electricity, toilets, and showers.

Approximate Time: Santa Marta - El Mamey (3 hours by car); El Mamey to First Campsite (4 hours)

Distance Covered: 8 km

Day 2: First Campsite - Second Campsite - Mutanyi - Third Campsite

After breakfast, head towards the second campsite, Wiwa, where you can take a refreshing swim in the Buritaca River while waiting for lunch. You will take a short break in the second campsite before heading out towards the next destination. Then, go deeper into Sierra Nevada, passing near the Mutanyi Village of the Kogui Community, toward the third campsite, Paraiso Teyuna, where you will spend the night to rest and re-energize for the next day. 

The third campsite has toilets, showers, and electricity (generator-driven) until 9 pm.

Approximate Time: First Campsite to Second Campsite (3 hours); 2nd Campsite to Mutanyi (20 minutes); Mutanyi to Third Campsite (5 hours)

Distance Covered: 16 km

Day 3: Third Campsite - Lost City - Third Campsite - Second Campsite

Begin the day with an early morning breakfast before covering a 2 km trek to ascend towards the majestic Lost City. Climb 1200 steps taking you to the ancient Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and marvel at the impressive stone-built settlement of the Tayrona Civilization surrounded by the enchanting rainforest full of flora and fauna. Make sure to capture the picturesque scenic panorama offering sunny to misty landscapes. You will then get a chance to interact with the leader and guardian of mother nature as well as the native community.

Afterwards, return to the third campsite, Paraiso Teyuna, to have lunch and continue to the second campsite, Wiwa, to spend the night.

The second camp site has electricity, toilets, and showers.

Approximate Time: Third Campsite to Lost City (1 hour); Tour in the Archaeological Park (3 hours); Third Campsite to Second Campsite (4 hours)

Distance Covered: 13 km

Day 4: Second Campsite - First Campsite - El Mamey

Start the day with breakfast, then head on a 2-hour journey towards the first campsite, Adan or Alfredo, for a short break. You can take some rest and eat some delicious fruits before taking another 4-hour walk to El Mamey, where you will have lunch. The tour will end with a drive back to Santa Marta.

The first campsites have electricity, toilets, and showers.

Approximate Time: Second Campsite to El Mamey (6 hours)

Distance Covered: 15 km

Inclusions:

• 4WD Transportation (Santa Maria - El Mamey - Santa Maria)

• Food (During the Tour)

• Accommodation in Campsites (Hammocks or Bunk Beds with Mosquito Nets)

• Entrance Ticket to the Archaeological Park (ICANH)

• Contributions to the Peasant and Indigenous Communities

• Tour Guide

Exclusions:

• Mules

• Travel/medical/cancellation insurance

• Visit the Mamo (Indigenous Leader)

• Beers and Drinks

• Shopping Tour and/or Visit of Other Tourist Attractions

• Handicrafts and Tips

What to Bring:

• Decent-Sized Backpack

• Shoes: Boots or Sneakers with Slip Resistance Soles, Flip-Flops to Rest

• Clothes: Quick-Drying T-Shirts and Shorts, Socks, Swimwear, Long Sleeve Shirt and Pants for Sleeping

• Personal Care: Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Medicines, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Soap, Hand Sanitizing Gel

• Hydration: 1-2 Liter Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder

• Cash

• Quick-Drying Towels

• Portable Charger

• Rain Cover

• Flashlight

• Camera

  
  

Additional Information:

• The trekking is made in a tropical rainforest.

• The tour involves crossing some creeks and rivers.

• The tour requires a good level of fitness.

• The climate is usually warm and wet, and temperature ranges from 26℃ to 32℃. During the night, the temperature can drop to 18℃. We recommend wearing long sleeve shirts at night. 

• There is a high probability of rainfalls during the afternoon. The trail can have waterlogged parts.

• There are a lot of mosquitoes, sandflies, and other insects. We recommend bringing insect repellent.

• We recommend bringing 1-2 liter full bottled water for the first day. You can refill the bottle during the tour.

• Bring enough cash to buy something not included in the tour, like bottled water, drinks, handicrafts, or tips.

• Native people and their customs deserve respect and tolerance to have a positive cultural exchange with them.

Important:

• When passing near the indigenous communities, please respect their space and intimacy. Do not take pictures without their permission.

• Pay attention to your local guide for your own comfort and safety.

• Clean as you go; remember to place all trash in the designated bins. Help protect and preserve the environment.

• The spaces of accommodation and food belong to the local communities. We take part and work together to offer the best quality service, nonetheless, they are independent and the quality of the facilities depends on them.

• All tour operators share the trail and facilities. Due to this, the number of tourists varies depending on the season and the size group of each agency.

• This tour has risks implied. The insurance provided only applies to accidents or injuries that occur during the trekking.

• The belongings of each tourist are their own responsibility. We are not responsible for items left or lost during the tour.