tours a ciudad perdida

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Come with us to discover the best well kept secrets in the Colombian Caribbean, A unique region full of stunning places and fantastic people. Discover our star tour: Los city trek Colombia.

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Destination, transportation.

We have comfortable 4WD vehicles suitable for the route. We also have experience drivers who have been working more than 20 years on The Lost City Trek route; thereby we guarantee a comfortable, fun and especially safe trip.

Acommodation

During the Lost City Trek Colombia, we will stay at rustic accommodations located along the path, provided by local people who will offer us a comfortable and safe staying in hammocks or bunk beds cover by a waterproof roof. They will also provide Blankets and mosquito nets.

Our guides are locals with great experience on the route who we have supported, trained and certified to relevant private and public authorities. Therefore, they can develop guidance tourist activities in an environmentally and socially responsible way throughout the the best trek to Ciudad Perdida Lost City. All our tours have a bilingual translator.

At the stations where we will spend the nights along the route to the Lost City of the indigenous Tayronas, we will provide food prepared by our cooks with fresh ingredients and typical recipes.

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C.I. Expotur S.A.S.

RNT No . 11360

Santa Marta

• Carrera 3 # 17-27 Edificio Rex, Local 3 Centro Histórico
• [email protected]
• (+57) 605 420 7739
• (+57) 320 511 1458
• Carrera 5 # 3A-02
• (+57) 605 728 8232

PRICE DROPPED

Lost city trek, $1'775.000 cop*, booking price hiking between may 20th to august 31st 2024.

• [email protected]
• +57 3167458947
• Arquitectura de la Ciudad Perdida
• Cómo llegar a la Ciudad Perdida
• Historia de la Ciudad Perdida
• Preguntas Frecuentes
• Tour de 4 días
• Tour de 5 días
• Tour de 6 días
• Contáctenos

Ciudad Perdida

La Ciudad Perdida esta ubicada en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta cerca a la ciudad que lleva su mismo nombre. Fue declarada como reserva de la biosfera desde 1979 por la UNESCO, en ella habitan los descendientes de los Tayronas para quienes nosotros somos sus hermanos menores, por quienes es llamada Teyuna.

Te invitamos a conocer este templo sagrado y a descubrir la magia que esconde el camino Teyuna !!

¿por qué ir a la ciudad perdida, comunidades indigenas.

Actualmente en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta viven 4 diferentes comunidades indigenas, descendientes de los Tayronas quienes conservan su dialecto, cultura y tradición.

Reserva de la Biósfera

La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta fue declarada reserva de la biósfera de la humanidad por la UNESCO en 1979, la Ciudad Perdida se encuentra dentro de sus estribaciones.

Turismo Comunitario

La mayoría de los trabajadores y personas que se ven beneficiadas con la venta del tour a la ciudad Perdida son personas nativas de la región, diferentes veredas y comunidades indigenas.

La investigación mas reciente realizada en el parque arqueologico Teyuna encontró que las zonas de vivienda más antiguas son aproximadamente de 650 D.C.

¿Comó llegar?

Para ir a la ciudad Perdida es necesario contratar con algunas de las empresas autorizadas, es importante reservar con anticipación.

Fauna y Flora

Miles de especies habitan dentro de las estribaciónes de la Sierra Nevada, entre esas aves endemicas únicas de nuestra región.

Tours a la Ciudad Perdida

Tour de 4 días.

Tour de 5 días.

Tour de 6 días.

Avistamiento de Aves.

El tour a ciudad perdida se puede realizar con cualquiera de las agencias autorizadas, se puede realizar en 4 o 5 días saliendo desde Santa Marta en un recorrido por un bosque tropical húmedo, donde atravesarás maravillosos senderos llenos de mucha naturaleza y aire puro. Durante el recorrido verás comunidades indígenas, atravesarás el rio Buritaca unas 3 veces, veras cualquier cantidad de aves, es un excelente destino para todos aquellos que sean observadores de aves, y disfrutarás de una excelente conexión con la madre naturaleza.

Si duda alguna visitar la Ciudad Perdida es una de las mejores experiencias que puedes realizar, no solo en Colombia sino en el mundo, por algo muchos lo consideran una de las mejores caminatas, de esas que pueden hacer crecer tu amor por la naturaleza.

Algunos consejos para ir a Ciudad Perdida:

La caminata es medio exigente, se recomienda estar en buen estado fisico y ser un amante del trekking y de la naturaleza, el tour a la Ciudad Perdida es una experiencia única que vale la pena vivir.

• Reserva con anterioridad
• Evita la temporada alta
• Mantente hidratado durante el tour
• Regresa contigo la basura que lleves
• Usa elementos biodegradables
• No salirse de los senderos
• Seguir siempre las indicaciones del guía

Durante el tour no tendrás señal de celular ni comunicación digital de ningún tipo, esta es la oportunidad perfecta para que te conectes con la naturaleza y el entorno.

Más información

Enlaces de Interes:

• Información general.
• Como llegar a Ciudad Perdida.
• Arquitectura.
• Historia de la Ciudad Perdida.
• Historia de los Tayirona.
• Construcción del poblado.
• Sectores de la Ciudad Perdida.
• Descubrimiento de la Ciudad Perdida.

¿Sabias que... Antes de llegar a la Ciudad Perdida debes subir cerca de 1200 escalones en piedra construidos por la cultura Tayrona.

QUE DEBES SABER:

Sobre el sendero ecoturístico camino teyuna – ciudad perdida.

El tour a la Ciudad Perdida se desarrolla en un sendero que recorre el valle del río Buritaca, compuesto principalmente por bosque tropical humedo. El clima es cálido y húmedo, pueden presentarse lluvias no pronosticadas y en algunas partes puede encontrar barrizales y áreas resbalosas. Son comunes los insectos como mosquitos, jejenes, chinches u otros. Durante la caminata atravesará varios ríos y quebradas. El sitio no tiene cobertura móvil.

La región es habitada por campesinos e indígenas. Las instalaciones donde se alojará y comerá pertenecen a dichas comunidades y aunque velamos por la calidad en todo el tour, los servicios que prestan y las condiciones no son responsabilidad directa de nuestra compañía.

El sendero ecoturístico Camino Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida y el Parque Arqueológico están dentro de la estrategia Turismo, Paz y Convivencia del Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo la cual tiene como fin desarrollar turísticamente destinos del territorio nacional que en algún momento estuvieron afectados por el conflicto, garantizar su sostenibilidad y empoderar a las comunidades de la región para mejorar sus condiciones económicas y sociales.

Parte del sendero y todo el Parque Arqueológico están dentro del área protegida Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta considerado también Reserva de la Biósfera por la UNESCO.

Debido a su importancia, el destino está elevado a la categoría Parque Arqueológico Nacional. También está considerado Patrimonio Arqueológico Colombiano, por lo que es vigilado por entidades del estado y su preservación es responsabilidad de toda la nación. Por tal razón se recomienda el cuidado y no extracción de flora, fauna, piezas arqueológicas y el buen uso de los recursos encontrados.

Actualmente Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida es un lugar sagrado por las tribus indígenas que habitan la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Como sucede con otros atractivos turísticos, el flujo de personas aumenta considerablemente durante la temporada alta. En vista de que los campamentos y el sendero son compartidos por todas las agencias pueden presentarse congestiones o aglomeraciones que resulten en sobrecargas en los campamentos.

RECORRIDO, MAPA DE LA CIUDAD PERDIDA

En el siguiente mapa del recorrido para llegar a la Ciudad Perdida se muestra cual es la distancia que se realiza partiendo desde Santa Marta hasta el "Mamey" o "Machete Pealo", tiempo que tarda en promedio unas 2 horas en carretera haciendo una parada en un punto llamado "la aguacatera" para estirar un poco las piernas. Desde "el Mamey" que es donde se inicia el trekking se caminan casi 50 km ida y vuelta durante los días de tour que elijas llegando a una altura máxima de unos 1200 mts sobre el nivel del mar que es la altura a la que esta el sitio arqueológico Ciudad Perdida.

Mapa de altitud y distancias promedios a caminar.

Somos una agencia con más de 33 años y pioneros en el tour a la Ciudad Perdida.

Contamos con guías nativos de la región dispuestos a brindarles el mejor servicio y todo su conocimiento.

• ¿Quienes somos?
• ¿Por qué elegirnos?

Enlaces de Interés

• Tour a Ciudad Perdida
• National Geographic

Contactanos

Politica de Privacidad | Terminos de Servicio | English Version

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• Lost City Trek (4 days)
• Lost City Trek (5 days)

Lost City Trek (6 days)

Come and discover the Lost City of Colombia.

You can choose your hike intensity according to your capabilities or the number of days you want to spend in contact with nature., a unique and amazing experience that you will never forget, you can choose your hike intensity according to your capabilities or the number of days you want to spend in contact with the nature., what is included in the lost city tour.

ACCOMODATION

The accommodation during the tour is in hammocks, beds or tents, depending on availability. We provide mosquito nets and blankets.

Typical food prepared by local chefs and fruits and snacks during walks.

TRANSPORTATION

Round trip transfers from the hotel or where you stay to the starting point of the tour (El Mamey) in 4WD vehicles.

Our professional guides are from the region trained by SENA, with years of experience.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

During the Lost City Trek, you will have a medical assistance insurance that cover accidents and illness occurred during the tour.

ENTRANCE TO THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

During the Lost City Trek, you will have medical assistance insurance that covers accidents and illness occurred during the tour.

Lost City Trek Colombia

The Lost City is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. The diversity of fauna and flora of the road, the opportunity to interact with the indigenous communities that inhabit it and the conditions of the trail, have made the tour to the Lost City one of the best treks in South America .

The Lost City  is the best opportunity to connect with nature and prove yourself everything you are capable of. Doing the Lost City Trek will allow you to know part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia . You will also have the opportunity to have direct contact with the Kogui ; who still preserve the traditions of the Tayronas, the first inhabitants of the Lost City. If you want to know more information about the Lost City , clic here!

CHOOSE THE BEST TOUR FOR YOU

We offer you three options to do the Lost City Trek: Adventurous (4 days tour), Knowing nature (5 days tour) and Trek Slow (6 days tour). You can choose your hike intensity according to your capabilities or the number of days you want to spend in contact with the nature.

Lost City Trek (6 days) The Lost City Trek (6 days) is ideal for people […]

Lost City Trekking (5 days)

Lost City Trekking (5 days) You have the choice to change it to the four […]

Trekking to Ciudad Perdida (4 days)

Trekking to Ciudad Perdida The Trekking to Ciudad Perdida (4 days) is the most adventurous […]

BLOG ABOUT LOST CITY

How to get to the Lost City?

The Lost City in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is one of the most […]

Tourism and Peace

Tourism and Peace The route to Lost City “Teyuna” in the Sierra Nevada de Santa […]

If you want to know other archaeological parks of Colombia, enter to the official page of the ICANH

© 2012 LostCityTrekColombia, All Rights Reserved — Lost City's authorized operator — Santa Marta, Colombia.

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Backpacking in Colombia , Backpacking in South America , Hiking , Unique Experiences

• Ciudad Perdida Tour: The Lost City Trek Colombia

Want to know more about the Lost City Tour?  You’re in the right place!  The Ciudad Perdida Tour and Lost City trek in Colombia is a challenging but fascinating adventure that I highly recommend.  Trekking through the Colombian jungle for 4 or 5 days is beautiful, sometimes strenuous, always sweaty and at times very wet!  See how I got on when I did the Lost City Trek Colombia and see how to book the Lost City Tour for yourself!

This website contains sponsored and affiliate links. If you click through the links on this page and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support. [Learn more]

Where is the Lost City?

The Lost City is La Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, and it refers to a city built by the Teyuna people around 800 AD (approximately 650 years before Machu Picchu was constructed!), deep in the forest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in northern Colombia.

The city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, but the Spanish never found it.  The city was ‘lost’ to outsiders for hundreds of years until it was finally rediscovered by accident in 1972 when local treasure hunters stumbled across some stone steps leading through the jungle up to the city.  

Trekking to the Lost City is one of the best hikes in South America, and while it might take a big chunk of time in your Colombia itinerary, it is definitely worth it!

How Much Does the Ciudad Perdida Tour Cost?

It is not possible to do the Lost City Trek without a guide, you have to join one of the Ciudad Perdida tours which leave from Santa Marta or Palomino.  As of April 2023, the Ciudad Perdida Trek price is $1.750.000 COP (Colombian pesos) per person, which is approximately $400 USD. 

Several different tour companies have permits to lead the Lost City Trek Colombia, and the price is fixed so there should be no difference between companies for the cost of a 4-day trek.

However, if you choose to pay in USD, the conversion rate varies and you could end up paying more, so I advise paying in Colombian pesos at the trekking office, not online in USD to make sure you get the best price.

Ciudad Perdida Treks can be easily arranged from Santa Marta on the Northern Colombian coast, and some can arrange pick up from Palomino.

The Best Tour Company for the Lost City Trek & Ciudad Perdida Tour

After looking at the reviews online and on the websites of various companies offering Lost City Trek Colombia tours, I chose to do a five-day Lost City trek with Wiwa Tours . 

They had excellent reviews on Tripadvisor , and their guides are indigenous, so they teach you a lot about the Wiwa and Kogui cultures as you pass through their lands on the way to the Ciudad Perdida. 

My guide Jose Luis was fabulous, and I learned a lot about the indigenous cultures along the way.  We also got to meet the Shaman during our Ciudad Perdida tour, which other tour groups I spoke to did not.

Wiwa Tours were also quick to respond to my email enquiries about the tour and were recommended by my hostel, the Dreamer Hostel, in Santa Marta too, so I was happy with my choice.  

You can book a tour with them online, by email or in person at their office in Santa Marta. 

G Adventures also use Wiwa Tours for their Lost City itineraries, so you can book with G Adventures if you prefer >>>GET MORE INFO HERE

In addition to the 4-day standard Lost City trekking experience, Wiwa Tours also offers 5-day and 6-day tours which include spending more time with the indigenous community in the Sierra Nevada.

The Best Time to do the Lost City Trek

The hike to the Lost City is hot and humid all year round as you are trekking through the rainforest so there isn’t really an ideal time to do the Lost City Trek.  I’d recommend planning your trip for the dry season and trying to avoid the rainy season if you can, which runs roughly between May to November in this region of Colombia.

I did the Lost City Trek at the beginning of June, and we had mixed weather – including heavy rain several afternoons.  Luckily we had finished hiking by then, but the mud made walking more difficult and heavy rain also makes the river crossings more difficult.

The trail is usually closed in September, so it isn’t possible to visit the Lost City in September.

Where to Stay in Santa Marta Before the Lost City Trek

I stayed at the Dreamer Hostel , which was a great base for exploring the Caribbean coast of Colombia.  They have a swimming pool, onsite restaurant with cheap and tasty meals, and a large luggage storage room to leave your big backpack before the trek.  I also stayed here before going to Tayrona National Park and Minca, it is in a great location just outside the centre of Santa Marta.  BOOK NOW>>>

BOOK YOUR HOSTEL

What To Take on the Ciudad Perdida Tour

The key here is to pack light.  You’ll be carrying your own day pack with everything you need, so make sure it is comfortable.  Check out my other post with my full  Lost City Trek packing list , but as a minimum, I’d advise comfortable hiking boots , clean underwear & t-shirt for every day, 2 pairs of hiking trousers or shorts (one to wear & one to dry), and dry socks for every day. 

You’ll also need sandals for crossing the river, flip-flops won’t stay on your feet so look for something like these hiking sandals .

Mosquito repellent is essential, and on the day actually inside the Lost City I’d advise wearing long trousers instead of shorts as you will get bitten to death!!  A swimsuit, quick-drying towel and sunscreen are also a good idea.

My Experience on The Lost City Trek Colombia 

On the first morning of the Lost City Trek, Wiwa Tours offers a pick-up from your hostel or from their office if you need to pay the final balance the morning of the tour.  I had already gone to their office to pay the day before so was picked up from my hostel at about 9.15am.

After an hour’s drive on asphalt and another hour on a horribly bumpy windy dirt track that made me want to vomit, we finally arrived in the town of Machete in the Sierra Nevada region of Northern Colombia.

A lunch of chicken, rice and salad was served, then we bought extra water and last minute supplies, used the bathroom and then set off on the Lost City trek.  It was very hot when we left the town at 1pm; not the ideal time to start hiking, but what can you do. 

At the beginning of the trail to Ciudad Perdida we stopped at a map while our guide Jose Luis explained the route for the next five (four) days. The Lost City Hike began with a 7 km hike from Machete to the first camp, nestled in a valley alongside the Puritaca river. 

The hike was a mixture of ups and downs, flats and jungle.  We passed some Wiwa villages along the way and we had some spectacular views when we reached the tops of the hills, before descending again into the valleys.  Finally, we came down a steep hill to the river where the first camp was.  We crossed the river on a wobbly bridge, to where we would sleep for the night.

The camps all have places to swim and cool off after a hard day’s hiking.  La Piscina (literally “swimming pool”) at the first camp was a waterfall and pool deep enough to dive into from 5 metres up.  Needless to say, I didn’t jump but climbed down the stairs to the last rung, then splashed into the water in my usual graceful manner.  The water was cold but clear, and beautifully refreshing after a sweaty hike!

This camp is not indigenous, the Colombians who live here have electricity and even satellite TV!  The Copa de America was on when we were there and everyone gathered around to watch the match.  The food was cooked by a Wiwa lady, and it was good too – fried fish with rice & salad.  And a chocolate bar was a welcome treat!

As we were eating, it began to rain – a lot!  Groups that arrived after us were soaked, and muddy from slipping down the hill that led to the camp so I was glad we arrived before the deluge.   After dark, a plague of flying ants descended on the camp, I’m not sure if it was due to the rain, or simply the season. 

Huge toads came out from the river to feast on them, gorging themselves on the easy meal, and lazily sticking their tongues out to capture their next victims.  The toads provided good entertainment for those who didn’t want to watch the football!

When it came to sleeping, a row of bunk beds with mosquito nets greeted us.  We could have chosen to sleep in hammocks if we wanted but we all opted for beds.  The beds weren’t the most comfortable but after walking with our packs they were better than hammocks! 

However, the beds smelt musty, here it seemed nothing properly dries out with the rain and humidity.  I wrapped myself in the blanket provided, as it smelt fresher.  I lay in bed listening to the toads’ croaking chorus, and the high-pitched shriek of cicadas, and tried to get some rest before the next day hiking to the Lost City.

La Cuidad Perdida Tour – Lost City Trek Day Two

Despite my tiredness, I didn’t sleep particularly well, and felt awful when we were woken the next morning at 5am.  We ate a tasty breakfast, packed up our things and headed out. 

A steep hill out of the valley greeted us; luckily the rain had stopped but it was still slippery in parts.  After that, the terrain varied up and down for an hour or so, then there was another steep downhill that would make me pay on the way back! 

It was a 2-hour hike to reach Camp Wiwa where we had a couple of hours break – to swim and to have lunch – and a quick snooze in the hammocks.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: A practical guide to Tayrona National Park

After lunch we set off on the hike again, my legs groaning in protest.  It was another 5 hours till we would reach the next camp – Paraíso (Paradise) which was just a 3km hike from La Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City itself. 

It was a tough walk. The path wound through the forest, along the river bank then over mountains when the uphill stretches felt as though they would never end.  Then it started to rain.  It is common here to have rain in the afternoon.  I had brought my waterproof coat, so wasn’t bothered by the rain – light drizzle was nice and cooling but the heavy burst luckily came as we were reaching a rest stop. 

The downhill that followed wasn’t too steep, and the path continued without too much variation, until we descended again to the river. But there was no bridge here.  There was a kind of tarabata cable car on a rope and pulley system, but the guides weren’t convinced by its safety.  Not disagreeing with them, we were faced with crossing the now raging river, filled with the rain that was still falling gently.

Another group arrived at the river around the same time, and the guides discussed the best option for crossing.  One of them crossed with a rope, and tied it to a tree on the other side.  Now we had a rope to hang on to as we waded across, one by one, slipping & fighting against the current as we went.  On the way back, the river was much easier to cross, and was easily walked in sandals.

After 7 or 8 hours hiking on day two, we finally arrived at Paraíso Camp around 4.30pm.  Next to the river, you can swim here too.  It is the camp for all the groups, so busier than the others, and the bunk beds are just as musty and damp.  By now I was so exhausted I slept slightly better, and woke excited to finally reach the Lost City!

Lost City Trek Day 3: La Ciudad Perdida Tour

La Ciudad Perdida is a relatively short walk from the Paraíso Camp, perhaps an hour away from the actual city.  Our group was the first to leave, we crossed the river again and made our way to the stone steps that led to the ‘discovery’ of the city in 1972.  The steps are uneven, and slippy in parts due to the moss that covers the stone.  Climbing the steps, I felt my excitement growing. 

Finally, we were here in the Lost City!

We arrived at a round terrace, and our guide Jose Luis explained a ritual we should perform in order to be welcomed into La Ciudad Perdida.  We followed him around the stones and entered the city.  We headed up to the highest point, to make the most of the spectacular views before the other groups arrived.  We weren’t disappointed.

The Teyuna (Tayrona) people used the city they called Teyuna as their political and residential centre.  The indigenous people still living in this region believe that their ancestors the Teyuna people had black and white magic powers, and the ability to move the huge rocks with only the power of the mind – explaining how the Lost City was built high in the Colombian rainforest. 

Whether you believe that or not, La Ciudad Perdida is an impressive feat of construction.  Although it lacks the grandeur of Machu Picchu , the location is equally stunning, overlooking mountains and lush forests.

There is a military camp at the site – strange to us, but necessary to protect the site from potential grave robbers and ousted coca farmers, and guerrilla conflict.  A huge portion of the area used to be dedicated to growing coca for the cocaine trade, but all that stopped when the government cracked down hard on such plantations, and the military took control of the area to prevent the illegal farms from returning.

We had passed another outpost along the trail, marked with a Colombian flag and occupied by perhaps 10 to 20 soldiers.  I later learned that in 2003 a group of tourists had been kidnapped here and held to ransom, and although the tours here have been continuing without incident since 2005, I was glad to have extra protection there!

We took some time to explore the Lost City, swimming in a pool there, and meeting the Shaman of La Ciudad Perdida.  He explained more about the city, and his role, and gave us each a bracelet as a gift. Some of us gave a gift in return, a bracelet and a coin from their home country.  There are still a couple of families who live in the city, but most are in the villages around.

All too soon it was time to leave, and as we descended the slippery steps, I felt the magic of this place slowly leave me.  We hiked back to the Wiwa camp that we had rested in on day two, and had lunch there. 

Those who were doing the four-day itinerary then continued to the 1 st camp to sleep.  My legs refused to take me any further, so I stayed here for the night, resting in the afternoon & swimming in the river.

At the Wiwa Camp the river flows around large rocks, perfect for jumping off. Again, I didn’t leap in, more shuffled as close as I could get and plopped in.  It was gorgeous, with yellow and white butterflies flitting above the water, and small fish visible in the shallows.

The second time I visited this part of the river I was alone, and stood on a submerged rock as the cool water flowed over me, reviving my aching muscles.  Soon after two of the Wiwa children arrived, splashing and swimming around, enjoying the water.  They share a lot of the same loves as we do despite living quite differently – and even have a small football pitch next to the camp.

The following day we hiked back to the first camp, and on the 5 th day back to Machete.  I was exhausted.  I really should know by now that hiking is not my forte, but I simply couldn’t resist the chance see the Lost City!

What I loved about Wiwa Tours & the Lost City Trek:

Wiwa Tours is the only company that has indigenous guides, so I felt we had a more ‘authentic’ experience.  We learned a lot about the culture of the people, and met the Shaman, whereas other groups did not.  This added an extra, fascinating dimension to the tour which we otherwise would have missed. 

Our guide Jose Luis was very knowledgeable and chatty, but not intrusive.  On the last day, the others joined with another guide to hike the 4-day itinerary, and Jose Luis stayed with me so we chatted together some more.

What I didn’t like about the Ciudad Perdida Tour:

Wiwa Tours’ five-day itinerary was different than other companies as they spread out the walking instead of just splitting the last day into two. Or so I thought. The company had mixed our group of eight people – two of which were a couple who only had 3 days to do part of the trek then visit an indigenous village for an hour, 5 of us on a 5-day trek and one guy on a 4-day trek.

With only one guide we had little choice but to follow the schedule for the 4-day itinerary, which I found very difficult – up until the fourth day when our group split.  However, this seemed to be the norm with other companies too.

From the information provided on their website, Wiwa no longer offer this split itinerary.  Instead they have a separate 5 day experience which includes more time in the indigenous community, so this seems like a better option.

Is the Lost City Trek Worth It?

Overall, the Lost City Trek was a tough hike, but it was definitely worth it to see more of the Colombian jungle and the remains of the beautiful Ciudad Perdida.  Meeting the shamen was very interesting, and I loved learning about the indigenous cultures here.  

If you have the time to spare, I definitely recommend spending the 4, 5 or even 6 days doing the Ciudad Perdida tour to learn more about the culture in Colombia, and to enjoy the beautiful scenery here.

Have you done the Lost City Trek Colombia? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments below.

Lost City Trek FAQ

How long is the hike to the lost city.

The Lost City trek is a 4 or 5 day hike through the jungle.  In total, the hike to the Lost City is approximately 45 km or 28 miles in distance and you'll be hiking for 4- 6 hours each day.  The final day is either a long trek back to the start point or can be split to make a 5 day tour instead of 4.

How much does the Lost City Trek cost?

As of July 2022, the Ciudad Perdida Trek price is $1.400.000 COP (Colombian pesos) per person, which is approximately $360 USD if you book direct with the tour companies in Santa Marta such as Wiwa Tours.  The price is fixed so there shouldn't be a difference between prices with different tour companies.

How hard is the Lost City hike?

The Lost City Hike is a challenging hike, rated 5/5 difficulty on G Adventures, and 8/10 difficulty on Wiwa Tours website.

While the distance of 45 km might not sound too bad, the heat and humidity involved with jungle hikes make it more challenging, together with the increase in altitude up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) above sea level at the Lost City means that the Lost City Trek is not an easy hike!

How many Steps are in the Lost City?

The final stretch of the Lost City Trek is climbing up the 1200 stone steps that lead to the Lost City.  It was these steps that led to the rediscovery of the Ciudad Perdida by the outside world.

Can you do the Lost City trek alone?

No.  The Ciudad Perdida is a sacred site on land belonging to the indigenous people of the region, and visitors are not allowed to do the Lost City Trek alone - you must be accompanied by a tour guide.  The only way to visit the Lost City is to join a guided tour.

When should I do the Lost City trek?

The hike to the Lost City is hot and humid all year round as you are trekking through the rainforest so there isn't really an ideal time to do the Lost City Trek.  I'd recommend trying to avoid the rainy season if possible, which runs roughly between May to November in this region of Colombia, but it isn't essential.

The trail is usually closed in September, so it isn't possible to visit the Lost City in September.

Is Ciudad Perdida safe?

It is now!  In the past, this area of Colombia used to be dangerous but the Lost City Trek is now considered safe.

A huge portion of the area used to be dedicated to growing coca for the cocaine trade, but all that stopped when the government cracked down hard on such plantations, and the military took control of the area to prevent the illegal farms from returning.  When I visited, there was a military camp at the Lost City to make sure the area stays secure.

I later learned that in 2003 a group of tourists had been kidnapped here and held to ransom, and although the tours here have been continuing without incident since 2005.

What country is the Lost City in?

The Lost City is in Colombia, within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park in the north part of Colombia.

How old is the Lost City in Colombia?

The Teyuna people built the Lost City around 800 AD (approximately 650 years before Machu Picchu was built!) and abandoned the city during the Spanish conquest.

Who discovered Ciudad Perdida?

After it had been abandoned, the city was ‘lost’ to all outsiders for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered by local treasure hunters in 1972 when they stumbled across the stone steps leading through the jungle up to the city.

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Want More Travel Tips for Colombia?

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This article was not sponsored in any way.  I paid for the Lost City Trek myself, and had a really great experience so I wanted to share that with you.

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

24 thoughts on “ Ciudad Perdida Tour: The Lost City Trek Colombia ”

Hi Guga, the quickest way would be to fly to Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta, or Cartagena, otherwise you are looking at long bus rides. I did take the bus from Santa Marta down to Bogota, and spent a couple of days in Bucaramanga to break the journey – I’m not sure about Medellin.

what is the best way to get to Santa Marta? from Bogota airport? Medellín?

Thanks for reading Jack! 🙂

Thank you so much, very inspiring!

Great review! Since 2020 there’s a new operator called Teyuna Tours which is pretty good too – and it’s the only company owned directly by local guides

Hi Tanis! Thanks for reading 🙂 There are several different campsites along the route, so different companies have different sites – except the last campsite closest to the Lost City, I think that is the same for everyone. I didn’t come across any bed bugs – that could have been luck, a different campsite, or perhaps last year they had more problems with them, I’m not sure.

Hi Claire thanks for the great post! Wondering….I was reading on a trip advisor review, done thru another company, very bad bed bugs at the camping site. This was for a trip in May 2017. Supposedly all groups use the same stayovers? Did you experience bed bugs?

Kind Regards Tanis

Hi Tegen, thank you so much! 🙂 If you don’t mind which company you go with, I’m sure you will have no problem booking when you get to Santa Marta, however if you have set dates even a day or two before I think it is worth reaching out to the company(ies) to reserve a place. It shouldn’t make any difference to the price as it is set across all the companies in COP, (although I have heard of larger groups haggling in some cases), but if they convert the cost into USD the price may vary due to different exchange rates. An option could be to arrive in Santa Marta, make a booking for a day or two in advance then explore Minca or other places if you have to wait before starting the trek. I hope you enjoy Colombia, and the Lost City!

Thanks for posting such a great blog post! Me and my boyfriend are hoping to do the trek in August, but we were wondering whether we should pre book the trek online/by email before we go, or if it would be better to just go and haggle/compare tour companies when we get to Santa Marta? Did you know of anyone that booked when they had got to Santa Marta instead of pre booking?

They have either English speaking guide or a translators

Hi Eoin! If I remember rightly our guide just spoke Spanish, but you could request an English speaking guide, or possibly pay a bit more. I’m fluent in Spanish so it wasn’t an issue for me but maybe ask in advance to see if there is an extra charge.

Hi Claire, thanks for the interesting post. I am just wondering how much Spanish is spoken by the guides and in general along the trek! I have some Spanish but I don’t think it is enough! Thanks

Hi Claire, good post! I’ld like to clarify that this is not the only company that work with indigenous guides, actually most of them work with indigenous guides, Tayrona Tour, Turcol (which is the most oldest agency and the first on going to Lost City) and many other work with wiwas, Kogis, Arhuaco or Kankuamo guides. Just to make sure you know it because maybe you was told that but this is a sales strategy to add value to their tours. Best 🙂

Hi Mathilde! Thank you for reading, glad it was useful for you! I’m not sure about closure I’m afraid – perhaps try emailing one (or a few) of the tour companies to see what they say? I know they sometimes close Tayrona Park so it can recover from all the tourists, but I’m not sure about the trek. Good luck, I hope you enjoy your trip!:)

Hi! What a great post! We are going to Colombia for 3 weeks in August and Septembre, but we heared the lost city trek might be closed in Septembre? Do you know anything about this?

Sign me up now! This is so up my alley. It looks absolutely stunning – even in that video with all of that rain! I really need to get back to S. America and see more!

The Lost City Trek sounds amazing! I love what an adventurous spirit you are having read about your travels around South America, from biking one of the most treacherous roads to now looking for a lost city. I would assume all guides would be indigenous but good to note that Wiwa Tours is the only company!

This looks like a great experience. I’ve never been to Colombia but I hope to go. I think I would like Wiwa tours because it would be powerful to travel with an indigenous guide. Your photos are stunning too!

I absolutely love treks, so this seems right up my alley. I can’t get over how many beautiful places we have on this planet. I’ve never heard of this before, so thank you for opening my eyes up to a new place!

Wow this looks stunning. love the pictures

I have never heard of this trek. I love the beautiful, lush scenery and the indigenous village you walked through. The terrace at La Ciudad Perdida is stunning!

Yes, that bridge looks wobbly for sure. I’ve never hiked for more than a couple hours!

Very informative post. But how much does the tour actually cost?

That is awesome! I love all your thoughts including likes/dislikes. And I agree it seems like hard work, including getting wet occasionally as a sacrifice! But everything from the Shaman encounter to beautiful scenery seems well worth it!

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• Ciudad Perdida architecture
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Lost City Trek Colombia

The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida is one of the main marvels of Colombia, located in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and close to the beautiful city of the same name. The only way of reaching this settlement is through a 4 days trekking or by helicopter. First excursions to Ciudad Perdida, where made few years after its discovery became public due to the multiple conflicts that the area was facing, because of the illegal excavations in search of the hidden treasures of the Tayrona culture.

Nowadays excavations in this area are prohibited, in order to guarantee the conservation and preservation of the archaeological area and Sierra Nevada was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1979.

Join this great adventure with us, all our treks to Ciudad Perdida have an English interpreter or a bilingual guide!!

Why to do the lost city trek, indigenous communities.

Currently four different indigenous communities (Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo) still inhabit in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta preserving its culture, dialect and traditions.

Biosphere Reserve

Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta was declared a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1979; Ciudad Perdida is situated in the foothills of this area.

Community tourism

A majority of the staff and people who benefit from this trekking are natives from the region and indigenous communities.

Most recent investigations undertaken in the archaeological Teyuna Park have discovered that the oldest settlements are from the A.C. 650 approximately.

How to get there

In order to reach Ciudad Perdida is necessary to contact one authorized agency and it is very important to book in advance.

Fauna and Flora

Thousands of unique species inhabit in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada; amongst them some unique and endemic birds of our region.

Choose your favorite lost city trek

4 days tour.

5 days tour.

6 days tour.

Bird Watching.

It is a demanding trek which requires good physical condition and endurance plus an interest in nature. Ciudad Perdida trekking is a unique experience that is worth living and enjoying.

• Make reservations in advance
• Avoid high season
• Make sure you keep hydrated during the trek
• Bring back all your waste
• Use biodegradable items
• Stay on the marked hiking paths
• Always follow the guide´s instructions

During the tour there will not be network or any type of digital communication hence this is an amazing opportunity for you to connect yourself with nature and its stunning surroundings.

About Lost City

Useful links:

• How to get to Lost City.
• Architecture.
• Lost city Colombia history.
• What to bring to the lost city trek.

Do you know that…? Camino a la Ciudad Perdida encontramos 2 diferentes comunidades indigenas, los Wiwa y los Koguis.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE LOST CITY TREK

About the ecoturistic trail camino teyuna – ciudad perdida.

This region is inhabited by farmers and indigenous people. The facilities where you will sleep and eat are owned by those local communities and even if the agency tries to guarantee high standards in the whole tour, the conditions of the provided services are not direct responsibility of Guías y Baquianos Tours.

The ecoturistic trail Camino Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida and the Archaeological Park are under the strategy of Tourism, Peace and Coexistence of the Colombian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism which aims to consolidate different destinations nationwide that at some point were affected by the conflict, ensuring its sustainability and empowering local communities in order to improve its economic and social conditions.

Parts of the trail and the whole Archaeological Park are located within protected areas of the Santa Marta Sierra Nevada National Park, which has been considered a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO.

Due to its importance, this destination has been raised to the category of Archaeological National Park. It is also considered a Colombian Archaeological Heritage thus it is monitored by designated state bodies and its preservation is responsibility of the entire nation. Therefore, it is very important take care of the environment and make good use of available resources. It is strictly prohibited the extraction of flora, fauna or any archaeological items.

At present, Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida is a sacred place for indigenous tribes who inhabit the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta.

Like many other tourist attractions, the flow of people considerably increases during high season. It is important take into account that camps and footpaths are shared by all agencies thus there may be certain days in which agglomerations may occur resulting in overloads at the camps.

LOST CITY MAP

This is the Lost City map route , it shows what the distance is carried out starting from Santa Marta to the "Mamey" or "Machete Pealo" time it takes on average about 2 hours by road making a stop at a point called "La Aguacatera" to stretch your legs a little. From "El Mamey", which is where the trekking begins, we walk almost 50 km round trip during all the tour, reaching a maximum altitude of about 1200 meters above sea level, which is the place where is the archaeological site Lost City.

Lost city Map with altitudes.

Our company has more than 25 years of experience, we are the first in the lost city tour.

Our guides are native from the region, they are ready go give you the best service and the best experience.

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Lost City Teyuna

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TripAdvisor – Lost City Trek reviews

Explore the Origin

Lost city trek.

Best option for visitors who prefer to have an exclusive experience, and have an excellent physical condition.

Why are we different?

We are Teyuna Tours,  the only Lost City trek operator to be directly owned by local guides  with more than 15 years of experience, we have traveled and lived the magic of archaeological and sacred places in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range for a long time, developing a broad knowledge and reliability in Lost City treks operation.

We are a group of local Lost City trek guides who have been training to be professionals, in order to provide authentic ethno-tourism and eco-tourism experiences to our visitors; we are strongly driven by the desire to create and promote a culture of conservation and care for environment, habits and traditions of our communities.

With this strong will, we could make our dream a solid reality when getting together and creating Teyuna Tours,  get to know more about our project:

Santa Marta Tour Guides created their own tour operator company: Teyuna Tours

The Lost City is providing a solid nature tourism alternative  

Teyuna, Buritaca-200 or Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) is one of the more than 250 ancient villages...

. .. belonging to the four indigenous groups’ ancestral heritage and found in the northern and southwestern face of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, Magdalena department, northern Colombia.

Teyuna or Ciudad Perdida was discovered in 1976 by a team of archaeologists from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology headed by Gilberto Cadavid and Luisa Fernada Herrera; it was almost entirely restored between 1976 and 1982.

Members of the local indigenous tribes, descendants of the Tairona culture – the Arhuaco, the Koguis, the Wiwas and the Kankuamos – have stated that they visited the site on a regular basis before its rediscovery was made public and way before Lost City treks started, but that they had kept a secret about it.

They call Ciudad Perdida “Teyuna” and believe it was the most important spiritual center at the time, heart of a network of villages inhabited by their ancestors, the Taironas. Ciudad Perdida, which can be visited nowadays thanks to Lost City treks, was probably the political and manufacturing center of the region, being located in the valley of Buritaca river and probably inhabited by 2,000 to 8,000 people. It was apparently abandoned during the Spanish conquest. The Lost City

The site that can be reached only by taking the so-called Ciudad Perdida trek, extends between 900 and 1,300 meters above sea level, on the foothills of Cerro Corea, in the northern face of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, on the right side of Buritaca river.

The main attraction of the Lost City trek, Ciudad Perdida, is known as Teyuna by the indigenous people of the area and therefore the name of the archaeological site: Ciudad Perdida-Teyuna Archaeological Park, even though within the nomenclature of archaeological sites located in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, it is also known as Buritaca-200.

The area within Ciudad Perdida-Teyuna Archaeological Park includes a complex system of constructions, flagstone trails (trails paved with flat-cut stones), stairs and containing walls, path connecting a series of circular terraces and platforms on which the ceremonial centers, houses and food storages (silos) were built.

The structures that were discovered so far occupy an area of approximately 35 hectares, in which up to 169 stone terraces and more 240 stone rings can be found. Since its discovery, Ciudad Perdida and Ciudad Perdida treks have been managed and regulated by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), which is the public entity in charge of Ciudad Perdida-Teyuna Archaeological Park.

Being an archaeological park conserved by a national authority, located inside of the National Natural Park of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta -which overlaps with a native reservation inhabited by local indigenous groups too-, in order to reach the Lost City through a Lost City trek it is necessary to make a series of contributions to both communities living in the region in which the trek takes place: farming and indigenous communities, in fact, are in charge of performing maintenance on the trails, and to keep peace and harmony on the way to this ancestral site.

How long does it take to get to Ciudad Perdida?

Ciudad Perdida-Teyuna Archaeological Park can only be visited through several days of walking in the heart of the amazing tropical forest of Sierra Nevada, in a guided tour that takes between 3 and 6 days – the so-called Lost City or Ciudad Perdida trek – operated by TEYUNA TOURS, travel agency based in Santa Marta, Colombia.

How long is the hike to the Lost City?

The hike to the Lost City is 4 to 6 days long; it’s a walk of more than 50 km in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, involving river crossings, uphills, downhills, outstanding views, native communities and archaeological ruins.

How much is the Lost City Trek Colombia?

The 4 and 5-day Lost City Trek costs$1.750.000 COP and $2.050.000 per person in 2023; these prices includes transportation, guide service, lodging, food, entrance fees, contribution to local communities, travel insurance.

How difficult is the Lost City Trek?

This trekking involves long walks (more than 50 km in total) and takes place in a tropical forest, with high temperatures (up to about 32°C). It is usually hot and very humid, even if during the night temperatures may get as low as 17-18°C. There are a lot of mosquitoes, bugs and other insects, so that we recommend to bring insect repellent; chances of rain are usually pretty high, especially during the afternoon, so the trail can be muddy, and it is necessary to cross rivers and streams.

More information

Teyuna or Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City trek in Colombia, was discovered in 1976 by archaeologists from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology. It was almost entirely restored between 1976 and 1982. The site, which is considered the most important spiritual center of the indigenous tribes in the area, can be visited nowadays through the Lost City trek.

The Lost City trek, also known as the Ciudad Perdida trek, is a guided tour operated by TEYUNA TOURS, a travel agency based in Santa Marta, Colombia. The trek takes between 3 and 6 days to complete and involves walking through the tropical forest of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, crossing rivers, navigating uphills and downhills, and exploring archaeological ruins.

The Lost City trek is managed and regulated by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), as it is located within the Ciudad Perdida-Teyuna Archaeological Park, a national natural park that overlaps with a native reservation inhabited by local indigenous groups. To reach Ciudad Perdida, visitors are required to make contributions to both the farming and indigenous communities in the region as part of the trek.

The Lost City trek costs $1.750.000 COP for the 4-day trek and $2.050.000 COP for the 5-day trek per person in 2023. The cost includes transportation, guide service, lodging, food, entrance fees, contribution to local communities, and travel insurance.

The Lost City trek is a challenging adventure, involving long walks in a tropical forest with high temperatures, humidity, and mosquitoes. However, the trek offers outstanding views, unique cultural experiences with local indigenous communities, and a chance to explore the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida.

In conclusion, if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Colombia, the Lost City trek, also known as Ciudad Perdida trek, is a must-visit destination. Managed by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, this guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient ruins of Teyuna, also known as the Lost City, while supporting local communities and experiencing the natural beauty of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Book your trek with TEYUNA TOURS and embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Colombian jungle.

Disclaimer - Teyuna Tours S.A.S.

The company is exempt from any kind of responsibility coming from the pre-existing conditions of the visitors, including medical or physical conditions, or even of a different nature, such as pregnancy and others that may affect the health of the visitor him/herself.

If you have questions regarding our services, level of difficulty of the walks, the Lost City treks or other details, feel free to contact us and we will be really glad to advise you.

Closer to Teyuna: 4-day Lost City trek starting from $1.775.000 COP per person

The Complete Guide to The Lost City Trek Colombia

Posted on Last updated: December 22, 2023

The Lost City Trek Colombia , or Ciudad Perdida Tour, has been at the top of my ‘to do’ list since I arrived in Colombia . Despite reading a lot of different blogs and speaking to others I still felt unsure what to expect leading up to the trek. So, to help you be as prepared as you can for taking on this challenging hike here is my complete guide to The Lost City Trek .

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What is the Colombia Lost City Trek?

The Ciudad Perdida trek is a 46 km (28 miles) hike through the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is a jungle trek, so think hot and humid!

After day one you will be completely ‘off road’ and the only mode of transport other than your legs is a mule. The Ciudad Perdida hike takes you through the jungle to visit the abandoned city known locally as ‘Teyuna’.

It is believed that the city was founded in 800 CE (FYI that’s 650 years before Machu Picchu). The Lost City was ‘rediscovered’ in 1972 by a father and son who began to loot the site. After the ancient artifacts began to appear on the black market Colombian Archeologists found out about the site and began reconstruction, which was finished in 1982.

History of Tourists Trekking Ciudad Perdida

Adventurers from around the world began to visit the Ciudad Perdida in the 70’s navigating through the jungle alone. Formal tours didn’t begin to take place until later. A government program to help displaced farmers began training them to be tour guides and take groups of tourists to visit the site. It is now compulsory to go with a local guide and money from each tour goes to help support over 400 families in the area.

The trek was relatively unknown to mass tourism until 2003 when the ELN kidnapped 8 tourists . Ironically, after this, people began to flock to Colombia to see the Ciudad Perdida for themselves. Don’t worry about the trek, and hiking in Colombia, in general, is now very safe. In fact, there is even an army unit based in the city. You can rest assured that it is now safe for tourists.

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Who is the Ciudad Perdida Trek for

This tour is not recommended for beginner hikers or people with a below-average level of fitness.

One thing I would say is that it’s not an easy trek, you need to be prepared for a lot of walking in some difficult conditions.

Therefore this isn’t a trek you get talked into doing by your friend. You need to want to do it. And you need to be prepared for it. It is one of the best things I have done, but it was hard! So if I haven’t already put you off, keep reading for more information. Or take a read of these inspirational quotes to find some more motivation!

There are plenty of less challenging places for hiking in Colombia close to Santa Marta , like within Parque Tayrona .

How to choose the right tour operator for the Lost City Trek

When the government put conditions on the trek to make it fair all of the operators have to charge the same price. This means what you need to look for in a tour operator is the service you will get. There are 6 main tour operators running tours to Teyuna, so you only have to choose between the 6! I decided to do with Magic Tour Colombia for 2 reasons.

1, I took a tour to Punta Gallinas with them and I was seriously impressed with the service I received and

2, they had great reviews. I can’t speak for the other operators but here are some things to look out for and my experience with Magic Tour Colombia:

Accommodation on the Lost City hike

Some of the operators provide hammocks to sleep in. With Magic Tour Colombia, I slept in a bed all 3 nights. Now, this might not seem like a big deal, but after hiking for 7+ hours a day the thought of sleeping in a hammock didn’t appeal to me! The temperature in the jungle drops at night and the hammocks are more exposed to the elements.

What is the food like on the Lost City Tour?

As a vegetarian food on tours is always a bit of an issue for me. When you are doing something this physical you need to be well fed to sustain your energy. I can honestly say that I was really, really well fed over the 3 days. In fact, I was so well fed I didn’t eat my snacks! I ended up giving away all my snacks as I didn’t want to carry them around anymore. We had a whole catering team who traveled with us.

They were total rockstars! The food was incredible and we were told right at the start that if we wanted more food all we had to do is ask.

Is the Lost City Tour in English or Spanish?

This is a general thing in South America . If you don’t speak Spanish you need to make sure you communicate this to the tour operator.

Some operators will charge you extra for having the tour in English. Either because they will need to provide you with a translator or they will need a guide who speaks English, this is seen as an extra skill so the guide could be better paid. With Magic Tour Colombia, we had both a Spanish and English-speaking guide at no extra cost.

If you need the tour in English make sure to request this when booking .

If like me you are a bit of a history geek, and love learning about the history of a place, then take this into consideration. Our guide Tomas was pretty amazing. I learned so much over those 4 days about the local area, culture, history and especially about the indigenous people. It was the highlight for me.

Health & Safety

If there is one thing I’m always a bit worried about it’s getting injured doing something like this. As far as I know, all of the guides have to do first aid training before starting the job. My worst nightmare happened on the way back and I fell spraining my ankle and knee. The team was great and got me strapped up quickly. Luckily I was able to finish the hike (more about this later) and one of the guides stayed with me (at the back) to make sure I was ok.

How to prepare for the Lost City hike

If there is one thing I wish I had done before the hike it would be to be better prepared physically. Don’t get me wrong I’m not in bad shape. BUT I had just spent 4 weeks in Spanish school sitting on my backside. I think if I had just gone for a run once or twice a week that might have helped! So if you know you have been sitting on a lot of busses and not been very active then get yourself outside and go on a few long walks or runs. Your body will thank you for it!

What to pack for the Ciudad Perdida Tour

Rule number 1, only take what you absolutely need!

You are going to have to carry this stuff on your back for 4 days. This is what I would suggest taking with you.

• Small hiking backpack – make sure you have a waist strap (for comfort) and a place to keep your water for easy access.
• Quick-dry towel
• Hiking boots / Hiking sandals/ sneakers with a good grip
• 4 pairs of socks
• 4 t-shirts to walk in (ideally these would be quick dry)
• 2-4 pairs of shorts/ long pants/ leggings (you want 2 as a minimum 1 pair of shorts and 1 pair of long pants. Things don’t dry in the jungle so if you don’t like the idea of wearing something damp and dirty take 4). I took 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of leggings and 1 pair of long trousers that could turn into shorts.
• Swimsuit – You get to swim every day so don’t forget this!
• Something to wear in the evenings and to sleep in – I took some lightweight bottoms and a long-sleeve T-shirt which I wore each night for dinner and to sleep in. Remember it gets cold at night.
• Something warm to wear in the evenings – My only regret was not bringing a jumper with me! A lightweight fleece would have been perfect.
• Underwear – I’m not a fan of bras, so I just took 2 bikini tops 2 bottoms and 3 pairs of panties with me. I wore the bikinis to hike in as they are not only quick dry but it also meant I was ready to swim at any time!
• Headtorch – you will need this in the evenings
• Sun Care products
• Bug spray – super important!
• Toilet paper
• Mini first aid kit (Make sure you have ibuprofen and plasters)
• Earplugs (jungles are noisy and you sleep very close to others who could be snoring)
• Energy powers to add to your water – get something with electrolytes in it to help keep your energy up.
• Water 2L minimum – if you have a Camelbak bring it!
• Hiking stick
• Shampoo (I didn’t take this as I kept my hair braided for 4 days)
• Lavender oil (Great for bug bites, cuts etc and it will help you get to sleep)

Need Transportation in Colombia?

I highly recommend booking Colombia transportation with GottoGo . You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and flights on their website—I love their customer service. I know them personally from my time living in Guatemala, and they genuinely care for their customers. If a delay occurs and you miss your bus, call them for help. If you book through GottoGo, you will pay more than at the bus station, but it’s worth it for the ease and security. Click here to search for transportation in Colombia.

What to expect on the Ciudad Perdida Tour

In this section, I’m going to talk you through each day of the trek. To be clear this is my personal experience of it. Everyone experiences it differently depending on their fitness and preferences, I have tried to be as neutral as possible, but this was my experience of the Lost City trek with Magic Tour .

Be sure to get a good night’s sleep and eat a decent breakfast! I was told to be at the office in Santa Marta at 8:45. This is to sort out the paperwork, pay the final balance and listen to the pre-trip brief. We didn’t leave the office until 10:30, but there was coffee, so I was happy!

You will go in a minibus first before changing into a 4X4 to make the rather bumpy journey to Mamey or Machete as it is locally known. You will have the chance to grab any last-minute supplies at both stops.

We had lunch at Restaurant Edel Mira in El Mamey at 1 pm followed by a more detailed pre-hike talk from our guide Tomas. Using the map, he talked us through each day of the trek letting us know what to expect. Then we started the hike, from here you will have no phone service until you return after the hike.

On day one you have 3 hours of hiking. This was the worse day for me. The hike was brutal! It’s all uphill, you are at a low elevation so it’s still very hot, there is little shade and my bag was at its heaviest due to water. Plus it was a bit of a shock to my body after being sat in class for 4 weeks prior to this.

In some ways, it’s easier as you are mostly on the road so you don’t need to be quite so alert to where you are stepping, but the lack of jungle coverage made the sun pretty unbearable. For me, nothing over the 4 days got worse than this.

The good thing is at the top of each hill was fresh fruit and at each place we camped, we were able to go swimming! I can’t even tell you how good it felt after hiking it jump into that water and cool off!

Be warned you will have early starts every day! We were up at 5 am, breakfast at 5:30 and on the trail by 6 am.

Although this may feel like a shock if you aren’t a morning person the mornings were my favorite hikes. Hiking before the sun is high was so much easier! You are well and truly in the jungle now and honestly, I felt like Indiana Jones! The path is pretty easy to follow and as I lagged behind filming and taking photos a lot there were times when I found myself alone walking the path. Although I wasn’t ever alone for long I really enjoyed these moments.

Expect a lot of uphill in the morning, but as you are shaded and it is early it’s pretty cool. We stopped at an indigenous village to learn more about it. This village is still in use but just for special occasions and celebrations.

After 3.5 hours of hiking, we then stopped for a swim and lunch. BEST. THING. EVER. after all of that walking. If you get lucky and it is sunny you can hang your clothes up to dry. We did get lucky and in an hour managed to dry everything off. This was the only time this happened during the trek! From here on expect to be wet!

The afternoon hike was tough (but not as tough as the day before). The views are spectacular during the pm so take your time and soak it all in. You will have to walk through a river so make sure you wear shorts on day 2! If you have hiking sandals now is a good time to wear them! Otherwise, you will need to take off your boots to cross the river.

Word of warning, go slowly and be careful! I saw 2 people fall in the river, one of the girls got her boots soaked and had to walk for 2 days with wet boots! Not fun.

On night 2 everyone for all of the tour groups stays together in Paradise Camp. Because of so many people, a lot of the groups slept in hammocks. Lucky for me Magic Tour made sure most of us had a bed. A few of the younger group members who volunteered to sleep in a hammock. There was a river to swim in here, but as you are at a higher altitude it is COLD. So I gave it a miss, the cold shower was enough for me!

We ate a lot of popcorn and then spoke about what to expect the next day. I can’t even tell you how happy I was to find out I wouldn’t have to carry my bag up the 1000+ steps to the lost city haha.

The big day! Be sure to get up early and get ready to leave at 6 am. You will be able to lock your bag up in a storeroom and all of the groups leave at a different time to avoid ‘congestion’ on the trail. The hike to Teyuna in the morning is pretty short compared to the other days. But it’s 1000+ steps up! Great workout for your butt though.

It actually wasn’t so bad. But save some energy for when you get there as the Lost City is built on the side of the mountain so you will keep climbing up if you want to get the iconic photo.

As we were guided around Thomas gave up so much information about the city and the history.

After this, we were given some time to explore on our own before meeting back up for snacks!

Once we had finished exploring the Lost City we continued on to see a traditional casa up close, where If you get lucky you will get to meet the Mama (leader of the Kogi people living in the area).

Sadly he wasn’t there but we did get to meet some of his children.

Here we learned more about the indigenous people of the 4 tribes Kogi, Wiwa, Kankuamo, and Arhuaco. After passing many Kogis and Wiwas it was so interesting to learn more about them.

We then took some time to go for a swim before beginning the descent back to camp!

My ‘little’ accident

On my way back not long after leaving the camp, I fell pretty badly and I managed to sprain my ankle and twist my knee. It was a bit of a shock and I’m not going to lie I was pretty worried! Mostly because I knew I had another 22km to go and my only option other than walking was to get a mule! Having had many injuries as a dancer I’m well acquainted with ankle sprains so I knew my best bet was to get straight up and keep walking.

So that’s what I did. I activated my yoga breathing and just kept going. It was hard, I was in a lot of pain but Tomas stayed with me checking in and making sure I was OK. When I got back to camp I cried! I think part relief I’d managed to do it and part pain! I was worried about it swelling and not being able to walk the next day so I went to bed early with a tone of arnica and ibuprofen!

Because of my ‘little accident’, I was pretty nervous about today. Especially as I knew a lot of it was downhill (which was so much more painful than uphill). I’m pretty stubborn so I decided I was going to try and at least walk the first 3 hours back to camp 1 and after that, I would be able to get a Moto back. I did send my backpack on a mule for 20Mil though!

I was slow and careful and it wasn’t much fun. So I can’t really tell you much about day 4 as I spent most of it heavy breathing with my head down focusing on putting one foot in front of the other! When going uphill I felt nothing and dreaded going downhill. In some ways, I think my focus and breathing actually made it easier!

Anyway, after making it back to camp 1 I decided I had to finish this on foot or I would just be super disappointed in myself. So I just kept going! I may have been slow but I made it all the way back and felt so proud of myself. It wasn’t a terrible time either and I wasn’t the last in our group back surprisingly!

I got a round of applause from my group for making it, we all had a beer and another great meal before heading back to Santa Marta!

Final Thoughts

This hike was a huge challenge mentally and physically. But I LOVED it. Even with my injury. I’m also really glad I went with Magic Tour, once again they were incredible and I felt so well looked after by them. All of the groups have the same cost, they don’t all have this level of service though. If you are planning on doing the hike I highly recommend choosing them as your tour guides.

I hope this is helpful if you are backpacking in Colombia be sure to check out my other guides ! Also, you can follow my 1-week , 2-week , and 3-week Itineraries for the Caribbean coast .

Looking for somewhere to stay in Santa Marta? Here are the places I personally recommend:

Rua Hostels

Hotel Nueva Granada

Arbore Hostel

Solaz Hostel

This post was proofread by Grammarly

Saturday 11th of August 2018

Hello i really want to do this but im not going to lie i am out of shape. i did a hike in thailand and i thought i was actually going to die. i ran out of water and got really hot and little bit dizzy and my legs had no strength in it. out of breath hot etc. luckily i made it i pushed through as i had no choice but to keep going. is it possible to rent a horse or mule ? i know ill look like a big baby while everyone is hiking and im on the mule but honestly its the only way i can do this 4 day hike… i dont mind paying little bit extra for the mule so i can get this awsome picture…

Claire Summers

Honestly I don't think a company would take you. Mules and horses are there for people who get I injured. No company would take you on a mule. For a start just to get up to the lost city and then walk around it is very hard going due to all of the steps. So I would say no. Maybe use it as motivation to get in shape ?.

Stella Jane

Tuesday 27th of March 2018

This sounds like an incredible experience. I have never heard of the Lost City, but the name alone makes me want to go there. It seems like you absolutely picked the right tour company. I definitely agree that a bed is better than a hammock after a day of hiking.

Thursday 29th of March 2018

I know I would have been such a grump if I'd of slept in a hammock haha #princess

I too worry about health and safety when I do activities like this. So sorry to hear you sprained your ankle and knee. Luckily it was on the way back and happy to hear the response was quick.

I know! It's just my luck to do something like this. Glad I did it on the way back jaja

I can't believe I havent been to Colombia yet even though I am living in Ecuador. Would love to go soon. Would love to do the Lost City Trek, I might have to prepare for the hike here in Ecuador. So good you include the packing list, very useful for people who don't know how the climate will be like. I would love to do a hike that takes days, I havent really done that before. Thank you for all the tips :D

Haha I still haven't gotten to Ecuador yet!

I was just talking about Colombia with a group of travelers last night and we were discussing if its safe to travel through the country or not - so thanks for clarifying that fact for La Cuidad Perdida. My plan is to be in Sth Am by the end of the year and Colombia is on my list - so I will definitely keep the lost city trek and the Magic Tour in mind. I hope that my Spanish will have improved enough not to need an English guide!

Oh and if you do make it by the end of the year let me know. I'm traveling back to Medellin in August/ September so I'll likely be there until Easter 2019!

Yea I had the same worries before I went there. Bogota I wasn't a fan of...you have to be super careful. But it's the same in any big city. Medellin, I feel really safe in. I even take the bus at night on my own and go to the salsa clubs! I really recommend going. Totally find traveling solo, just use the normal caution.

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

How to Trek Colombia’s Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

• 1 Colombia's Lost City: An Overview
• 2 The Lost City trek: What to expect
• 3 When to go
• 4 Getting there
• 5 Where to stay
• 6 Booking a trek tour to Colombia's Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
• 7 What to pack
• 8 The Thrifty Gist

H idden in Colombia's deliciously green jungles lies an enticing secret. A secret unknowingly swallowed up by forest for 1,200 years, speckled with gold, jewels, and human sacrificial sites. Its ruins are 650 years older than Machu Picchu, and have only been publicly accessible in the last few decades. Known as the Ciudad Perdida or the Lost City, this ancient site is one of Colombia's most remarkably concealed gems.

Reaching these epic ruins is no simple feat. River crossings, steep hills, and tropical heat make the four day hike here a gruelling one. Despite being accessible to tourists for the past 10+ years, the Lost City is still surprisingly under-visited. One thing is for certain, those who make it here are left in awe.

Colombia's Lost City: An Overview

The Lost City was built by the Tairona people who first created this settlement in 800 A.D. Spanning over 12,000 square meters (129,167 square feet), the city was once home to an estimated 2,000-4,000 people in its peak. This is thought to have been the Tairona's biggest city, and was the epicentre of economic and political activity.

The Tairona were an advanced civilization, with a political structure and impressive engineering skills. Evidence of the latter lies in the complex bridges and drainage systems built to ensure the city withstood heavy rains. Stone-lined paths and staircases snake about the terraces, storehouses, ceremonial and feasting areas. All of this is but a fraction of what we know existed here. Only about 10% of the Lost City has been uncovered , further cloaking these ancient grounds in mystery.

The Tairona were skilled craftsmen and spiritual people. They practiced meditation and made symbolic offerings. Shamans were important to maintain natural order, sometimes even making human sacrifices to do so.

Stunning gold jewellery, intricate gold idols, and colourful beadwork have all been uncovered throughout the ruins. The Tairona are said to have worn feathered headdresses, shawls, and jewelled chest ornaments. Today, much of these artefacts can be seen in museums throughout Colombia. I highly recommend doing this, as the detail and intricacy is astounding, further enriching one's understanding of the civilization behind the Lost City. The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in Santa Marta, as well as in Bogota, both have fantastic collections.

Like many indigenous South American populations, the Tairona were wiped out with the colonization of the Spaniards, most likely due to smallpox. Their disappearance left their entire city to be swallowed up by the forest for centuries. Today, their nearest descendants, known as the “Kogi”, continue to live traditionally in huts without electricity or running water. You may encounter the Kogi people while entering the Lost City, as we did.

The Lost City trek: What to expect

After a steep venture up, the lushness of the Lost City is revealed. Much of the hand-carved stone terraces, which once housed huts and structures, are engrossed in moss and plants. It is eery, beautiful, and reminiscent of other nature-engulfed ruins like Machu Picchu.

The Lost City is further explored on foot with your guide who will explain various areas of significance. That includes sacrificial sites, stones with engravings, and the various terraces and plazas. Besides the spectacular ruins, the scenery en route to the Lost City is majestic. Sweeping mountain views, colourful butterflies, sputtering waterfalls, and gorgeous rock pools (which you can dive into) are just some of what's in store.

Hike difficulty

The Lost City trek is a 44km hilly hike that takes 4-6 days to complete (round-trip). The journey begins with a bumpy 4WD up a mountain to the start of the hike. There is only one trail in and out to the Lost City, meaning that you will retrace the route. The first three days of the tour are generally inclining (approaching the Lost City), and the last two are declining as you return to the start. The only difference in tour duration is the amount of hiking completed each day. We did the 4-day (shortest) option and found it was fine, and this is a popular option for travellers.

In terms of difficulty, this is a challenging hike. General fitness is required, and there are steep hills throughout. Ultimately, an elevation of 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) is reached. Climate-wise, it is hot, humid, muddy, and buggy. There are several river crossings (i.e. you will literally walk through rivers), so you will get wet. If being hot, fatigued, sweaty, dirty, and bug-bitten is a suitable trade-off for you in exchange for incredible landscapes and ancient ruins, then you'll find this hike well worth it (we certainly did!).

Accommodation, food & water

Accommodation throughout the hike is humble. There are small open-air huts with dirt floors, simple bunk beds, and hammocks inside, both of which have mosquito nets. Most tours have 10-12 people, so the sleeping area is small and quiet (imagine a rustic hostel dorm set in the jungle). Cold showers are available at the camp on the second day, though river swims are available on day 1 of the hike.

Food is provided on all tours, which is usually three meals and two snacks per day. It is home cooked Colombian food, such as stews with rice and salad. Filtered water is available at each of the camp sites, so you can refill at each station. You should carry 1.5-2L each day to be well hydrated.

Colombia has warm weather year-round, so the Lost City trek can technically be done anytime. The dry season runs between December and March. Temperatures are slightly lower during this time and there is less rain, making the hike's several river crossings easier. On the flip side, this is the busier season, increasing the number of tourists on the trail.

The rainy season (April to November) can involve anything from a light drizzle to torrential downpours. Rivers will be fuller, sometimes raising the water as high as one's chest, so keep this in mind.

Getting there

The closest city to the starting point of the Lost City trek is Santa Marta. It is accessible by bus or car transfer from nearby major cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena.

Colombia is well connected by bus. For example, you can get a bus ticket online from Medellin to Santa Marta from $38 USD , or from Bogota to Santa Marta from $27 USD . Bus prices can sometimes be negotiable outside of peak season. A gentle, “Hay discuento?” will reveal if you can get a better rate. To purchase tickets, go to the nearest bus station or buy ahead online on Busbud .

If flying into Colombia, the nearest major airport to the Lost City is Cartagena. Use Skyscanner and select “Whole Month” to visualize the cheapest dates to fly. From there you must transfer onwards to Santa Marta.

Where to stay

Santa marta.

Santa Marta is a small colonial city located along Colombia's northern coast. It is home to a small variety of bars, restaurants, and beaches. There are several hostel, hotel, and AirBNB  (as low as $10 USD/night for a private room ) options here suitable to various budgets and travel styles. We stayed at the bright and spacious Drop Bear Hostel ( read reviews here ).

Drop Bear Hostel

Owned by a friendly Aussie, this vibrant hostel is set in a rustic Colombian mansion. It has a swimming pool, games room, restaurant, bar, pool table, cinema room, large kitchen, and hammock lounge. Those wanting some screen time can make use its computers (there is also good Wifi throughout the hostel). It's slightly removed from town so that it is a quiet paradise, but still has proximity to the beaches and city.

Pricing : $9-$13 USD/night dorms (varying sizes), $20-$44 USD/night private Book here – Read reviews here

A fairy-tale like city nestled on the sparkling waters of the Carribbean, Cartagena is not to be missed. Speckled with brightly coloured colonial buildings, even a wander through the streets here is stimulating. Cartagena's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, teeming with stone-brick walls and cobblestone roads. The city is a delight to explore at dusk into nightfall, as its street lamps romantically illuminate the colonial buildings and stone walls.

There are a dizzying number of hostel, hotel, and AirBNB  (around $20 USD for a private room ) options on hand here. We stayed at Hostel Mamallena ( read reviews here ), covered more below.

Hostel Mamallena

Quaint, vibrant, and clean, Hostel Mamallena is a great option for a central pad in Cartagena. Basic breakfast is provided and the staff are friendly to help with any queries you may have. Dorm and private rooms are tidy and have air conditioning too. The backyard chill area and bar are great for socializing with other travellers at nightfall.

Pricing : $14 USD/night (8-bed dorm), $41 USD/night private Book here – Read reviews here

Booking a trek tour to Colombia's Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

A guided trek to Colombia's Lost City is the only way to visit the site, as it is sacred indigenous land now protected by the Colombian government. You can book tours online in advance with instant confirmation on Viator or G Adventures , or in person at your accommodation or tour company.

When you do book, request an English speaking guide (if you don't speak Spanish), as this will majorly impact your overall experience and understanding of the site. If that's not possible, the guides will often ask a bi-lingual member of the tour to do the translating (this happened on our tour), so it's unlikely you'll miss too much.

Ciudad Perdida: 4- or 5-Day Trek from Santa Marta ($568 USD)

• This is the standard Ciudad Perdida tour, with options for 4 or 5 days of hiking.
• Both options offer similar experiences, but you move at a faster pace on the 4-day option (this is what we did).

Colombia – Lost City Trekking – 7 days, Santa Marta to Santa Marta ($679 USD – $849 USD)

• This tour is 5 days of hiking. Day 1 and day 7 have no planned activities.
• Comparable to the Viator tour , but includes a community lunch at the Gotsezhi Village women's community (day 6) as well as exploring nearby waterfalls before returning to Santa Marta.

What to pack

Firstly, pack light . When you're hiking through humidity and heat that's as thick as pudding, every bit of weight adds strain. We packed 2 day hiking outfits each (plus nighttime wear) and alternated drying them. You will become dirty/sweaty within minutes of putting your clothes on each day, so it's up to you whether you want to add bulk for the sake of clean options. Some hikers wash their clothes in the river and hang them to dry in between (though with the humidity, items never fully dry). For tips on travelling light, be sure to check our men's and women's  packing guides.

Note: if you're travelling with much bigger bags, it may be possible to store extra luggage/items at your Santa Marta accommodation if needed (check in advance – Drop Bear Hostel let us!).

Here is what we recommend to pack for the Lost City trek:

• 2-3 quick-dry tops (tank top or t-shirt)
• 1 long sleeved shirt (for night)
• 1 pair pants or leggings (for night)
• 2-3 pairs of socks
• 2 sports bras
• 4 pairs of underwear
• Hiking shoes (we used running shoes)
• Sandals or flip flops (we wore flip flops)
• 1 bathing suit
• Rain jacket (mainly for wet season; we didn't use ours as it was hot and dry)
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Deodorant (ESSENTIAL!!!)
• 1 fast-dry towel
• Small first aid kit (Bandaids, hydrocortisone cream, Polysporin, Immodium)
• Insect repellent (DEET-containing is most effective, you can buy a soap-like version in Colombia called Nopikex. Natural alternatives include citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, etc.)
• Sunscreen that is waterproof and sweat proof

Miscellaneous

• Water bottle (we use the Platypus as it folds flat. Pack extra empty bottles if you don't have a large one already, you'll need 1.5-2L per day)
• Portable charger
• Sleeping bag liner (on our hike there were bed bugs in the bunk beds; a liner does reduce the risk of bites, otherwise wear at least 3 layers)
• Rain jacket
• Flashlight and/or headlamp
• Waterproof backpack cover (we love our Deuter bags because they come with these!)
• Dry bag (very important for keeping electronics etc. safe during heavy rains and river crossings)
• Cash: the camps sell chocolate bars etc. in the evenings if you wish

The Thrifty Gist

• The Lost City Trek in Colombia is an incredible trek. Booking a tour is required (check G Adventures or Viator for instant online confirmation, or book at your accommodation)
• Pack as light as possible, as you will be carrying your luggage on the trek
• A visit in dry season is advisable (Dec – March), but shoulder seasons are still okay
• Pack all essentials (refer to packing list above), as you will have no stops at shops on this remote trek

Ultimate Guide to Ciudad Perdida – Colombia’s Lost City

Colombia’s famous Ciudad Perdida – or, the Lost City – is one of the country’s most fascinating destinations. The so-called Ciudad Perdida trek, a multi-day hike through dense jungle along the Buritaca River to reach the Lost City, is not for the faint of heart, but has quickly become one of South America’s most famous hikes.

This is our ultimate guide to the Ciudad Perdida hike, where we share everything you need to know to plan a trip to this unforgettable destination. We’re sharing how to get to Ciudad Perdida, which Ciudad Perdida tours are worth your time , and what to expect on the Ciudad Perdida trek.

Don’t forget to check out our Ciudad Perdida map to get a sense of where this trek will take you.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our  disclosure policy .

Ciudad Perdida Colombia

Located in the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountain range a few hours outside of Colombia’s coastal city of Santa Marta , Ciudad Perdida is better known as Colombia’s “Lost City.” Hidden in the jungle and known only to the local indigenous communities for centuries , this lost city is over 650 years older than Machu Picchu.

Built by the Tairona people around 800 A.D. and occupied until the arrival of Spanish conquistadores in the 1500s, about one-third of the site is currently open for visiting and exploring – about 32,000 square feet (3,000 square kilometers). Ciudad Perdida is also known by its original name – Teyuna. 

Some ongoing archeological studies and excavations continue at the site today, under the leadership and with the express permission of the local indigenous communities , descendants of the Tairona peoples.

While visitors have access to today feels massive, it’s estimated that as much as 100,00 square feet (9,000 square meters) of structures are still to be uncovered , hidden among the jungle.

Today Ciudad Perdida is one of the most famous and well-known treks in South America, and one of the most visited destinations in Colombia. Despite being such a popular and well-known attraction, the site is only accessible by multi-day trek through the thick jungle that surrounds it.

While last-minute tickets are sometimes available, you should book your trek months in advance if possible, especially if planning to hike during the high season. Tickets to visit this adventure-travel bucket list destination are limited.

The challenge of getting here means you’ll be rewarded with having the site mostly to yourself – less than 250 hikers make it here every day. 

Ciudad Perdida History

It’s important to recognize that the “Lost City” was never truly “lost” to the indigenous communities who live here – they’ve always known of this important site their ancestors built. Outsiders first became aware of this historic treasure in the 1970s, when looters in the area stumbled upon the site while trekking through the mountains, and began taking important artifacts.

The Colombian government clamped down on looting shortly after when it realized the extent of this ancient site. Currently, Ciudad Perdida is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta UNESCO Biosphere Reserve . Indigenous communities descended from the Tairona peoples – Arhuaco, Kogui, and Wiwa –  care for the site.

The first guided tours to the site started as early as the late 1970s, but didn’t start to grow much in popularity for several decades. In 2003, eight visitors to Ciudad Perdida were kidnapped and held hostage by the ELN guerilla group and held for over 100 days, though unharmed.

There have been no such security concerns since, and now the site is protected and guarded by the Colombian military. 

All visits to Ciudad Perdida must be conducted by licensed tour companies approved by the local indigenous peoples, in utmost respect to the cultural patrimony the site represents. We recommend Expotur and Baquianos Travel excursions, some of the oldest and most well-respected companies operating in the area.

What to Pack for Ciudad Perdida

Check out our  Ultimate Ciudad Perdida Packing List for this tried and tested packing list for the Ciudad Perdida trek.

How To Get to Ciudad Perdida

Located deep within the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia along the Caribbean coast, getting to Ciudad Perdida is only possible via the 3-5 day Ciudad Perdida trek. The most common itinerary of this in-and-out trek takes 4 days. 

The journey to get to Ciudad Perdida starts in Santa Marta , the largest city nearby. Located in the far north of the country, this is a beautiful area with a lot to see – if your itinerary allows for it, stick around to visit the Parque Nacional Tayrona, with some of the best beaches in the country, and the many other beautiful natural areas nearby.

From Santa Marta, Ciudad Perdida treks include transportation to the small outpost town of Machete Pelao, about two and a half hours east . Also known as Mamey, this small town is the start (and end) of the trek.

From there, you’ll trek about 28 miles (44 km) out and back over the course of the next four days to reach the famous Lost City of Colombia.

For a detailed guide to the specific day-by-day breakdown of how to get to Ciudad Perdida, jump ahead in this article to our section on the Ciudad Perdida hike. Here you’ll find a day-by-day outline of what to expect.

Ciudad Perdida Trek

How long is the hike to ciudad perdida.

The Ciudad Perdida trek takes a minimum of 3 days, though the most common trek duration is four days. You can even find treks lasting up to 7 days, though these usually include spending a period of time with local indigenous peoples in their villages rather than exclusively trekking.

I highly recommend selecting a 4-day or 5-day Ciudad Perdida hike. The last day of the 3-day hike involves a very long trek to make it back to Machete Pelao and transfer back to Santa Marta, and at the end of this trek I think this would be exhausting.  Check out these tour options we recommend for four-day and five-day treks.

4-Day Lost City Trek – Expotur

This  Expotur Santa Marta  trek is led by one of the most respected Ciudad Perdida hike operators and is  one of the most booked tours you’ll find . 

4-Day or 5-Day Lost City Trek – Baquianos Travel

Run by Baquianos Travel , one of the oldest and most well-respected ecotourism travel companies in Santa Marta , this trek has options for 4-day or 5-day routes.

How Difficult is Ciudad Perdida?

The multiday hike to reach Ciudad Perdida is not for the faint of heart and is not to be underestimated. To reach the abandoned city you’ll need to navigate river crossings, muddy terrain, constant ups and downs along narrow paths, mosquitos, and more. 

The trek is considered a challenging one, of moderate to high difficulty. You won’t need any special gear like ropes to complete the trek. Generally, a level of moderate physical fitness means you’ll do just fine on the Ciudad Perdida hike. No need for special training or conditioning.

Conditions on the Ciudad Perdida trek vary significantly based on the time of year you embark on the hike. This area of the country has two seasons – wet season and dry season, and both have their advantages and disadvantages for the trek.

(roughly April through November)

Wet season means you can expect daily rainstorms in the afternoon. Guides know how to handle this, and you’ll likely get earlier starts to avoid trudging through the rain.

Wet season makes river crossings a bit more challenging, and you’ll likely need to wade even up to your waist at some points. Again, guides will support you through this!

(roughly December through March)

Dry season means you’ll avoid the afternoon rains and have an easier time crossing the Buritaca River as you navigate along it. However, this is also high season at the hike, so expect fuller camps and trails.

To read more about the day-to-day details of the Ciudad Perdida trek, jump ahead to our section on the Ciudad Perdida hike. We outline all the details and what to expect from the Lost City trek every step of the way.

Ciudad Perdida Map

Check out this interactive Ciudad Perdida map we’ve created to help you visualize the Ciudad Perdida trek route. It is rather imperfect – the route is through the dense jungle after all – but this should give you a better idea about the length and location of the Ciudad Perdida hike.

I’ve dropped pins in the locations of the camps along the way , as well as the starting point of Santa Marta, and the Santa Marta tour offices of the companies that offer the Ciudad Perdida tours we recommend: Expotur and Baquianos Travel .

However, don’t wait to book your tour until you’re in Santa Marta – this is one of the most popular experiences in Colombia, and tours do sell out.

Ciudad Perdida Hike

By far the most common and popular Ciudad Perdida hike itinerary is the four-day trek. I think this is generally the best trek for most participants. If you’re particularly short on time and have no doubt that you’re fit enough to do very well on this hike, you can consider the three-day trek.

Alternatively, if you’re a bit more hesitant about keeping up the pace of the trek, consider the five-day option. Five-day treks generally also include more time to meet and interact with the protectors and keepers of the Lost City – the area’s indigenous communities. 

Here’s a quick outline of the Ciudad Perdida hike in four days:

• Day One: Transfer from Santa Marta to Machete Pelao and 4 hours of hiking to Camp Adán
• Day Two: Full day of hiking! 20 km hike to Camp El Paraíso Teyuna
• Day Three: Arrival at Ciudad Perdida, climb the terraced hills to get an incredible view over this ancient city! Enjoy Several hours enjoying this archeological jewel perched on the mountainside, then hike back to Camp Mumake – about 10 km of hiking in total for the day.
• Day Four: About 20 km of hiking from Camp Mumake back to Machete Pelao. Transfer back to Santa Marta.
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While the entire Ciudad Perdida hike is special and the views throughout the jungle and through the mountains are splendid, there is nothing like the moment you arrive to the Lost City. Ancient steps, worn and steep, carry you high up the terraces to that classic Lost City viewpoint of the main terraces. 

While the main terraces are impressive, even more fascinating is exploring the entirety of the site, walking the terraces, and feeling the history here.

The site is truly massive, which you might not realize from seeing photos online, so the several hours you’ll spend here are exciting. They’re well-earned after your trek here.

If you’ve ever been to Machu Picchu , you’ll notice instantly how seeing so few visitors changes your experience with a place! The experience of visiting Ciudad Perdida, while a similar destination, is so different after all the effort it takes to get here, and with significantly fewer visitors to share the site with!

You’ll also likely get the chance to meet with the indigenous caretakers of the site, another highlight of Day Three and of the trek as a whole. It’s a special moment to see this historic destination with them and have them introduce you to their patrimony.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to meet with an indigenous leader back at camp!

Ciudad Perdida Tours

There are countless tour providers in Santa Marta – and throughout Colombia – that sell tours to Ciudad Perdida. While many are fine, you don’t just want an okay trek – you want a great one.

These are our top recommended tours for the Ciudad Perdida trek – both are with very reputable companies that have a long history leading these tours, and trained, experienced guides.

This Expotur Santa Marta trek is led by one of the most respected Ciudad Perdida hike operators and is one of the most booked tours you’ll find . This is the typical 4-day trek, with attention to detail in every area to make the experience special and memorable for participants.

This trek, with options for 4-day or 5-day routes – is run by Baquianos Travel , one of the oldest and most well-respected ecotourism travel companies in Santa Marta.

They’ve been in the business since 1977 and led some of the first tours to the Lost City , so you know they’re doing something right! Top-notch guides make their trips exceptional.

Many travelers like to wait until they get to Colombia, or even until they get to Santa Marta, to book their trek. However, I recommend against waiting – book in advance if possible! You won’t save any money by waiting to book , and you could even lose the opportunity to start your trip when you want if you’re traveling in the high season. 

Regardless of the tour you choose to go with, make sure that your guides are reputable and experienced, as this can make all the difference for your trip. Look for reviews online, or speak with the tour company in advance of booking.

Ciudad Perdida Trek Price

The price for the Ciudad Perdida treks currently hovers between $425-500 USD per person for the 4-day trek. Some tour providers offer the 5-day trek for the same price as the 4-day trek, though most are a bit more expensive to cover the costs of the trip. 

You’ll find some tour providers also offer the trek as a private tour rather than a group tour. The cost of these treks can vary anywhere from $850 USD to nearly $1000 USD.

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Carley Rojas Avila

Carley Rojas Avila is a bilingual New York-based travel writer, editor, content marketer, and the founder of the digital travel publications Explorers Away and Home to Havana. Carley is an expert on all things Latin America, the Caribbean, and Cuba, having lived and worked in four different countries in the region. Her writing has appeared on the Associated Press wires and in Travel + Leisure, Yahoo, MSN, Euronews, The Weather Channel, and more. When she's not writing about her travels, find her front row at a Bad Bunny concert, befriending street cats, and taste-testing every pizza in Havana.

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Adventure Travel , Colombia

Lost City Trek, Colombia Guide – Visiting Ciudad Perdida and the Sierra Nevada

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

A guide to everything you need to know to complete the Lost City Trek in Colombia and how to get to the Ciudad Perdida archaeological site.

La Ciudad Perdida (Spanish for ‘Lost City’) is an ancient archaeological site perched within northern Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountain region, built by the Tayrona people and dating to approximately 800 AD – older than Machu Picchu.

Long forgotten, nature covered it for centuries, but with the help of archaeologists and the blessing of local indigenous people who today protect their ancestral site, around 10% of it has been uncovered and made open for those who make the pilgrimage here on the Lost City trek.

The Lost City trek in Colombia was a journey that took me from the urban pockets of the Caribbean coastline to the isolated jungle basin that wraps around the highest coastal mountain in the world at 5,778 metres above sea level.

Getting there was an expedition into the world’s second-largest biodiversity system and a passage through the heartland of Colombia’s oldest indigenous communities.

One-third of the 30,000 square kilometres of the UNESCO reserved biosphere of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a National Park open for exploration, where a path has been roughly carved through the wilderness to lead you to a hidden city and the central axis of a lost civilisation.

A Guide to The Ciudad Perdida Lost City Trek in Colombia.

This rich environment is also home to some of the best-preserved cultures in America, isolated and unseen until the second half of the 20 th century. The Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo communities are descendants of the Tayrona (Tairona) people of la Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), and have been living here for centuries and now maintain it.

You are simply a visitor walking amongst them on their land throughout the trek days.

The journey to the Lost City Colombia in the heart of indigenous Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Trekking tourism in Colombia is a new lifeline to a region once rendered completely off-limits. After decades of violence during the violent years of illegal cocaine trafficking and from looters who discovered the Lost City in the 1970s, the region was reclaimed and declared an indigenous reserve in 1984, where life tries to return as normal.

It’s precisely this isolation and intrigue that brings in the more curious of travellers wanting to embark on the Ciudad Perdida trek. To find the Lost City.

However hard it is to get there.

In the words of my indigenous Wiwa guide, Gabo: “The hard things should be done, and the impossible should be tried.”

We certainly did, on arguably one of South America’s best treks.

Why is it called the Lost City?

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Hiking in Colombia and getting to the Lost City of Teyuna is an unparalleled experience. Much of what the site was and why it was there is still being unravelled.

There had always been stories of the lost cities of the Tayrona people of the Sierra Nevada – a remote region that remained unexplored for centuries – but La Ciudad Perdida is the biggest.

A site that’s more than 1,400 years old, what we know about it, as one of the most important cities in Colombia, comes from the knowledge of the indigenous communities, the archaeologists and ongoing research. 

The Tayrona people were advanced in construction, engineering and military operation, with a complex hierarchy of society, a religious and political elite, and organised as a federation of towns. It’s thought the Lost City was their capital and most sacred town, connecting and trading with other groups in people in Colombia.

By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16 th century, the Tayrona (an estimated one million people) was suspected to be at the edge of becoming a major civilisation in the Americas. At least 60% of them died from diseases brought over by the colonisers or died defending their land.

What little was found of the Lost City in the 20 th century was stolen and often sold on the black market and what was recovered is now in the gold museums in Santa Marta and Bogota.

Today, it remains a permanent archaeological area with archaeologists using the knowledge from the Kogui and Wiwa people, said to be direct descendants or at least related to the Tayrona, to fill the gaps in the story. Outsiders trek to Cuidad Perdida in search of them.

Stone terraces of Lost City Ciudad Perdida in Colombia.

The Lost City has been given four names over the course of its discovery. The indigenous name, Teyuna,  is alleged to be the name of the lord or the spirit of the city and the most precise name known to date. The ‘The Green Hell’ (‘Inferno Verde’) was given by the looters who first stumbled upon it in 1975, which started a battle for control in a remote area with disease and poisonous animals.

By 1978, the Colombian government noticed an important flow of archaeological objects from this region. It quickly gained control, sending the army in first to curb the looters before sending in the archaeologists. Rough location maps were made with the help of the looters, and helicopters were sent out to find the exact location.

The city was completely covered by the forest, which is how it came to be known as Ciudad Perdida / The Lost City.

The government established a National Park with archaeologists working within it and rebuilding parts of the site following its destruction by looters. During this time, it was given an archaeological code name: 200 , along the Buritaca River.

The Lost City site was officially opened to visitors in 1981, but only by helicopter. Until the indigenous government said it was not allowed because, after nearly 15 years, they were landing on the main terrace and destroying it. Now, the only way in is a days-long trek, with their approval.

Our Wiwa guiding standing within the ruins of The Lost City.

The total distance of the trek to and from the Lost City site is 45km, using the same jungle path. It’s estimated that if you factor in the steep uphill and downhill climbs along this route, in both directions, the total distance is around 1.5 times this, meaning you will rack up closer to 65-70km trekking here.

The standard trek is four days, although some companies offer shorter three-day options and longer options up to six days, where you rest for longer at some of the camps.

My trek was five days long, with the final day being an exclusive trekking route to a Wiwa community not offered by any other company except G Adventures .

The trek to Ciudad Perdida, Colombia, takes you on a trail to an ancient civilisation.

Ciudad Perdida Tours

Many companies are offering Lost City treks, with many advertising in the town of Santa Marta. However, it’s important who you chose to go with.

Regardless of what company you choose, I do stress the importance of choosing a company that not only has licensed trekking guides, but that also works alongside the indigenous communities where a member of the Wiwa community is also trekking with you or where a significant portion of your money for the trek is being given to indigenous communities.

This is their sacred land (alongside the Kogui community), and there is a risk of a loss of culture and their livelihoods being taken over by businesses running Lost City treks. Anyone not trekking in compliance with the wishes of the indigenous community is out for profit and not for good.

Those who break the rules about what areas of the Lost City are open for exploration are fracturing the respect of the people who allow us to visit their land and eventually could get this route closed down.

Also, check that money is spread amongst the farmer communities, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park and the Colombian Institute of Archaeology.

My number one rule would be that if an indigenous guide is not with you while trekking this sacred space, don’t choose that company. At the forefront of this kind of partnership is Wiwa Tours, whose work is to support the indigenous people, their rights and protection at the forefront of this trekking route.

Our indigenous Wiwa guide leads the way.

Trekking the Lost City with G Adventures, working in partnership with Wiwa Tours, ensures that travel to Ciudad Perdida is carried out most sustainably and responsibly. I am also a G Adventures Wanderer (official ambassador) working to highlight the positive social impact ethos of the company through adventurous travel trips.

This is a seven-day adventure that includes accommodation in Santa Marta before and after the five days of trekking and the addition of the exclusive fifth-day trekking route not open to anyone else.

This particular Ciudad Perdida trek package ends at the Wiwa village of Gotsezhi. In this social impact project, you can visit the community and learn about the social responsibility of good tourism practices and how your money is spent on social enterprise and training.

Map of Colombia Lost City Trek – The Route With G Adventures

Our G Adventures and Wiwa trekking guides for the Lost City Trek.

My Wiwa guide, Gabo, said it is special when groups go with an indigenous guide and that it is a real experience.

It’s also good to note that many treks are offered in Spanish only, so check if the tour has an English-speaking guide or a translator who will accompany you. Otherwise, you will miss a lot of history and vital information.

How Much Does it Cost to Do the Lost City Trek?

You can expect to pay in the region of $300 for the basic four-day trek package and from $600+ for packages up to six days, including accommodation in Santa Marta. Usually, the s ame price applies for four, five or six days with the same company.

My Lost City Trek cost around $700 for the seven-day round-trip package outlined above, including the fifth-day trekking route not open to any other trekking company.

In this case, you pay a little extra for the unique experience and know your money is being put back into the community.

• Usually, at least one night of accommodation in Santa Marta on either side of the trek, with luggage storage.
• Two-hour jeep ride to and from Santa Marta to start and endpoints of the trekking route (Machete and the Gotsezhi Wiwa indigenous community Village).
• Accommodation for the entire trek (basic camps of bunk beds and hammocks).
• Breakfast, lunch and dinners at the trek camps.
• A licensed and trained trekking guide and an accompanying indigenous guide.
• Permits /entrance for trekking in the Lost City / Sierra Nevada national park area.
• Travel insurance, which you must arrange yourself and ensure it includes emergency rescue.
• International flights/airfare.
• Visa costs for Colombia and the organisation of it.
• General trekking gear such as walking poles, although I was given a stick from the jungle
• Medication (including altitude sickness tablets).

If you can, spend some extra time Santa Marta before or after your trek. This underrated Caribbean coastal city is also a great base from which to visit the nature reserve of Tayrona National Park. Check out these hotels and hostels in Santa Marta with access to the beach and historical landmarks. 

Best Time to Trek in the Lost City

Ciudad Perdida treks run all year round , but seasons can affect the terrain.

The National Park is also closed every September for preservation and maintenance when the indigenous communities perform ceremonies and offer payment to restore the balance of energy.

They say this mountain is the ‘heart of the world’ for them and that when the balance of this place breaks, the whole world will break. They used to close the National Park for two weeks, but since Hurricane Matthew in 2016, which also hit the area hard, they saw it as a warning and now close it for the entire month to balance the bad energies visitors bring in.

The dense jungle of Sierra Nevada that you will pass through on the trek route.

In the wet season (March to November) the trails can be more slippery and treacherous, and Buritaca River waters will rise, making the crossings a little trickier. There are ropes at some crossings, but in other parts, you may have to wade through with water at knee or waist height. There is also the possibility of late afternoon and evening torrential rainfall, although this is cathartic when you are cosied up in your camp.

In the dry season (December to March) there is less rain, making the Buritaca River crossings easier where you don’t have to take your shoes and socks off and walk over rocks with a light trickle of water flow. The dry season also sees the biggest flow of visitors, although this isn’t a trekking trail that is overrun. Groups are few and staggered, you rarely pass more than two to four people at a time, and often you feel as if you have the entire trail to yourself.

We trekked in June when the days were hot, and heavy rainfall came almost every afternoon from 4 pm. We counteracted this by always leaving at 5:30 am or 6:30 am to arrive at our next camp station before being caught in the downpour. Your trekking guide will know the weather and formulate a strategy. River crossings were deep and had to be tackled slowly to keep balance in the flowing waters, but in the end, they are fun, and you soon dry off in the heat.

River crossed on the way to Ciudad Perdida.

An Indigenous guide and an English-speaking guide will accompany you the entire trip. The Lost City Trek Itinerary looks like this:

Day 1. Santa Marta. Transfer to Machete / Overnight in Wiwa Camp.

Day 2. Trek en route to Teyuna Paraiso Camp.

Day 3. Early climb up to the Lost City Leave / Overnight in Wiwa Camp.

Day 4.  Trek back through the jungle, past Kogui communities en route to Ricardito Camp.

Day 5. The exclusive extra-day trek route to reach the Gotsezhi Wiwa indigenous community Village/ Transfer back to Santa Marta.

Map of Lost City Ciudad Perdida, Colombia

Trekking to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is considered a high-difficulty excursion, requiring high stamina levels for steep uphill climbs and downhill navigation.

The reason this trek isn’t longer than four days there and back is that you are not having to battle with extreme altitude, unlike the set-up with other multi-day treks in mountainous regions like the Everest Base Camp trek or climbing Kilimanjaro , which have a similar distance but strategic rest days for high altitude acclimatisation.

The Lost City sits at an altitude of 1,200 metres (3,937 ft.) above sea level and is the highest point of the trek. No technical equipment such as ropes and harnesses are required, but this is raw, uneven jungle territory with narrow pathways, uneven surfaces, loose rocks and dense foliage in parts.

Two avid trekkers on my trip confessed that the Lost City was more difficult than the Inca Trail, Kilimanjaro and trekking to Everest Base Camp.

A steady incline jungle path through the beautiful Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Some of the steeper Lost City climbs on mud paths.

The slow and steady pace of the group. Getting to the Lost City is not a race.

You need to be in good physical fitness for this trek. If you train regularly in some fitness activity, you will have a good basis for strength and recovery.

If not, I suggest taking on some smaller day hikes before this trip, where uphill and downhill terrains can be trained to not only get used to four to six-hour trekking times but also to get used your body used to the tricky terrain.

Sweat and smiles. High fitness levels are needed for Lost City Ciudad Perdida trek.

You must pack as little as possible for the Lost City trek since you will carry your backpack the entire time. This includes carrying a litre bottle or two of water alongside clothing, swimwear, toiletries and electronics. 

It’s not hard; you just have to pack precisely and minimally. 

READ MORE : Lost City Trek Packing List – Preparing for a Jungle Adventure.

Lost City Trek Day-by-Day

Every day is different hiking the Lost City, but here’s what you can expect to encounter and what to prepare for.

Elevation: Started at 340m – climbed to 650m. Slept at 400m at Wiwa campsite

Trekking Time: 7 Hours (with two rest stops)

We left Santa Marta at sunrise for a two-hour jeep journey to the trek starting point at Machete, where we had breakfast. 95 families live in this area, given the name Machete from its former era of violence from narco cartels, guerillas and paramilitary who dominated this area for coca production.

Day one of the Lost City Trek, leaving lowland villages and working our way up into the peaks.

We start walking at 8 am, stopping after a couple of hours at a rest stop set up by a guy whose income rests on squeezing fresh orange for weary, already sweaty trekkers. This trail continues, leaving the farmland and entering the terrain of indigenous villages where around 80 families, mainly Kogui and Wiwa, reside.

The fresh orange juice rest stops along the way.

Dense Jungle tracks make up much of the Lost City trail.

Donkey mules between the Lost City camps. 

Passing an Indigenous house on the trekking trail.

Day one is broken down into three hours of back-to-back climbing and descending before stopping for lunch (at the Ricardito Camp, where we will sleep on the night of Day 4) before continuing on another three to four-hour stretch of more downhill, even steeper uphill, before the last downhill to the Wiwa campsite.

The Wiwa campsite on the Lost City trek, with basic facilities.

This consistent up and down is brutal in parts, but the scenery eases the pain, as does always reminding yourself what the end goal is.

Elevation: Started at 400m and walked to 800m.

Trekking Time: 5.5 – 6 Hours (with two rest stops)

A 6.30 am start for an overall six-hour trek to the Paraiso Teyuna campsite, with two small resting stops in between. This is the camp closest to the Lost City, a form of Base Camp where everyone rests before the ascent to the Ciudad Perdida.

You first pass a Kogui village. A community of semi-nomadic people and farmers, they don’t live in these villages and only come back to them sporadically. The structures are symbolically built, with two stumps on the top of each house representing the two sacred peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain which are the highest points and closest spiritually. The walls represent the earth.

Indigenous Kogui village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Crossing a river bridge.

This is another day of arduous uphill climbs on rocky pathways, protruding tree roots, and through small parts of dense jungle and thick forest. You know you are getting more into the heart of the jungle on this day as the thick vegetation scenery is similar to the varied landscapes on the first day that changed from farmland to the tropics.

Trekking through forested hills.

Thick, tropical green on Day 2 of the Lost City Trek.

Getting into the thick of the jungle.

It’s also the day you will tackle one of the river crossings before navigating an ‘Indiana Jones’ style patch of jungle with steep rocks to climb to get onto the trail leading to camp. It felt exciting, raw, untouched, and secret. A feeling in the run-up to what is coming.

The Paraiso Teyuna campsite – The Lost City Base Camp.

Elevation: 1,500m at Lost City, before trekking back down to 400m at Wiwa campsite

Trekking Time: 6-7 Hours

Since the Paraiso Teyuna campsite is busy, and usually with around 100 people resting there at a time, groups are staggered in when they leave for the Lost City.

At 5.30 am, we were the first to leave . It took one hour on a short jungle walk and river crossing before reaching the 1,200 narrow, steep, uneven stairs that climb up into the entrance to the Lost City.

The steep start of the 1,200 stairs to the Lost City.

The overgrown nature that hugs the site gives you a feeling that you are the first to arrive and find the site. With our Wiwa guide, we walked silently in a circle and then stood with our eyes closed before putting a leaf in the middle of the circle. It’s a form of offering to nature and the spirits who live here, announcing a person’s presence.

The archaeological site of la Ciudad Perdida is said to be only 10% uncovered.

Viewing the ancient rock map of Ciudad Perdida.

Gabo resting on the stone ruins of the Lost City site.

We wandered around small stone circles of former market and meeting places, ruins of drainage systems and agricultural structures before another stone trail took us up to the ‘Central Axis’. Here was where the main houses and temples once stood, now a site of large, stacked stone terraces that you clamber up and climb before turning around for the once-in-a-lifetime magnificent view over the Lost City.

The stone pathway to the elevated view of the Lost City terraces.

Magnificence. La Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is one of the most important cities in Colombia.

The mountain top vastness of the hidden city.

Jungle-covered stone terraces of Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). There’s said to be more buried within here waiting to be uncovered.

You must take the same steep stone stairway back down, which requires slow and precise movement. It’s time for breakfast at camp before leaving at 9 am for a four-hour trek back to the Wiwa Camp (from Day 2). You can ease those aching muscles swimming in the lake next to the Wiwa camp.

Elevation: Climbing back up to 700m

Trekking Time: 3 hours

We started the morning with a natural cleanse in the waterfall near our camp before continuing back on the same track we took on the first day. This is the day when you effectively leave the Lost City trekking trail. It took three hours, with an additional one-hour rest and a last steep uphill 30-minute stretch to the Ricardito Camp, where we had lunch on the first day. We rested, had dinner and slept here.

Easing aching muscles at the lake waterfall.

Overnight at Ricardito Camp.

This was also the chance to spend a restful few hours with our Wiwa guide, Gabo, where we could ask him questions about his culture and the rise of interest in the trek to the lost city.

Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hours

Despite knowing there was another trekking day ahead of us when we were already exhausted, we knew this final day was special. Leaving at 6 am, it was a two-hour steep climb into some farmland and another two hours wading through some deep, untouched jungle.

Hiking in Colombia and the Sierra Nevada is considered one of the best treks in South America.

Getting off track on the extra Lost City trek day, crossing hilltop farmland.

Dense green hilltop forests in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park.

Taking a break at a local house.

Stretches of rugged terrain.

Last stretches of deep jungle trekking.

One last river crossing brings you to the heart of the Wiwa village, made even more special because it was the home of our Wiwa guide, Gabo, who helped lead our entire journey.

We were met by a Mamo (the spiritual leader of the community who keeps the natural order), who blessed us and tied a white ribbon around each of our wrists, marking a rather emotional end to these arduous days.

Meeting the Mamo of the Wiwa Village.

Receiving a blessing from the Mamo after completing the Lost City Trek.

The Wiwa community of Gotsezhi is the location of the first G Adventures Planeterra project in Colombia. It started in early 2017, with Planaterra offering funding and consultancy on a social impact project that is fully owned by the Wiwa community.

The introduction of tourism to this once isolated community allows both for the education of travellers about the indigenous way of life, and for these people to continue to reclaim their land that was once lost or displaced due to the illegal activity in the mountains from the growth of coca plantations for cocaine production.

The Wiwa community of Gotsezhi.

Demonstration on how to make rope from plants.

Basket weaving at the Wiwa Village.

The project brings benefits and opportunities outside of the trekking corridor, which only benefits people on the trek. Women have been provided with new means of income in the fields of cooking, hospitality and weaving and the men are trained for jobs things like leading the Lost City trek.

With this comes a feeling of empowerment and pride that outsiders want to visit the Wiwa people and better understand them and their culture.

Some of the cooks here will become cooks on the trek and one day, maybe we will even see female guides lead the way on this sacred pilgrimage.

It is here that G travellers enjoy their last lunch together at the restaurant that has been established here as part of the project before the two-hour jeep ride back to Santa Marta.

The Lost City trek is one of the most brutal, treacherous, and hardest treks I have ever undertaken in one of the most beautiful patches of earth.

But while the Lost City has never truly been lost, with Tayrona descendants having always known of its existence under the covering of foliage that kept it hidden from the outside world, we should be grateful we are given the opportunity to witness it, knowing that the pain and glory of getting there on foot adds greater weight to its meaning.

Any plagiarism of this Lost City Trek guide or any of its descriptions and images used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use. Know your source. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Agata Kotkowska says

9 December 2023 at 4:23 pm

Hello, As you have written it was amost brutal trek I just want to double check with you whether there is any possibility for a family version of a trek? We have 2 teenagers 16 and 14 and I am wondering whether there is a poasibility to rent a horse for my daughter who might not be able to walk so long and taugh distances. Maybe it is only for fit adults?

Thank you for your response, kind regards Agata

11 December 2023 at 6:25 pm

Hi Agata. There isn’t other versions of the trek – everyone takes the same path, with the same difficulty. I wouldn’t recommend taking a horse most of the way, as they are not meant for that. They carry supplies, and are used by by trekkers in emergences, mostly. I would however, once choosing your trekking company, to liaise with them about how to go about it with kids.

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Lost City Trek, Colombia – Complete Guide To The Legendary Ciudad Perdida

Tucked deep within the dense greenery of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, remains one of the country’s most thrilling and lesser-known treasures. This ancient city, believed to be around 650 years older than Machu Picchu, offers intrepid travelers an unforgettable journey into Colombia’s rich history and lush landscapes.

For those who dare to step off the beaten track and venture into the heart of the jungle, the Lost City Trek reveals a world far removed from Colombia’s bustling cities and sun-drenched beaches.

This multi-day hike of about 22 km one way, 44 km in total takes you through challenging terrain, across rivers, and up steep inclines, rewarding you with a glimpse into an ancient civilization, spectacular views, and a profound connection with nature. An adventure that’s off the typical tourist radar, the Lost City Trek is a must for every seasoned explorer.

Despite having to hike on the same path to get to the Lost City and to come back (a loop is always nicer), it is truly one of the most beautiful treks I have done in South America, along with the Mount Roraima trek or the trek to Machu Picchu .

On this page, I will share my experience trekking to the Lost City, and share my best tips, as well as things I wish I had known before going. Let’s go!

GPS (Ciudad Perdida): 11°2’17.56″N, 73°55’30.55″W

How to go: Trek with a local travel agency in Santa Marta. I personally chose Expotur.

Cost of the trek: 1,150,000 Colombian Pesos (around US$280)

Duration of the trek: 4 days. 5 days is possible for the same price but doesn’t bring anything new, in my opinion, 4 days feels just right.

Trekking distance: 44 km (27 miles) in total.

Best season: December to April

Hotel recommendation in Santa Marta: Hotel Miami

The Fascinating History of the Lost City

Ciudad Perdida, literally translating to “Lost City”, is believed to have been built in 800 CE, making it a significant archaeological site that predates Machu Picchu by several centuries. It was once the heart of a network of villages inhabited by the Tairona, a sophisticated indigenous culture known for its intricate gold work and pottery.

The city was ‘lost’ to the outside world for centuries, hidden by dense jungle and the passage of time, until it was rediscovered in 1972 by local treasure looters, who stumbled upon the stone steps leading up to the city. After a period of looting and consequent archaeological restoration, the Colombian government opened the site to visitors in the mid-1980s.

The Lost City is considered sacred by the indigenous communities living in the Sierra Nevada, some of whom are descendants of the Tairona. Today, it serves as an important cultural and spiritual site, offering fascinating insights into the life and beliefs of its ancient inhabitants.

Comprising a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside at an altitude ranging from 900 to 1300 m / 3,000 to 4,300 ft above sea level, a net of tiled roads, and several small circular plazas, the Lost City stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Tairona.

The town is believed to have been home to several thousand people (some estimate around 2,000 people). Unfortunately, the Tairona and the Lost City did not survive the Spanish invasion. As you walk among these ancient ruins, surrounded by the sounds and sights of the living jungle, it’s hard not to feel a deep connection with the past.

Planning Your Trip to The Lost City

As an adventurer, the key to a successful journey is planning. And for a challenging trek like the Lost City, it becomes even more essential. Here are some crucial points to consider:

Best Time to Visit: The Lost City Trek can be done all year round. However, the dry seasons, from December to March and July to August, are generally more comfortable for trekking. These periods experience less rainfall, which can make the trails less muddy and the river crossings easier.

Getting to the Starting Point: The trek to the Lost City starts from the coastal city of Santa Marta. Direct flights to Santa Marta are available from Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. Once in Santa Marta, most trekking companies include transportation from your accommodation to the starting point of the trek in their packages.

Permits and Legal Requirements: All trekkers need a permit to hike to the Lost City. This is usually handled by your trekking company when you book your tour. In terms of health requirements, while there’s no compulsory vaccination for this region, keeping your routine vaccines up-to-date and considering vaccines for diseases like Typhoid and Hepatitis A is recommended.

Health and Fitness Considerations: The Lost City Trek is quite challenging, with long days of hiking, several river crossings, and some steep climbs. Sometimes under a very hot sun. Therefore, a reasonable level of fitness is required. Also, ensure to check with your doctor before the trek, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Choosing Your Trekking Company

For safety reasons and due to the area’s protected status, independent trekking is not permitted to the Lost City. You’ll need to join a guided group tour with an authorized trekking company. Here are some factors to consider:

Reputation and Reviews: Check the company’s reviews online, look at their safety records, and ask for recommendations from fellow travelers.

Group Size: Smaller groups tend to offer a more personalized experience.

Guide Quality: The quality of guides can significantly enhance your trek experience. Look for companies that employ knowledgeable local guides who can share insights about the culture, history, and wildlife of the region.

Included Services: What does the tour package include? Look for companies that include transportation from Santa Marta, meals, accommodation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.

Responsible Tourism Practices: Ensure the company follows responsible tourism practices, respects local communities, and contributes to local economy.

From personal experience, I can recommend Expotur, which offers a great balance of all these factors.

Can I Do The Trek Alone?

No. The Lost City Trek is a guided trek, it is illegal to go on your own. And honestly, I don’t really see the point of going alone. Such a trek requires quite a bit of logistics and it’s nice to just focus on your hike and discovering the landscape, without worrying about all that stuff.

I find the price very reasonable, and you get everything included except drinks outside of the camps or small extra snacks you might want to buy. You get access to the camps with a bed and a shower, the food is good, the guides are friendly…

And you get to meet other trekkers from all over the world, from your own group but from other groups as well when you spend the night at the same camp.

Moreover, no one forces you to hike as a group. I know I am a fast hiker and I was often in front of the group walking either alone or with a few other fast movers. It’s fine. So go ahead, book your trek with an agency and enjoy!

Is The Lost City Trek Safe?

Yes. I know Colombia has some kind of reputation, but the Lost City Trek is safe. In 2003, 8 tourists were kidnapped at the Lost City by guerilla groups but this is a remote memory. Nowadays, the Lost City is guarded by the military and the guerillas no longer operate in the region.

So now you only need to pay attention to not get a heat stroke and be careful while bathing in the river if the flow is strong.

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary for The Lost City Trek

Day 1 – santa marta → machete → adán camp.

• Minivan: 63 km (39 mi), 2 hours
• Hiking: 8.3 km (5.17 mi), 3:15 hours

Machete, 63 km west of Santa Marta, Colombia. It was in this village that I got to know the group of people I was about to share this adventure with, with a nice lunch. We didn’t know it yet, but it was also the last time we would be dry, and wearing dry clothes in 4 days! On the first day of the trek, the goal is to reach the Adán Camp. That’s an 8 km / 5.2-mile hike, more or less.

This first day is, in my opinion, the hardest of the trek. The culprit? A really sweltering heat that surely doesn’t help when you need to climb challenging, long steep slopes. The result: all your clothes quickly get drenched in sweat. And they will stay that way for the whole trek (bring enough clothes!).

VIRTUAL TOUR – Lost City Trek, Day 1

Cross the sunny countryside in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains (6 panoramas).

The virtual tour opens in a lightbox. Use your mouse to move around the 360° panoramas.

The thing is, on the first day, you need to cross the countryside, and this heat is the direct result of the heavy deforestation that took place in this area. Not many trees are left to provide some shade and keep some “coolness”. The whole day, I bet everyone kept thinking of the wonderful natural pool awaiting us near the camp to escape the heat!

Nevertheless, the scenery is already stunning as we keep getting closer to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, with its mysterious peaks hidden in the clouds.

After three and a half hours of hike in the countryside and a bit of jungle, you will arrive at the Adán Camp, nicely located next to the Río Honduras. Before dinner, your long-awaited reward is now within reach: jumping in a natural pool in the Honduras River, surrounded by jungle. It’s the perfect way to get rid of the sweat covering your body!

Day 2 – Adán Camp → El Paraíso Camp

• Hiking: 14 km (8.7 mi), 7 hours

The program for this second day is to first walk no less than 14 km / 8.7 miles to reach the Paraíso Camp, which is the closest to the Lost City. The lunch break takes place at another camp, the Mumake Camp, conveniently located exactly in the middle of today’s hike. So you hike for 3:30 hours in the morning, and 3:30 hours in the afternoon.

This day is also an opportunity to learn about the Kogi and Wiwa tribes, which have survived the Spanish Conquistador invasion, unlike the Tayronas. They are trying hard to preserve their culture and their lifestyle, and are not always too happy about getting more and more trekkers crossing their land – but they do get involved in the tourism economy and they are able to make some money out of it.

VIRTUAL TOUR – Lost City Trek, Day 2

Explore the jungle and cross rivers on your way to Paraiso Camp (11 panoramas).

On this second day, you leave the countryside to really penetrate into the rainforest, enjoying the most welcome shade from the trees. Some of the mountain views are really stunning! Untouched forest and mountains as far as you can see. As you slowly gain altitude, the heat becomes more and more bearable. The Lost City is perched at 900 to 1300 m / 3000 to 4300 ft above sea level.

Most of the trail follows the course of the Río Buritaca, and the Paraíso Camp was built on its bank. It is a really privileged environment to relax in, surrounded by untouched nature, with the sound of a small waterfall nearby.

Day 3 Morning  –  El Paraíso Camp → Visiting The Lost City

• Hiking: 850 m (0.53 mi), 45 min to the Lost City

Finally! The legendary Lost City is now (almost) within our reach! From the Paraíso Camp, a last small effort of 1200 steps is needed to get there.

As soon as I arrived at the site, I saw something very different from what I had imagined. Before going, I was just imagining a few small terraces lost in the jungle – I soon realized that it is much more extended than that.

But what I did imagine correctly is the incredible view of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, still largely untouched. When you think about it, it is often the surrounding scenery that makes an archaeological site stand out. It is the case for Machu Picchu for example, and it is also the case for the Lost City.

It is fascinating to imagine the Tayrona people building all this and living in these mountains. The site is divided into two main parts, linked by a really beautiful stone staircase. When you reach the furthest, most elevated terrace, the view of the whole archaeological site and the forested mountains around is unforgettable.

VIRTUAL TOUR – Ciudad Perdida

Visit the fascinating Lost City or Ciudad Perdida, with a fantastic view of the mountains around (10 panoramas).

Day 3 Afternoon  –  El Paraíso Camp → Mumake Camp

• Hiking: 6.8 km (4.23 mi), 3:30 hours

After walking 22 km to the Lost City, it is now time to walk this 22 km back to Machete. If we had to find a negative aspect of the Lost City Trek, it would be that we take exactly the same path to go to the Lost City and come back, instead of making a loop for example. However, I wouldn’t consider it to be a really negative aspect – the landscapes are gorgeous enough for you to bear seeing them twice!

We had been lucky with the weather so far but in the afternoon of the third day, thunderstorms burgeoned and before we knew it, we got caught in an insanely heavy rain only the tropics can produce.

VIRTUAL TOUR – Lost City Trek, Day 3 (Way Back)

Walk back towards the countryside, with misty mountains after the rain (2 panoramas).

As I was always among the fastest-moving hikers, I was lucky to arrive at the next hut just as the heavy downpour started. And I just watched the other people in my group arriving slowly, under the heavy rain. A good rain poncho and backpack cover are important!

As a result of the rain, the once swimmer-friendly rivers were in spate, violent and muddy. As for the mountains and jungle, they were caught in an elegant mist.

At the end of the day, we got back to the Mumake Camp, where we had lunch on the second day. This time, we got to spend the night there.

Day 4  –  Mumake Camp → Machete → Santa Marta

• Hiking: 15.5 km (9.63 mi), 6-7 hours
• Minivan: 63 km (39 mi) ⁝ 2 hours

After a good night at the Mumake Camp, we crossed back the overheated countryside to Machete, and the trek was over! Exhausted and sweating but feeling happy and satisfied with what I had just accomplished, I was sitting at the restaurant in Machete, watching the new batch of hikers getting ready for the trek, all fresh and dry, thinking “if they knew all the heat, the sweat and the slopes that are awaiting them…!”.

VIRTUAL TOUR – Lost City Trek, Day 4 (Way Back)

Last hike in the pretty countryside before the end of the trek (1 panorama).

TRAVEL MAP – Lost City Trek

Visualize on the map the positions of the virtual tours’ panoramas, the camps, and the huts where we could buy cold drinks along the way to prepare for your trek to the Lost City.

Click Here to View The Map

The map opens in a lightbox. Zoom in to explore!

What to Expect on the Trek

The Lost City Trek is a journey like no other, teeming with awe-inspiring views, challenging terrain, diverse flora and fauna, and a fascinating dose of ancient history. When you sign up for a trek, it’s not always easy to know what to expect in terms of organization, local weather, or infrastructure. So let’s see what the Lost City Trek looks like.

It departs from your agency’s office in Santa Marta and starts with a 2-hour drive to a small town called Machete. It is a 4-day trek, from Machete to the Ciudad Perdida. You will be using the same path to go and come back, and each way is about 22 km / 14 miles long.

In the detailed itinerary above, I wrote the hiking distance and hiking time for each day. Of course, it can be a little longer or a little shorter depending on how fast you walk. But the most you will have to walk in a day is about 7 hours.

Terrain and Trail Conditions

The path to Ciudad Perdida is a mix of jungle trails, river crossings, and stone steps. You will traverse through muddy paths, cross crystal-clear rivers, hike up steep inclines, and descend slippery slopes.

The most challenging part is the 1,200 ancient stone steps leading to the Lost City itself. Remember, it’s not a race; take your time and travel at a pace that suits you.

Altitude and Weather Conditions

The trek reaches a maximum altitude of around 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), so altitude sickness is generally not an issue. Weather in the Sierra Nevada can be unpredictable. Expect warm, humid days and cooler nights.

Rainfall can occur even in the dry season, making parts of the trail muddy and slippery, but the rain also brings a beautiful mist that adds to the mystical allure of the journey.

Flora and Fauna

The trek takes you through the dense jungle of Sierra Nevada, home to a staggering diversity of flora and fauna. Expect to see towering Ceiba trees, bromeliads, orchids, and numerous other plant species.

In terms of wildlife, it’s common to spot monkeys, colorful parrots, and butterflies. With a bit of luck, you might also catch a glimpse of a spectacled bear or a jaguarundi, although these sightings are rare.

Accommodations and Meals

Staying in the middle of the jungle after a day of challenging trek is an experience in itself. Here’s what you can expect:

Accommodation

During the trek, you’ll stay in a series of rustic campsites situated along the trail. I didn’t really know what to expect from the camps. Will they be small? Big? Comfortable? Or just an old hammock between two trees?

They are actually much bigger and more developed than I imagined. All the camps have a dormitory area with two levels of beds, each with a mosquito net.

Each camp also has flushing toilets and simple showers, and also a “restaurant” area with a kitchen and large tables. The camps are built along rivers and most people enjoy a nice swim after a long day of hiking.

Meals and Drinks

Along the way, wooden huts were built allowing trekkers to take a break, buy cold drinks and enjoy some fresh juicy fruits. Make sure to bring enough cash with you , in these shops, the drinks are overpriced (5000 pesos – double the normal price) but you will still need to buy them because it’s very hot and you will be incredibly thirsty. And well, you probably pay for the fact that all these bottles had to be brought all the way there as well.

Meals during the trek are typically included in the tour package. You’ll be treated to a variety of Colombian dishes prepared by the camp cooks. Expect lots of rice, beans, plantains, and meat.

Breakfast might consist of eggs, arepas (Colombian corn cakes), and fresh fruit. Make sure to inform your trekking company ahead of time if you have dietary restrictions or allergies.

Remember, you’re here for the adventure, and while the accommodations and meals may be basic (but they are often tasty), they are part of the overall trek experience. Plus, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle is truly magical.

What To Pack for Lost City Trek

The Lost City trek is marked by a lot of heat… and very high humidity. One thing I wish I had known before is the necessity to take 2 pants. At first, I was thinking that pants were heavy, I would just wear the same pants for 4 days and be a little dirty, never mind.

The thing is, after the first day, your pants are already drenched in sweat. On the first night, it dried a little so it was still okay to wear the next day. But at El Paraiso Camp, the air is not only extremely humid but also quite cool: nothing dries at all .

I just couldn’t wear my pants anymore and ended up finishing the trek with my swimming shorts! That’s all I had left. So better bring 2 hiking pants, quick-drying ones preferably.

As for t-shirts, it is also good to have one that you will keep clean and dry to wear only at night after shower (+ on the 4th day going back to Santa Marta). If you absolutely need to change your shirt every day, take 4, but I think you can do with 3. Again, every bit of weight you can avoid will be greatly appreciated by your shoulders.

As for the shoes, of course, you will need good trekking shoes or boots. My personal preference is hiking boots because I like my ankles to be supported, but the trails are pretty clean and hiking shoes are probably enough if that’s your preference.

Packing Checklist

When packing for the Lost City Trek, keep in mind that you will have to carry everything you bring, so it’s best to pack as lightly as possible. 4 days is pretty short so I recommend trying to squeeze everything in a smaller backpack instead of carrying a big one. Here are some essential items to include:

• Lightweight, quick-drying clothing: The weather can be unpredictable, and it’s likely you’ll get wet either from sweat, rain, or river crossings. If you haven’t, read what I wrote above. Pack enough clothes! Your shirts and pants will NOT dry during the night.
• Good quality hiking boots: A pair that is already broken in will serve you best.
• Rain jacket or poncho: Rain can occur even in the dry season.
• Swimwear: You’ll have opportunities to swim in rivers and natural pools.
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen: Protect yourself from the tropical sun.
• Insect repellent: The jungle is home to a variety of insects.
• Water bottle: Hydration is crucial during the trek. Pick a reusable bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Personal first aid kit: Include items such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medication.
• Snacks: Though meals are provided, it’s a good idea to bring some extra energy bars or nuts for the trail.
• Torch or headlamp: This is essential for navigating the campsites at night.
• Cash: For buying snacks or drinks at some of the campsites along the way. Vital!

Remember, packing light is the key. Most tour operators provide a more comprehensive list of recommended items to bring, so ensure you check that out too.

What To Do With The Rest of Your Luggage?

Don’t worry, your agency will most probably have a dedicated, secure place to store your things while you are on the trek. So I was backpacking with my main, bigger backpack across Colombia and a smaller backpack where I usually put my electronics.

I simply used this smaller backpack for the trek and left my main backpack at the agency in Santa Marta.

Tips and Important Info for the Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek is an adventurous undertaking that will reward you with lifetime memories. To make the most of this experience, here are some tips and important things to know:

• Fitness Level: Be aware of your fitness level. The trek is demanding, and being in good physical condition will significantly enhance your experience.
• Stay Hydrated: With the hot and humid conditions, it’s vital to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Respect the Environment: Remember, you are a guest in this ancient place. Always follow the ‘leave no trace’ principles – dispose of waste properly, stay on the trails, and respect wildlife.
• Respect the Indigenous Communities: The trek passes through indigenous territories. Respect their customs and privacy, and always ask before taking photos.
• Safety: Listen to your guide’s safety instructions, especially during river crossings. They are experts and know the terrain well.
• Pace Yourself: It’s not a race. Enjoy the journey, take in the views, and give yourself time to acclimatize to the heat and humidity.
• Bring a Sense of Adventure: Lastly, keep an open mind and a flexible attitude. Things might not always go as planned, but that’s all part of the adventure!

Dos and Don’ts for the Lost City Trek

Embarking on the Lost City Trek means journeying through ancient lands and indigenous territories. Therefore, it’s essential to approach the trek with the utmost respect and sensitivity. Here are some essential dos and don’ts to bear in mind:

• Respect Indigenous Cultures : Understand that you’re passing through the ancestral lands of indigenous tribes like the Kogi and Wiwa. Greet them if you come across any, but allow them their space and privacy.
• Follow the Trail : Stay on marked paths to minimize the environmental impact and to respect the sacred sites.
• Dispose of Waste Properly : Carry all your trash and dispose of it appropriately. Consider carrying a small bag for this purpose.
• Listen to Your Guide : Your guide knows the region, its customs, and safety precautions. Always heed their advice.
• Wear Appropriate Attire : When visiting indigenous villages, dress modestly out of respect for their customs.
• Disturb Wildlife : Remember, it’s their home. Maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding or teasing any animals.
• Take Artifacts : It might be tempting, but taking stones or artifacts from the Lost City is not only disrespectful but also illegal.
• Photograph Without Permission : Always ask for consent before taking photos, especially of the indigenous people.
• Leave Behind Plastic : The Sierra Nevada’s ecosystems are sensitive. Avoid using single-use plastics, and if you must, ensure you pack them out with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The trek typically takes 4 to 6 days round trip, depending on the tour operator and pace.

Absolutely! Many trekkers find it a rewarding experience, offering a combination of lush jungle scenery, river crossings, and ancient archaeological ruins.

Both treks have their challenges, but the Lost City Trek is generally considered more rigorous due to its humidity, consistent ascents and descents, and river crossings. However, it’s shorter and at lower altitudes than the Inca Trail.

Some operators offer accelerated 3-day treks, but these are strenuous and leave less time for exploration and acclimatization.

The best time to trek is during the dry season, from December to March, and from July to August.

Hiking boots are recommended for their grip, ankle support, and protection against elements like water and mud.

While you can wear sneakers, it’s not recommended due to potential wet conditions, slippery trails, and lack of ankle support.

The entire trek covers approximately 44 kilometers (27 miles) round trip.

It’s advisable to wear water-resistant hiking boots with good grip and ankle support.

Physical preparation includes regular cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and practice hikes. Also, familiarize yourself with the itinerary, gather necessary gear, and get vaccinations if required.

No, solo treks are prohibited for safety reasons and because they take place on the ancestral lands of the Kogi and Wiwa tribes. You must go with a registered tour operator.

You’d typically fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport in Santa Marta, the closest city to the trek’s starting point.

Both 4-day and 5-day treks are available, with the difference usually being the pace and time spent at certain sites. I feel that 4 days is just nice, one extra day would just give you some time to relax at one of the camps.

There are around 1,200 stone steps leading up to the Lost City itself.

The highest point on the trek, the Lost City, sits at approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level.

The total elevation gain varies based on the specific route, but you can expect around 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) from the starting point to the Lost City.

Final Thoughts About The Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a journey through time, offering a rare glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once flourished in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.

The breathtaking landscapes, the rich history, and the interactions with the indigenous tribes make this one of the most unique treks in the world. And you get to meet a lot of really cool people!

This trek is in my opinion a must-do in Colombia if you enjoy the outdoors, and one of the top treks in South America. The Ciudad Perdida may not have the beautiful stone houses and temples of Machu Picchu, but it is a really mysterious and fascinating archaeological site and totally deserves to be discovered.

However, with such privilege comes the responsibility to tread lightly, respecting both the land and its people. Approach this adventure with an open heart, a keen sense of respect, and a genuine curiosity. The Lost City awaits, not just as a destination but as a profound experience that stays with you long after your boots are off and you’re back in the comfort of your home.

Julien is an exploration-minded, curiosity-driven traveler and blogger. On a mission to witness the planet's natural beauty and diversity, he shares his experiences on this website through articles, videos, and photography, including interactive virtual tours.

Fascinated by animals and plants since young, he is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip!

More About Me

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28 comments.

Jo from woody world packer

This looks like a very interesting trek! Although Colombia might hold me off a little bit with the current situation ( especially because we travel with our 2 year old son ) The nature looks amazing though! Love what you did with your visuals! Great informative article!

Thank you for your kind words! Colombia not as risky as it was before, but I understand your concerns. I think the Caribbean coast is generally safe to travel.

What an adventure! I’m glad you mentioned what is loading in your blog. The pictures and panoramas were totally worth it! I think it’s always fun to read about people’s experiences on long treks, because I think we often forget the trek back!

Thanks a lot Rachelle, glad you enjoyed it!

What amazing panoramas. I haven’t been to Colombia, but these pictures could convince anyone. There is so much tranquility from the photos!

Thanks Victoria, you are right Colombia is a fantastic country that deserves to be discovered and the scenery is amazing

Lucy - Travel Textbook

This is such a comprehensive guide!! Love the virtual tours too, so cool.

Really hope to make it to Colombia one day 🙂

Thank you Lucy, you should definitely put Colombia in your bucket list!

this is amazing! it looks like fun and adventurous at the same time. hopefully could make it to do this as well one day. 🙂

Indeed Marya, a really cool and adventurous experience, I wish you to do it too!

Renata Green

I’ve been to Colombia this spring, so this post brings back wonderful memories. But I’m sooo jealous that you hiked to the Ciudad Perdida. I would so love to do it, but I know that I would collapse, since I found already other hikes in Colombia that probably would make you laugh (like Parque Tayrona) very tiring. BTW – Santa Marta was one of my favorite places: ideally located, a tad bit touristy, but still very laid-back and authentic.

Haha well it was a challenging trek, but I am sure Parque Tayrona is beautiful too, I didn’t even have the time to go there!

Omg! this panorama pic are amazing – fantastic blog post, I haven`t seen something like this before, I felt like beeing just inside the deep jungle.

Thank you Martina glad you enjoyed it!

Angela @ Dang Travelers

This sounds like an amazing adventure! We are always looking for good hiking trips so this is right up our alley. I agree with you on the loop, I usually don’t like to backtrack but rather see new things on the way back. Oh well, that scenery is worth a second look!

Hi Angela, it’s true that a loop would have been nice but on the way back it was rainy in the mountains, which gave the landscape a different atmosphere

Thanks for putting together such a useful guide, it looks like a huge amount of work but I am sure it will help lots of us planning to visit the area.

Thank you Paula, it was a pleasure to create this article 🙂

Wow, that looks like a tough hike. I like the panoramic view walk-throughs that you’ve done, I haven’t seen that on any other blog.

Thanks Amy! It was a tough hike, and the heat was really crazy, but the experience is well worth it!

Rye Santiago

I guess it’s not perdida anymore. It’s becoming more and more known among adventurous travelers. I might consider going there when I visit Colombia for 6 months next year. 🙂 I heard that mosquitoes were a big problem there. Was it ever like that when you went there?

Hey Rye, it’s indeed less and less perdida, but still an amazing adventure! I definitely recommend it. I don’t know in what season you intend to go there, but I did it in April and I don’t recall the mosquitoes being a really bad issue, if you put repellent. Also all the beds have mosquito nets. The real challenge in my opinion was the heat, particularly on the first day. But again, in other times of the year the conditions might be different.

This trek looks amazing! I never thought of Columbia as a place to go hiking. Also, enjoyed your use of 360 images.

Thanks Mary! Colombia is an amazing country for hiking, and this trek is just one among many wonderful possibilities.

The panoramic views are really incredible. Greenery is in abundance. Loved the waterfalls, the tiny huts, and the beautiful tribal kids. cheers!

Thank you! The jungle is amazing and the Kogi people are a very interesting community to discover.

This looks a wonderful adventure. Never read about this place before though but looks like one must visit this beautiful destination for sure.

It is for sure a great adventure, and a must-see, probably Colombia’s major archaeological site.

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The Lost City Trek Colombia 4 days is one of the best excursions to do in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta , this Trek to the Lost City of Colombia is designed for those travelers who have little time and want to enjoy an exciting trekking in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta accompanied by Native Indigenous Guides , visitors are guaranteed a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Trekking to the Lost City Colombia is considered by hikers as one of the best trek in South America . It has been cataloged as such by many adventurers who enjoy hiking and who have had the experience of getting to know this marvel of a route in the city of Santa Marta .

In order to conquer the Lost City Trek Colombia in  4 days , you will have to make daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours approximately, through trails marked by the steps of the native Indians of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta , who still inhabit this magnificent place.

Most importantly, during the Trek to Lost City Colombia , is that they will discover ecological trails , villages or indigenous towns, beautiful crystal clear rivers and mountains surrounded by jungle.

In some camps, in the evening you will have talks with the indigenous guide, who will teach you about the customs, traditions and culture of the indigenous peoples of the  Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta .

TREK TO THE LOST CITY COLOMBIA

Upon arriving at this ancestral site, they must follow the instructions of the indigenous guide and respect the traditions and pagamentos that made before entering the Lost City Tayrona .

This civilization disappeared as a result of the conquest, however, they left us one of the greatest archaeological heritages we have here in Colombia.

The archaeological ruins of the Lost City of Tayrona , were once an ancient indigenous civilization called Teyuna, inhabited by the ancient Tayrona people .

If you want to know more details about the hike to the Lost City visit the following link 👉🏾 How to get to the Lost City of Colombia

Each traveler is responsible for their belongings, Wiwa Tours is not responsible for clothing or articles lost in the camps or on the Trail.

LOST CITY HIKING ROUTE BY DAYS

The Trek to the Lost City Colombia It is an excursion that starts early from the main office of Wiwa Tours At approximately 8:00 am, we meet all the travelers with the indigenous guide for their presentation. When all the logistics of the tour are in order, we will be transported in a 4×4 van or pick-up truck to the Mamey sector, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . Here in the Mamey is where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna really begins, we will have lunch, then the indigenous guide will give the instructions to begin the best trek in South America . We begin with a journey through peasant trails of approximately 7.6 km, until we reach the first camp, in this peasant community we will be at 450 meters above sea level. In this cabin we will spend the night in beds or hammocks, and we will rest from this first day of hiking that is not so demanding, we recommend carefully receiving instructions from the native guide, during the tour we will enjoy beautiful natural settings, take photographs and observe the great wealth of flora and fauna of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . Some travelers complete this journey in 3 hours, others in 5 hours, it all depends on your physical condition and the weather conditions of the journey.

We start the day very early, have breakfast and then receive the instructions from our indigenous guide to start a demanding 14.7 km walk (approximately 10 hours), from the Vista Hermosa cabin to the Paso Lorenzo Cabin . This camp is Indigenous, located at an altitude of 830 meters above sea level, here in this cabin we will be very close to the Lost City of Tayrona , sacred city for the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . During the tour we will pass close to a Kogui Indigenous Community called Mutanzhi , here we will appreciate the harmony that indigenous peoples have with nature and mother earth. While we walk, we will be able to take pictures and observe the mountainous landscapes typical of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . While in the camp we can relax and if the guide allows it we can take a refreshing bath in the river Buritaca . At night the Indigenous guide will talk to us about the Lost City Teyuna and the sacred meaning for the indigenous people of The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta , He will also share with us about the history and customs of native communities.

We started the day very excited to know the Lost City Colombia , during this route of approximately 1 km at archaeological ruins of Teyuna , we will climb 1200 stone steps, built by the ancient Tayronas. Here we will be at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, however we will be accompanied by the Indigenous Guide at all times, first we will make a guided tour of the different terraces and sacred sites of this ancient city, we will take pictures of this beautiful experience, we will enjoy the magical journey. The natural scenery of the Lost City of Santa Marta is unique, sacred stones, monuments, panoramic landscapes and many more secrets that this indigenous city holds. At approximately 11:00 AM, we return to the Paso Lorenzo Camp for lunch and immediately organize the suitcase and start the trek back of 9.6 km (5 hours approximately) until the Wiwa Cabin , Indigenous Camp where we will rest and spend the night.

On the last day of adventure in the Sierra, we start early with breakfast, and then continue with the return journey of approximately 12.7 km, until we reach the point where it all began. During the descent we will find more places to take pictures, rivers to enjoy a quick bath, landscapes that were not appreciated when climbing, in short, this trip is a fascinating experience that will surely mark your life forever. Continuing with the trek back, we will arrive at Mamey , we will rest for a while, have lunch, and then we will leave in the van or 4×4 truck, which will take us back to the city of Santa Marta, where we will arrive around 4:30 pm, having fully enjoyed an enriching and new experience at the magical Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta .

Note : The Lost City Tour Itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions or the means of land transportation.

Important Information for the Lost City Tour

During this 4-day Lost City Trek , you must respect the privacy and culture of the indigenous people. We should not enter their huts, nor take photographs of them or their belongings, without first informing the indigenous guide of the protocol to be followed.

Carry only the essentials in your suitcase, since weight is a determining factor when walking long distances, make sure you are in good physical condition, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages the day before and try to return all garbage to Santa Marta.

Do not damage natural or cultural property in the Los City of Teyuna . During the tour there is no mobile phone signal, so tell your family and friends that you will only be able to communicate with them once you return from your experience.

During the day the weather is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothes, T-shirts and shorts for walking; During the night the temperature drops to approximately 14 °C and there is a greater presence of mosquitoes and other insects, it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts to sleep and use insect repellent.

What to bring to the Lost City Colombia?

Reservation policies.

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Tour reviews.

Just came back from a wonderful journey from ciudad perdida. Elíseo, our tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable. Erica, our translator was very energetic and nice. And last but not least, Chaves our cook was amazing! Every single meal was delicious, including vegetarian meals for couple of people in our group. The landscape was superb, but very exhausting… glad we did it, highly recommend if you like nature and hiking! Definitely not a 5 stars hotel, but 5 stars experience!

Es una experiencia excelente, nos permite conocer no solo Ciudad Pérdida sino también la forma como viven los indígenas y campesinos que habitan la región, este tipo de planes apoyan el turismo comunitario y todas las personas que se mueven alrededor del mismo. La comida es deliciosa y se amoldan a las dietas de cada una de las personas. Mi guia fue José Luis, una persona muy sabía y conocedor de su cultura y de la región, nuestra cocinera fue Ana, quien cocina delicioso y está pendiente de que nuestros refrigerios lleguen a tiempo a dónde los necesitamos. Si bien la caminata es exigente, la recompensa de llegar a Ciudad Pérdida y la satisfacción de lograr el descenso, hacen de esta experiencia algo inolvidable. Sin duda es un plan auténtico que nos permite conocer la Sierra Nevada en su verdadera dimensión. Súper recomendado el tour por esta agencia que es la única que tiene guías pertenecientes a la comunidad indígena.

This experience was just magical. We had an amazing trip even though the hike was though. Our gudies Angel and Leandro were more than wonderful. They exlplained a lot about the different tribes, ther costumes and what a sacret and special places the lost city is to them. Beides that, the Food was amazing and the kitchen staff (Sandra and Jose) was also very helpful and friendly.

This is a MUST in Colombia! The hike is beautiful, the food is delicious and the guides are willing to answer all your questions. I highly recommend to do the trekking with Wiwa Tours because they are the only indigenous agency, so you will be able to really know about the indigenous culture, life and beliefs. Totally worth it!!

Muchas gracias Wiwa Tours por una experiencia increíble 🙂

I booked the five day trek and it was great! Victor was our translator and he was always happy, helpful, professional and a huge asset! There was no way I would have had the positive experience I had without Victor being so good at his job! Wiwa Tours was professional, took care of our needs and met my expectations. I highly recommend Wiwa Tours.

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Trip planning

Tour a Ciudad Perdida

Tour a Punta Gallinas

Tours al Parque Tayrona

Tours Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Sonrisas en cada destino

Turismo MICE

¿por qué elegirnos, productos personalizados, actuamos sosteniblemente, personal comprometido y altamente calificado, respaldamos a las comunidades, calidad certificada, innovación constante, buscar tour, tours más populares.

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¿Qué hacer en Santa Marta?

Reseñas del tour.

De las mejores experiencias que he tenido caminando por Colombia, quiero contar que me atreví a llevar a mi mamá de 67 años y tuvimos la paciencia y el apoyo de los guías en todo momento para terminar el recorrido! muchas gracias! Nicolás con su sabiduría del camino, Òscar con la alegría de sonreír a pesar del cansancio y Ferney con la fuerza para encabezar el equipo, Nos divertimos y sudamos por montones, muy recomendado este tour, la comida deliciosa y suficiente y los campamentos muy cómodos. Abrazo para Ferney, Nicolás y Óscar.

Visitar ciudad perdida es una aventura que vale la pena vivir a pesar de ser una caminata larga y exigente. La experiencia con Magic Tour fue muy buena, tienen todo muy bien organizado, la alimentacion estuvo muy bien (en calidad y en cantidad). Gracias especialmente a nuestro guia Walter, una persona extraordinaria con mucha experiencia, amplio conocimiento de Teyuna, paciencia y sencillez y a pesar de su edad con mas energia que todos los que fuimos con El. John Jairo

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