The Lost City
Days
8+
Activity Level
Moderate/
Advanced
Host City
Santa Marta, Colombia
From
$2,930 USD
The Lost City Trek
The Lost City Trek is an extraordinary adventure that takes you through dense Colombian jungle to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, a once-thriving city of the Tairona civilization. The trek spans approximately 28 miles and involves several days of hiking up steep terrain, crossing rivers, and navigating through lush, tropical vegetation. Along the way, trekkers experience breathtaking views, encounter diverse wildlife, and gain insight into the rich history and culture of the indigenous people who once inhabited this mysterious site.
Trip Highlights
Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:
TRIP COST
From $2,930 USD per person
Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.
*More info. on pricing
More questions? Read more about pricing here
Duration
Starts at 8 Days / 7 Nights (hiking for 4 days / 3 nights)
Accommodations
Relax in comfort & luxury
*Various Options
In cities/towns, choose between 3.5 / 4 Star or 4.5 / 5 Star hotel options. While hiking you will spend the night in huts.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate/Advanced*
Primary activities:
Multi-day hiking
*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information
Sample Trip Itinerary
Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.
Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta, Colombia
Today you will arrive in Santa Marta, Colombia’s first Spanish settlement, rich in cultural and natural heritage influenced by the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal tropical mountain in the world. This isolated region supports diverse ecosystems and is home to four Indigenous communities descended from the Taironas. Depending on your arrival time, you might visit the Tayrona Gold Museum, which features a remarkable collection of artifacts and gold ornaments from the Nahuange and Tairona periods, providing valuable context for your upcoming journey. In the evening you will have a group welcome dinner with a special guest.
Day 2: Coffee Tour & Explore Minca
Minca, a tranquil mountain village near Santa Marta, offers lush scenery and a break from the Caribbean heat. Today, visit La Victoria Coffee Farm for a 1-hour tour on the coffee-making process. In the afternoon, explore Minca with your guide, who will help organize activities like visiting waterfalls and birdwatching.
Day 3: First Day of Lost City Trek
Today begins with a 2-hour 4WD transfer from Santa Marta to Machete Pelao or El Mamey, marking the start of a 4-day adventure in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After storing unneeded items and having lunch in Machete, you’ll hike for about 2.5 hours uphill on an exposed path before descending into the forest and continuing for another 2 hours to reach Casa de Alfredo.
Day 4: Second Day of Lost City Trek
Today’s trek takes you to Campsite ‘Paraiso Teyuna’, covering about 8.5 miles with a 3,780-foot ascent over roughly 9 hours. You’ll traverse the Kogui indigenous reserve, experience their ecological balance, and follow the Buritaca River valley, passing the ceremonial village of Mutanshi. After lunch at Camp Mumake and a refreshing dip in the river, you’ll arrive at Paraiso Teyuna for a leisurely afternoon and evening.
Day 5: Third Day of Lost City Trek
Day 6: Fourth Day of Lost City Trek, then to the Beach
Day 7: Beach Day or Visit Tayrona National Park
Today, you can relax at Los Naranjos Beach or visit Tayrona National Park, renowned for its tropical rainforest, stunning beaches, and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a morning trek to Arrecife or the natural pool of La Piscina, or continue to Cabo de San Juan for some of the park’s most breathtaking views.
Day 8: Final Day
Customizing Your Trip
Are you interested in another activity or destination in Colombia? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:
Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Chile!
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Trip Accommodations
5+ Star Accommodations
La Yegua Loca | Punta Arenas, Chile
La Yegua Loca Boutique Hotel is a charming gem in Punta Arenas, located just below the iconic Cerro de la Cruz city viewpoint, which offers panoramas of the Strait of Magellan and the city. Situated in a lovingly-restored 1920s house, the hotel is a tribute to the rich heritage of Patagonia; through their design and decor, the 15 themed rooms pay homage to the region’s traditions. Each room features central heating, private bathrooms, king or twin beds, Wi-Fi, and modern amenities. La Yegua Loca also hosts La Cocina de la Nonna Restaurant, which serves a blend of Croatian-influenced and regional Patagonian dishes. The hotel’s bar is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy signature drinks, such as a Potro Sour or a Ruibarbito.
The Singular Patagonia | Puerto Natales, Chile
Located just north of Puerto Natales in the small town of Puerto Bories, The Singular Patagonia is a world-class hotel overlooking the Señoret Channel. All of the hotel’s spacious, sophisticated rooms offer water views that allow guests to appreciate the nature surrounding them, as well as unique details such as heated floors. The Singular Patagonia features an on-site restaurant, bar/lounge, spa with sauna and hot tub, and a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool.
What really sets this hotel apart are its facilities’ historical significance, situated on the grounds of the former Puerto Bories Cold Storage Plant, a National Monument since 1996 and one of Patagonia’s most important agricultural and industrial facilities. Guests can explore the plant’s preserved antique machinery on a guided tour, delving into the rich story of the Sociedad Explotadora de Tierra del Fuego and the role it played in shaping the region’s history and culture.
4 Star Accommodations
Marriott AC Hotel | Santa Marta, Colombia
The Marriott AC Hotel Santa Marta in Colombia offers a modern and sophisticated retreat in the vibrant coastal city of Santa Marta. Located just a short distance from the beautiful beaches and bustling city center, this stylish hotel combines contemporary design with exceptional comfort. Guests can enjoy spacious, well-appointed rooms equipped with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and ergonomic workstations. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the ocean and Sierra Nevada mountains, while the on-site restaurant and bar offer a range of delicious dining options.
Maloka Barlovento | Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Maloka Barlovento embraces the
privilege of its extraordinary location and humbly
subdues to the natural wonders on the foothills of
the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Cabaña and
Maloka provide the basic comfort and the proper
setting for an immersion like no other into Parque
Tayrona territory. The generous exuberance of nature
is ever-present.
3.5 Star Accommodations
Hotel Catedral Plaza | Santa Marta, Colombia
Hotel Catedral Plaza in Santa Marta, Colombia, offers a charming blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. This elegant hotel is ideally situated just steps from the historic Santa Marta Cathedral and the vibrant main square, providing guests with easy access to local attractions and cultural landmarks. Featuring well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Villa MarÃa Tayrona | Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Villa Maria Tayrona is a serene and luxurious retreat nestled in the lush natural beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, near the stunning Tayrona National Natural Park. This exclusive boutique hotel offers an intimate escape with elegantly designed villas that blend seamlessly into the surrounding rainforest. Each villa features private terraces, plunge pools, and stunning views of the tropical landscape, ensuring a tranquil and indulgent stay.
Casa de Alfredo Huts
Casa de Alfredo is one of the houses
of the first farmers who arrived from different
parts of Colombia and colonized the low and
middle lands of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
in the 70’s. It is one of the most welcoming
accommodations and in which we can also enjoy
an exceptional visit to a beautiful waterfall just a
few minutes from the accommodation.
Paraiso Teyuna Huts
ParaÃso Teyuna is located in the
indigenous area of the road and is one of the
accommodations managed by the Cogui
community. ParaÃso is the accommodation that
concentrates the largest number of visitors,
because it is the last one prior to our ascent to
Teyuna, the Lost City of the Taironas.
Mumake Huts
Located on the banks of the Buritaca
River, in indigenous territory, Múmake is
undoubtedly the most comfortable and cool
accommodation on the journey. In Múmake we
will have the opportunity to enjoy a bath in the
river and rest for our last day of return.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for the Lost City Trek, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.
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Trip Support
There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.
Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip
We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.
Staff Support & Logistics
We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Colombia has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, park fees, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.
Additional Trip Information
Check out our detailed educational content on the destinations that we explore, written by our adventure team. These articles provide a complete overview of everything that you need to explore the world with The Explorer’s Passage.
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