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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 […]

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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

We are a tourism agency specialized in the Lost City Trek Colombia , with more than 10 years of experience, offering a complete service to our tourists.

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You are here: Home » Treks Around the World » The Lost City, Colombia: A Guide to Hiking to La Ciudad Perdida

The Lost City, Colombia: A Guide to Hiking to La Ciudad Perdida

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Audrey Scott

The hike to the Lost City in northern Colombia takes you 46km (28 miles) round trip through the jungles, hills and river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We’d had our sights set on the Lost City Trek for years, so expectations had built up. Fortunately, the challenge, landscape, and experience exceeded so many of them.

This Lost City Columbia Hiking Guide shares why that is and includes a day-by-day overview of the Lost City Trek, all you need to know to choose the right tour, how to pack and organize so that you can enjoy the Ciudad Perdida and this multi-day hike to the fullest.

We were out of breath, having just climbed 1,200 stone steps when Celso, our indigenous guide, called for us to join him around a group of stones arranged in a circle in a clearing. In the middle of the circle stood another square stone on top of which lay a pile of coca leaves placed as an offering. Celso explained with trademark calm in a slow, deliberate voice, “This is a place where we should let go of our impurities, our negative thoughts and emotions.”

We stood in silence, not only to “cleanse” ourselves so that we might better experience this sacred site, but also to enjoy its peace and quiet. To Celso, we were then prepared to further visit Teyuna, otherwise known as the Lost City ( La Ciudad Perdida ) in Colombia, the ultimate destination to which we’d been trekking in the rain forest for the previous two days.

Here’s why you might want to consider putting the Lost City or Ciudad Perdidia in Colombia on your travel or hiking wish list , in case it isn’t there already. In this Lost City Colombia Guide we include the day-by-day hiking experience plus all you need to know about to choose a Lost City tour and how plan, prepare for and pack to be able to enjoy the complete Lost City Colombia experience.

Update: This article was originally published in June 2015 and updated in May 2022 with information about the new G Adventures Lost City Trek itinerary.

The following experiences are from our G Adventures Lost City Trek . If you are considering this tour and want to know what to expect, here’s a taste of the itinerary and route, interaction with local indigenous guides, campsites and Wiwa community project. Disclosure: This tour was sponsored and provided to us in conjunction with our partnership with G Adventures as Wanderers .

Table of Contents

About this Lost City Colombia Trek Guide

When I researched the Lost City Trek as part of our travels in Colombia , I found a fair bit of conventional history about the site, often paired with a photo or two of the final destination, including what I refer to as the “golf course” shot.

What I didn’t find much of was information on what the actual journey to the Lost City was like, including the hiking experience, difficulty, landscapes, sleeping and eating conditions, weather, and more. That's the goal of this Lost City Trek day-by-day section.

The landscape along the trail is more beautiful and varied than we had expected and the Lost City site itself is far more extensive than most photos indicate. We especially appreciated having an indigenous guide to put everything into cultural and historical context.

Celso, a member of the local Wiwa indigenous community, shared his culture with us and linked it to the other indigenous communities, their relationship to nature and their shared connection to the ancient Tayrona civilization.

Our days usually began early, around 5:00 A.M., so we could get on the trail while it was still cool and so that we could complete our day’s journey before the rains of the mid-late afternoon. We appreciated getting up early, and we enjoyed all the benefits of the early morning – light, coolness and silence among them.

Lost City Trek Map

The map below shows the basic Lost City trail with different options for campsites and sections. We did a four-day hike, but if you opt for a five-day Lost City trek then your second and third days will be shorter as you'll have two days to complete that same route. The current G Adventures Lost City Trek is five days.

Hiking to the Lost City in Colombia: Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 of the lost city trek.

• Start/Finish: Machete (El Mamey) to Adán or Ricardito Camp (Campsite #1)
• Distance: 7-8 km

All Lost City treks, no matter which tour company you choose, seem to set off from Santa Marta in northern Colombia. From there, a jeep or van transfer takes 45 minutes along the highway.

You’ll likely stop at a convenience store for last minute snacks and water. From there, you’ll head up a dirt track into the mountains.

After you arrive in Machete, you’ll have lunch, say goodbye to the driver and meet your local indigenous hiking guide. Then, the hike begins. ( Note: this is when you should ask the people coming off the trek if they have a walking stick they can give you. It is really helpful for balance and ease on the trail.)

The beginning of the walk eases you into things, with a swimming hole a close 25 minutes from the trailhead. After cooling off in the water, you’ll have a steep uphill for around 45 minutes, then a bit of a break, then a long descent into the valley where the first campsite is located.

Day 2 of the Lost City Trek

• Start/Finish: Adan or Ricardito Campsite #1 to El Paraiso or Paso Lorenzo Camp (Campsite #3)
• Distance: 14.7km ( Note: for the 5-day Lost City Trek this day is 7-8 km)

If you are doing a 4-day Lost City Trek, then this is a long hiking day. If you are doing a 5-day route like the G Adventures Lost City Trek then this will be a similar distance as the previous day, 7-8 km, to Wiwa Camp (Campsite #2).

The first segment of the day takes you uphill and across some beautiful terrain, including some local farms. After a jump in a swimming hole and lunch at Campsite #2 (Wiwa Camp), we continued all the way to Campsite #3 (El Paraiso or Paso Lorenzo Camp), located only 1 km downhill from the site of the Lost City.

If you are doing the 5-day Lost City Trek, then you would stop at Campsite #2 for the night.

This day takes you through a great deal of varied landscape — deeper into the tropical jungle, across rivers and by a couple of Kogi village communities along the way.

Day 3 of the Lost City Trek: Visiting La Cuidad Perdida

• Start/Finish: El Paraiso or Paso Lorenzo Camp (Campsite #3) to Wiwa Camp (Campsite #2), via the Lost City / Ciudad Perdida
• Distance: 13.6km
• Note: This is day 4 if you are doing a 5 day Lost City Trek.

You rise very early on this day (around 4:30A.M.) so that you can set off at dawn and enjoy the Lost City in the softest light and coolest air possible. After a short walk from the campsite, you reach the starting point of the 1,200 stone stairs you’ll need to walk and scramble to reach the terraces of the city above.

It’s not an easy climb, and can be a bit treacherous if wet or damp, but if you take care and get into a meditative rhythm, you’ll find it goes very quickly.

After the steps, you’ll have reached the lower chambers of Teyuna, also known as The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida. It is believed that this was a capital city built by the Tayrona civilization in 800 A.D., approximately 600 years before the Incas built Machu Picchu in Peru .

When Spanish colonialists came close to finding or approaching the in the 16th century, the Tayrona people opted to abandon the city instead of allowing it to fall into Spanish hands.

Of course, the Lost City Colombia was never truly “lost.” Teyuna was overtaken by jungle for the next several hundred years, as only the shaman (holy men) of the four indigenous groups who live in the area were aware of its existence and would visit it regularly for ceremonies.

It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the site was “discovered” by the outside world. Tomb thieves cleared out much of the gold, valuable artifacts and other remains. Due to this misfortune and the fact that no written record of the Tayrona exists, much about the city and civilization remains the subject of speculation.

The Wiwa, Kogi, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo indigenous groups that remain in the area are believed to be the descendants of the Tayrona and have carried on their stories and traditions.

We noticed when we arrived at the Lost City, Celso let down his hair, the surprising length of which is said to represent the wisdom that flows from the sacred mountains through the rivers to the coast. He was dressed in white, as was his custom, to represent the purity and integrity of the snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, out of sight in the distance.

Throughout our journey, he shared stories that had been passed on to him, through generations, from shaman to shaman, from elders to children, about the Lost City / Ciudad Perdida. The stories told of its creation, the symbolism of the different terraces, and the Tayrona relationship with nature.

The indigenous people that inhabit the area around the Lost City in Colombia believe they are the symbolic “elder brothers,” there to protect both the sacred Sierra Nevada Mountains and their “younger brothers” – meaning the rest of us.

The sense of responsibility to the equilibrium and the good and health of others was evident.

After your visit to Teyuna, the Lost City, you return to El Paraiso or Paso Lorenzto Camp (Campsite #3) for a quick lunch and begin your return all the way to Wiwa Camp (Campsite #2).

For us, we were met with an afternoon downpour that made it feel as though we were skiing through mud crevasses in the rain forest. We were glad for the experience. It was actually more delightful than it sounds as the rain was warm and everything around was so green and lush drinking in the much appreciated water.

Day 4 of the Lost City Trek

Start/Finish: Wiwa Camp (Campsite #2) to Machete and Santa Marta Distance: 12.7km This is another early rise since much of the trail is uncovered and therefore becomes quite hot as the day goes on. Try to make it as far as you’re able before the sun becomes too strong.

As you’ll remember from your first day, much of the trail is up or down, without much in between. After a stop for fruit at the first campsite and a jump in the swimming hole, you find yourself back where you began, with a celebratory lunch in Machete.

Then you'll transfer by vehicle to Santa Marta for a nice, hot shower and to reunite with the rest of your stuff.

Lost City Trek Difficulty and Hiking Conditions

We’d give this trek a medium-high difficulty ranking for all the reasons we’re about to elaborate. This means that you should not require special training to hike the Lost City Colombia trail, but you should be relatively active and in good physical shape.

You should either be accustomed to or be prepared for day-long treks with steep, slow uphill climbs and long walks in intense heat and humidity.

Lost City Trek is Not a Technical Trail

The Lost City Trek is not at all technical, meaning that you will not need any special equipment (e.g., climbing ropes or other fittings). The trail is well-maintained and for the most part, it’s an easy path to follow. But, it’s necessary to have a guide to navigate the rivers and some turns.

You’ll have to cross a few streams or rivers — with river shoes on or with your shoes and socks in your hand — but that is part of the fun.

Altitude, Steep Hills and Valleys

Altitude is not really an issue, as the trek’s highest point is around 1,500 meters/4,920 feet. However, the Lost City trail seems to either be straight up or straight down without much flat so there's a lot of steep ascents and descents on the trail.

Our advice is to take it slow and steady on the uphill. Keep in mind that it’s not a race. It’s better to hike deliberately and slowly and take fewer breaks than to go quickly and wear yourself out with frequent and longer stops to recover.

Heat and Humidity

One of the challenges of the Lost City Colombia Trek is the combination of heat and humidity. I’m not sure we’ve ever poured sweat with such intensity and consistency. It actually felt great, like a cleansing process.

Just be sure that you drink plenty of water to replenish. Note that respite from the heat comes a couple of times a day in the form of rivers and swimming holes to jump into.

Bugs Along the Trail

Another challenge and irritation of this trek: bugs and their bites. There are lots of them, especially mosquitoes at the Lost City itself. We suggest applying plenty of bug repellent (bring on the DEET if you need to).

If you are especially susceptible to mosquito bites consider hiking in long trousers as Dan did. Finally, pick up a pack of generic B-complex tablets (“Compejo-B generico” runs 25 pills for $1.00) in a pharmacy in Santa Marta before the hike, as certain B vitamins are said to repel mosquitoes.

Another thing to watch out for are fleas and/or bedbugs in the hammocks and/or blankets at the campsites – this is where we collected most of our bug bites (especially campsite #2). We recommend carrying a sleep sack , so that you have another layer of protection while you are sleeping.

Finally, check your body closely for ticks when you emerge from the Lost City Trek. We each had a few on us; they are very tiny and difficult to see, so look closely. (Note: For advice on how to properly remove a tick, check out this article .)

Rain and Mud Along the Lost City Trail

We had been warned plenty about rain and mud, but didn’t find wet weather too much of a hindrance. Yes, it rained from time to time (usually mid-afternoon), but it was often so hot anyway that the cool rain was welcome.

Be certain any valuable electronic gear is well-protected and any dry sleeping clothes are at least wrapped in plastic (e.g., ziploc, garbage bags or a dry sack ) inside your backpack. Then, have an outer backpack cover to protect your backpack from the elements.

If you fall in the mud, just go with the flow and don’t think about it too much. You can always wash yourself and your clothes later.

Best Time to Hike the Lost City Trail

While you will experience heat and humidity almost all year round in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern Colombia as it is a rain forest, there is still a rainy and dry season. December through March is considered the dry season and so it often is considered the bet time to hike the Lost City Trek.

In general, May through September is considered the rainy season for the region. This means expect more downpours and higher river crossings. That doesn't mean that you should avoid those months altogether as the rain can be a welcome relief from the heat and provide an interesting experience. For example, we did our G Adventures Lost City Trek in early June and thought the few rainfalls were kind of pleasant and added to the experience.

Note: The Lost City Trail is usually closed in September for trail maintenance and to do upkeep on the campsites and other services.

Lost City Trek Food

You will certainly not go hungry on the Lost City Trek. Each group is assigned a cook and not only will you be served three large meals a day (e.g., fish and rice, pasta, chicken and potatoes), but you will also enjoy well-placed fruit stops along the trail. These are very welcome for the additional boost of energy and hydration just when you need it.

If you are vegetarian or have food restrictions (e.g., gluten or lactose free), alert your trekking company and your guide in advance so they can respond accordingly.

Lost City Trek Campsites and Sleeping

There are a handful of different campsites along the way that the tour companies use. We can only speak firsthand to the ones that we stayed in — Adán Camp, Wiwa Camp, and El Paraiso — but we understand that the other campsites are quite similar in design, comfort and services.

Not always, but often, you’ll have an option to sleep in a hammock or on a mattress/bed (both with mosquito nets). We always chose the hammocks, but some may prefer mattresses.

There are cold water showers and flush toilets at all the campsites. Clotheslines will be strung around so you’ll be able to hang up your wet clothes from the day. However, the rain forest is damp so do not expect anything to fully dry overnight, if at all.

Evenings also get cool, so keep a long-sleeved shirt or fleece jacket handy at night.

Organizing a Lost City Tour: Your Options

Choosing a trekking operator.

You cannot do the Lost City Trek independently (at this time), meaning you must go with one of the four or five authorized tour operators. We took our Lost City Trek with G Adventures and can highly recommend the experience.

G Adventures work with a local organization that provides indigenous guides so that their travelers are able to learn about the indigenous cultures and communities still living in the Sierra Nevada mountain area.

Regardless of which operator you choose to take you on the Lost City Trek, we suggest you select one that works with indigenous guides. The cultural and living history background is essential to a full Lost City Colombia experience.

How many days do you need for the Lost City Trek?

Most trekking operators offer four-, five- or six-day trek options. We did the Lost City Trek in four days, but now all the standard G Adventures Lost City Trek offerings are five days. As the route is the same, the main difference is that a five-day trek includes a relaxed day #2 with only a few hours of trekking to the second campsite.

As for the six-day option, we can’t really imagine taking that much time to do the trek. But if you are worried about your trekking abilities and stamina then talk with an operator regarding what they suggest.

Leaving your luggage behind during the trek

Most accommodation and tour operators/trekking agencies will allow you to leave your big bags or luggage with them for the few days that you're doing the Lost City Trek. We left our big backpacks at our hotel in Santa Marta and we saw other travelers leave their bags at the tour operator/trekking agency office.

Lost City Trek Essential Gear and Packing List

Much of what we include in our Hiking Essentials Checklist holds true for the Lost City Trek. However, we offer a customized Lost City Trek packing list with recommended hiking gear for this specific hiking experience. The goal is to ensure you have what you need for the tropical rain forest conditions but that don't overpack and weigh yourself down with a heavy backpack.

While there is the option on some of the route to hire a mule to carry luggage and belongings, it's best not to count on it. You should pack and plan as if you will be carrying your pack the entire length of the trail.

Trust us, pack light. You’ll quickly begin to feel the extra weight going up those steep hills.

Hiking Backpack for the Lost City Trek

When we did our Lost City Trek we just repurposed our regular travel and laptop daypacks. This worked fine at the time, but since then we have invested in real hiking backpacks that fit our backs better and don't cause any aches and pains in the shoulders or back.

Here are two recommended options for hiking backpacks that will fit the hiking clothing and gear you need, but not be too big or bulky:

• Women's Hiking Backpack : I have a larger version of this Deuter ACT Trail Pro SL Backpack (22-Liters) and love it. The SL backpacks are designed for women's bodies and I find this backpack fits me really well, is well designed with its own backpack cover and zippered areas, and is both light and sturdy.
• Men's Hiking Backpack: Dan loves Osprey hiking backpacks as they fit his body type (e.g., tall) and back really well. He likes the Osprey Stratos 24-Liter Hiking Backpack for day hies or for multi-day hikes like this where you don't need to carry a lot of gear.

Refillable Water Bottle for Drinking Water

You will go through several liters of water each day (if not, then you’re not drinking enough) since you’ll be sweating constantly. Bring with you 1-2 refillable water bottles or a water bladder so that you always have at least one liter of water on you at all times.

Each campsite offers clean water, so you can refill your water bottles every couple of hours on the trail. If you really want to play it safe consider carrying with you a SteriPEN or sterilization drops .

Consider bringing electrolyte sports drink tablets or packets with you to help you replenish some of the minerals that you’ll sweat out each day. And let’s face it, sometimes drinking liters of water gets boring and you want some flavor.

Walking Stick

We highly recommend carrying a walking stick. We were very thankful for ours, especially when things got muddy and slippery. Hikers just finishing and on their way out of the trail donated their wooden sticks to us. If this doesn’t happen, then ask your guide for one and he will find a walking stick for you, or fashion one for you with his machete.

Alternatively, bring your own walking sticks (these are good travel-friendly walking sticks ). We usually just use one stick each so a set of two is sufficient for two people.

Hiking Clothing for the Lost City Trek

You really don’t need much in the clothing department. Don’t worry about packing clean clothes for each day. You will be sweating buckets within minutes every morning of getting out on the trail.

Here’s what we suggest for hiking clothing and gear essentials:

• 1 set of hiking clothes: T-shirt (preferably quick dry ), shorts, hiking socks . This means you will wear the same clothes every day. Don’t worry about it. Everyone does it. And you’ll be thankful not to carry the weight of extra clothes.
• Note: if mosquitoes love you, consider wearing hiking pants the whole time. Dan did this and it cut down on his mosquito bites considerably. If you are especially sun-sensitive, consider bringing a very light long-sleeved hiking shirt , but be aware that you may be warm.
• Hiking shoes: We wore low-rise hiking shoes ( his and hers ) and these worked great for us. Other people wore light trainers, however some mid-ankle support is useful because of the pitch of the terrain.
• 1 set of evening clothes for post-shower and sleep: T-shirt, long pants (or pajama bottoms), socks. To ensure these remain dry, pack them in a plastic bag or other impermeable container inside your backpack.
• Extra t-shirt: Just in case.
• Underwear for every day of your trek : With an extra pair thrown in for good measure, if you like. Recommended his and her s quick dry underwear for men and women .
• Extra pair of socks: Just in case your first pair get soaked beyond comfort while rock jumping at the river crossings.
• Bathing suit: Keep near the top of your backpack to have handy for swimming holes.
• Long-sleeved shirt: For cool nights or sleeping (recommended his and hers ).
• Fleece jacket : For cool nights or sleeping (can double as a pillow, too).
• Rain jacket (optional): We didn't use ours due to the heat and humidity. We appreciated the cool rain. Not to mention, a rain jacket in the tropics can feel like a personal sauna.
• Flip-flops or river shoes: To use in river crossings, showers, and evenings when you wish to get out of your hiking shoes. Women's Tevas | Men's Tevas

Other Essential Hiking Gear

• Waterproof backpack cover : You never know when a rainstorm will hit, so it’s essential to keep a rain cover for your backpack close at hand. Your guide will likely also have a supply of plastic garbage bags in case you need extra rain protection.
• Quick-dry travel towel : To dry off after showers, and also after a swim. Hang it on the outside of your backpack in the morning so it dries quickly in the sun and air as you move.
• Silk sleep sack : To provide an extra layer between you and the hammock (or mattress) and blanket. Fleas and other bugs in the hammocks bit us and other travelers we spoke to.
• Headlamp : Most of the campsites do not have electricity, so be prepared. Carry your own headlamp to find your way to the toilet and to sort through your stuff at night in and around your hammock.
• Silicone earplugs : A precaution in the case your camp has a snorer. We know from our Lost City experience that this can demolish a good night’s sleep.

Toiletries and Health Kit

You will have access to a shower every evening, and you will be so thankful for the cold water shower to wash away all the sweat and salt on your body from the day’s efforts.

• Shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste : The basics.
• Sunscreen : The higher the SPF, the better
• Sunglasses: Of course.
• Bug repellent : You will apply this frequently, especially at the Lost City itself. The mosquitoes there are big, aggressive and plenty.
• Hand sanitizer: To be on the safe side.
• Pack of tissues or toilet paper: The campsites all have toilet paper, but it’s always a good idea to carry a pack of tissues in case of messes, spills or emergencies.
• Vitamin B Complex: Take one pill per day (called Complejo-B in Spanish, available at pharmacies in Colombia). Supposedly, mosquitoes don’t appreciate the smell and taste of your blood when B-1 Thiamine is present. It is debatable whether this really works to repel mosquitoes, but we appreciated using it and felt that it helped.
• Foot care and blisters: Duct tape is very effective for hot spots and blisters on your feet. Also consider picking up some Compeed , which is magic when you already have blisters.
• Medical Kit (for emergencies): Your guide will also have some basic first aid items with him, but it's always good to be prepared. Our basic medical kit includes: Band-Aids , anti-bacterial gel (for cuts), rehydration powders or electrolyte tablets , Azithromycin/Ciprofloxacin (or another medication against stomach bacteria), Tylenol/Panadol (anti-headache/aches), Immodium (or some sort of “stopper” if you get diarrhea), tea tree oil (great to apply to mosquito bites) Note: all these are easily and inexpensively purchased at local pharmacies, including in Santa Marta from where you depart for the trek.

Electricity and Charging Batteries

While a couple of the campsites do have electricity, it’s unreliable. Prepare yourself for not having access to electricity during the trek. Some tips to handle this and further your battery power.

• Put your smartphone on airplane mode. There is no connectivity along the trek anyhow, so don't waste your phone’s battery power trying to find a network.
• Consider buying a phone case that doubles as an extra battery . It provides another 1-1.5 charges.
• Take an extra camera battery or two.
• Don’t spent time reviewing your images, as this will eat up your battery power quickly. Unless you are reviewing images to determine whether you’ve captured a specific shot, there will be time enough for photo review when your trek is finished.

G Adventures Lost City Trek Options

G adventures lost city trek tours.

Here are some of the G Adventures Lost City Trek small group tour options. These G Adventures tours all include an indigenous guide and all the support you need for a successful hike to La Ciudad Perdida in northern Colombia.

Colombia - Lost City Trekking (7 days)

The Lost City Trek tour we took that included all the experiences in this article, including an indigenous guide and cultural experience. The tour is 7-days and begins and ends in Santa Marta with 5 days of hiking the Lost City Trek.

Colombian Culture, Caribbean and Lost City (22 days)

This comprehensive 22-day G Adventures tour in Colombia takes you from the capital city of Bogota through Colombian coffee country to Medellin and finally to the Caribbean coast to explore Cartagena and Tayrona National Park before ending with the Lost City Trek (5 days). This tour is very similar to the experience we had with G Adventures in Colombia when we combined the Colombia Journey tour with the Lost City Trek . It's a great overview of the main regions of Colombia. Highly recommended.

Colombia Caribbean Adventure: Lost City Trek and Medellin (12 days)

This 12-day G Adventures tour in Colombia takes your from Cartagena to Medellin with the Lost City Trek in-between. This allows you to explore two of Colombia's most dynamic and fun cities with the adventure of the 5-day hike to the Lost City or Cuidad Perdida.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City (14 days)

This 14-day G Adventures Colombia tour allows for an in-depth look at northern Colombia's Caribbean coast in Cartagena and Tayrona National Park before heading into the Sierra Nevada mountains for the 5-day Lost City Trek.

Have other questions about the Lost City Trek in Colombia? Just ask in the comments below and we’ll incorporate the information into the article so others may benefit.

Disclosure: Our Lost City trek was provided to us by G Adventures in cooperation with its Wanderers in Residence program. Check out this article for all the different G Adventures tours we've taken and recommend . As always, the thoughts contained herein — the what, the why, and the how — are entirely our own.

About Audrey Scott

150 thoughts on “the lost city, colombia: a guide to hiking to la ciudad perdida”.

Thanks for all of the detailed info. We’ll be doing this trek in November, so we’re looking forward to it all the more now.

You’re welcome!! Glad to hear that this information is timely for your upcoming trek. Enjoy!!

can anyone recommend a well equipped outdoors store in santa marta. thank you.

I don’t know of an outdoors store in Santa Marta, but I’m sure the trekking agency you decide to work with will be able to recommend a place to either buy or rent equipment. Otherwise, you could pick trekking gear up in Bogota.

whoa – what a massive, amazing resource! Thank you so much for writing all of this up — can’t wait to put it to good use. It’s pinned away now 😉

Glad you found this article useful and hope you can put all the info to use soon!

Was in Colombia recently and missed this … next time!

The Lost City will be still there whenever you return 🙂

Colombia is a excellent place to visit it is beautiful the food ,nature and the people

Great travel expedition in Machete. I am thrilled about the encounter you had with Teyuna, the Lost City. I am planning to tour all such attractions during my stay in Columbia so that I could have an amazingly beautiful trekking experience as well. Thanks for sharing!

Hello there! thank you so much for the very detailed article. i am actually going to colombia in 2 weeks and planned to do the same tour. you helped me a lot with your information. thanks a lot enjoy travels! isabella

You’re welcome, Isabella! Really glad that the article came out in time to help with your upcoming Lost City trek. Enjoy!

Great read! Trek looks fab, definitely plan to do this when we head to Colombia! Cheers Guys!

Breathtaking place. Its always wonderful to go and experience an isolated, totally disconnected civilization.

Loved the beautiful images as well.

– Cheers, Rajiv

Great photos! I am also thinking of going there. Did you find it safe to travel?

Yes, we definitely found the Lost City trek route very safe. The area had a history over 10 years ago in paramilitary and guerrilla activity, but it is currently not an issue for trekkers. If you’re curious about our thoughts on safety throughout the rest of Colombia, you might enjoy this article; https://uncorneredmarket.com/colombia-travel/

Fantastic resource! We’ve really started to get into hikes and trails and this is precisely the information we really appreciate but seldom find! We’re looking to head that way, sooner rather than later, so we’ve bookmarked this for when we make it there!

We often write resource articles after a trek with all the information we would have wanted to know beforehand. So, glad you found this article useful for your upcoming trip to Colombia. Enjoy!

Awesome article, very helpful! What time of year did you complete the trek? Just looking for some weather tips for a November adventure 🙂

Laura, we completed the trek in early June. As Colombia is so close to the equator we’re told that the temperatures don’t vary much throughout the year, so expect it to be hot and steamy. We’re told November is usually part of the rainy season so you may have more rains than we did, but with it being so hot the rains are actually kind of refreshing 🙂 Have a great trek!

This is a great overview of the trek. I did it three years ago and it would have been handy to have this info beforehand. We signed up for the five-day trek and ended up shuffling groups and doing it in four. From what I remember, day three would have been pretty short with a lot of sitting around, and we were eager to get to the city!

Thanks for the kind words about this post! Our goal was to write all the information and advice we would have wanted to know before taking this trek. Definitely understand wanting to get to the Lost City faster and opting for the four days instead of five 🙂

Very detailed and helpful post, lots of pictures. I appreciate the reality check of the weather, bugs and sleeping arrangements!

You’re welcome! Glad you found it useful, especially the reality check on weather and bugs and such. Better to be prepared than not 🙂

What an adventure … hopefully this doesn’t turn into another Machu Picchu one day!

Definitely understand, Adam! Don’t imagine that it will turn into another Machu Picchu, but that’s where limits on the number of trekkers per day might help.

What did you do with the rest of your things during the trek? We hope to be in Colombia for 3 weeks. I certainly don’t want to carry three weeks worth of stuff on the trail!

Emily, good question! We left our big backpacks with the majority in left luggage at our hotel in Santa Marta. When we finished the trek we were very thankful to have some clean clothes in those bags 🙂

Thank you! This experience seems established enough to have worked out a solution. Very grateful!

Loved the article. Great insight and information! Heading there in a couple weeks and your advice will be great! Thanks again!

Thanks, Matt! And great to hear that you’re headed out on this Lost City trek soon. Hope you have a wonderful time!

Lot’s of great info, we will be doing the trek with G adventures in Feb. 2016.

Great to hear this Bryan! Enjoy your trek and let us know if you have any questions before then!

Sounds like quite an adventure. The rappelling actually sounds like a lot of fun.

Hola Audrey, awesome blog. You would be laughing i am from Colombia but living in Colorado, USA. I am a photographer. So, i am concerned in hiking with my slr camera, lenses and tripod. Do you have time to photograph landscaping? Can you photograph the natives ? Thanks a lot for your help, G

Germán, thanks for your kind words about our blog! as for your questions, we did trek with a DSLR camera (but no tripod) and found there was time to photograph landscapes. I would recommend packing a dry sack for your gear as you may run into crazy rains along the way. As for photographing the indigenous people we met along the way we would always ask permission through our guide or directly. Some people were OK, while others preferred not to have their photos taken. So, it really depends on the situation and the people you happen to meet.

Enjoy your trek!

This was a really great post! We are going to do this trek in January and I can’t wait!

I am curious if you got any vaccines before going. It looks like they aren’t necessary but for the jungle trek would you recommend getting the yellow fever and hepatitis A/B vaccines?

Great to hear that you’ll be on this trek in just a few months! As for vaccinations, there are no special vaccines needed for this trek. However, we usually recommend that people traveling in this region have Hepatitis A & B vaccines, as well as checking whether you might need a tetanus or typhoid booster. Here are a couple more medical-related articles that might be useful: https://uncorneredmarket.com/world-travel-resources/travel-health-insurance-vaccinations/ & https://uncorneredmarket.com/around-the-world-travel-health-tips/

Have a great trip!

Hi – thanks so much for this information – so useful! I have two questions for you as I’ve heard a couple of horror stories. Firstly, were there parts where you found yourself clinging to cliff-edges with sheer drops below? Secondly, I know it’s the jungle and there’s a host of wildlife around – it’s their habitat! But were you finding gigantic spiders and snakes at every corner?

Leila, thanks for your questions. I’ll answer them the best we can.

1. I don’t remember any cliff-edges or sheer drops from our Lost City Trek. Dan is afraid of heights and really hates that type of stuff, so he certainly would have remembered that 🙂

2. No gigantic spiders or snakes that we saw. What you do need to watch out for are the little bugs – mosquitos, fleas, bedbugs. That’s why it’s good to bathe yourself in bug spray and wear loose long sleeves in the early evening when the bugs like to come ou.

If you have any other questions, just let us know!

Sounds like a lot of fun and you documented the trip well! I have a question though, are reservations required to do the trek? It is a little pricey for me but I would love to see the lost city!

Hanah, it is required that you trek with an authorized company for the Lost City Trek so reservations are required. The reason for this is that it’s a natural heritage area and site so this requirement is for conservation and protection. Maybe it’s possible to adjust some of your itinerary to prioritize this expense? It is a great hike!

Thank you for getting back to me. It looks so great I’ll make it work 🙂

Just back after our four day trek and your check lists was a great resource. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this to others. A few updates which I think are worth mentioning.

* Although not a technical trek, a high level of fitness is suggested. You will enjoy the walk much more. There are only up bits and down bits. And on the way back this is reversed. * Parts of the track are very poor and require good footwear and concentration. We walked in the dry season, I would hate to think what the mud would be like during the wet. * It is possible to buy water and other drinks along the route to supplement what you cary. We did take our own purification tablets as extra precaution to what was used by the local camps. * All out bedding seemed to be clean and fresh and no bed bugs. Perhaps this is more seasonal. However I would suggest a sleep sack.

In response to Leila above there are no sheer drop offs or cliffs. There is one section where the track gets very narrow and you need to watch your step. As our guide warned us “stop before taking a picture”. No ropes were needed.

All in all a GREAT trip

Mark, great to hear that this article was helfpul for your trek and thanks for your feedback and follow-up from your recent trip. I do agree that a certain level of fitness will help you enjoy the trek more, as we saw a few people who decided to go by horse/donkey for part of the time because they didn’t feel good in the heat and hills. Very glad to hear that the bedding was clean and fresh! Hopefully, that’s the norm from now on, but a sleepsack is always good to be on the safe side.

Glad you had a great time on the trek!

Great article. Any comments on visiting there in late February early March. Thanks.

We trekked in late May/early June, but I believe February and March would also be good times for the Lost City trek as it’s in the dry season. That means you won’t have to deal with as much mud or flash storms. And, the mosquitos might possibly be less as well 🙂 Good luck and enjoy your trek!

I really wanna do this trail, but is insecure about the wildlife out there 🙂 I am totally panicking if there is mice around me, especially in my camp. I can’t really find anything about this online, so either they are so common that people are not even bothering mentioning them, or they are not there? And what about other wildlife?

Happy to hear you didn’t encounter any big spiders 🙂

Thanks in advanced,

Hi Sisse, I really do not remember mice at the Lost City Trek campsites. This is in contrast to the Torre del Paine campsites in Chile where mice were everywhere ate through people’s food bags. As for other wildlife, the biggest bother are mosquitos and fleas/bed bugs (although someone who trekked more recently said he didn’t experience them). We didn’t see any snakes or other such creatures on the trails (as opposed to Australia where we came across several poisonous snakes), but as this is a jungle you should be prepared that it’s always a possibility. Hope this helped push you over the edge to do the trek!

Thank you so much for your answer! It definitely helps a lot. I know that you never know, but if you didn’t see 50 mice every night in camp why should we? I have been to Alice Spring and meet 100s of mice, and that was a great surprise and really freaked me out 😉 So I guess that Torre del Paine isn’t the place to go 😀 Now I can’t wait to go, thanks for this great blog post with so many great advices 🙂 Happy Spring!

I never wrote a big fat thank you! This blog post really made me take the jump doing this, and me and my boyfriend had such a great experience! It was a hard trek, but it was worth it! So thank you SO much!

Great to hear this, Sisse!! Thanks for letting us know about your trek and glad you had such a good experience! Now, where will your next trek be? 🙂

Thank you so much for this detailed guide, it is exactly what we needed and we will now be changing a few things as we prepare for the trek!

You are welcome, Victoria. Glad to hear we could help inform your Lost City Trek!

We will travel to Colombia in June for three weeks. We were thinking to do this trek, (certainly after reading this article) but we have one more question: What with your big backpacks? We’ll both have a large backpack with us packed for three weeks, is there any place/option you can leave your big backpack and take your smaller one with you for the trek? 🙂

Greetings from Belgium!

Tine & Fabio

Hi Tine, You have two good options for your big backpacks. Leave them at the hotel where you’re staying before (and after). Or, leave them at the trekking agency’s office. We did the first option, and saw others do the second. Hope you do the trek – it’s really wonderful!

Thank you so much for your quick reply! We can’t wait to take off! 🙂

We are now one week back from our amazing trip to Colombia. The Lost City Trek was our highlight. It was amazing. All things you described were spot on. Thanks again for the article, it’s an experience we’ll never forget!

This article is great! I’m traveling through Peru right now and headed to Colombia next and am really hoping to do this trek. But I also have some questions about backpacks. K have two with me right now: one 65 liter and one 20 liter. The 65 liter one is way too big and I’m assuming the 20 liter is too small. Did you see any companies renting out backpacks for the hike? Say around 30-40 liters?

Lauren, I didn’t see any companies renting out backpacks, but it’s always worth asking the trekking company you’re going with whether they offer that service. I imagine that someone in Santa Marta must.

You might be able to get away with just 20 liters since you really don’t need all that much with you…it’s really hot and everyone wears the same thing every day 🙂 With our trek, Dan carried a 30-liter backpack, but this was essentially for the two of us as I my backpack was mostly filled with camera equipment.

HI Audrey Thanks for this reply about the backpack size to take. I’m doing the Trek at the end of this month ( Dec – 17) and initially though of taking a laptop bag.. but realised it would be too small. I had asked a colleague of mine who goes on big treks – 15 -20 days and he suggested a 25 liter backpack. I wanted to check with you if that seems like an ok size – I’m going on my own.

Hi Vivek, We did take our laptop backpack with us on the Lost City Trek and it worked fine. Since it’s a hot climate and food it provided at the campsites you really don’t need to take very much with you. If you do want to get a more proper trekking backpack, a 25-liter backpack would be a good size. Have a great trip!

This is an amazing guide, and your photos are spectacular! What camera do you use? How did you protect it from the humid/rain/river crossings?

We had both an iPhone and a DSLR (Nikon D7100) on the trip. The photos you see are a combination of the two. We also carried a 10-liter dry sack for emergencies. Fortunately, we didn’t need it!

Hi Arleen, Thanks! Glad the guide is useful! We carried a Nikon D7100 and for most of the time we had it in the camera bag, but when it did start raining or with river crossings we put the camera bag into a dry sack. Our guide also carried extra thick garbage bags to help protect things from the rain. Hope this helps!

Your blog has helped me immensely in my thoughts of preparations for this hike. I have bookmarked this site, and will use it as a bible in the next few weeks prior to. I’ll look forward to more of your inspirational travel stories as well. Thank you, and cheers!! Instagram: kirbythekoala

Hi there, thank you so much for your informative guide; I was quite nervous when a friend suggested doing this trek but am feeling more confident about doing it since reading your blog.

One question; I’ve been told by friends that you need to cross rivers that are chest deep. Did you find this to be the case when you went? I’d be doing it at the same time of year you did (soon!). I guess I’d be OK with that if there was a rope to hold onto and the water flow wasn’t too strong, I’d be OK with cage thing as per your picture – it’s just the getting swept away part that concerns me. Any insight specifically on river crossings much appreciated, Sarah.

Hi Sarah, We certainly did not have any river crossings that were chest deep. The most I remember was perhaps a bit below the knee (I’m not that tall) so it wasn’t a problem with getting my shorts wet. When we did reach a crossing with high water our guide found a different area where the water wasn’t so high (eg, or had the cage). But, water levels do vary each year so perhaps it’s good to ask the trekking company in advance to be sure. Enjoy the trek!!

Thanks for the article, it’s really useful and well written. A friend and I are thinking of doing the trek in July, we’re wondering if you or anyone else knows how frequent the tours are e.g. Do they leave Santa Marta every day?

Thanks a lot Caroline

I believe that between the 3-4 companies offering tours you should find at least one departure a day in July. As mentioned above, we recommend going with a trekking company with indigenous guides. Enjoy!!

I’m planning this hike in July to celebrate my 40th and the fact that I’m now moving out of Colombia… this guide has been so helpful- thanks! 🙂 I have a question about footwear: I have a good pair of hiking boots, but would prefer keeping them dry-ish. Do I need a good pair of shoes for river crossings or will flip-flops be sufficient?

We used our Tevas (river shoes) for the river crossings and they worked fine. The currents weren’t very strong when we went, so a sturdy pair of flip-flops should probably be sufficient. Good luck and enjoy the trek! It’s a great way to celebrate!

Hi! Thanks for the care you put in to this blog! A friend and I are considering this trip but we only have 10 days in Colombia –arriving and departing in Cartagena. We are not sure that doing this trek will leave time to do anything else. I just had a clarifying question –Is there transportation arranged for the way back or do you have to walk back the same way you came in? Meaning is this really an 8 day trip? I am guessing not, but thought I would make sure.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Ana, Yes, transportation is arranged for your return to Santa Marta. From there you can easily hop a bus to Cartagena. It’s possible to do the trek in 4 days, and get returned to Santa Marta after lunch on that fourth day so you still have the afternoon to clean up and regroup. If you do the tour with G Adventures, they offer it in 5 days. Either way, you should be able to fit this trek pretty easily into a 10-day trip. Good luck!

I’m so glad I found your blog! This is all very helpful. This trek will be my second trip with G Adventures! I’ll be doing it next month. Do you think it makes sense to buy a mosquito net for my head during the day? Also, you mentioned ticks, That makes me extremely nervous. Were you able to easily remove them? Which vaccinations did you get before your trip? Do you suggest bring trekking poles or just using a stick? Last question (hopefully), did you encounter bed bugs? I hope to pack light like you and all your photos look amazing.

Hi Cheryl, Glad this post was useful for your upcoming G Adventures Lost City Trek! I don’t think you need a mosquito net for your head during they day – they weren’t nearly as pesky and annoying as the bush flies in Australia (where we did end up buying a net to maintain our sanity). The ticks we picked up were quite small, but were easy to pick out with tweezers. If you’re concerned, perhaps pick up a proper tick-removing kit. At other times of year you might not encounter any ticks. As for vaccinations, it’s probably best if you have Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations to be on the same side (More info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia ). We did notice either bed bug or flea bites (not sure which), but another commenter who went on this same trek after us said no one in his group got any bites like that. So, it may be that they’ve gone through and switched out/cleaned the hammocks or blankets.

We did not bring trekking poles with us, but instead when we first started the trek the group before us handed over their stick. Otherwise, your guide can easily find one along the way for you.

Also, I forgot to ask, what size was your backpack?

We both carried backpacks that were around 30L, but we could have probably gone even smaller as they weren’t completely full. Those were just what we were using for the rest of our Colombia trip so we repurposed them for the trek. As you know, the smaller and lighter, the better 🙂

Fantastic and informative overview. We just completed the trek and found the information here to be very useful in preparing. Thanks so much!

Great to hear this, Linda!

Ms. Scott… I am researching, writing and producing a 72-page curriculum guide about Colombia for the non-profit Memphis in May International Festival for the festival’s 2017 salute to their honored country of Colombia. This guide is printed and distributed to teachers in all elementary, middle and senior high school teachers throughout Memphis and Shelby County, and also presented in PDF form on their website (www.memphisinmay.org). I want to include a lesson plan about Colombia’s Lost City, but I think it would add a personal touch by having students reference your blog about your trek through the Lost City. The lesson plan would describe the Lost City, its location, history, ecological significance… and then would encourage students to “plan” for their own exploration of the area…. then referencing your blog for details from someone who had actually explored this great place (what to pack, how to prepare, what to expect, conditions). To do so, obviously, I would need your permission… and hopefully, to provide your permission for us to use on of the photos from your blog for reproduction with this lesson plan. I appreciate your consideration.

Hi John, We received your email about this as well and I just responded. If you didn’t get it for whatever reason, please let me know! Cheers, Audrey

Hi Audrey and Daniel, this post about the Lost City is superb. I am flying to Colombia on Sat only for this trek. I initially was thinking G Adventures but then switched to a local company ( Expotur). However, Im very apprehensive about the possibility of diseases. I’m thinking malaria, zika etc. Can you please give a few pointers? Did you take any special vaccines/injections before doing this trip ? Please advise. Thanks

Hi Mayank, Best protection is to try and prevent mosquitos and other bugs from biting you. As mentioned in the article above, we took B-Complex pills (bought at pharmacy in Santa Marta) and lathered on lots of insect repellent to keep away mosquitos (and other bugs). Dan also wore trousers the whole time as he often gets eaten by mosquitos. However, the mosquitos in the Lost City Trek area are not malaria mosquitos.

When we did our trek Zika was not an issue, but as I read on the CDC website there have been Zika cases found in Colombia recently. You should ask the tour company whether any Zika cases have been found specifically in the Lost City Trek area. Again, the best course of prevention is to try and avoid being bitten in the first place.

We always have the standard travel vaccinations up to date — Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, MMR, Tetanus — so we didn’t get any special vaccinations before doing this trek. Given that you are only going to Colombia for this trek, which is only a few days, I wouldn’t worry about getting special vaccinations for the trip.

Hope this information helps!

Hi! I’m really interested in doing this trip and am in the middle of preliminary research. G Adventures looks like a great group to book with, but I found another trip through TripAdvisor for much less – just $399 for a 4 day trek. TripAdvisor doesn’t say which company will be in charge of the trek, however. Do you know why G Adventures charges so much for their trip (i.e. are they THAT much better than the other ones), and do you know of any reason why I shouldn’t book through TripAdvisor? Thanks so much for your tips and any additional insight you may have!

Hi Lizzie, Some of the difference in price is probably connected the following reasons: G Adventures’ tour is seven days, meaning that the price is for a five-day trek and also includes hotel in Santa Marta the day before the trek and the day the trek ends. Additionally, they usually work with two indigenous guides if the groups are bigger than a certain size. This allows more interaction/engagement with the guides and also provides more support as one indigenous guide is at the front and the other is at the back. The G tours also have one of their own guides (CEOs) who helps with translation (as the indigenous guides don’t speak English), organize meals, sleeping arrangements, etc., and just work to smooth things over in case there are any heath or other issues. And, as it’s a big international company they also have lots of experience and a set process for handling emergencies or other unusual situations.

As I don’t know which tour is being offered through TripAdvisor, my thought is to see if you can ask a few questions before you book. Here’s what I would want to know: 1) Does the tour have an indigenous guide? For us, this indigenous perspective on history, nature, and culture really added to the trekking experience. Most of the tour companies operating Lost City treks do not have indigenous guides.

2) If you do not speak Spanish, then is there someone to translate for you? We saw that some of the other groups would have a translator in addition to the official guide.

Good luck with your planning!

Thank you so much, Audrey! That was immensely helpful (as is this blog post more generally). I think I’ll probably end up booking through Expotur, for the sole reason that I (unfortunately) don’t have 7 days for Santa Marta/the trek. Not sure if you keep in touch with the folks at G Adventures, but if you do, you may want to suggest that they look into possibly hosting a shorter 4 day trek. If they had that option now I would 100% go with them. Thanks again for your guidance. Your blog was actually the reason I started looking into this trek in the first place, and I can’t wait to spend my 30th birthday on it 🙂

Hi! I’m wondering where people stay before and after their hike to the Lost City. I’m planning to fly into Santa Marta from Bogota in a week from today, and wonder if it’s easy to go directly from the airport to the trekking office/departure location, or if it’s necessary to stay in Santa Marta on the eve of the trek. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for all the other info and tips in your article!

Hi Mary, We stayed in Santa Marta the night before the trek began and I think this is the safest option. On the first day of the trek we began in Santa Marta and then had 2-3 hours of transport to the starting point of the trek. So, it may be kind of risky to try and go from the airport directly to the trekking office in case there’s a flight delay. The trekking company you are working with should be able to tell you what time they depart in the morning and then you can make your decision based on that. Good luck!

Great insight into the trek! I’m thinking of doing this in December going solo? Would you recommend this? We’re there others doing the same?

Matt, I don’t remember seeing any solo trekkers with a guide, but I’m sure you can put in a request with one of the authorized trekking companies to get your own private guide. Since a trekking guide/company is required for this trek it’s not really possible to walk it completely on your own. Some of the campsites are shared between trekking companies and some are independent.

Hi Audrey, I loved your story on the Lost City. All your comments are so well thought out. Many thanks. My question is about the swimming holes and swimming in the river. I am a non swimmer. Are they very deep? How do I prepare? Thanks.

Bhanu, Some of the swimming holes do get deep in the center (e.g., a few meters), but you can always just stick to the edges and dip your body in the water there to cool off. One of the holes also had a sort of sitting area under a waterfall where you could just relax. The other thing is that you don’t have to go into the swimming holes. You can always just stick your feet in there to cool off and enjoy the atmosphere under the trees.

Thanks Audrey. I have one more question: did you wear a water proof sandals when crossing the river? I am planning to take my trekking shoes for the trek… but did not want to get them wet; hence is my question. Thanks, Bhanu

Bhanu, we both carried river shoes with us (e.g., Teva sandals ) and sometimes we would change into them to cross rivers and other times we would take off our trekking shoes and just walk barefoot. It depended upon the depth and also whether the bottom of the river was rocky. We do recommend bringing a pair of river shoes/waterproof sandals/flip flops with you also for changing into at night to give your feet a break, wearing in showers/toilets, and walking around the campsites.

I have a question about this trek, as I am doing it in October (2016). I am not planning to take malaria tablets and just use DEET and take some precautions like wearing long sleeved top/bottoms etc. Could you please advice me on that?

Great that you’re doing this trek soon! The mosquitos along the Lost City Trek are not malaria mosquitos, so your plan of not taking any malaria medicine and focusing on preventing bites makes sense. If you really do dislike mosquito bites consider taking B-Complex pills as this is supposed to make you less attractive to mosquitos.

Hey Audrey,

Thanks so much for this useful post, I really appreciate all of the detailed advice. Nick and I are planning on South America for 2017 (finally getting there!) and will hopefully do this trek as well. We’ll be in Colombia in November / beginning of December so I’m hoping the rains won’t be too bad. We’re in Grenada (southern Caribbean) right now and the rains have been few and far between this rainy season 🙂

Cheers and happy travels!

Hi Dariece, Great to hear that you’re descending upon South America soon! It seems like every year the rainy season and weather cycles change, so fingers crossed it won’t be too wet for your Lost City Trek later this year. Even if it is rainy, it’s warm rain and a great experience either way.

Thanks so much for your very informative blog. We are going to do this trek in February – what will the temperature be? And will it be very humid at that time of year?

February is a great time for the Lost City Trek! This will be the end of the dry season so you should have very little (or perhaps no) rain so it shouldn’t be very humid. I believe temperatures will be in the 80s, so you’ll likely start your walking early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat in the middle of the day.

Hi, did you take your main backpacks or do the mules take these or is it best to leave them at the hostel and just take small day bags? Thanks

I’d recommend to leave your main backpacks in Santa Marta either at the hostel or at the office of the trekking company you’re using. Then, just carry day packs with some clothes, camera, water bottle, sleep sack, etc. You can take a look at the packing list in this article for recommendations on what to bring. Enjoy the trek!

Hi Audrey What a great blog, so useful, and wonderful photos. Do you think telescopic walker poles would be helpful or would a stick picked up along the way suffice? Thanks, Annie

Hi Annie, Glad this blog post was useful! We found that a stick picked up along the way sufficed, but if you would feel better with your own walking poles then bring your own if it’s easy to do. Just know that they may get a bit muddy along the way 🙂

Cheers, Audrey

Of your campsites (Adán Camp, Wiwa Camp, and El Paraiso), did all have the option to hammock camp? We have our own, bug-netted hammocks and would like to use them. This would solve the tick, flea, bedbug issues that you had. Tx -alan

Alan, at the campsites the hammocks were tied between wooden poles. You could either add yours or take one of the standard hammocks down and replace it with your own for the night. I don’t think this would be a problem at all, but perhaps just double check with the tour/trekking company you’re working with that it’s OK.

This article helps me a lot. would for example never had thought of bringing TP or a long sleeve shirt for sleeping in. 😀 going there at the end of the month for a 4 day trek. can’t wait. Do you have any recommendations for hikes or tours around Sao Paolo, Brazil?

Gísli, so glad to hear that this article was helpful for your upcoming Lost City Trek! I’m afraid we haven’t yet been to Brazil, so cannot make any first-hand recommendations for Sao Paolo. Have a great trip!

My partner and I are planning a trek to the Lost City next month, February, 2017. We would be most grateful if you could help us with some logistics and other questions.

We are looking at the possibility of flying into Bogotá, Columbia and from there taking a flight to Santa Marta. Questions:

1. Is it necessary to begin from Santa Marta? 2. Did you book your trekking company in Santa Marta? Is that where you started? 3. Did you stay in the area before/after the trek? If so, were there other interesting adventures? 4. Did you explore the National Park, Tayrona nearby? 5. Did you find the bugs exceptionally bad on the trek to the Lost City? 6. We will have a couple of weeks to enjoy Columbia and would love to hear of any other activities you may have found in the area.

Thanks for inspiring us!

Hi Cecilia, Great to hear you’re thinking of doing the Lost City Trek. As for your questions:

1) As far as I know, all of the treks begin in Santa Marta with a transfer out to the starting point (Machete). However, you could always coordinate with the trekking agency to meet the group at Machete if there’s something in the area you’d like to do first.

2) Our trek was through G Adventures and it was booked before we got to Santa Marta. However, there were other people we met at other tour companies/trekking agencies who booked their trek once they got to Santa Marta.

3) We only spent the night before/after in Santa Marta and it was a nice town, but don’t know that we needed to spend much more time there. Prior to Santa Marta we were in Cartagena and that’s worth spending a few nights.

4) Yes, we did explore Tayrona National Park before our Lost City Trek (and Cartagena). We did a great day trek out to Cabo San Juan. It’s also possible to spend the night out there if you prefer. It’s a beautiful area.

5) The bug were bad, but I don’t know if they were exceptionally bad. As mentioned in this article, we were also taking B-Complex vitamins which is supposed to deter mosquitos.

6) Colombia is beautiful and fascinating. For more ideas on what to do, check out our Experiential Guide with 25 things to do.

Hope this helps and have a great trip!

Thanks very much, this is an amazing resource.

My friend and I are planning on going the end of March, the beginning of rainy season, that makes us slightly worried. could you help us out what to expect regarding: (1) height of rivers / slipperiness (2) amount of rain / sun (3) mosquitoes

It seems like you had a great adventure regardless of the visit being in the middle of the rainy season. I’m hoping that the rivers will not yet be too high and that part of the trip will be dry and sunny.

Thanks very much!

Hi Aliz, Our trek was in early June, so more towards the end of the rainy season. The height of the rivers were fine for us – there was one spot that was high, but they had the cage contraption already set up to get across. All the other rivers were easy enough to walk across. But again, we went a couple of months later. As for rain, we had sunshine for most of the time, but there was one day with a big downpour that we waited out a little bit and then just decided to walk in the rain as it was warm. The mud did get a big slippery so the guide found me another stick and I used two sticks to go down some of the more slippery hills. But, it was all quite manageable.

Mosquitoes can get bad at times, which is why we recommend in this article to pick up B-Complex pills in Santa Marta (supposedly repels mosquitos), lather on bug cream, and wear long-sleeve shirts/pants (if necessary). The hammocks usually have mosquito netting around them so you shouldn’t be bothered at night.

Hope this helps and good luck with your trek!

Thanks for the write up. I have been to Colombia many many times, and always wanted to go to la ciudad perdida. Problem has been the age of the kids. They will be 10 and 13 at the end of the year and are fit and active (we trekked from Leticia in Amazonia 4 years ago, but that was a single day)..

What do you think about the 5 day version?

Hi Andrew, Good question regarding your kids. I’m inclined to say that if they are accustomed to heat and humidity they should be fine if you take things slowly with 5-6 days. However, I’d ask the trekking agency you’re planning to go with whether they have experience with kids of a similar age doing the trek. Also, donkeys can be hired for certain segments of the trek that might help as well. Good luck!

We’ve just done the trek and a 13 year old girl was part of our party. She doesn’t regularly do evercise but had no problem, she had to wait for us 50/60 year olds. She loved it, had a great time. What an amazing experience. We did the five day trek. Pack light, bring a warmer long sleeved top and trousers for evenings, itcanget a bit chilly. . Flip flops are good, we forded streams in bare feet. They were up to knee level at worse. We slept in beds every night, some had pillows, all had blankets and mosquito nets. Wear comfortable supportive shoes or boots, well worn in. Blisters aren’t icy fun. It rained once at night. The best thing we brought? Silk sleeping bag liners. It was tough, I’m a reasonably fit 60 year old and found the long uphill climbs exhausting, but well worth it.

Wow, you guys are pretty hardcore, backpacking in the jungle, so to speak. Colombia has a rich culture, one I am only beginning to explore. It is as close to Eldorado as possible, and ancient artefacts reflect it. I will probably set on my own journey of Colombian discovery one day, route will be slightly different. Or possibly, I will digress to Los Nevados National park on my road there.

What great and wonderfully helpful information you have posted!!! We will be traveling for the trek in mid-March. It seems that you recommend the typhoid vaccination and felt that malaria pills may not be necessary, but I saw no mention of yellow fever?? Can you please comment on what you feel the latest vaccines and/or precautions might be to consider. Also, did you find the river to be moving quickly and difficult to cross??

Thanks so much….

Julie, for the latest information on recommended vaccinations for Colombia you can check out this CDC page: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia And for Yellow Fever specifically: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/colombia#4753

The last article seems to indicate that Yellow Fever may be present in the Santa Marta/Tayrona National Park/Lost City area. I’d check with a nearby travel clinic just to confirm. One thing that has changed since our visit is the appearance of Zika in certain parts of Colombia. Unfortunately, there’s nothing that can be taken to prevent this so best thing is to cover up as much as you can.

When we trekked in early June the rivers were easy to cross. There was one place where it was high and fast, but there was a sort of cage contraption (see photo above) that was set up to go above the river. Our guide was quite careful in testing the waters first to make sure it was safe, and then finding another spot if he thought it could be dangerous.

Enjoy your trip!

Thought of just a couple more questions. We know the highest elevation is 5000 feet, but wondered if you knew the altitude in Santa Marta where we will be starting and/or at the Tayrona National Park where we have planned a day trip. Also, did you bring tablets, use a filter or steripen to treat the water provided at the campsites? Really appreciate your help. This is our first trip to hike in South America 🙂

Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park are both on the coast, so you’ll be starting at sea level and then working your way up to 5,000 feet. The campsites provide clean drinking water and we just drank that straight. However, if you do have concerns then I’d bring a steripen with you to be extra sure. As mentioned above, you might also want to bring some gatorade or electrolyte powder to mix with the water to replenish some of the minerals you’re sweating out.

Enjoy your first hiking trip in South America! Hope it’s the first of many!

Audrey…..Thanks so very much for your quick reply. Try as I might, I can’t seem to find the article you referenced about possible yellow fever in Santa Marta. Is there a way you can further guide me to that information.

So sorry for any inconvenience

Julie, I just checked the Yellow Fever in Colombia link and works ok so give it a try again: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2016/infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/yellow-fever-malaria-information-by-country/colombia#4753

Are people allowed to do this trek without a guide do you know? Thanks in advance!

Great question. I was wondering the same thing.

Connie, it’s not allowed to do the trek without a guide from an authorized trekking agency. You can choose to do a group or individual trek with one of these trekking agencies.

Thanks for the write up, Audrey! Just booked the 4-day Trek for mid-March.

You’re welcome, Jonathan! Hope you enjoy your upcoming Lost City trek!

Thank you for the information it was helpful and accurate in most circumstances. However, I was surprised with the food at the camps. Frankly, I never figure out who was the cook …

I went with Expotur , which has relatively large groups – When I went it was roughly 10+10 people. Moreover, different companies seem to share the same accommodation and food (with some exceptions). That brought the number of guests roughly to 30-35. Now add 10-15 of support staff and guides. We are talking about around 50 to be fed!

Cooking was thus done in mass production and the serving time was the same for all groups. In fact, at the peak time of lunch/dinner you may have around 10+ people in the kitchen doing various jobs including preparing food and salad. Obviously, if 10+ people are handing the food the notion of the cook is lost.

My impression was that in the kitchen “anything goes”. Several people (if not all) got a stomach ache during the trek but the last day was a “mayhem” at the toilets from the pasta and chicken. Also, a young man served me coffee in a dirty cup because he couldn’t find a washed one. I understand that during camping such events can happen, but the way I experienced it was a systematic lack of roles in the kitchen something which is a disaster waiting to happen and in fact, it did happen.

It is a shame that it is not allowed to do it on your own…

Stavros, thanks for your comment and information about the cooking/eating situation on your trek. When we went on the G Adventures Lost City Trek there were other people staying at the campsites, but we had our own cook who traveled with us and only cooked for our group. It’s unfortunate to hear about the disorganization and questionable hygiene on your trip.

My friend and I just booked the G Adventures tour for the end of July / early August and we are super excited! Thank you for this very helpful article. Will definitely help us in preparing and packing, and knowing what to expect.

You’re welcome!! Glad this post was helpful to get you ready for your upcoming Lost City Trek. Enjoy!!!

Hey Audrey! I’m writing a post on Colombia and I’d love to link this post for any reader who wants further information! You guys have so much invaluable info here.

It looks like you had the time of your life. Definitely adding this to my bucket list!!

Of course! please provide a link to our post! Hope it’s helpful for your readers.

Those are really helpful information and a nice teaser for the trek. I’ll be doing the trip with G soon as well. Could you tell me how they’ve organized the big luggage? Do you leave behind at some accommodation or it will be brought all the way with horses/mules?

Hi Mircea, Great to hear that you’ll soon be on the G Adventures Lost City Trek. As for your big luggage, just leave it behind at the hotel in Santa Marta. They will keep it for you until you return from the trek.

Have a great time! Audrey

Think about leaving it in the hotel you will be going to AFTER the trek. If, for example, you are staying in Palomino after (lovely, and closer than Sta Mta) it would be a pain to go back into town (90 min) and out again.

Thanks for the clarification, Andrew. If you aren’t planning to return to Santa Marta then arrange for your luggage to be left wherever you will go after the trek.

Thank you so much for such elaborate article! I’m going to Colombia for 3 weeks and thinking about fitting this in my schedule. But do wander whether it will suit me as I’m not an experienced hiker and physically not super fit. I’ve done some tough hikes, but I’ve always been very afraid of descending, especially if you can see the edge of the mountain.

Is the Lost City hike steep and narrow? Do you get the ‘falling of the edge’ feeling there?

Do you have any other wonderful but relatively flat hike to advice?

Thanks a lot.

Hi Dongqing, Although the Lost City trek does have some steep hills, I don’t remember it as being particularly narrow or feeling like we were close to cliffs or edges where we could slide off. Most of it is in a rainforest so the path goes between the trees.

As for other hikes in Colombia that might be flatter, perhaps look into hiking in the cloud forest of Cocora Valley in coffee country (Armenia), This is more of a day hike vs. multi-day hike, but it is beautiful and really unique (see #10 here: https://uncorneredmarket.com/25-travel-experiences-colombia/ ).

Enjoy your three weeks in Colombia! It is a beautiful and diverse place!

I asked on this site almost a year ago about travelling to the lost City with kids. We returned last night from the four day trek with 4 adults and kids (15, 13, 10, 10). We used Wiwa tours.

Absolutely unforgettable experience and well worth it with the kids. They were younger/ significantly younger than anyone else we saw but all made it through and were delighted despite 1x fever and 1x stomach bug.

3 of the 4 (the younger ones) were very physically active anyway, and this showed through.

However we did realise on day 2 that with illness we would need help. We thus hired a mule (350,000 pesos for the rest of the trek) which was an absolute godsend. Meant the kids could take turns for a short break if they wanted to (or if they simply wanted to ride for fun). The mule also carried the 2 heaviest backpacks which helped (they were quite heavy as had most of kids stuff in as well as adults).

Worth noting that there are parts of trek (including final climb to the city) that the mules cannot do/ cannot do with riders, so they should be considered a help with the trek, not a substitute for some pretty significant walking (middle 2 days were 12 hours long with breaks).

Also need to be conscious that sleeping conditions are basic (at each site the organisers made sure kids got beds, not hammocks which helped), and they need to be non-fussy eaters. There is no choice of menu (the food is good), and the fuel is needed.

This trip has really made the holiday. Now time to chill by the Carribean Sea. (Hotel Aite in Palomino is fabulous- stayed on the way up, but unfortunately fully booked for the New Year)

Thanks for all the advice on this site.

Andrew, thank you for returning and letting us know how your Lost City trek went with children. Really appreciate you sharing this invaluable first-hand experience. So glad that it was such a great experience and this was one of the highlights of your visit to Colombia! Sounds like you and the guides were able to adjust and figure things out with the mules and other help. Yes, the campsites are pretty basic (hopefully you didn’t come across fleas!) and the food is hearty and meant to fuel you for the long walks, but doesn’t offer a lot of options.

Enjoy your chilling time by the Caribbean Sea and a very happy 2018 to you and your family!

Hi , Thanks for the detailed info, I would like to ask about your luggage whilst doing the trek did you leave it in your hotel/hostel? or can you leave your stuff with the company you’re booking your trek with?

Nikka, Both options are possible. We left our luggage at our hotel in Santa Marta and then stayed there for another night when we returned from the trek. This was the easiest option for us. We also saw other travelers leave their luggage at the trekking agency/tour company’s office. Have a great trek!

Dear Audrey, thank you for this wonderful post. This has made me even more excited about goingto Ciudad Perdida! I have a question concerning bedbugs. My nightmare. A traveller suggested carrying a personal hammock, which I found a genius idea. Do you think I should get a random small backpack that I could throw away after the trip in case I would find any bedbugs, or will it hurt my back too much? Should I buy some anti-bedbugs spray to spray all of my belongings, just in case? What kind of bed linen would you recommend for it not to be attacked by bedbugs?

Thank you a lot for the kind help!

Dear Maze, We just talked to a traveler who did the Lost City Trek recently and he said there were no bedbugs or fleas at the campsites. Hopefully, you’ll find the same during your upcoming trip.

Couple of thoughts regarding protecting yourself from bedbugs: 1) Use a silk sleep sack as the silk is supposed to not let bedbugs through. 2) Carry a plastic garbage bag and wrap your backpack and clothes in it at the campsites. This isn’t 100% foolproof, but it will add an extra layer of protection to your items. 3) Immediately take all your clothes and backpack to a laundromat at the end of the trek. 4) You could spray your things, but I imagine bedbug spray is pretty toxic so you may not want those chemicals on your skin.

Hope this helps!

Cheers for this Article! It looks beautiful and it’s great to see travel content on Columbia, as I feel as though it wasn’t as popular previously!

Thanks, Tash! Colombia has become a more popular tourist destination these last years, but there’s still so much to explore there.

wow. super helpful and thorough, thanks so much! i wasn’t aware of the ticks, a bit nervous now but still considering.

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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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The Complete Guide To The Lost City Trek Colombia

• Backpacking
• November 16, 2021 November 16, 2021
• Backpacking , colombia , Lost City , Trekking

Guide to 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 .

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.

What is the food link on the Lost City Trek?

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 Trek 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 .

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
• Sun Care products
• Bug spray – super important!
• Toilet paper
• Mini first aid kit (Make sure you have ibuprofen and plasters)

What To Expect On The Ciudad Perdida Trek

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! We were picked up at the hotel at 8:45 and taken to the magictour office. This is to sort out the paperwork, pay the final balance and listen to the pre-trip brief. We drove for approximately 2.5 hours to El Mamey.

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.

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. 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.

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!

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.

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 Mamo (leader of the Kogi people living in the area).

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.

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.

Author: Claires Itchy Feet. Visit his blog here

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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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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

The Lost City Trek in Colombia: 27 Things I Wish I Knew

Discovering remains of ancient civilizations. Hiking through lush jungle. Swimming in cascading waterfalls.

If this sounds like the adventure you’re after, then the Lost City trek in Colombia should be on your bucket list.

But it’s certainly not a walk in the park!

The multi-day trek to the Lost City (or La Ciudad Perdida) is a tough hike that involves lots of walking in brutal heat.

Is it worth the expensive price tag? Is it too crowded? And is it as difficult as people say it is?

I answer all those questions (and more) in this guide to 27 things I wish I knew about the Lost City trek, Colombia.

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Lost City Trek Overview

• Time needed: 4 or 5-day tour
• Costs: 2.150.000 COP (2024 fixed price 4-day tour)
• Distance: 46 – 60 km
• Difficulty: Medium to difficult
• Type: Out and back route meaning you’ll follow the same route back (unless you’re doing the 5-day tour)

Is the Lost City Trek Worth it?

Yes, the trek to the Lost City is 100% worth it. Not only is it an incredibly scenic hike but the site itself is filled with so much wonder and mystery.

It was built by the Teyuna People around 800 AD (that’s 650 years before Machu Picchu was built), and was only recently discovered.

I had no intention of doing the Lost City trek in Colombia – but after it was recommended to me by numerous travelers, I decided to give it a go.

And I am so happy I did.

But it is expensive, and you need at least 4 days to complete the tour.

So, if time and budget aren’t on your side, you might need to rethink whether you include Ciudad Perdida in your itinerary or not.

This post will hopefully make that decision easier for you.

It’s not a hidden gem like it used to be

A few years ago, the Lost City was regarded as an off-the-beaten-track destination in Colombia.

Nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, few people made the trek to Ciudad Perdida. And those who did were met with isolated communities, remote landscapes, and very few creature comforts.

That has since changed!

The Lost City trek is no longer a hidden gem and the trails are busy, especially during December and January. It’s a backpacker haven where you’re guaranteed to meet like-minded travelers.

The camps are crowded, and you may be stuck behind a large tour group during certain sections of the hike, especially on the last day.

But the crowds don’t ruin the experience

Despite the crowds, hiking to Ciudad Perdida was one of my highlights of Colombia.

Nothing beats walking through the Lost City, which is a lot bigger than I had ever thought, and imagining what life was like for the people who once lived there.

But it’s not only reaching Ciudad Perdida that makes it a worthwhile adventure.

The trail is surrounded by dense forests with swimming holes next to each camp.

Cooling off in the rivers, sipping on ice-cold beers after a grueling 6-hour hike, and meeting people from all over the world – it was the entire journey to and from the Lost City that made it special for me.

Lost City Trek Difficulty: It’s not easy

The Lost City trek involves a lot of walking on uneven, muddy terrain, often uphill. And in high humidity.

But overall, it’s not a technical hike nor overly challenging. It’s the temperature and jungle setting that get to most people.

You’ll walk at least 6 hours a day and there are a lot of steep sections. When you reach the top of a hill, you’ll be huffing and puffing, and drenched in sweat.

The final stretch to the Lost City involves hiking up 1200 stairs. They are steep, slippery, and very narrow so you need to watch your footing.

I found this day (day 3) to be the most challenging.

Because it’s a long day as you’ll not only trek to the Lost City, but you’ll re-trace your steps to the halfway point where you’ll spend the night.

You need 4 or 5 days for the Ciudad Perdida trek

The most popular Lost City trek tour is 4 days. This is the perfect amount of time for most people.

And trust me, you don’t want to do any shorter!

There is also the option to do a 5-day tour. For this, your first 3 days will follow the same route as the 4-day tour. And you will still reach the Lost City on day 3.

But it differs from the standard trek as you won’t rush to get back to the trailhead on day 4.

Instead, you will take a detour along a quieter route and have an extra day to get back to the start.

Some people prefer this alternative exit route that’s taken on days 4 and 5 because it’s not very busy and you’re likely to have a large part of the trail to yourself.

I did the 4-day tour and was very happy with my decision.

The Lost City Trek is expensive

The 4-day Lost City trek costs 2.150.000 COP per person in 2024. That’s an increase from 1.750.000 COP per person in 2023 – nearly $100 USD more.

Yes, you read that correctly! It’s one of the most expensive activities to do in all of South America.

All tour costs are fixed no matter which operator you go with – so you won’t be able to negotiate a better price.

And no, you’re not getting anything luxurious in return.

The accommodation and food are very basic, and the hefty price tag is due to money that goes back to the communities that call the Sierra Nevada mountains home.

You can’t do it independently

The only way to trek to the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida is by booking a tour. It’s a requirement and you need to use a certified company that follows strict rules and regulations.

I booked my Lost City tour the day I arrived in Santa Marta and had no problems finding an operator with availability.

However, if you do not have flexibility in your schedule or if you have preference for a particular tour operator, I recommend contacting a few companies a week before your planned departure date.

November to April is the best time for the Ciudad Perdida hike

The dry season for the northern part of Colombia is from November to April. It’s best to plan your trip during this time.

You’ll have long days of clear skies and optimal hiking conditions.

But there’s no escaping the heat and humidity, no matter what time of year you do the Lost City trek hike.

May to October is considered the wet season with daily rain showers. Despite this, many people choose to hike to the Lost City during this time and enjoy the quieter trails.

I have heard that the rain can be quite intense from August to October so you may want to reconsider your plans if this is the only time you can go.

But December and January are extremely busy

I did the Lost City trek in February, and it was busy!

But after speaking to my tour guide, it seems that December and January are even busier.

70 people entered Ciudad Perdida the same day as we did, but apparently, during December, this number is double!

You’ll start your tour in Santa Marta

The coastal city of Santa Marta is the gateway to the Lost City trek. This is the departure point for all tours and is a 90 minute drive to the trailhead.

All tours depart early in the morning, so you’ll need to spend a night in Santa Marta before your start date.

Santa Marta wasn’t my favorite place to visit so don’t stay any longer than you have to!

Some operators will arrange transport to and from Minca and Palomino

I wish I had known this!

But yes, you can request a drop-off or pick-up in one of the nearby towns (which are more interesting than Santa Marta) such as Minca or Palomino.

But you need to check that the company offers this service at no extra cost. I didn’t and so the option wasn’t given to me.

However, a few people in my group had specifically requested to be dropped off in Minca after the tour. Arrangements were made for them, and their stored luggage was brought to the trailhead on the last day.

I believe the bigger tour companies offer this service at no extra cost so inquire about it if you have plans to visit Minca.

2024 Update: Unfortunately, the tour operator I booked with (Magic Tours) no longer offers this complimentary drop-off in Minca after the Lost City Trek. They will drop you off at the bus station in Santa Marta, and you can take the bus from there. Luckily, a reader has let me know that Teyuna Tours does drop-offs in Minca.

If you’re reading this and have found another operator that offers this Minca drop-off service, please let me know in the comments section!

This brings me to my next point…

Visit Minca after your Lost City Trek Tour

Minca is a mountain town about an hour south of Santa Marta.

It’s the perfect place to rest and relax after trekking to Ciudad Perdida.

You’ll finish your hike at lunchtime and from there, you’ll take an hour’s drive back to Santa Marta. But don’t spend the night here.

Head straight to Minca and treat yourself to a mountain hotel where you can chill for a day or two.

Tour group size: How many is too many

When doing my research, I made every attempt to find a Lost City tour operator that had good reviews and offered small group tours.

Despite my efforts, I somehow managed to book the most popular tour with the biggest group of travelers – there were over 20 of us in our group with 2 guides and a translator!

But this ended up being a blessing rather than a curse.

I met so many amazing people who made the difficult hike that much easier.

We sang, we drank, we sweated buckets – and I formed real connections with people from all over the world.

Lost City Tour recommendations

I booked my tour with Magic Tours, and I highly recommend them. I paid for the trip myself and they did not know that I was a travel blogger (so this is my totally unbiased opinion).

When I initially enquired about the tour, they said their group size was maximum of 12 per guide. What I didn’t realize is that they were quite happy to pair their groups together with 2 guides.

As I mentioned above, I was actually happy with this because it gave me the chance to meet 24 of the most amazing, diverse, and interesting people.

Teyuna Tours and Expo Tours also seemed to have big groups – and they also came with positive reviews.

However, if you’d prefer a smaller group, then you may want to avoid these tour operators.

There are showers

This one really surprised me!

Yes, there are showers at each camp (and no, they are not bucket showers). The water is cold but at least you’ll feel fresh at the end of the day!

There are also flushing toilets.

You have to carry everything

You must carry your own bags with all your clothes and toiletries.

Food and bedding is provided at the camp so you won’t need to lug those around.

Because you’ll be carrying everything yourself, it’s important to keep your pack as light as possible. You don’t need a new outfit for every day – you’ll thank me later.

Know what to pack

When packing for the Lost City trek, it’s important to bring light and breathable clothes to walk in.

There’s no avoiding the humidity and sweat! I brought two sets of exercise clothes and switched them after two days.

I also recommend bringing a clean set of clothes that you can change into after showering.

Bring your own sheet (if you can)

Clean bedding (sheets and blankets) will be waiting for you at each camp on the Lost City trek.

I had read online that there are bed bugs, with a few people suggesting bringing your own sleeping bag. But I wasn’t going to go out and buy one specifically for the trip.

So instead, I went to a fabric shop in Santa Marta and purchased 3 meters of fabric which I used as a fitted sheet. It was light, small, and cheap so I’m glad I took it along.

But no one else on my tour had taken their own sheet or sleeping bag. And no one got bed bug bites!

But if you’d prefer to err on the side of caution, you can find the sheet shop here.

You’ll need money for beer and snacks

You can buy cold beers and snacks at all camps along the Lost City trek.

But things get more expensive the further up you walk.

I paid 6000 COP for a beer at the first camp at 10 000 COP at the other two. But it was worth every penny.

I recommend taking 200.000 COP in cash with you.

Drinking water is provided

Filtered drinking water is available at all camps so be sure to bring a reusable bottle with you.

Many people question the quality of this water and if it’s really safe to drink. I used my Grayl Ultrapress waterbottle to filter the drinking water that was provided and didn’t have any issues.

But everyone else on my tour drank the water without filtering it, and they were all fine.

The stories of the Wiwa tribe are fascinating

Several indigenous tribes call the Sierra Nevada mountains home.

Most tours to the Lost City take you to one of these communities where you learn more about their customs, beliefs, and rituals.

We met the leader of the Wiwa tribe and it was a fascinating experience. I absorbed so much information in that short presentation and was blown away by their stories and lifestyle.

There’s constant development

To cater to the growing number of tourists, there is constant development along the Lost City route.

This is particularly true for the trail on day 1. As you go deeper into the jungle, there’s a lot less going on.

There are also new camps being built as tourists have previously had to sleep in hammocks (and even on tables).

You can get a moto-taxi on day 1

The first day of the Lost City trek is mostly on a dirt road leading to the first camp.

I assume this was once a small path surrounded by jungle that has been cleared to make way for motorbikes and supply vehicles to get to camp 1.

Tourists now have the option to pay an extra fee for a moto-taxi to the first camp.

Taking a moto-taxi (instead of walking) is not common and you will need to request this – but it is an option if you choose.

But are you missing out by not walking on day 1?

Tough question.

If you’re traveling in a group tour, then I definitely recommend walking to Camp 1 (instead of taking the moto-taxi option).

That first day is the perfect opportunity to get to know your team and form connections. You’ll miss out on this if you take the easy way!

In terms of scenery, day 1 is still beautiful and offers plenty of spectacular views. But you’re walking on a gravel road for most of the way, not a small trail covered by lush jungle.

The scenery on days 2 and 3 is better. But I still recommend walking on day 1.

There are rivers and waterfalls along the route

I’ve never been so happy (and relieved) to see a river as I was on the Lost City trek.

There are streams and small waterfalls next to each camp where you can cool off and chill after the day’s hike.

Don’t forget to bring your bikini or bathing suit.

You can’t hide from the Mosquitos

Bring Deet bug spray with you as there are lots of mosquitos.

Most of my group, including me, got bitten all over, but thankfully the bites weren’t as itchy as those in the Bolivian Amazon .

All bunk beds have mosquito nets, and they were in good condition.

Some tour operators camp next to the Lost City

There is a small camp alongside the Lost City which is without a doubt the best place to stay!

I was surprised when I first heard this and was so bleak that we weren’t camping next to the ruins.

But this particular camp is very small and can’t accommodate many people.

I also heard of groups that were promised they’d stay at the Lost City camp, but when they arrived there was no space for them and so they had to go back down to another camp.

Some tours have translators

Most guides and people from the local communities do not speak English. Because of this, some tour operators (including Magic Tours) offer the service of a translator.

I am so happy we had a translator on our tour as we were able to really appreciate the stories from the Wiwa people and learn more about the history of the Lost City from our guides.

If you cannot speak Spanish, you may want to choose a Lost City tour company that includes a translator – this wasn’t an additional expense.

Embrace the Lost City Trek experience

The site of Ciudad Perdida is truly a special place and is more impressive than I ever could have imagined.

While the Lost City trek is gaining popularity amongst all travelers, it still has an authentic charm and is one of the best things to do in Colombia.

Are you planning on doing the Lost City trek in Colombia? Let me know if you have any questions!

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Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here .

Visiting the Bolivian Amazon Rainforest: A Complete Guide 2024

Cenote diving in tulum: everything you need to know, 11 thoughts on “the lost city trek in colombia: 27 things i wish i knew”.

Hi Carryn, thanks for this post! I’m pretty sure I’m heading to Colombia, and doing the Cuidad Perdida Trek very soon, but your post opened my eyes to the many tour operators guiding the trek! I’m actually thinking about Minca too, but are the views not pretty much the same after you’ve been on the Trek?!? … though no doubt, much more relaxed in Minca. Heading to Minca right after the Trek seems like a neat thing to do … Do you remember which tour operator allows for this option? Thank you … & keep on travelling!

Hey Martin,

I’d say the views from Minca are from up above, where as with the Lost City Trek, you’re mostly deep in the jungle. I recommend going to Minca after if you want a few days of down time as it’s a much better place to recover than Santa Marta.

I did my trek with Magic Tours and they offered a complimentary drop off in Minca after the trek. But they don’t advertise this so I wasn’t aware of it at the time – until I heard via other people on my trek. The best thing to do would be to message them directly and confirm (please let me know the outcome). I think most tour operators will offer this service so if you have a particular company you’d prefer to go through, you should ask them too.

Hi! Thank you for very useful information regarding the hike and tour operators! I am also planning to go to Minca after the hike. I just messaged Magic tour and they did not offer drop off in Minca. They said I could be dropped off at the bus station in Santa Marta and from there take the bus to Minca. I can imagine being very tired on the last day so I might do some more research to find someone that does drop offs in Minca 🙂 Cheers!

Thanks for the update regarding drop offs in Minca. It’s a pity they’ve dropped this service given how expensive the tour is! If you find a tour operator that does a complimentary Minca drop off after the Lost City Trek, please let me know so I can update the post and recommend them.

Thanks, Carryn

Hi, I just booked with Teyuna tours and they will drop me off in Minca 🙂 Jenni

Thanks for letting me know Jenni! Have a great time at The Lost City.

ooops, I didn’t see your reply! I’m actually in Calabazo right now … hiking Tayrona tomorrow … then getting picked up by Expotur outside El Zaino entrance, to go on their 4-day trek. I wish I had seen Jenni’s reply. I brought up, at the Expotur office today, that I would be heading to Minca after, and I was offered being dropped off at Mamatoco, which I thought was great, until I took a good look at the map just now. I should probably go to the market in Santa Marta instead, and catch the bus to Minca.

I was dropped off at TRANSPORTADORA SIERRA MAR SAS MINCA (Diagonal 39 #5-148, Santa Marta), for a 10mil COP trip to Minca (3/2/2024).

Thanks for the update Martin!

Do you have any recommendations for lodging in Minca? Your photo with the hammock over the hillside is exactly the kind of R&R I’m looking for!!

That photo in the hammock is from Sierra Minca (here) . We spent the day here as they allow for day visitors to make use of their pool and restaurant which is what I recommend. It was stunning!

There are lots of options for accommodation high in the mountains (like Sierra Minca). They downside is that many are difficult to get to and you need to go by moto taxi. I paid 35 000 COP for the one way ride from Minca which took 40 minutes on a bumpy road. So if you stay at one of these lodges, you’ll probably spend most of your time there. If that’s what you’re looking for – then they’re perfect! But if you want to explore the town, eat at different restaurants, do a few waterfall treks, then you will spend a lot of time and money on moto taxis to and from Minca.

I suggest staying at a place like Casa Loma Minca (here) . I went for sunset drinks here and it’s a beautiful spot only a short walk from town. It is a popular place for sunsets though! You can then do a day trip to Sierra Minca instead.

Enjoy Colombia.

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• 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!

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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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Like this post?  Pin it to read later:

Want More Travel Tips for Colombia?

• Backpacking Colombia Travel Guide
• Colombia Solo Travel Guide
• Things to do in Bogota Colombia
• Horse Riding & Colombian Coffee in Salento 
• Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia
• El Santuario de las Lajas – Ipiales
• Things to do in Cartagena Colombia
• Tayrona National Park Colombia
• Where to Stay in Tayrona National Park
• Las Gachas and Guadalupe Colombia

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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Expedition Colombia

Colombia Adventure Travel

Lost City Trek

Summary 4 days santa marta trekking.

What Machu Picchu is to Peru, the Lost City is to Colombia.

The Lost City or ‘Ciudad Perdida’, is an ancient city and sacred site of the Tayrona Civilization. It once covered the Caribbean coastal plain of Colombia and extended to the highest coastal mountain range on earth, the Sierra Nevadas of Santa Marta.

Travellers can see Machu Picchu by bus, plane, or taxi, but only an adventurous trekker can dare to explore the ‘Lost City’. Alongside a knowledgeable, bilingual, indigenous guide, commit to a minimum 4-day 70-km trek on ancient trails carved in mountain and jungles that cross over rivers and waterfalls.

Average trekking time 5 hours per day.

• Explore the largest pre-Colombian city discovered in all the Americas
• Trek in the tallest coastal mountains in the world, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
• Visit a Kogi village and learn about indigenous cultures of Colombia
• Meet the living descendants of the Tayrona civilization
• Relax in jungle camps with beds, bathrooms, showers, and hot meals
• Swim in natural swimming pools, rivers, and tropical waterfalls

BOOK THE TRIP

• The 4-Day Trek option includes 2.5 days of trekking to get to the Lost City and 1.5 days to get back
• Day 1: Santa Marta to El Mamey town to Adán Camp (Distance: 12.5 km)
• Day 2: Adán Camp to Paraiso Teyuna Camp via Mumake Camp (Distance: 23.5km)
• Day 3: Paraiso Teyuna Camp to Mumake Camp via The Lost City (Distance: 22.2km)
• On Day 3 enjoy 4 hours at Lost City to relax and take photographs
• Day 4: Mumake Camp to El Mamey vía Adan Camp (Distance: 12.2km)
• Return on Day 4 via an easy 4- hour trek and receive transport to Santa Marta
• Extension option to visit an indigenous village en-route, or upon return, to Santa Marta (depending on the village’s calendar) to gain Arhuaco perspective on the Lost City
• In total, the trail to and from the Lost City runs along the same path, weaving through the thick jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains and covers the total distance of just over 45kms as the crow flies, or over 75kms (accounting for all the ups and downs)
• To begin the journey, your guide meets you at your hotel in Santa Marta, the second oldest city in South America and the capital city of dept. of Magdalena
• Drive for 100 km along a highway and dirt road (approx. 3 hours) from Santa Marta to trailhead at small town of El Mamey
• Today, trek from El Mamey to Adán Camp (Official Distance: 7.6km Actual Distance: 12.5 km)
• Experience stunning views of jungle mountains
• Tonight, you’ll sleep in open air bunk beds with mosquito nets
• Pillows and blankets will be provided
• Facilities at camp:  bathrooms, showers, electricity with limited use (by generator)
• Enjoy breakfast at camp (eggs, bread, and some fruit along with coffee/hot chocolate/tea)
• Today, trek from Adán Camp to Paraíso Teyuna Camp via Mumake Camp (-Official Distance: 14.7km, actual Distance: 23.5km)
• Arrive at Mumake around 10-11am, and have plenty of time to relax and unwind before lunch
• Keep your bathing suit at the top of the pack as there is another swimming hole waiting for you at Mumake. It’s about 5-10 min walk away, but a dip in the refreshing, chilly waters is wonderful!
• Enjoy fruit stands along the way and a delicious lunch of rice, lentils, fried or grilled fish or chicken, salad, and fresh fruit juice
• After lunch, begin a 2-hour trail that follows the beautiful Buritaca River
• Visit a Traditional Kogi village en route to the Lost City and learn about indigenous cultures
• The descendants of the Tayrona, the habitants of the Lost City, are today known as the Kogis and Arhuacos are people remained ruled by ritual priesthood they believe the ecological well-being of the planet is held in their hands, their prayers maintain the cosmic balance of the universe
• Arhuaco and Kogis consider themselves as the elder brothers- they have a moral and ethical responsibility to educate us, “the younger brother” & they want to. They speak with passion in Spanish and in their own languages, to articulate with elegance about how the rest of the world needs to get our act together and care for the planet
• In Colombia, they’ve emerged as symbol of continuity and hope- the last 5 presidents have visited the Arhuaco communities via helicopter to get their blessing
• After a visit with the indigenous community, arrive at Paraiso Teyuna Camp for a restful sleep
• Today trek from Paraiso Teyuna Camp to Mumake Camp via The Lost City (Official Distance: 13.6km Actual Distance: 22.2km)
• Day 3 is an early 5:30am wake-up call, so you have breakfast and set off on today’s hike by about 6:30am
• Trek for one hour from the campsite to the Lost City with plenty of time there to take photographs, relax, and take an archeological tour
• It’s about an hour walk from the campsite to the start of the 1200 step climb up to the Lost City. It sounds like this part would take forever, but you can easily reach the top of the stairs within 20 mins!
• Begin a fascinating archeology tour that elaborates on the Lost City’s history:
• The city dates back to 14th century when it was populated by some 2,000-4,0000 native Tayrona people and served as their biggest urban and commercial hub spread over an area of 2 sq kms
• The conquest of Colombia in the 16th century was delayed, but when it broke out it was particularly violent, and the indigenous groups fled up to the lush jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains and were miraculously left out of sight, out of mind, so they continued to follow their ritual practices. (other indigenous in general area are Arhuaco, and Wiwa people, but it is not thought that they lived in the lost city)
• In 1970, a local man stumbled upon the city in his grave-robbing expedition. For about a decade, the Lost City, which at the time was referred to as “Infierno Verde”, (Green Hell) was a site of fighting between the grave-robbers (Spanish: quaqueros), until the government finally allocated resources to protect and excavate the site
• Upon completing your Lost City tour, begin your return along the river bend and back to Paraiso Teyuna Camp for lunch.
• From there, you’ll head all the way back to Mumake Camp (approx. 5 hours)
• Electricity is generator powered and only goes on from 6pm-9pm. You will need to ask the owners as the outlet is in the house
• Trek from Mumake Camp to El Mamey via Adan Camp (Official Distance: 7.3km Actual Distance: 7.8km/12.2km)
• After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on a 4-5-hour trek towards Adan Camp
• This morning trek is fairly easy morning with some ups and downs along the trail
• Once at Adam Camp, those on the 4-Day Trek, will take a quick fruit and water break and continue for another 4 hours all the way back to El Mamey Camp
• Enjoy lunch at El Mamey Camp and hop aboard a 4WD van that will take you back to Santa Marta with your guide

Indigenous Visit Option:

Extend your trip by one day and one night to visit an Arhuaco village after your trek. Have the rare chance to connect with indigenous leaders by visiting their village situated on a beach by the sea and a beautiful river. Feel free to bring your bathing suit to swim or go fishing and indulge in local fish stews. Connect with the local weavers and watch as they make traditional weaving handicrafts, such as the Arhuaco “mochila”, or purse. Stay overnight at Taironaka Tourism Eco lodge and Archeology site located on the Don Diego River close to an Arhuaco village. In the evening, enjoy delicious food prepared by chefs at the lodge’s restaurant and stay overnight at the ecolodge. The following morning, you can float down the river in kayak or tubes to reach your own private beach on the sea, and return for transport to Santa Marta.

5 Day Lost City Trek Option:

The 5-Day Trek option, which breaks up the return journey by splitting up the 4th day of hiking into 2 shorter days. Those on the 5 Day trek will have lunch, enjoy the rock pools, and rest at Adan Camp. The following morning, you’ll take a leisurely 3-hour walk from Adan Camp to El Mamey where you’ll have lunch and catch a 4WD ride back to Santa Marta.

6 Day Lost City Trek Option:

There is also a 6-Day Trek option, which breaks up the 2nd (the longest and most exhausting day) into 2 days.

• Expert bilingual adventure and cultural guides (languages: Spanish, French, English)
• Emergency beacon, First Aid Kit, Colombian insurance
• All food and accommodation
• Excellent, filling hot meals prepared for you at camp
• A staple meal usually consists of rice, small salad, beans, and a serving of meat, alternating between fish, chicken, and pork
• Coffee/tea/hot chocolate and a sweet snack (a chocolate bar) are usually served for dessert
• Breakfast consists of eggs, bread, and some fruit along with coffee/hot chocolate/tea
• Lunch consists rice/beans/meat or fish or a hearty soup
• For snacks, your guide will provide you with fresh fruit and other delicious energizing goodies, but we recommend you pack extra snacks as you like
• Excellent vegetarian, vegan, gluten- free, and other dietary options * please notify us of any dietary preferences when you book the trip
• Accommodation on the trek includes clean campsites with bunk beds instead of just hammocks to sleep in for the night.
• Beds are right next to each other, but each bed has its own mosquito net that provides a bit of privacy between you and the person in the bed next to you
• Extension option includes comfortable overnight stay and dinner at Taironaka Tourism Eco lodge and Archeology site

• Bathing suit,  sunscreen, bug repellent, sun hat, headlamp, UV Water Filter
• Lightweight, breathable long sleeved shirts and convertible hiking pants for sun protection (expect humid and hot conditions with warm breezes)
• Daypack (40 liters or more),  bag rain cover, and dry bag for electronics
• 4 T-shirts, 3 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of underwear, 1 warm layer for cold nights, rain jacket
• A solid pair of hiking shoes, hiking poles (recommended), sandals
• Blankets and sheets are provided at camps, but a sleeping bag/ travel lining is highly recommended (or ask about this rental option when you book the trip)
• Most campsites have electricity as well as shower and bathroom facilities, so feel free to bring electronic equipment but you may want to bring a power bank for extra charges
• Bring your valuables, like a camera and tripod, but be aware that you will be sharing campsites with other groups and guided tours
• Travel Pillow, travel towel, soap, personal toiletries
• Your passport  (no copies)

FITNESS LEVEL: 3 out of 5 = Several moderate physical activities raise your heartbeat on this trip. A good level of physical fitness is required. This trek is not technical & it does not require any equipment or any particular skills, but walking sticks, and a determined attitude, are highly recommended.

When to go:.

Dry Season (which runs from December through to early March) and rainy season (March to November). Treks to the Lost City are offered year around, but if you have a chance to choose when to trek, go in the dry season. Hiking in the rain on this hike is not ideal to say the least.

PRICE & RESERVATION

All included 4-days trek, all included 5-days trek, what they say:.

Departures everyday! Excellent vegetarian and vegan options! The best company to discover the Lost City in Colombia! Write us NOW!

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Lost City trek and hike in Colombia – Everything you want to know!

Ever heard of La Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City of the Tayrona? An archaeological site, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia? Hundreds of years ago this place was inhabited by the Tayrona indigenous people. Nowadays it is a unique place in Colombia because it can only be reached by foot through the jungle. Two and a half days to get there, a visit to the city and then the exact same way back. Everything you walk up, you walk down and vice versa. An incredible experience! In this article you can read everything you want to know about the Lost City trek and hike in Colombia, including a packing list + many useful tips. 

Lost City trek Colombia: Day 1.  

For the second time in my life I am going to do this trek. And again, I find it exciting. At 8 am we are picked up at the hotel in Santa Marta and taken to the office of Osprey Expeditions . After a short briefing and getting to know our guide Pedro, we get into the jeep. On our way to our adventure. I catch myself immediately looking at my fellow travelers.  How fit are they? I won’t say that this is the most important thing, but after all, you do form a small team for the next few days.

It is about a 2 hour drive to the starting point of our Lost City hike and along the way we get to know each other. A super fit American/French couple and a couple from Bogotá , little to zero experience. After 1.5 hours we make a stop at the entrance of the National Park and buy some last things. And then it’s another half hour, via a bumby road into the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, to the village of Mamey, also known as Machete Pelao.

As soon as we arrive, we hear cheering and clapping from travelers who have returned from the Lost City hike in Colombia and made it. They look sweaty and worn out. Ai, this is exciting. After a nice lunch, we get ready for departure. We look one more time at the map. 48 kilometers doesn’t sound that much, but when you see how many hours certain parts take, you understand that it won’t be easy. In exactly 4 days we will be back at this point.

Mamey – Camp Adain – 4 hours

We slowly walk out of the village. Today is the least beautiful route, because we walk on a road where scooters regularly race by. Also, it is quite dusty and steep at certain parts.  In addition, the sun burns heavily on our skin because there is little shelter.

As we progress along the path, the views become more and more beautiful.  We look far out over the mountains and see the Caribbean coast in the distance. The guides stop a lot along the way to drink juice, eat fruit and rest. I would like it to go a little faster because sometimes you get more tired of stopping a lot. But you can tell that these guides are experienced. The good thing is that everyone can walk at his own pace. After 3.5 hours we reach the first campsite: Camp Aidan. I can’t believe we are already there. That went very well.

Campsite Aidan

Camp Aidan is idyllically located on a river and surrounded by flowers. These rivers will play an important role in the coming days. After all, there is nothing nicer than to cool down after a few hours of walking and sweating.

Moreover, you share this beautiful place only with a handful of other travelers, which allows you to take the most beautiful pictures.

Camp Aidan is quite luxurious for a campsite in the middle of the jungle. There are bunk beds with real mattresses, blankets, pillows and a mosquito net. There are also showers (of course with cold water), including electricity and a bar to buy drinks.

After a dinner of fish and rice, an explanation follows about the area where we are. And then, around 9 PM, it is time to go to bed. Tomorrow we have to wake up at 5AM. Yes, really, every day at 5AM we have to get up, breakfast is at 5.30 AM and 6 AM is departure time. With the sound of the river, crickets, frogs and birds, we are in for a surprisingly good night.

Interesting is it that the local guides share a lot about their personal life: From the day they had to survive as a coca- and marihuana farmer (something the region was known for) until the day they received an education for becoming a guide. Still, only local people from this region in Colombia are allowed to guide the trek to the Lost City.

Day 2 of the Lost City trek in Colombia: Camp Aidan – Camp Mumake – Camp Paraiso – 8 hours

At 5 AM the alarm goes off. This turns out to be unnecessary, because guide Juan Carlos wakes everyone up by walking around and singing his daily morning song. I am not sure whether I like this way of waking up but it is a nice try. It is pitch dark and you notice that everyone gets out of bed a bit confused. I can’t imagine going on a 8-hour hike just yet.

After a good breakfast, we indeed leave at 6 AM.  It is light and I notice that my body is ready for the day. Very soon we walk deep into the rainforest and it is beautiful: The sounds of nature, the beautiful vegetation, the colors of green and the idyllic streams. 

Indigenous community

After 3 hours of walking with some stops for fruits, we approach the first villages. It is a crazy idea that several indigenous communities live here deep in the Sierra Nevada. Most indigenous people are not waiting for the tourist. They quickly disappear into their thatched houses. I think it is a good thing that people decide themselves how they want to deal with visitors. It is nevertheless beautiful to observe daily life. Children walk with their mothers with little pigs and dogs on their arms and men pass by with mules.

In a Kogui village we get an explanation from one of the leaders about life in the Sierra Nevada, including local traditions and customs.

La Ciudad Perdida is part of the National Park Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This protected area consists of 401,480 hectares and is considered the center of the world by indigenous cultures such as the Wiwas, Arhuacos, Koguis and the Kankuamos. These communities still live here according to their own local traditions and customs.

After the visit, it is only a short hike to the camp where we have lunch (also the place where we will return tomorrow to spend the night). Upon arrival, there is time to take a dip in the river. And believe me, this feels like a reset. So refreshing. Especially because one of the toughest things about the hike is the heat and high humidity. After walking for half an hour, you are already completely sweaty.

The afternoon is dedicated to Happy Hour , as the guides call it. One hour of non stop hiking uphill. It is indeed a tough climb and there seems to be no end to it. Yet again, it is not so bad. And before I know it, I’m at the top and I’m eating the most delicious pineapple ever. The route afterwards consists of trails going uphill, downhill and is beautiful. You enter the green tropical rainforest, full of lianas and pass perfect streams, rivers and waterfalls.

Camp Paraiso

Camp Paraiso is again situated on a river, at the foot of La Ciudad Perdida. Tomorrow morning is the day that we visit the Lost City and that is exciting. After dinner, an explanation of the city follows so we can fully enjoy our visit and the surroundings the next day.

Day 3: Camp Paraiso – Lost city – Camp Mumake

While enjoying the singing of Juan Carlos we wake up at 5 AM. Because we come back to the campsite for lunch after our visit to the Lost City, our belongings can stay behind.

The never-ending staircase

Today I do feel that my legs are tired. And today is the day of the 1250 steps, which leads to the Lost City in Colombia. The stairs go up steeply and the steps are uneven and narrow. Fair is fair. This staircase is tough and once again, there seems to be no end to it. After about an hour, we finally make it and reach a small house where we show our Lost City passport for a stamp.  It is a small booklet with nice information about the Lost City, the guides provide you with.

The Lost City tour in Colombia

Then our tour of the lost city begins.  And how beautiful it is here! There are so many different colors of green in one glance. Because it is so early, it feels like the city is still waking up. The first rays of sunshine and birdsongs are just magical.

Moreover, we are the very first visitors of the day and have the whole city to ourselves. Because I want to take beautiful pictures, I change my clothes every now and then: I change my sticky hiking clothes for long dresses.

We walk along various sectors and the dogs and cats, who live in the city, keep following us. It does feel special to be here. The Lost City in Colombia is only accessible by foot so you really have to do something for it. And after 2 days of hiking, you realize this even more. Even the helicopters are not allowed to land.

Iconic photo spots

After countless moments of joy, we come close to the iconic photo spots. You can see these images in all promotions. And the views are breathtaking. Gradually, the other groups arrive.  But even with the maximum number of visitors per day, being in the city at the same time, it is still very quiet.

At the viewpoint, the guides prepare a a plate with chips, chocolate and lots of fruit. This way we regain our strength and continue our tour through the city. We also pass an indigenous community that lives here in the Lost City. Very special.

After our vist, we walk down the infamous stairs. Perhaps even more challenging than the way up. You really have to be careful. Everyone is relieved to be down.

Ciudad Perdida, was built as Teyuna by the Tayrona indigenous people around 650 AD. The Lost City is therefore older than Machu Picchu in Peru. The city was abandoned for unclear reasons between the 16th and 17th centuries and taken over by the jungle. Even though local people knew about its existence, it wasn’t until 1972 that the Lost City was officially rediscovered. For a long time, the city was unsafe to visit due to the political situation in Colombia. But today it is one of Colombia’s best places to visit . Ciudad Perdida consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a network of roads and several small circular squares. The city is located at an altitude of 1200 meters and is one of the largest pre-Columbian settlements in South America.

Camp Paraiso – Camp Mumake – 4 uur

Back at the campsite there is time for a refreshing dip in the river and lunch. After this magical morning, the moment of realization comes: Now we have to walk the exact same way back for two days. With the beautiful memories in our heads we start the route. Everything we ascended yesterday we descend today. It is striking that you always think you have recognition points. But every time you think you are almost there, you are wrong.

After 3 hours we reach Mumake, the place of the lunch of yesterday. Today we sleep in tents on the second floor of a building, also on nice mattresses with blankets and pillows. Our last night in the jungle!

Day 4 – Lost city trek Colombia: Camp Mumake – Camp Aidan – Mamey – 7 hours

The last day of the Lost City hike in Colombia is there. With mixed feelings. On the one hand I am happy that we will arrive in the civilized world, on the other hand I am sad that this beautiful adventure is almost over. Strangely enough, this is the day I am nervous about the most. I have the feeling that today will be hard, also because my legs are more tired.

After about 45 minutes of walking, the first steep mountain starts, through mud and red sand. Somehow, no one can remember that we went down this steep part before. We walk past the indigenous villages where the morning is bustling with activity. The children are awake and waving which makes for nice pictures.

Again, it is best to consider the route as completely new. Several times I thought I knew or recognized something and it turned out to be completely different. Probably because you have already seen and experienced so much. After 3 hours, there is a short break with snacks and juices at Camp Aidan, our former overnight location of day 1.

The last part

And then there is another steep mountain before we approach the paved road. It just feels crazy to walk up a paved road again. Even though we think we are almost there, it is still a long way down to civilization. After a few hours of walking, we see the first houses at the edge of the village of Mamey. And then we see the restaurant, where we started the Lost City hike in Colombia. And we too are applauded for making it! What a fantastic hike!

How hard is the Lost City hike in Colombia?

Hard! How hard? That is different for everyone. But as the organization itself says: This is no walk in the park. You really need to be a bit fit and have the right mindset. Especially to be able to enjoy it. It is the trail that makes the Lost City hike so worthwhile.

I would say that it is the length and heat that make the hike difficult. You walk an average of about 7 hours a day and the humidity is enormous, about 85%. This ensures that within half an hour you are already completely sweaty.

Day 1 is fairly easy, day 2 is very long with a hard part hiking uphill. On day 3, you will feel your legs and you will experience the challenging stairs to the Lost City. And day 4 is long with two “secretly” heavy climbs.  And the longer you are on the road, the more tired your legs are. Still, I found the trek to be fairly easy this second time around. In other words, I was able to really enjoy it at every moment, despite harder moments. If you don’t have any injuries and you make sure you are in a little bit of shape, this trip is doable and amazing.

If you are tired on the last day of the Lost City trek in Colombia, it is also possible to return by mule. A number of people in our group did this.

Campsites during the Lost City hike in Colombia

I mentioned it before. The campsites during the Lost City trek are simple but very well taken care of. And if you compare it to other campings during treks in South America, even luxurious. There are real beds with mattresses, blankets, pillows and a mosquito net. There are toilets with showers (of course with cold water), including electricity and there is a bar to buy drinks. In the evening you can even watch soccer and there is wifi for a fee. Something you probably don’t want to use at all, as you are in such a beautiful area.

Food & beverages along the way

The food during the Lost City hike in Colombia is included and great. You’ll wonder how they manage to prepare so much delicious food, deep in the jungle. All campsites have a kitchen and each group has its own cook who prepares the meals. Every day, there is breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the way you also stop regularly for delicious fruit. And upon arrival at the campsite there is popcorn and hot chocolate.

It is recommended to bring your own snacks and a good water bag. These can be refilled free of charge at all campsites during the Lost City hike in Colombia.

Yes or no for a porter

With every hike I am saying this again. I always spend some extra money on porters. Just to enjoy a long hike to the fullest. I am therefore happy to pay a penny more so that I only have to carry my daypack. Moreover, the porters are always local people who earn a little extra this way. And in the case of the Lost City trek in Colombia, the luggage is often placed on a mule together with the food.

Best time to go on the Lost City trek in Colombia

You can go on the Ciudad Perdida hike all year round, with the exception of September. However, the best period is from December to March. That is the dry period. During the rainy season, the Ciudad Perdida hike is even harder.

Keep in mind: The Ciudad Perdida hike is closed around September every year. This is because the area is spiritual cleaned by the indigenous Wiwas population. The amount of tourists affects the health of mother earth, according to local people. Mother Earth and other nature gods play an important role in the lives of the local inhabitants. The spiritual leaders, also called Mamos, make sure that Mother Earth can recover, by provinding a ceremonial cleansing.

What to bring – packing list for the Lost City trek in Colombia

My recommendation is to bring as little as possible during the Lost City hike. You don’t need much. Just keep in mind that everything gets wet and won’t not dry. Check out my useful packing list for your Lost City trek in Colombia.

• Good walking shoes
• Sufficient socks
• Mosquito spray and after bite (you can’t bring enough)
• Light clothing (keep in mind that clothes will stay wet because of thee humidity)
• Swimwear + water shoes
• Quick drying towels
• Sunscreen/sunglasses/hat
• Long pants and long sleeved shirt for the evenings (because of mosquitoes, but also because it can cool down in the evening)
• Flip flops to use on the campsite
• Powerbanks (there is electricity at the campsites but it is always good to have some spare)
• Blister plasters + medical kit
• Water bag (you can refill water at all campsites)
• Bags for dirty clothes
• Money for snacks and drinks along the way
• Sheet bag (this is not necessary but I found the blankets at the campsites a bit sticky because of the humidity)
• Daypack (if someone is carrying your large luggage) or a larger backpack (if you are carrying your own stuff)
• Rain coat (maybe in the rainy season, but since it’s so clammy and humid you’ll get wet anyway)
• Walking sticks – optional, there are often bamboo sticks available at the start of the Los City hike.
• A notebook to keep track of your experiences. Use discount code traveltheworld and receive 10% off all Miss Wood products.

Tip 1: put your phone on airplane mode. This way the battery will last longer. Tip 2: In the evening you want to put on a clean outfit. Since it won’t get dirty, you can put on the outfit from the night before every day. That way, you don’t drag along any unnecessary luggage. 

H ow to go on the Lost City hike in Colombia

It is only possible to go on the Lost City hike in Colombia with a professional guide and organization. And that’s a good thing. This way, the safety of visitors, nature and local people is guaranteed, and the flow of tourists is regulated. I myself chose Osprey Expeditions because of the small-scale character, the professional service and the sustainable collaborations with local parties. You can choose from a 4 or 5 day Lost City hike, with the 4 day hike being done the most.

Looking for things to do in Santa Marta? Have a look in my city guide with many tips and things to do.

I love to spend the night in a comforatbale and luxurious place after a multi-day hike. Are you looking for a true paradise? Then you should stay at One Santuario Natural, also known as One Love hotel, near Palomino in Colombia. This eco resort is located along the Palomino River and is a place you will not easily forget. At One Love you experience nature in its purest form. The beautiful jungle surroundings, the flowers, the sound of the river, the delicious food and the sounds of the birds will make you relax and recharge for your next adventures. In this article you will read all about my stay at One Santuario Natural . You can find availabiliy and the latest rates here. Curious to find more hotels in Colombia? Have a look in my article with the most beautiful places to stay in Colombia.

About Osprey Expeditions

Osprey Expeditions is a renowned travel agency that offers different tours in Colombia and Venezuela. All tours are dedicated to nature, interaction with the local population, outdoor and unforgettable experiences. Curious about Osprey Expeditions ? Then take a look at the website . You can also follow them on instagram and facebook.

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About colombia.

Intererested in reading more about Colombia?  This is an article with the most beautiful places to visit in Colombia ,  including the best time to visit. Or check out the  Colombia blog page  with city guides and  things to do in Medellín , Bogota  and  Santa Marta.  Tips for lovely towns such as  Salento,  Mompox  and  Villa de Leyva.  But also the Tatacoa desert  and  Valle de Cocora . Interested in  archaeology?  Read more about the mysterious  San Agustín statues .

This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something using one of our links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep this blog alive. Thank you for your support! Please see our  disclosures  for more information.

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The Lost City Colombia

Ready for the Challenge? Contact us!

Is this one of the most challenging hikes of south america.

Explore the scenic backcountry of The Lost City Colombia on a 4- or 5-day trek to this legendary site, hidden deep in the dense jungle. You’ll hike 29 miles (47 kilometers) passing unspoiled waterfalls and rivers along the way, eventually reaching this amazing archaeological treasure built by the Tayrona Indians between the 11th and 14th Century in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta .

Day 1 .- Santa Marta – Camp Site #1

After collecting you at your hotel in Santa Marta, we will ride in a jeep for about 45 minutes on the highway. We will stop at a convenience store to buy snacks and drinks, and from there, we turn off the highway, up a dirt track into the mountains. After arriving in Machete, we will have lunch and then have a short swim to cool off. Then we hike a steep uphill grade for around 45 minutes before a long descent into the valley where Adán, the first campsite, is located.

(L& D/ ½ day hiking to Adán – 7.6 km (4.7 mi) 1,900 ft ascent, 900 ft descent)

Day 2. adan- camp site # 3.

The 15 kms route starts along the Buritaca River, taking you further into the vivid green jungle past small villages en route to the evening campsite. We will walk uphill and across some beautiful terrain, including some local farms. After a jump in a swimming hole and lunch at Wiwa Camp (Camp Site #2) we will continue to Paraiso Camp (Camp Site #3), located only 1km downhill from The Lost City Colombia. Today’s journey takes you through a varied landscape, deeper into the tropical jungle, across rivers and past a couple of Kogi villages.

(B,L,D/14.7 km -9.1 mi  3500 ft ascent, 2000 ft descent)

Day 3. The Lost City

We will wake up at about 430A.M so we can can set off at dawn and enjoy the Lost City in the softest light and coolest air possible. After a short walk from the campsite, we will reach the 1,200 stone stairs that ascend to the terraces of the city above. Climbing the steps, we will reach the lower chambers of Teyuna, also known as The Lost City. It is believed that this was a capital city built by the Tayrona civilization in 800 A.D., approximately 600 years before the Incas built Machu Picchu in Peru. After visiting the Lost City, we’ll return to El Paraiso for a quick lunch before heading to Campsite #2 for overnight.

(B,L,D/12 km -7.5 miles,  1800 ft ascent, 3500 ft descent)

Day 4. Camp Site # 2 – Santa Marta

We will start early again, since much of the trail is unshaded, and therefore becomes quite hot. After a stop for fruit at the first campsite and a jump in the swimming hole, we’ll find ourselves back where we began, in Machete, for lunch.      We will drive back to Santa Marta to end this exciting trek, feel free to check mark “The Lost City Colombia” in your thoughts.

(B,L/½ day hiking to El Mamey,Return to Santa Marta 12.7 km (7.9 mi) 2200 ft ascent, 3000 ft descent)

Frequently asked questions, price & booking.

COP 1.750.000 per person Book with only 10% and pay the balance the same day of departure.

Do you have daily departures?

Yes, we do! Please contact us before hand to coordinate logistics.

What to bring?

Check our box below with plenty of useful information.

Do you offer luggage storage?

Yes, at no extra cost! Just let us know and we will make it easy & smooth for you!

contact us to join this exciting trek

• Items to Pack
• Best Season
• Price & Payment
• Level Of Difficulty
• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Geographic & Nature Facts

Unlike other treks, there is no porter service in this trek, so all your personal belongins will be carried by you! Please don’t take more than 6 kilos in your backpack.

Read/ Download our «What to pack?» Checklist here

The area of the Northern part of Colombia has 2 very different seasons: “winter” (rainy season) and “summer” (drought) . From the middle of May until September you can count on heavy rain in the Sierra Nevada where the Lost City trek takes place. Don’t let this stop you from taking this trek and travelers actually seem to like it, simply keep it in mind as an extra challenge. If you think it is going to be quite difficult then consider taking it in the dry season. Our blog has very updated information it all! Click here! 

US$ 360 per person all inclusive. Book with only US$ 33 and pay the balance on the same day of departure. 

Contact us for information of our different departures and prices.  Click here!

Our Blog offers valuable information about our tours!   Click here

It is not a walk in the park! It’s a challenging jungle trek – not for the black out fainted. This trek is a physical challenge but 90% humidity and hot conditions make them way more difficult. You will find clear spots but mud is an issue especially in rainy season. 4-5 days like that? By the end of the trek, you will be really proud!

We provide everything in the 4 days. Car transfers are made in a Toyota for 6 people each. 

We can also arrange your flights IN & OUT Santa Marta. 

The accommodation and food spaces belong to the local communities, we collaborate together to provide a quality service, however they are independent and the standards of the facilities depends exclusively on them. Bunks and hammocks are provided in the tour.

Our blog is very complete, we took our time to compile the most useful information. Click here

Accommodation 3 night(s) in rustic shelter camps with hammock/bunk beds Transportation Travel by Private vehicles, foot. Meals As outlined in the itinerary (B,L,D) Entrance fee to Ciudad Perdida Luggage storage at our office in Santa Marta.  Indigenous Local Guide

Hotel in Santa Marta or surroundings.

Porter to carry your bags

Google Maps

Why OSPREY EXPEDITIONS?

Founded in 2002

Years in business, recommended by.

Venezuela & Colombia

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.

Ch. 9 The Development of Russia

Ivan i and the rise of moscow, learning objective.

• Outline the key points that helped Moscow become so powerful and how Ivan I accomplished these major victories
• Moscow was considered a small trading outpost under the principality of Vladimir-Suzdal into the 13th century.
• Power struggles and constant raids under the Mongol Empire’s Golden Horde caused once powerful cities, such as Kiev, to struggle financially and culturally.
• Ivan I utilized the relative calm and safety of the northern city of Moscow to entice a larger population and wealth to move there.
• Alliances between Golden Horde leaders and Ivan I saved Moscow from many of the raids and destruction of other centers, like Tver.

A rival city to Moscow that eventually lost favor under the Golden Horde.

Grand Prince of Vladimir

The title given to the ruler of this northern province, where Moscow was situated.

The Rise of Moscow

Moscow was only a small trading outpost in the principality of Vladimir-Suzdal in Kievan Rus’ before the invasion of Mongol forces during the 13th century. However, due to the unstable environment of the Golden Horde, and the deft leadership of Ivan I at a critical time during the 13th century, Moscow became a safe haven of prosperity during his reign. It also became the new seat of power of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Ivan I (also known as Ivan Kalita) was born around 1288 to the Prince of Moscow, Daniil Aleksandrovich. He was born during a time of devastation and upheaval in Rus’. Kiev had been overtaken by the invading Mongol forces in 1240, and most of the Rus’ principalities had been absorbed into the Golden Horde of the Mongol Empire by the time Ivan was born. He ascended to the seat of Prince of Moscow after the death of his father, and then the death of his older brother Yury.

Ivan I. He was born around 1288 and died in either 1340 or 1341, still holding the title of Grand Prince of Vladimir.

Ivan I stepped into a role that had already been expanded by his predecessors. Both his older brother and his father had captured nearby lands, including Kolomna and Mozhaisk. Yury had also made a successful alliance with the Mongol leader Uzbeg Khan and married his sister, securing more power and advantages within the hierarchy of the Golden Horde.

Ivan I continued the family tradition and petitioned the leaders of the Golden Horde to gain the seat of Grand Prince of Vladimir. His other three rivals, all princes of Tver, had previously been granted the title in prior years. However they were all subsequently deprived of the title and all three aspiring princes also eventually ended up murdered. Ivan I, on the other hand, garnered the title from Khan Muhammad Ozbeg in 1328. This new title, which he kept until his death around 1340, meant he could collect taxes from the Russian lands as a ruling prince and position his tiny city as a major player in the Vladimir region.

Moscow’s Rise

During this time of upheaval, the tiny outpost of Moscow had multiple advantages that repositioned this town and set it up for future prosperity under Ivan I. Three major contributing factors helped Ivan I relocate power to this area:

• It was situated in between other major principalities on the east and west so it was often protected from the more devastating invasions.
• This relative safety, compared to Tver and Ryazan, for example, started to bring in tax-paying citizens who wanted a safe place to build a home and earn a livelihood.
• Finally, Moscow was set up perfectly along the trade route from Novgorod to the Volga River, giving it an economic advantage from the start.

Ivan I also spurred on the growth of Moscow by actively recruiting people to move to the region. In addition, he bought the freedom of people who had been captured by the extensive Mongol raids. These recruits further bolstered the population of Moscow. Finally, he focused his attention on establishing peace and routing out thieves and raiding parties in the region, making for a safe and calm metaphorical island in a storm of unsettled political and military upsets.

Kievan Rus’ 1220-1240. This map illustrates the power dynamics at play during the 13th century shortly before Ivan I was born. Sarai, the capital of the Golden Horde, sat to the southeast, while Moscow (not visible on this map) was tucked up in the northern forests of Vladimir-Suzdal.

Ivan I knew that the peace of his region depended upon keeping up an alliance with the Golden Horde, which he did faithfully. Moscow’s increased wealth during this era also allowed him to loan money to neighboring principalities. These regions then became indebted to Moscow, bolstering its political and financial position.

In addition, a few neighboring cities and villages were subsumed into Moscow during the 1320s and 1330s, including Uglich, Belozero, and Galich. These shifts slowly transformed the tiny trading outpost into a bustling city center in the northern forests of what was once Kievan Rus’.

Russian Orthodox Church and The Center of Moscow

Ivan I committed some of Moscow’s new wealth to building a splendid city center and creating an iconic religious setting. He built stone churches in the center of Moscow with his newly gained wealth. Ivan I also tempted one of the most important religious leaders in Rus’, the Orthodox Metropolitan Peter, to the city of Moscow. Before the rule of the Golden Horde the original Russian Orthodox Church was based in Kiev. After years of devastation, Metropolitan Peter transferred the seat of power to Moscow where a new Renaissance of culture was blossoming. This perfectly timed transformation of Moscow coincided with the decades of devastation in Kiev, effectively transferring power to the north once again.

Peter of Moscow and scenes from his life as depicted in a 15th-century icon. This religious leader helped bring cultural power to Moscow by moving the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church there during Ivan I’s reign.

One of the most lasting accomplishments of Ivan I was to petition the Khan based in Sarai to designate his son, who would become Simeon the Proud, as the heir to the title of Grand Prince of Vladimir. This agreement a line of succession that meant the ruling head of Moscow would almost always hold power over the principality of Vladimir, ensuring Moscow held a powerful position for decades to come.

• Boundless World History. Authored by : Boundless. Located at : https://www.boundless.com/world-history/textbooks/boundless-world-history-textbook/ . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

Moskva-Class Cruisers

Separate design teams often attempt to meet a set of ship specifications with completely different, although equally valid, strategies. To fulfill the requirements issued in April 2169 for the successor (NX-223) to the Daedalus class, which was introduced at the end of the Romulan War, Prosser & Ankopitch proposed a ship with an extremely large, spherical command hull attached to a nearly vestigial engineering hull. The proposal from the Mikoyan-Tupolev-Dassault Bureau used a long narrow command hull with a minimal frontal silhouette counterbalanced by an equally long engineering hull.

The engineers at Tezuka-Republic decided that the division of ship's functions between a command/crew hull and an engineering hull was arbitrary and unnecessarily restricted design options. Therefore, rather than gathering all the specified facilities in a single hull, their design TR-223A spread them across two hulls, as in Daedalus , and segregated the SSWR-IV-C warp core to a "bustle" at the extreme aft end of the secondary hull. This bustle could be separated easily and quickly from the rest of the engineering hull in the event of a warp core breach. The now-unpowered warp nacelles would then be shed. In this way, the demands of safety would be met without warp dynamics being degraded either by an excessively large frontal silhouette or by longitudinal warp field imbalance.

Although the Ship Specifications Review Board praised Tezuka-Republic for its creative solution to the problem of admittedly contradictory requirements for extreme safety and improved warp performance, they were forced to disqualify design TR-223A for not precisely meeting contract specifications. Therefore, in October 2171, construction contract NX-223 for Starfleet's new cruiser was awarded to Prosser & Ankopitch for what would become the Wasp class .

However, almost no one was happy with the new Wasp ships. Even before the contract was awarded, voices within Starfleet and within industry had strongly criticized the specifications of April 2169. These critics charged that they would lead to a mediocre, albeit safe, fighting ship. Two separate classes were needed, not a single class that was neither a proper explorer nor a proper warship. When Wasp was finally launched in 2173, her performance during precommisioning trials clearly showed that the critics had been correct. Although the performance problems were related in part to the continuing unavailability of the more powerful Tezuka-Republic Hiryu ("Flying Dragon") mark III warp nacelles, Wasp was obviously not the ship Starfleet had hoped for.

In a second attempt to obtain a reliable and capable warship, new specifications (NX-374) were issued in September 2175, little more than a year after USS  Wasp had entered service. Adding to this sense of urgency were intelligence reports suggesting that the Romulans had either developed or otherwise acquired matter/antimatter (M/AM) reactors. This time the specifications put less emphasis upon safety. The original requirement for completely separate command and engineering hulls was eliminated; instead, any hull configuration was allowed as long as the warp core could be quickly separated from the rest of the ship. Furthermore, requirements for speed, acceleration, and maneuverability both under impulse power and under warp power were increased, as were performance levels for target acquisition, tracking, and servicing.

These new specifications were a clear, albeit belated, admission that the critics had been correct all along: one class could not be expected to serve as both an explorer and a main battleship. In fact, starship technology was not considered sufficiently mature for a single ship to adequately fulfill both mission profiles until 2245, when the Constitution -class heavy cruiser was launched. (The controversy continues even today in the wake of the problems of the Galaxy -class explorer.)

Luckily, the designers and engineers at Tezuka-Republic had not been idle since their disappointing loss of the Wasp contract in 2171. Instead, they had spent their time refining design TR-223A so that their new entry (TR-374A) was markedly superior to what had been submitted 5 years earlier. In particular, the new SSWR-V warp reactor allowed the bustle to be made smaller, lighter, and even more easily separable. Therefore, it was hardly surprising when in November 2176 Tezuka-Republic was awarded the production contract over designs from Shimata-Dominquez, Prosser & Ankopitch, Mikoyan-Tupolev Dassault, Monarch R&U, and Thornycroft/Ebisu for what was to become the Moskva class.

However, engineering prowess may not have been the only factor in Tezuka-Republic's winning of the contract. There were accusations that the delay in delivery of the Hiryu warp engines was an attempt by Tezuka-Republic to prevent Wasp from reaching her designed performance levels. While no conclusive incriminating evidence has come to light, the delivery of the long-awaited engines shortly before the scheduled launch of Moskva in December 2177 is certainly suspicious. Tezuka-Republic maintains that if their submission of 2169 had been selected, its performance would also have not have met design specifications without the Hiryu engines. However, critics charge that TR-223A was not as reliant as Wasp on the type of engine used. Furthermore, once the Wasp contract was awarded, and even after Wasp was launched, Tezuka-Republic certainly made no efforts to accelerate delivery of Hiryu.

These controversies were soon rendered moot as the new Moskva class was recognized as a significant advance in starship design. The most important new feature was Moskva's discoid primary hull. Earlier designs had chosen a spherical primary hull for reasons of economy. Simple geometric relationships dictate that a spherical hull has the smallest surface area for a given volume. Therefore, construction costs are lower and shields are more efficient. Furthermore, institutional inertia had led nearly all exploratory cruisers originating until that time from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States Astronautics Agency, the United Earth Space Probe Agency, and its successor organizations to have spherical hulls.

The designers of USS  Moskva employed a biconvex disc for several reasons. Their initial motive was to increase hull volume while minimizing both frontal and lateral silhouettes. A warship with large frontal and lateral silhouettes would be at a greater disadvantage in most tactical situations than would be a ship with an increased superior silhouette. However, the discoid hull allowed the traditional radial layout of command hulls to be retained.

More important than these tactical advantages were functional advantages. As was shown with the Wasp class, warp field geometry would have been awkward if a spherical hull with its relatively large frontal area had been used. The discoid hull was also found to channel warp field flow across its upper surface towards the bussard ram scoops of the warp nacelles. This channeling effect improved field efficiency at all power levels and speeds. As the understanding of warp field mechanics was refined, the trend towards saucer-shaped primary hulls would be intensified in later Starfleet vessels.

In most respects, the Moskva class continued design and engineering trends established in the Comet and Daedalus classes introduced at the end of the Romulan War. As in these classes, ship functions were clearly divided between a command/crew hull and an engineering/propulsion hull. The bridge was returned to its customary position atop the command hull and the shuttlecraft bay was again placed in the secondary hull. The fusion reactor was centered along the longitudinal axis of the ship, and impulse thrust ports exited immediately in front of the warp bustle detachment seam.

Weaponry was the then-standard mix of fusion-warhead missiles and lasers. New to this class was an early type of ultraphased pulse laser cannon, two of which were mounted in the chin of the primary hull. Although the on-target energy output of this new weapon approached that of early phasers, its power requirement was higher and its range was substantially less. However, subsequent refinements lead to steady improvement and, ultimately, to the development of true phasers in 2202. Although Moskva -class ships were the first to be fitted with phasers in 2204, lasers were still carried by the Moskva class and later classes until the 2220s. Finally, warp capability was supplied by the long-awaited Hiryu mark III drive units.

The first ship of the new class, USS  Moskva (NCC-374), entered service with Starfleet in April 2179. An additional 30 ships (NCC-375 to NCC-404) joined the fleet through 2183. Moskva -class ships gained immediate popularity with officers and crews. First, total laser firepower was increased some 75% over that in the preceding Wasp class. Second, because the ship's mass was more equally distributed along the longitudinal axis than in the Wasp class, Moskva was significantly more maneuverable at both sublight and warp speeds. Finally, the more warp-dynamic design allowed greater cruising and maximum speeds.

The Moskva class had an outstanding safety record. No ships were lost because of mechanical failures. However, an incident occurred aboard USS  Johannesburg in 2186 when a faulty nacelle flow monitor falsely indicated a runaway positive feedback power loop within the plasma flow governor. Believing that a catastrophic warp core explosion was imminent, Chief Engineer Roberta Bocharnikov ordered the warp nacelles and warp bustle to be separated. Although unnecessary, these maneuvers were successful in causing the separated warp core to initiate its automatic shut-down routine. The warp core, nacelles, and the rest of the ship were towed to Starbase 13, where they were successfully re-mated. Despite her supreme embarrassment, Bocharnikov oversaw the reassembly and relaunching of Johannesburg and retained her position as chief engineer.

Although most ships of the Moskva class had left front-line service by 2215, some continued to serve as auxiliaries and training vessels until the 2240s. After retirement from active duty, Moskva -class ships were used as testbeds for many emerging technologies owing to the similarities of their layouts to those of succeeding classes. USS  Moskva was the site of the first successful ship-to-surface transport of a Human being in 2206, and USS  Gato was the first ship to fire photon torpedoes in 2214. In addition, Taurus -class tugs, which entered service in 2182, and Sanford -class repair tenders, which entered service in 2185, were derived from the Moskva class and used the same primary hull and warp drive assembly.

The Moskva -class cruiser USS  Aurora (NCC-377), a participant of the Battle of Eohippus IV, is on display at the Starfleet Museum.

Standard displacement: 67,750 t

Crew complement: 160 (27 officers + 133 crew) Weapons: 8 Type VI laser turrets (8 × 1 mounts), 2 Type VII laser cannons (fixed mounts), 2 missile launchers with 36 Spartak missiles Embarked craft: 4 medium cargo/personnel shuttlecraft, 2 light personnel shuttlecraft, 5 fighter/scouts Warp drive: SSWR-V-A spherical cavity M/AM reactor with 2 Hiryu III nacelles Velocity: wf 4.0, cruise; wf 5.0, supercruise; wf 5.2, maximum Units commissioned: 31

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Copyright information

The story of the Moscow gold: How the Spanish war was lost

Francisco Olaya 'El Oro de Negrin'

(Ediciones Madre Tierra, Mostoles 1990)

This book is the product of almost thirty years investigation, involving examination of thousands of books and pamphlets, around a million documents, and the combing of 32 archives in Spain and beyond. Olaya's work is an attempt to come up with a satisfactory explanation of the denouement of the Spanish civil war. He is highly critical of the leadership of the PSOE (Socialist Workers Party of Spain, now in power) during the civil war.

In great and documented detail Olaya examines the whole topic of what has hitherto been known as the 'Moscow gold' and which he re-christens 'Negrin's gold', gold to the tune of 5,500 million pesetas (1937). About half of this sum wound up in the Soviet Union. A small portion went to France. The remainder passed to the republican government's purchasing commissions, set up by Indalecio Prieto of the PSOE to obtain war material.

In 1954 Jose Peirats was commissioned by the CNT -in-exile to write his monumental five volume 'La CNT en la revolucion espanola'. In the course of his researches he was accorded access to documentation belonging to the CNT and in London in the keeping of Polgare. When Polgare died in 1957, access to the documents was offered to Olaya by CNT colleagues aware of his researches. Among the documents, he discovered copies of 52 letters written to Negrin by his special agent, identified only as 'C'.

One of the reports from 'C' is an account of an exchange between Salvador do Madariaga (the philosopher and original wartime Ambassador to Britain) and the British Foreign Minister, in which British preoccupation with helping the Francoist side was evident. Olaya, using textual clues, attempted to Identify 'C'.

At first Olaya suspected one Calvino, who had figured in all the Purchasing Commissions ('C' had complained of corruptions by these commissions). Calvino however denied this and further investigations led Olaya to conclude 'C' had been PSOE luminary Celestino Alvarez. This was confirmed to him by two agents who had been operating on behalf of the CNT - FAI in Paris at the time. Further inquiries led Olaya to records from Turkish customs and cargo checks (by a French secret agent) of shipping that passed through the Dardanelles en route to Spain with foodstuffs and war materials. Olaya lists this information in an appendix to his book.

A record of the accidental discovery (at the bottom of a crate of goods being returned to the USSR as defective or unusable) of gold led Olaya to query the conventional account of the shipment of Spain's gold reserves to the USSR 'for safe keeping'. Other seemingly unrelated evidence led to the conclusion that, aside from the usual shipments, gold was removed from Spain via the diplomatic pouch to Prague and, also, unrecorded, aboard other vessels.

Olaya holds that the war was lost by the republic due to corruption in the Purchasing Commissions plus the failure of Negrin and Prieto (when so informed by 'C') to take remedial action.

Olaya argues that half of the gold reserves were was sent to the USSR and half to France, partly for their use of the Purchasing Commissions and partly to open accounts in the name of specific individuals… an account in Negrin's name held 390 million francs, one in the name of Julio Lopez Masegase held 198 millions. Olaya's book details all these. He says that so far no account has been taken of the assets seized from Franco's supporters, reckoned at almost three times the value of the gold held in Spain's treasury.

Franco was later able to recover a part of what had been described as Negrin's personal treasure. Negrin's ability to realise the value of his gold in France makes nonsense of the claim that gold had to be removed to the USSR for safekeeping. Olaya states: 'I wanted to check out everything sold by C who was Negrin's informant on activities taking place abroad but I wanted confirmation from other sources. To my surprise, I was to amass a wealth of documents that confirmed and expanded upon the whole business'.

In 1988 Olaya's book in manuscript was a finalist for the 'Espejo de Espana' prize awarded by Planeta publishers. However, Planeta refused to publish it, as did all of the other major publishers in Spain. As a result, the book has been issued by Ediciones Madre Tierra (Mother Earth) of Mostoles. Its author claims: 'The book is based on documents and we are not championing any interests or making partisan propaganda, merely telling the whole truth'.

The book's appearance has coincided with a PSOE desire to sell itself to the electorate under the slogan of '100 years of Integrity with the Socialist Party'. Olaya himself has explained 'it may appear that the book has emerged at an opportune time, but no, that is mere coincidence'. ~ Paul S.

In KSL: Bulletin of the Kate Sharpley Library No. 1 [1991]

• Negrin Lopez, Juan (1887-1956)
• Olaya, Francisco
• Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol PSOE
• Russia / Russian Empire / Soviet Union
• Spanish Revolution and Spanish Civil War SCW

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