The Lost City Trek

Days

8+

Activity Level

Moderate/
Advanced

Host City

Santa Marta, Colombia

From

$2,930 USD

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The Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek is an extraordinary adventure that takes you through dense Colombian jungle to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, a once-thriving city of the Tairona civilization. The trek spans approximately 28 miles and involves several days of hiking up steep terrain, crossing rivers, and navigating through lush, tropical vegetation. Along the way, trekkers experience breathtaking views, encounter diverse wildlife, and gain insight into the rich history and culture of the indigenous people who once inhabited this mysterious site.

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Trip Highlights

Discover the fascinating remnants of Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City, an ancient site shrouded in mystery and built by the Tayrona civilization over 1,000 years ago. Wander through well-preserved stone terraces, intricate pathways, and ceremonial plazas as you immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural marvels of this hidden gem.

Hike through lush, verdant jungle, dramatic mountain peaks, and cascading waterfalls that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Each day of the trek offers breathtaking views and a variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to cloud forests.

Engage with local indigenous communities such as the Kogi, who have preserved their ancient traditions and offer a unique glimpse into their way of life. Learn about their cultural practices and sustainable living, and experience their warm hospitality, making your adventure not just a journey through nature but a profound cultural exchange.

Prefer an extra day in Colombia’s lush Amazon rainforest to immerse yourself in a vibrant wildlife experience or explore the stunning beauty of the Cocora Valley’s towering wax palms? Want to split your time between the Andean highlands and the Caribbean coast? Perhaps you’d like to add a private guided tour of Bogotá’s historic center or the colorful streets of Cartagena, or even embark on a cultural exploration of Medellín’s innovative urban transformations? Keep scrolling down to learn more about our various trip customization options!

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TRIP COST

From $2,930 USD per person
Our trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info. on pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

February 28th to March 7th, 2025

Trek with our CEO Jeff Bonaldi on this special departure!

Fixed group and private departure dates available.

Duration

Starts at 8 Days / 7 Nights 

Accommodations

Relax in comfort & luxury

*Various Options

In cities/towns, choose between 3.5 Star or 4 Star hotel options. While hiking you will stay in huts.

*Read more about your accommodations in Colombia

max. group size

12

For special departure on February 28, 2025, max group size is 20.

*All Private Groups

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/Advanced*

Primary activities:

Multi-day hiking

*Please refer to our Trip Activity Level Guide for more information

8 Day / 7 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

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Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta, Colombia

Today you will arrive in Santa Marta, Colombia! Depending on your arrival time, you might visit the Tayrona Gold Museum, which features a remarkable collection of artifacts and gold ornaments from the Nahuange and Tairona periods, providing valuable context for your upcoming journey. This afternoon and evening, after settling in, you will have free time to explore this extraordinary city and enjoy dinner with a special VIP guest at one of our favorite restaurants. 

Accommodations: Catedral Plaza (3 star) or Marriott AC Hotel Santa Marta (4 star)

Day 2: Coffee Farm & Explore Minca

Today is your first full day in Colombia! After a delicious breakfast, you will set out to explore a Coffee Farm and Minca on a van/walking tour. You will visit La Victoria Coffee Farm, a farm which has one of the most efficient coffee mills in Colombia. During this tour, you will learn about the entire coffee process in La Victoria, from the seed to the cup. For lunch and dinner, you will be able to experience the gastronomy of the city at your leisure, at restaurants of your choosing. You will have the afternoon and evening to explore the city on your own, and time to get ready for your trek!

Accommodations: Catedral Plaza (3 star) or Marriott AC Hotel Santa Marta (4 star)

Day 3: First Day of Lost City Trek

Today begins with a 2-hour 4WD transfer from Santa Marta to Machete Pelao or El Mamey, marking the start of a 4-day adventure in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. After storing unneeded items and having lunch in Machete, you’ll hike for about 2.5 hours uphill on an exposed path before descending into the forest and continuing for another 2 hours to reach Casa de Alfredo.

Trekking Distance: 5.7 miles

Accommodations: Casa del Alfredo

Day 4: Second Day of Lost City Trek

Wake up to a steaming cup of coffee or tea and trail-worthy breakfast at your hut before embarking again on the trail to the Lost City. Today you’ll cover a distance of around 8.5 miles and climb 3,780 feet ascent which will last around 9 hours in total. You’ll traverse the Kogui indigenous reserve, experience their ecological balance, and follow the Buritaca River valley, passing the ceremonial village of Mutanshi. After lunch at Camp Mumake and a refreshing dip in the river, you’ll arrive at Paraiso Teyuna for a leisurely afternoon and evening.

Trekking Distance: 8.5 miles

Accommodations: Paraiso Teyuna

Day 5: Third Day of Lost City Trek

Early start to ensure a visit to the Lost City. You’ll aim to leave camp at around 5:45 am. After a little over half a mile you’ll reach the bottom of the stairs that wind their way up through forest and that go on and on……The grueling stairs are worth it though, as you explore one of the world’s most stunning and important archaeological sites. Time to appreciate and explore the site, take photos and rest within the Lost City. Return to Paraiso Teyuna for lunch. After lunch we’ll continue the trek to campsite 2 ‘Campamento Mumake’. That afternoon and evening will be at leisure to bathe in the River Buritaca and explore surroundings.

Trekking Distance: 6.4 miles

Accommodations: Mumake

Day 6: Fourth Day of Lost City Trek

Today, you’ll complete the trek by retracing your steps to Casa de Alfredo, then head to Machete Pelao for lunch before transferring to Playa Los Naranjos. This stunning beach, nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada, features golden sands, turquoise waters, and the unique experience of freshwater and saltwater environments.

Trekking Distance: 9.3 miles

Accommodations: Villa Playa Tayrona (3.5 star) or Maloka Barlovento (4 star)

Day 7: Visit Tayrona National Park / Beach Day

Today, you can relax at Los Naranjos Beach or visit Tayrona National Park, renowned for its tropical rainforest, stunning beaches, and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a morning trek to Arrecife or the natural pool of La Piscina, or continue to Cabo de San Juan for some of the park’s most breathtaking views.

Accommodations: Villa Playa Tayrona (3.5 star) or Maloka Barlovento (4 star)

Day 8: Final Day

Today you will transfer to the airport for your flight home. This marks the end of your journey with us – we wish you safe travels home and hope to join you on your next adventure!

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Trip

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Colombia? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of trip options in Colombia:

  • Tayrona National Park
  • Cartagena
  • Coffee Cultural Region
  • Medellín
  • San Andrés and Providencia
  • The Amazon Rainforest
  • Villa de Leyva
  • Bogotá
  • Caño Cristales

While in/around Colombia, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Panama
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Uruguay
  • Paraguay

In addition to your time in Colombia, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Galapagos Islands
  • Machu Picchu
  • Argentina Patagonia
  • Iceland (The Laugavegur Trail)
  • Annapurna Trek in Nepal
  • Mongolia
  • Jordan
  • Costa Rica
  • South African Safari
  • Arctic Cruise

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Colombia!

Hear what travelers are saying:

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“Just book with these guys, they are the best and I work in the industry! Had an amazing trip with Explorers Passage. Everyone from the start was so friendly and courteous and this got even better when we arrived in Chile. Guides, drivers and hotel staff were out of the world.
Couple this with the stunning scenery and it’s one of my top vacation ever!”
– Richard B.
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“Explorer’s Passage made our W trek adventure not only possible but seamless and amazing. It was clear from the start that they had thought of everything – from the transfers to tickets to gear. We were very prepared from all their detailed checklists and training guide. And we knew what to expect from all our pre-trip calls and emails. The level of detail in all they do is remarkable. We were able to enjoy the adventure that much more because we had so much trust in their guidance as well as execution of all those details.”
– Kate W.
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“My wife and I just got back from Patagonia after completing the W Trek that Explorers Passage had arranged for us. From our first contact with Jeff Bonaldi to our last transfer, our experience was stellar. Jeff guided us through the rather complicated logistics and was very responsive to concerns before and during the adventure. His focus was always on how to make the adventure memorable not on the bottom line for his company. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so because our experience was beyond 5 stars.”
– Steve B.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after the Trek, you can relax in the 3.5 or 4 Star accommodations. ‘Single supplement’ options are also available for solo travelers who prefer a private room.

4 Star Accommodations

Marriott AC Hotel | Santa Marta, Colombia

The Marriott AC Hotel Santa Marta in Colombia offers a modern and sophisticated retreat in the vibrant coastal city of Santa Marta. Located just a short distance from the beautiful beaches and bustling city center, this stylish hotel combines contemporary design with exceptional comfort.

Maloka Barlovento | Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Maloka Barlovento embraces theprivilege of its extraordinary location and humblysubdues to the natural wonders on the foothills ofthe Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Cabaña andMaloka provide the basic comfort and the propersetting for an immersion like no other into ParqueTayrona territory. The generous exuberance of natureis ever-present.

3.5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Catedral Plaza | Santa Marta, Colombia

Hotel Catedral Plaza in Santa Marta, Colombia, offers a charming blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of the city. This elegant hotel is ideally situated just steps from the historic Santa Marta Cathedral and the vibrant main square, providing guests with easy access to local attractions and cultural landmarks.

Villa María Tayrona | Tayrona National Park, Colombia

Villa Maria Tayrona is a serene and luxurious retreat nestled in the lush natural beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, near the stunning Tayrona National Natural Park. This exclusive boutique hotel offers an intimate escape with elegantly designed villas. Each villa features private terraces, plunge pools, and stunning views of the tropical landscape.

Casa de Alfredo Huts

Casa de Alfredo is one of the houses of the first farmers who arrived from different parts of Colombia and colonized the low and middle lands of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the 70’s. It is one of the most welcoming accommodations and in which we can also enjoy an exceptional visit to a beautiful waterfall just a few minutes from the accommodation.

Paraiso Teyuna Huts

Paraíso Teyuna is located in the
indigenous area of the road and is one of the accommodations managed by the Cogui community. Paraíso is the accommodation that concentrates the largest number of visitors, because it is the last one prior to our ascent to
Teyuna, the Lost City of the Taironas.

Mumake Huts

Located on the banks of the Buritaca
River, in indigenous territory, Múmake is
undoubtedly the most comfortable and cool accommodation on the journey. In Múmake we will have the opportunity to enjoy a bath in the river and rest for our last day of return.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Check here for our Frequently Asked Questions for the Lost City Trek, and if you can’t find the answer you are looking for then send us a message.

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The best time to undertake the Lost City Trek is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and again from July to September. During these months, the trails are less muddy, and rainfall is minimal, making for a more comfortable hiking experience.

The Lost City Trek is considered challenging due to its steep terrain, high humidity, and long hiking days. The trek spans about 28 miles and typically takes 4 days to complete. It requires good physical fitness and stamina.

Yes, a permit is required to enter the Lost City area, and we will take care of obtaining the permit for you.

Accommodations during the Lost City Trek are typically in basic, communal lodges. These lodges often offer simple amenities such as bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and mosquito nets.

The Lost City Trek, also known as the Ciudad Perdida Trek, is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in northern Colombia. The trek leads to Ciudad Perdida, an ancient archaeological site built by the Tayrona civilization, which is nestled deep within the jungle and was rediscovered in the 1970s. The site is situated about 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level and requires a multi-day hike through dense rainforest and rugged terrain to reach it.

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Trip Support

the lost city trek TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.

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Personal Attention & Preparation Before Every Trip

We get very involved with our travelers before each trip by offering a series of pre-planning calls in the months and weeks before departure. This provides you with an opportunity to hear directly from us on preparation, trip experience, and training. It also gives you the platform to ask questions about any aspect of the trip. We also provide comprehensive packing lists, pre-adventure checklists, and other detailed information.

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Staff Support & Logistics

We go above and beyond our competitors in handling every aspect of your trip, so that you can focus exclusively on experiencing all that Colombia has to offer. Our knowledgeable support staff takes care of the details of your in-country ground transportation, lodging, meals, tours, park fees and permits, and activities. We’ve even scheduled a bit of free time for you to explore, relax, shop, or eat on your own.

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Additional Trip Information

Check out our detailed educational content on the destinations that we explore, written by our adventure team. These articles provide a complete overview of everything that you need to explore the world with The Explorer’s Passage.

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