Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City
From $3,325USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
19 days from $3,325USD
Easy quote
Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City
Lifetime deposit
Never lose your deposit if you have to cancel your trip.
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Colombia is famous for its spectacular natural wonders, rich culture and history, and of course, coffee. You’ll experience the best of all of these on the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City tour!

This tour combines trekking in the mountains, exploring incredible beaches, discovering ancient ruins, and great coffee in one epic tour.

The Los Nevados, the Caribbean and the Lost City tour takes you to two of Colombia’s best national parks – Los Nevados National Park and Tayrona National Park. You’ll also learn about the indigenous culture of Colombia, both now and in the ancient past. Explore exotic cities, ride in a 4-wheel drive vehicle across the desert, trek through fantastic nature, and experience the best Caribbean beaches and Colombian coffee. This adventure tour in Colombia truly has it all. Don’t miss the Colombia Off-Road Tour!

South America
Happiness promise

Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City

Experience the natural and cultural highlights of Colombia on this epic tour
4.60
(24 reviews)
19 days from $3,325USD
Easy quote
Duration
19 days
Season
Jan-Mar, Nov-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels / Camping
Difficulty
Hard (4/5)
From $3,325USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Colombia is famous for its spectacular natural wonders, rich culture and history, and of course, coffee. You’ll experience the best of all of these on the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City tour!

This tour combines trekking in the mountains, exploring incredible beaches, discovering ancient ruins, and great coffee in one epic tour.

The Los Nevados, the Caribbean and the Lost City tour takes you to two of Colombia’s best national parks – Los Nevados National Park and Tayrona National Park. You’ll also learn about the indigenous culture of Colombia, both now and in the ancient past. Explore exotic cities, ride in a 4-wheel drive vehicle across the desert, trek through fantastic nature, and experience the best Caribbean beaches and Colombian coffee. This adventure tour in Colombia truly has it all. Don’t miss the Colombia Off-Road Tour!

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Trek through the spectacular Andes mountains in Los Nevados National Park.

Explore the history and culture of local villages and famous cities, such as Bogota and Cartagena.

Enjoy Colombia’s finest beaches on the Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park.

Hike to the famous Lost City of the Tayronas and tour this incredible archaeological site.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrive in Bogota
Welcome to Bogota, the capital of Colombia! Transfer from the airport to your first hotel and prepare to start your amazing tour.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel Casa Real 93, Bogota
Included Meals None
Day 2
See more
Bogota City Tour
Spend today on a private walking tour of Bogota’s historic district. Here in the heart of the charming La Candelaria, as the colonial area is called, you can visit Plaza Bolivar and the renowned gold museum. You’ll also ride a cable car to the Monserrate Sanctuary (3,152 m/10,341’), where you will find a spectacular view of the city. You can also choose to visit the museum dedicated to Botero, a famous Colombian artist.
Distance Tour lasts 6-7 hours
Overnight Location Hotel Casa Real 93, Bogota
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
See more
Fly to Pereira, Begin Los Nevados Trek
Transfer from your hotel to the airport after breakfast for a one-hour domestic flight to Pereira. Transfer from the airport in Pereira to the trailhead, with a chance to stop along the way to shop for snacks or any last-minute needs. Drive for about 2 hours into the mountains along the Otun River. Pass La Florida and La Suiza rural areas, then begin your trek at the El Cedral trailhead (2,105 m/6,906’). Climb this lovely trail for about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach La Pastora refuge (2,460 m/8,071’). Spend the night tent camping here in the cloud rain forest.
Distance 2.5-3 hours, 5.9 km, 355 m of ascent
Overnight Location La Pastora Refuge (2,460 m/8,071’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
See more
Trek to Berlin farm
Today you’ll notice that the hiking turns steeper. Hike for about 2.5 hours to reach the well-known El Jordan farm. Stop to enjoy this idyllic location, surrounded by volcanic hills with lovely waterfalls and dense green vegetation. As you continue hiking from here, the forest begins to open as the landscape changes to a paramo ecosystem above the tree line. The final stretch of trail today is very steep, leading up to the El Agrado ridge. Here in this beautiful and remote area you’ll find the Berlin farm (3,848 m/12,625’), where you will camp for the night.
Distance 4 hours, 10.9 km, 1,388 m of ascent
Overnight Location Camping at Finca Berlin (3,848 m/12,625’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
See more
Trek to La Primavera farm
Begin today’s hike on an old trail that climbs up through the El Agrado river valley and over La Amargura Pass (4,220 m/13,845’). Cross the border here from the state of Risaralda into Quindio. Here you have the option to extend the hike up to the summit of Pico Chispas (4,378 m/14,364’) before rejoining the original trail. After crossing La Amargura Pass, descend steeply down through the Quebrada Cardenas Valley. Cross the Quindio River (3,804 m/12,480’) then ascend along the muddy trail to La Linea Pass (4,019 m/13,186’). This pass marks the border between the state of Quindio and the state of Tolima. Stop here to appreciate the wonderful view of Paramillo del Quindio (4,745 m/15,568’), which is the tallest peak in Quindio. You can also see the beautiful Nevado del Tolima in the distance. From La Linea Pass, the trail descends gently to La Primavera/La Playa, the farm where you will camp for the night. Sample a local beverage called Agua e Panela, which is a hot drink made with raw sugar.
Distance 5-6 hours, 12 km, 587 m of ascent, 666 m of descent
Overnight Location Camping at La Primavera / La Playa; (3,769 m/12,365’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
See more
Trek to La Linea Pass, Jeep ride to Salento
Today is the last day of the Los Nevados trek. After breakfast, return to La Linea Pass (4,019 m/13,186’) and descend again back to the Quindio River (3,804 m/12,480’). Cross the river, then a short uphill stretch of trail brings you to an abandoned farm called Buenos Aires. Continue hiking for about an hour and you’ll see a farm called La Argentina. Descend through the rainforest, surrounded by incredible landscapes, the end your hike with a semi-circular climb up to the Cocora Valley (2,425 m/7,956’). Meet your transport here in this beautiful valley full of wax palms, which is the national tree of Colombia. Ride for about 25 minutes in an old traditional Willys Jeep, which has come to symbolize the culture of the coffee region, to reach the town of Salento (1,919 m/6,296’). Settle into your hotel in the colonial area of Salento and enjoy some fantastic local coffee.
Distance 6-8 hours, 16.5 km, 250 m of ascent, 1,594 m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel Salento Real, Salento (1,919 m / 6,296’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
See more
Coffee Tour in Salento
Enjoy a relaxing morning to rest and recover from your trekking tour, then take a guided tour of a local coffee farm. Your tour will demonstrate the traditional process of producing coffee, beginning from planting seeds and ending with the product that is sold or exported. You’ll also participate in an educational coffee tasting, learning about the different qualities and varieties of coffee produced here. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (not included) then explore this peaceful town on your own. You may enjoy browsing and shopping for local handicrafts and other locally produced products. If you would prefer to be active, you can choose to take a guided botanical tour of La Kasa or try a horseback riding or mountain biking tour in the area.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Hotel Salento Real, Salento
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
See more
Fly from Armenia to Riohacha
After breakfast, take a one-hour drive to Armenia Airport. Fly from here to Riohacha, connecting through Bogota, which takes about 3 hours. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Riohacha’s seaside promenade. Here you can observe Wayuu Indians as they work on their handicrafts and watch the stunning Caribbean sunset.
Distance 1 hour of driving, 3 hours of flying
Overnight Location Hotel Taroa, Riohacha
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 9
See more
Drive to Punta Gallinas
Drive today from Riohacha to Punta Gallinas. This unique location is the northernmost point of South America and is home to some of the Caribbean coast’s most spectacular beaches. Punta Gallinas (or “Chicken Point”) originally had a lighthouse, but today this lies in ruin. The road trip to get here is quite an experience. Begin with a good-quality road until you reach the 4-way intersection Cuatro Caminos. Follow the main road north, and in the distance, you’ll see Uribia, which is the native Wayuu capital and is also referred to as the Indigenous Capital of Colombia. Drive for another 1.5 hours to reach the desert area known as Colombia’s Outback. Here in this wild landscape, your route follows 4-wheel drive tracks. As you can imagine, daily life is difficult for the indigenous families who live in this region. Pass two bays, the Bahia Hondita and the Bahia Honda, where you’ll see lovely views and surprisingly colorful sandy beaches. After driving for 2 hours through the Colombian Outback, you’ll reach the sand dunes of Taroa. Don’t miss the sunset in this incredible place where the yellow dunes meet the deep blue sea. Near the ruins at Punta Gallinas, enjoy a lovely beach in a remote region where you are unlikely to encounter many other people. Spend the night experiencing the local Wayuu culture by staying in a rustic lodge that is like a local home.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Hospedaje Luzmila Lodge, Punta Gallinas
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
See more
Drive to Cabo la Vela
Spend the morning enjoying the beautiful Punta Aguja beach. From here, you can choose to take a boat to Hondita Bay to see the pink flamingos that live there. (The boat tour is an additional expense and can be ordered a day in advance.) Leave Punta Gallina after lunch, crossing the deserts of La Alta Guajira. When you reach the railroad for the Cerrejon coal mine, you’ll turn onto the road that leads to Cabo la Vela. This area is less deserted than the northern area you have just left. You’ll also pass one of Colombia’s only windmill parks. The drive from Punta Gallinas to Cabo la Vela takes approximately 2-3 hours. Cabo la Vela is on the Guajira peninsula’s western coast and offers fantastic beaches that are rarely crowded. This is a great location for exploring bays or desert trails, for sampling local cuisine and for experiencing cultural traditions. Watch the Wayuu fisherman at work or try kite surfing (course and gear rental for an additional fee). End the day watching the sunset from the lighthouse, then spend the night in a rustic lodge.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location La Posada Wayuu, Cabo de la Vela
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
See more
Visit Beaches and drive to Tayrona National Park
Start the day by visiting the famously beautiful beaches of Pilon de Azucar or the Ojo del Agua. There is plenty of time to enjoy the stunning landscapes and the refreshing water before eating a nice lunch locally, then beginning the drive back to Riohacha. If conditions are dry, you’ll drive through the desert and across a salt flat, then follow the railroad back to the intersection at Cuatro Caminos. Another 1.5-2 hours brings you to Riohacha. Continue down the Troncal del Caribe highway, crossing the southern Guajira, and entering the state of Magdalena. You’ll enter Tayrona National Park and come to your lodge about 2 hours after crossing the Magdalena border. The rest of the day is free to explore the lodge and its incredible grounds.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
See more
Visit Tayrona Natural Park
Get an early start from the Eco Hotel Yachay and make your way to the trailhead for the tourist trail. The trailhead is about 3 km from the lodge, so you can either choose to walk (which takes approximately 1 hour) or take a public bus. From the trailhead, an hour of light hiking brings you to the iconic Arrecife area. Follow the well-marked trail, which begins in the tropical rainforest and ends at a fantastic Caribbean beach. This area boasts some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches and the foothills of the world’s tallest coastal mountain range, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Enjoy a lunch of traditional fish from a local eatery, then take a refreshing dip in the warm Caribbean waters before choosing one of two trails that lead back to the trailhead.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Eco Hotel Yachay, Tayrona National Park
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 13
See more
Begin Lost City Trek
Leave the Eco Hotel Yachay in the morning and travel by 4-wheel drive vehicles, following the coast to the northeast. After about 1-1.5 hours, the paved road ends and the off-road adventure begins. About an hour after you leave the paved road, you’ll see the El Mamey, or Machete Pelado, village (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here and then begin your hike to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida). There is little protection from the elements on today’s hike so be sure to pack plenty of water and dress appropriately to the weather. Tropical fruit will be available along your hike to help keep your energy up. Take the trail along the Quebrada del Alto Mamey River, which is a pleasant one-hour walk before the path climbs steeply up to the El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Pause here to enjoy the wonderful view overlooking the town of Mamey and the Buritaca River. Descend again for 1.5 hours to the Donde Adan Lodge, which awaits you in a beautiful location beside the Quebrada Honduras River. Take a refreshing swim in the natural pool by the lodge after a day of hiking. Spend the night in a hammock at the lodge.
Distance 4 hours, 8.9 km, 490 m of ascent, 160 m of descent
Overnight Location Donde Adan Lodge, (480 m/1,574’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
See more
Trek to El Paraiso Lodge
Eat breakfast early to have time for a long but rewarding day. Your trek begins with a gentle ascent on a well-marked trail up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). Along the way, you’ll cross into the protected land ruled by the Kogi indigenous tribe. Wiwa Indians also settle in parts of these valleys and run some of the hikers’ lodges. You’ll notice how the landscape changes from farmland to a more natural and well-preserved wilderness. After crossing the Mumake Pass, descend quickly to the Buritaca River (430 m/1,411’), where you can get a glimpse of the Kogi way of life at their Montangi settlement. Hike for about an hour, then cross a hanging bridge over the river and begin the ascent to the Koskunguena Pass (824 m/2,703’). Once over the pass, you’ll descend again to the Buritaca River (743 m/2,438’) and cross the river one last time. Follow the river to El Paraiso lodge (870 m/2,854’), where you can swim in the river before spending the night sleeping in hammocks.
Distance 7-8 hours, 13.6 km, 721 m of ascent, 327 m of descent
Overnight Location El Paraiso Lodge (870 m/2,854’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15
See more
Trek to the Lost City
Hit the trail very early in the morning, following the right bank of the Buritaca River for a short distance, then crossing to the other side. Here you’ll see the ancient stairs that climb steeply up to the Lost City of the Tayrona (1,175 m/3,855’). Climbing these steps is like traveling back in time as you approach this fascinating archaeological site. The original name of the city was Teyuna, and it is all that has been discovered of the lost Tayrona civilization. You’ll spend 4 hours touring the area and learning about the culture and architecture of the city. It is believed that the Kogi people descended from the Tayrona people, and you may also be able to visit the home of a Kogi Mamo, or shaman. After your tour, return to El Paraiso lodge for lunch, then follow the same trail back toward the Mumake Pass. At the foot of the pass, spend the night at the Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’).
Distance 6 hours, 9.4 km, 382 m of ascent, 786 m of descent
Overnight Location Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16
See more
Trek to El Mamey Town, Drive to Santa Marta
Complete your Lost City trek today. Begin by hiking up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’) immediately after leaving the Mumake Lodge. After crossing the pass, you will descend again to the Quebrada Honduras River before climbing once again up to El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Continue walking to reach the end of the trail in the town of El Mamey (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here in town, then drive for about 2-2.5 hours to reach your hotel in Santa Marta.
Distance 4-5 hours, 14.2 km, 451 m of ascent, 690 m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel Boutique La Casa del Farol, Santa Marta
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17
See more
Drive to Cartagena
Leave Santa Marta today, driving the Caribbean Highway (Troncal del Caribe) to the city of Cartagena. You’ll pass the city of Barranquilla as well as the impressive Salamanca National Park. When you arrive in Cartagena, you’ll check in to your hotel in the historic district, then explore your surroundings with a private guided walking tour. You’ll learn more about the history and architecture as you visit many beautiful places in the old town. As the sun sets and darkness falls, enjoy the romantic lights of Cartagena by night.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Hotel Casa del Curato, Cartagena
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 18
See more
Cartagena City Tour
Continue touring Cartagena today. Visit two famous remnants of the Spanish colonial period: The San Felipe Fortress and the Popa Monastery. From the monastery you can see a fantastic view overlooking the city. You can also explore the Bazurto marketplace, a popular place for local people to trade fish, fruits, and vegetables. The beautiful city of Cartagena was founded in 1533 and it was Spain’s most important Caribbean port during the colonial period. After your tour, you have free time to explore on your own, go shopping, or get a drink at the old fortress. Find some place special to watch the sun set on your last full day in Colombia.
Distance 4 hours (City tour)
Overnight Location Hotel Casa del Curato, Cartagena
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 19
See more
Fly to Bogota, end of Tour
Sadly, your epic Colombia Off-Road Tour has reached its end. Leaving Cartagena, a one-hour flight takes you to Bogota Airport. Have a pleasant journey!
Distance N/A
Overnight Location N/A
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
17
4
5
3
2
2
1
4.60 (24 reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices

This partially-guided tour is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price per person depends on the number of people in your group.

The prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:

  • Groups of 2: from $3,995USD per person*
  • Groups of 4: from $3,395USD per person*
  • Groups of 6: from $3,325USD per person*

* Pricing for this tour depends on the size of your group, as well as your travelling dates. Please click the Book Now button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 8 dinners are included on your tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 18 nights along the tour are included as described. You will usually stay in 3- or 4-star hotels, except along hikes and in areas where only rustic lodges or camping are available.

Transportation during the Tour

  • Airport transfers
  • Private transportation throughout the tour

Also Included

  • Local English-speaking mountain guide on day 3-6
  • Local English-speaking cultural guide for days 9-11
  • Local English-speaking trekking guide for days 13-16
  • Los Nevados National Park entrance fee
  • Tayrona National Park tour with English-speaking guide and entrance fees
  • Bogota City Tour with English-speaking guide and entrance fees
  • Cartagena City Tour with English-speaking guide and entrance fees
  • Quality mountain tents for camping (2 people per tent)
  • Common camping equipment for the group
  • Mules for carrying camping equipment, food, and personal gear in Los Nevados National Park
  • Pack animal for Lost City trek

Not included

  • Transportation to and from Bogota before and after the tour
  • Domestic flights (expect to pay roughly $300 for the flights)
  • Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrivals/departures
  • Camping gear
  • Tips
  • Personal equipment and expenses
  • Insurance
  • Anything else not listed as included

Optional Extras

  • Extra night in Bogota at the end of the trip
  • Entrance to Botero Museum in Bogota (day 2)
  • Extra tours in Salento (day 7): botanical tour, horseback riding, mountain biking
  • Boat tour to Hondita Bay from Punta Aguja beach (day 10)
  • Kite surfing course and gear rental in Cabo la Vela (day 10)

Accommodation for Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City

Accommodations on this tour are based in 3- and 4-star hotels in cities and towns where they are available. In rural areas and along treks, you will often be camping, sleeping in hammocks, or staying in rustic lodges.

In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City Tour?

We rate this tour as a 4 / 5. You should be able to hike for up to 8 hours and you will climb to altitudes above 4,000 m in elevation.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Colombia?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

When is the best time of year to explore Colombia?

The weather is most reliable between mid-November and the end of March. From June to mid-September, the weather may accommodate this tour, but it is not reliable. This tour is not recommended in April or May, or from mid-September through mid-November. Also please note: the Lost City trek is closed once a year in early September for indigenous religious ceremonies. Beginning in 2020, Tayrona National Park closes 3 times each year for 2 weeks in early February, early June, and late October. If you are planning your trip during any of these closing periods, please contact us to confirm these dates.

Are meals included on the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City Tour?

18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 8 dinners are included on your tour, as described in the itinerary

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Bogota to start this tour?

Fly to the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (BOG). Airport transfers are included.

Where does the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City Tour end?

The tour ends with transportation to airport at Cartagena where you can get to your flight back to Bogota.

Is the Los Nevados, Tayrona Beaches and the Lost City Tour in English?

Yes, the tour guide is English speaking on the entire tour for groups of 6 or more people. For smaller groups, most parts of the tour are in English. Some guides may be Spanish speaking. See the ‘Included’ section for more details.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Colombia?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Colombia?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Colombia for this tour?

The best time to travel to Colombia for this tour is from November 15 to March 31.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter