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Lost City Trek

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Lost City Trek
From $965USDBook Now
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6 days from $965USD
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Panoramic view from Lost City Trek
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There are only two ways to reach the Lost City of the Tayronas in Colombia: by helicopter or by foot. The Lost City trek is an incredible trekking adventure through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia, leading to a fascinating archaeological site: The Lost City of the Tayronas.

Travel back in time through the untouched landscape of the world’s highest coastal mountain range, experiencing the rain forest much the same way as the indigenous people of this region have for centuries. Learn more about their way of life as you journey to explore what remains of a lost civilization. The Lost City is a wonder to behold, and your journey there prepares you to experience it fully. Don’t miss this guided trekking tour full of adventure and discovery. Book your Lost City trekking tour today!

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Lost City Trek

Trek to the Lost City of the Tayronas in Colombia
4.60
(24 reviews)
6 days from $965USD
Easy quote
Duration
6 days
Season
Jan-Dec
Activity
Walking
Type
Guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels / Camping
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $965USD (see prices for this tour)
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Panoramic view from Lost City Trek
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

There are only two ways to reach the Lost City of the Tayronas in Colombia: by helicopter or by foot. The Lost City trek is an incredible trekking adventure through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia, leading to a fascinating archaeological site: The Lost City of the Tayronas.

Travel back in time through the untouched landscape of the world’s highest coastal mountain range, experiencing the rain forest much the same way as the indigenous people of this region have for centuries. Learn more about their way of life as you journey to explore what remains of a lost civilization. The Lost City is a wonder to behold, and your journey there prepares you to experience it fully. Don’t miss this guided trekking tour full of adventure and discovery. Book your Lost City trekking tour today!

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Trip highlights

Hike through the incredible Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, the world’s highest coastal range.

Experience the untouched, protected wilderness governed by the indigenous Kogi tribe.

Explore the Lost City of the Tayronas archaeological site and learn more about its fascinating history.

Learn more about local indigenous cultures in Colombia, including the Kogi and Wiwa tribes.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in Santa Marta
Welcome to Colombia! Get met at the Santa Marta Airport and transfer to your hotel. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes. At the hotel, receive a tour briefing and prepare for your hike before relaxing in the comfort of the hotel.
Distance N/A
Overnight Location Hotel Casa Carolina, Santa Marta
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Trek to Donde Adan Lodge
Your adventure begins in the morning with an exciting road trip to the trailhead. Leave your hotel, traveling in 4-wheel drive vehicles, and follow the coast to the northeast. After a little more than an hour, the paved road ends and your off-road adventure begins. Continue for another hour to reach El Mamey, or Machete Pelado, village (150 m/492’). Eat lunch here then begin your hike to the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida). Today’s hike is exposed to the elements, so be sure to pack plenty of water and dress appropriately for the weather. Tropical fruit will be available along your hike for refreshment and energy. Begin with a gentle trail along the Quebrada del Alto Mamey River for about one hour before the path climbs steeply up to the El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). From the pass there are spectacular views overlooking the Buritaca River and the town of Mamey. Descend from the pass for 1.5 hours to the Donde Adan Lodge, which you’ll find in a lovely location beside the Quebrada Honduras River. After a day on the trail, a dip in the natural pool by the lodge is very refreshing. 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 3
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Trek to El Paraiso Lodge, Crossing Mumake Pass
Hit the trail early this morning for a long but rewarding day. First, take a gentle, well-marked path to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). Along the way, you’ll enter a protected area that’s controlled by the Kogi indigenous tribe. There are also Wiwa Indians settled in these valleys that run some of the hikers’ lodges. As you enter the protected lands, notice how the landscape changes from farmland to a more natural and well-preserved wilderness. Cross the Mumake Pass, then descend quickly to the Buritaca River (430 m/1,411’), where you can see a Kogi settlement called Montangi and get a glimpse of their way of life. Continue walking for about an hour, then cross a hanging bridge over the river where the trail climbs to the Koskunguena Pass (824 m/2,703’). Once across the pass, descend again to the Buritaca River (743 m/2,438’) and cross the river once again. Follow the banks of the river to El Paraiso lodge (870 m/2,854’), where a swim in the river refreshes you for a good night’s sleep.
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 4
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Trek to the Lost City
Get an early start again today to allow plenty of time to explore the Lost City. As you leave the lodge, follow the Buritaca River, then after a short distance, you’ll find a river crossing. Cross the river here to find the ancient stairs that climb steeply up to bring you to the Lost City of the Tayrona (1,175 m/3,855’). You’ll feel like a time traveler as you climb these steps and draw closer to this fascinating archaeological site. This city, originally called Teyuna, is all that remains of the lost Tayrona civilization. It is believed that the Kogi people descended from the Tayrona people. Spend 4 hours touring the area and learning about the culture and architecture of the city. You may also be able to visit the home of a Kogi Mamo, or shaman, during your tour. After your tour, return to El Paraiso lodge to eat lunch, then follow the same trail back toward the Mumake Pass. Spend the night at Mumake Lodge (389 m/1,276’), at the foot of the pass.
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 5
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Trek to El Mamey Town, Drive to Santa Marta
Complete your Lost City trek today. As you leave the Mumake Lodge, you’ll hike up to the Mumake Pass (680 m/2,231’). Cross the pass, follow the trail down to the Quebrada Honduras River, then climb once more up to El Mirador Pass (640 m/2,100’). Continue walking until you reach the town of El Mamey (150 m/492’), where the Lost City trail ends. Eat lunch here in town, then drive for about 2-2.5 hours to return to your hotel in Santa Marta.
Distance 4-5 hours, 14.2 km, 451 m of ascent, 690 m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel Casa Carolina, Santa Marta
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
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Transfer to Santa Marta Airport, Departure Day
Sadly, your Lost City Trekking Tour has reached its end. Transfer to the Santa Marta Airport after breakfast, which takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Have a pleasant journey!
Distance N/A
Overnight Location N/A
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices

Pricing for this guided Lost City Trekking Tour is usually run as a private tour for your group only.

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

  • Guided Groups of 2-3: from $1,425USD per person*
  • Guided Groups of 4-5: from $1,195USD per person*
  • Guided Groups of 6+: from $965USD 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

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners are included on your tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 5 nights along the tour are included as described. You will stay in mountain lodges along the trek and in a 4-star hotel in Santa Marta before and after your trek.

Transportation during the Tour

  • Airport transfers
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead in shared transportation

Also Included

  • Local English-speaking trekking guide
  • Lost City entrance fee
  • Hammocks or mattresses for the trek (mattress availability not guaranteed)
  • Cook for campsite
  • Pack animals for carrying personal luggage

Not included

  • Transportation from Bogota to/from Santa Marta. Expect to pay $250 to $300 USD for these flights.
  • Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrivals/departures
  • Tips
  • Personal equipment and expenses
  • Insurance
  • Anything else not listed as included

Accommodation for Lost City Trek

Accommodations on this trekking tour are in mountain lodges where you will sleep in hammocks, or mattresses when available. Before and after your trek, stay in a 4-star hotel in the city of Santa Marta.

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 Lost City Trekking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be able to hike for up to 8 hours but most of the trails are not strenuous and most of the hiking is under 1,000 m of 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. If you are planning your trip during any this time, please contact us to confirm these dates.

Are meals included on the Lost City Trekking Tour?

5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 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 Santa Marta to start this tour?

Fly to the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Santa Marta (SMR). Airport transfer to your hotel is included.

Where does the Lost City Trekking Tour end?

The tour ends with a night in Santa Marta before departure in the morning. Airport transfer included.

Is the Lost City Trekking Tour in English?

Your trekking guide will be Spanish speaking. An English-speaking translator is available for an additional fee.

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, but the Lost City Trek can be done year-round.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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