Colombia - Lost City Trekking
7 days, Santa Marta to Santa Marta
Itinerary
Day 1Santa Marta
Arrive at any time.
Arrival Day
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Gold Museum Santa Marta
FreeExplore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.
Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
23000COP per personVisit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.
Day 2Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp
Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Lost City Trek Day 1
Leave Machete Pelao and start trekking through the jungle along the Buritaca River. Pass by farmland and get a glimpse into daily life in the small communities en route to the campsite. This first day of trekking is relatively straightforward and a good way to ease yourself into it. There is a combination of uphill and flat sections that lead the way to the first campsite. Continue uphill to reach Ricardito Camp, known locally as vista hermosa or beautiful view, sit back and soak them in. If the weather is right, sunsets and sunrises here are not to be missed.
Total distance: 7.6 km.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3Ricardito Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Head further into the vivid green jungle past small villages en route to the camp for the evening. After a long day of trekking, enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the natural swimming pools.
Lost City Trek Day 2
Begin trekking alongside the Buritaca River early in the morning. Pass through more farmland used for growing coffee or raising cattle. Climbing on this part of the trek can be challenging as the route progresses uphill from the riverbed and through the humid jungle. Take a look at the unique, circular huts that make up some of the Kogi villages in the area. Once you make it to the camp, cool off with a swim in the river before dinner.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 4 Wiwa Camp /Teyuna Paraiso Camp
Continue trekking along the route to the Ciudad Perdida. Today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep inclines, make sure to rest and take in the beautiful views.
Lost City Trek Day 3
Continue along the river with stretches of steep inclines. Take the opportunity to jump in the river and cool off. Trekkers should drink a lot of water today, especially if the weather is hot and humid. There are some points where the hike passes narrow ledges that can present a challenge for anyone who is not too steady on their feet. Arrive at the Teyuna Paraiso campsite around mid-afternoon.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Teyuna Paraiso Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Get started early to climb the 1,200 steps up to the Lost City. The view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it well worth the hike. Explore the Lost City and learn what is known of its origins from the indigenous guide, before making the descent back to Wiwa Camp for the night.
Lost City Trek Day 4
The once-forgotten city is only an hour away and to get there you must climb the 1,200 steps built by the ancient Tayrona people. This is a very steep climb, but the rewards of the climb are more than worth it. Once at the site, the guide will explain the history of the Lost City and what is known of its origins. It is estimated that only 10% of the site has been discovered. Head back to the campsite for lunch and a swim before beginning the trek back the way you came to Wiwa Camp.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6 Wiwa Camp /Santa Marta
In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.
Lost City Trek Day 5
Continue the hike back down to Machete Pelao following the same route that you took in. The farmland will look familiar, but the scenery remains spectacular. Take in your last views of the jungle and local village life before heading back on the grid.
Total distance: 7.6 km
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Santa Marta
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Gold Museum Santa Marta
FreeExplore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.
Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
23000COP per personVisit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.