Colombia - Lost City Trekking
7 days, Santa Marta to Santa Marta
Itinerary
Day 1Santa Marta
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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 lunch stop. After lunch, trek alongside the Buritaca River and 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. Unwind at camp with a dip in the natural swimming pools or take a nap in a hammock.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 3 Wiwa Camp /Teyuna Paraiso Camp
Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.
Lost City Trek - Day 2
In the morning the route continues along the river before moving into a steep incline. If the group wants a break, 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 4Teyuna 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 3
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. Most of the trek today is downhill which can be hard on the knees, a walking stick might be useful.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5 Wiwa Camp /Ricardito Camp
Follow the path back through the deep jungle, wind through banana trees, cacao plants and small Kogi communities on the way to Ricardito Camp. The nickname for this camp is vista hermosa or beautiful views, sit back and soak them in.
Lost City Trek - Day 4
Head back along the same path through dense green jungle, pass by banana trees, Kogi communities, and grasslands. Stop at Adán Camp for a dip in the cool river or a fresh fruit juice. If Adán himself is around, make sure to listen to his stories of looting and drug labs of days past. 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6Santa Marta
Head across grassy hills and gentle streams to reach the Gotshezhy Wiwa indigenous community. Enjoy a G Adventures-supported lunch prepared by women from the community. Learn about Wiwa customs on a village visit and then lounge in a hammock by the river or opt to explore nearby waterfalls. In the afternoon, return to Santa Marta for a well deserved night in a hotel.
Lost City Trek - Day 5
Get an early start to beat the heat and head out across undulating grassy hills. The terrain today is up and down, enjoy the last day of the trek meandering across the hills passing local homes and descending down to gentle streams on the way to Gotshezhy community.
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.