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Lost City Trek, Colombia

Journey through Caribbean jungle on a 4-day trek

Exploring the Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, offers travelers one of the most unique and unforgettable adventures in South America. This spellbinding archaeological site lies deep in the Caribbean jungle and is a memorable reward for adventurers who tackle the 4-day trek. Along the way, expect to wade through waist-high rivers, shower under waterfalls and sleep among an abundance of biodiversity. You will also connect to a civilization almost totally unchanged from the 7th century, discovering how their lives are dedicated to protecting this sacred land named The Heart of The World​.
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Lost City Trek Colombia Top Platform

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Lost City Trek Colombia Top Terrace View

Santa Marta: Trek to the Lost City (5 days)

Trek to Colombia's ancient Lost City & enjoy a tubing adventure to a Caribbean beach. From $499.
view 5-day trip
Lost City Trek Crossing Rivers

Santa Marta: Trek to the Lost City (7 days)

Trek to Colombia's ancient Lost City, enjoy tubing & take part in a weaving workshop. From $599
view 7-day trip
Lost City Trek Colombia Stairs

Colombia: Andes & Lost City Trek

Hike Andes mountains & forests, staying with locals. Journey to the Lost City. From $1399.
view 11-day trip

Reviews

Matthew

Lost City Trek Newlywed Couple
"Overall a terrific trip. And I must say a huge thank you to Kagumu for how it was all organized and well considered, and a special personal thanks for all their support in making the engagement with my fiancé perfect as it was. Couldn't have been better."
Reviewed Mar 14

Kristen

Lost City Trek Walking in the City
"Kagumu Adventures walks the walk when it comes to responsible and sustainable travel. Every detail of the trip was handled, leaving us nothing to worry about, including plenty of vegan options at every meal (thank you!). I can’t wait for my next trip!"
Reviewed Mar 6
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Hamish

Lost City Trek Guide Gabo
​"An enriching, inspiring and hugely enjoyable journey filled with adventure and culture. Extremely knowledgeable and engaging local guides ensured we learned lots along the way too. A truly unforgettable experience!"
Review submitted 3 Mar 2020

Lost City Trek Colombia Map

Fast Facts

Location: La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
Difficulty: No previous trekking experience needed but you should be in good shape and ready for a challenge. 
Length: 4 days (3 and 5 days treks are available upon request)
Accommodation: Bunk beds or hammocks in jungle campsites
Elevation: Lowest altitude 150m; Maximum altitude 1200m
Average walking time: 6 hours per day
Group size: Maximum 16 people
Dates: Year round apart from September when the Lost City is closed
Weather: A tropical climate means it is hot and humid and sometimes rainy

Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1 - Arrivals

We offer two private transfer times upon arrival. Depending on arrival times, we offer a walking tour of the city. Enjoy a free evening exploring the charming Parque de Los Novios, where you will encounter a wide array of street music and a sultry Caribbean vibe.

Day 2 - Tubing to a secluded Caribbean beach

​After a two-hour bus ride, you'll enter the world's highest coastal mountain range, a place called the Heart of The World due to its extraordinary biodiversity. Just before sunset, we head down the sultry Don Diego river in a kayak or tube to a secluded beach.

Day 3 - Begin a journey to an ancient Lost City

Our local partners pick up the group from your hotel and transport you to the beginning of the 4-day trek. Before beginning this memorable journey, you will discover why indigenous locals claim this mountain range to be sacred and key to maintain the equilibrium of the planet. You'll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 6 hour

Day 4 - Encounter customs & traditions from the past

Hike closer to the mystical ancient city, learning the traditions of the native Kogi and Wiwa communities. Expect to wade through waist-high rivers, along mountain peaks and alongside towering waterfalls. ​After hearing mystical stories of the land over dinner, you'll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 10 hours.

Day 5 - Enter the spellbinding Lost City

Today you'll reach Ciudad Perdida, an ancient site shrouded with mist, glory and magic. Bask in your trekking achievement above the clouds and looking into the think jungle atop one of the top platforms. Again, you'll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 6 - Finish the trek & relax on the beach

Your epic journey will come to an end with another adventurous day hiking and, depending on the pace of the group, some free time on the pristine Caribbean beach.
​Hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 7 - Departures

We offer one departure time for guests to travel from their eco hotel and to the airport for their connecting flight home.
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Lost City Trek Colombia Snacks
Lost City Trek Colombia Walk
Lost City Trek Colombia Group
Lost City Trek Colombia Swimming

What is included in the price

  • Airport transfers in private transport
  • Private transport and domestic flight
  • All accommodation throughout
  • Local bilingual Kagumu guides
  • Full health insurance
  • All scheduled excursions & activities
  • Carbon offsetting for your international flight
  • Water during the trip

What is not included

  • Tips (optional)
  • Meals during any free time
  • International flights
  • Activities not mentioned
  • Travel insurance

How do I book a trip to the Lost City?

If you visit the Lost City you have to go with an authorized company. If you are a solo travelers you can book on a trip with like-minded travelers: Check out our 7-day trek by clicking here. If you are a small group and you are ready to go, simply contact our travel planner, Simon Willis on simon@kagumuadventures.com or click below.
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Crossing one of many rivers to reach the sacred Lost City
Lost City Trek Guide Marco

Why Kagumu is the best company for the Lost City trek

  • We are the only UK company running treks in the Lost City that is legally certified in Colombia.
  • ​We ensure sustainable travel (see below for more details).
  • Thus far we have an overall 5/5 customer satisfaction as you can see from Kagumu's facebook page.
  • Safety is paramount. All our guides are trained in first aid and engage in ongoing CRISIS training and we also offer fully comprehensive risk assessments for every itinerary. 
  • We pride ourselves on personalized and prompt communication before, during and after the trip. Contact us to find out more.
  • Our guides are trailblazers in terms of making the trekking experience more responsible and more ecologically friendly. Click here to see Kagumu's impact.
  • We support other local communities, not just the ones in La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

How you will travel responsibly

Carbon neutral

We calculate your carbon emissions from flying with South Pole and donate the equal amount of the carbon emissions to reforestation projects run by Stand for Trees.

No single-use plastic

We have a commitment to no single-use plastic during the trip and we provide you with alternatives throughout the trip.

B Corporation

​We are in the process of becoming a B Corporation, which certifies our sustainable and responsible internal and external commitment. ​

Positive social impact

At least 4 per cent of the profits going back into local responsible social projects. Find out more information about Kagumu's social impact by clicking here.

Responsible partners

We have chosen the hotels you stay in the guides that guide you and the restaurants you eat in to maximize positive impact
KAGUMU'S impact
Lost City Trek Packing List

Recommended packing list

Large backpack and small backpack
Long-sleeve t-shirts and short-sleeve t-shirts
Shorts
Long waterproof walking pants
Light raincoat
Bathing suit
Water shoes
Towel
Socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Bugspray and personal hygiene Items
Flashlight
Water bottle
Personal medicine
Camera
Waterproof cover or plastic bags against rain
Sandals or resting shoes
Hooded top for the evening

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lost City trek safe?

Travelers have hiked to the Lost City for the last decade or so and it is perfectly safe to do so. We work alongside local companies, local guides and local communities to ensure the trip is safe for everyone. Obviously, usual precaution has to be adhered to as is the case with any trip but you can rest assured that we have fully comprehensive risk assessments for each day and each activity. ​

Who will I be traveling with?

This trip is for adventure travelers who want to travel with new people, explore new cultures, discover new ecosystems and travel in a responsible way. 

Do I need a visa?

Yes, but you will receive a travel visa when you arrive at the airport which will cover your stay in Colombia.

Where will I be staying?

Any time spent in Santa Marta will be in a lovely hotel or an eco lodge in the jungle. During the Lost City trek you will stay in jungle camps in hammocks or bunk beds. Otherwise you will stay in 3 star + hotels in shared twin or triple bedrooms. Single rooms are available upon request and at an extra cost and subject to availability. ​

What will the weather be like?

You will encounter a variety of climates. Dry season in Santa Marta is: September to February and May to July. Santa Marta’s climate is much more tropical and can hit 31 degrees °C during the day. Dry season is usually January to April.

What will the food be like?

We offer a wide range of food options from local Colombian soups, coffee and fruit juices to ecological lunches wrapped in leaves. We can adjust the food options to any requirements or allergies you may have.

What is the Lost City price?

We start our tours from $499 for a 5-day Lost City immersive experience Everything is included in this price and certain a certain percentage will go to the farmers, indigenous communities and trail maintenance. 

How long is the Lost City trek?

​The trek is 4 days but this can be adjusted to 3 and 5 days upon request. However, we feel 4 days is just the right length and we have incorporated this into several itineraries that you can find here.