Santa Marta : The Lost City [Ciudad Perdida] trek 4d

Where : Santa Marta

Tomplanmytrip connects you with this local expert to organize Colombia's most famous trek.

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4 Days
English, Spanish
A 10% deposit is required.
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The Lost City adventure

Go back in time by entering a sacred territory to the native communities.


The Ciudad Perdida trek is one of the most important in South America. Venture into the jungle in the Sierra Nevada mountains' heart and seek its hidden wonders. Discover an archaeological site steeped in history, breathtaking scenery, and lush vegetation. Don't forget that good physical condition is essential, as you'll be walking 6 to 8 hours a day.

Roadmap

4 Days

  • Day 1 Santa Marta > camp1 | 9km and ~4h
  • Day 2 Camp1 > Camp3 | 18km and ~7,5h
  • Day 3 Camp3 > Ciudad Perdida > Camp 2 | 14km and ~6h
  • Day 4 Camp 2 > ''El mamey'' village | 17km and ~7h

What to expect

Day stage: 9km and ~4h
The 4x4 picks you up at your hotel in Santa Marta, Taganga, or on the way, and you're off for a 3-hour drive to the village of "El Mamey".
After lunch in the village, start your adventure with a 4-hour walk to Camp 1.
Settle in for the night in a hammock + mosquito net or a bed + mosquito net, depending on availability.
Day stage: 18km and ~7.5h
After an early breakfast, start with a 2-hour walk towards the indigenous village of "Mutanzi," then continue for about 40 minutes to camp 2 for a well-deserved lunch break.
After recovering strength, embark on a 4-hour hike to camp 3 for the second night. Again, choose between a hammock with a mosquito net or a bed with a mosquito net based on availability.
Day stage: 14km and ~6h
Set off again early after breakfast, heading towards the famous terraces of Ciudad Perdida. Allow 1 hour to reach them and 2 hours to enjoy this sacred archaeological site in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
After recharging in this special place surrounded by mountains, descend back to camp 3 for lunch.
Then, return to camp 2 for the final evening. Sleep in a hammock with a mosquito net or bed with a mosquito net, depending on availability.
Day stage: 17km and ~7h
It's the last day of your adventure. Allow about 7 hours to cover the final kilometers from camp 2 to the village of "El Mamey".
Get into the car with a smile on your face and memories flooding your mind, then head towards Santa Marta for a good night's sleep in a comfortable hotel.

Must know

  1. Click on the "contact this expert" button and complete our online form (1min).
  2. Tomplanmytrip will receive your answers and create a WhatsApp group to put you in touch with the agency.
  3. Once the group has been created, you can chat freely with the agency to get all the answers you need.
  4. Then it's up to you to decide whether or not to book your experience.
  • This experience is done in groups of up to 15 people.
  • Each group has its local guide plus an English translator.
  • The camps have electricity, showers, and toilets, but these are basic facilities.
  • Accommodation is either in beds with mosquito nets or hammocks with mosquito nets, depending on availability.
  • Your large travel bag can be left at the agency of this expert during the trek.
  • Transport from Santa Marta to the start of the trek is included. You can also be picked up from your hotel in Santa Marta, Taganga, or along the route to La Aguacatera junction.
  • Departures are available daily except during the park's closure periods (typically in September).
  • Hike with a light backpack—only carry your belongings and water for the day.
  • Round-trip transportation from Santa Marta to the beginning of the trek.
  • Local guide + English translator.
  • Insurance for this activity.
  • Food throughout the tour: 3 breakfasts (Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), 4 lunches, 3 dinners, as well as snacks and fruits during the day.
  • Water is provided. Guides use tablets to purify drinking water.
  • Accommodation: hammocks and beds with mosquito nets and blankets. Bring a sleeping bag liner if you prefer not to use the provided sheets.
  • Contribution to indigenous communities, peasant communities, and ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History).
  • Entrance ticket to the archaeological zone.
Prices:
  • Prices are subject to chosen options and exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Prices displayed are indicative and should be confirmed with your expert.
  • The trek price is fixed and official: 2,150,000 COP per person in 2024.
Choose your package:
  • Prices on the page correspond to the 4-day trek, the most classic option.
  • The 5-day option is also available at the same price as the classic tour. Day 4 of the 4-day option is divided differently, allowing free time to enjoy beautiful waterfalls.
  • The 3-day option is possible but priced differently as it offers a private experience.
Why choose this option:
  • Discover the sacred site of the Lost City, its secrets, history, and the myths surrounding it.
  • Experience a thrilling adventure deep in the jungle and feel the power of this environment.
  • Learn more about the indigenous way of life, their beliefs, and the significance they place on the Sierra Nevada.
  • It's a wonderful opportunity to discover a multi-day trek's joys (and challenges).
What may disappoint:
  • This adventure isn't primarily focused on discovering Indigenous culture, although you'll have the opportunity to talk with a "Mamo" and ask questions to your guide.
  • There are few viewpoints during the trek as you navigate through dense jungle. You'll have to wait until you reach the Lost City for more cultural immersion.
  • The price is relatively high compared to other treks in Colombia.
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