About this tour
The Lost City is a majestic ancient stone city built by the Tayrona civilization around the year 700 AD, on the northeastern slope of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It holds the mysteries, customs and legends of an ancestral people who still live in this region.
It is one of the most demanding and rewarding hikes for its natural beauty and cultural exchange with Indigenous communities. It is for anyone who wants to disconnect from routine, wear out their boot soles and try something new. The full route is about 52 km, with a maximum altitude of 1,150 m.
You choose the length: 4 days / 3 nights (the fastest), 5 days / 4 nights or 6 days / 5 nights, with more time at the rivers and with the Wiwa and Kogui communities. Lodging and meals belong to the local communities and are independent; the quality of the facilities depends on them. The trail is shared with other agencies, so the number of visitors changes with the season.
What to expect
- Tropical jungle with temperatures of 26 to 32 °C; heat and humidity are high, and nights can drop to 18 °C.
- Plenty of mosquitoes and biting midges: bring repellent.
- A high chance of rain, usually at dusk, and muddy stretches of trail.
- River and stream crossings.
- Respect for communities: do not photograph people without permission and follow your guide.
What to pack
A good-size backpack, boots or sneakers with good grip and sandals to rest in, quick-dry clothes, swimsuit and long clothes for the night, sunscreen and repellent, medication, toilet paper, a 1 to 2 liter bottle (the guide provides water after the first day), cash for drinks, crafts or tips, quick-dry towel, power bank, rain cover for the pack, flashlight and hand sanitizer. See the full Lost City guide.
Itinerary
- 4 days · 4 days / 3 nights optionDay 1: Santa Marta to El Mamey (about 3 h by vehicle) and a hike of about 7.6 km with a stop at the Tres Cruces viewpoint to camp 1. Day 2: swim in the Buritaca River, walk past the Kogui village of Mutanyi and arrive at camp 3. Day 3: climb 1,200 steps to the Lost City, tour the archaeological park and return to camp 2. Day 4: descend to El Mamey (about 6 h), lunch and 4x4 back to Santa Marta.
- 5 days · 5 days / 4 nights optionDays 1 to 3 as in the 4-day option. Day 4: walk back to camp 1 (about 2 h) and spend the afternoon and night there. Day 5: descend to El Mamey (about 4 h), lunch and 4x4 back.
- 6 days · 6 days / 5 nights optionDay 1: jeep to El Mamey, lunch and about 4 h of trekking to the first camp. Day 2: enter the Indigenous reserve, spend the day at the second camp with the river and exchange with Wiwa and Kogui people. Day 3: descend to the Buritaca River valley, Mutanyi and camp 3. Day 4: climb to the Lost City and the archaeological park for 3 to 4 h. Day 5: return through the jungle. Day 6: final stretch to El Mamey, lunch and back to Santa Marta.
Included
- 4x4 transport (Santa Marta – El Mamey – Santa Marta)
- Meals during the tour
- Lodging in camps (hammocks or beds with mosquito nets)
- Archaeological park entrance (ICANH)
- Travel insurance
- Contributions to the farming and Indigenous communities
- Licensed guide
Not included
- Mules during the trek (extra cost)
- Visit to the Mamo (extra cost)
- Beers and drinks
- Shopping tours or visits to other attractions
- Crafts and tips
Questions
How many days do I need?
There are 4, 5 and 6-day options. The 4-day is the fastest and most demanding; the 5 and 6-day give more time at the rivers and with communities.
How hard is it?
It is demanding: about 52 km in total, steep ups and downs, heat, humidity and 1,200 stone steps up to the city. Ask us for details if you are not used to long hikes.
What time do we leave?
Pickup is between 7:00 and 9:30 am at the agreed place.
Where do we sleep?
In community camps, in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets. The lodging is independent and facility quality depends on each camp.
What about my belongings?
Each traveler is responsible for their own belongings. Carry only what you need.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish fixed prices because they depend on group size, date and options. Request a quote or message us on WhatsApp and we reply within a few hours.
