A journey deep into the jungle and the past
Cultural heritage hidden away in the jungle
Ciudad Perdida is Colombia's most incredible hidden treasure that can only be reached on foot by doing a multi-day trek. The trip is called The Lost City Trek and takes you past flowing rivers, beautiful mountains, stunning viewpoints and authentic Koqi communities living in small villages in the middle of the lush green jungle.
Despite the fact that Ciudad Perdida has been open to tourists for over 10 years, surprisingly few visitors actually take up the challenge and hike to the ruined city. In the heart of the jungle, you will come across stone houses and several places used for rituals and ceremonies. Maybe you'll even discover something yourself since it is believed that only about 10% of the ruined city and the old society have yet been uncovered.
About Colombia's Lost City
Ciudad Perdida was built by the Tairona people, and extends over 12,000 m2. Excavations indicate that between 2,000 and 8,000 people lived there when it was most populated. It was probably the largest city of the empire, and Ciudad Perdida was most likely the economic and political centre of an advanced civilisation with both political structures and impressive engineering skills.
Have we got you curious? There's lots more stories to uncover! During the Lost City trek, you will have the opportunity to learn much more from local guides who have an incredible knowledge of the mysterious civilisation and the jungle surrounding it.
A challenging trek
The hike to Ciudad Perdida is a mountainous round-trip of 44 km. The route both starts and ends in Santa Marta and along the way, there will be climbs of more than 2,000 metres. You will traverse dense jungle, muddy passages and literally cross rivers on your way to the ancient ruined city. It's not for the faint of heart but it's totally worth it!
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Santa Marta ➡ Ricardito Camp
This is the day when the trekking adventure begins, but you should come at least a day early to relax your legs a bit in the cosy harbour town of Santa Marta. When the adventure starts, you'll be driven to Machete Pelao, where the trek itself begins. You'll cross endless fields, stretches of jungle, and small Kogi villages all while getting an insight into the locals who inhabit the shores of the rivers in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range.
Day 3: Ricardito Camp ➡ Teyuna Paraiso Camp
The trek continues on day three, and here a tough stage awaits you with many climbs on the way. In the afternoon you arrive at Teyuna Paraiso Camp, where you can chill by the river to get some well-deserved rest after a long day.
Day 4: Teyuna Paraiso ➡ Mumaki Camp
On day 4 you're going to rise early, as today is the day you have to go all the way to the Lost City. What awaits you, you ask? Well, when you have managed the 1,200 steps up the carved stairs you will be met by the wildest view of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of a civilisation that lived in the area more than 1,000 years ago. After exploring the Lost City, the tour ends at Mumaki Camp for the day.
Day 5: Mumaki Camp ➡ Ricardito Camp
On the fifth day, you follow a path back through the jungle and past the small villages back to Ricardito Camp, popularly known as Vista Hermosa. This means your hike back has some new sights to explore, but also a camp located in the most beautiful surroundings!
Day 6-7: Santa Marta
The last day once again includes a beautiful trek in the hilly landscapes on the trek back to Santa Marta. If you haven't had enough at this point, you can choose to join a shorter trip to one of the nearby waterfalls. Back in Santa Marta you can relax for the rest of the day before you continue your journey on day 7.
What is included?
- Accommodation: 6 nights (2x hotel & 4x camping)
- Local transport
- Meals: 6x breakfast, 5x lunch and 4x dinner (calculate around £40-50 for meals that are not included)
- Entrance to the Gold Museum Santa Marta
- Assistance from a personal travel expert who helps you plan your dream trip so that you get the most out of both time and budget
What is not included?
- Flights to Colombia (but of course, we can help with that)
- Travel insurance (we also help with that)
- Pocket money
- Vaccinations
- Meals (other than those included)
- Other activities, tours etc.
