logo expotur partnership
BOOK NOW
logo expotur partnership
Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days

Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days

The Lost City Trekking 4 days is the most adventurous option of excursions to this area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it is perfect for people who have tight schedule and are in good physical condition and enjoy the intense walking surrounded by lush nature and the company of the indigenous communities members. If you enjoy adventure and you like to do exercise or play sports, enjoy the best of the Lost City Trek.

Itinerary of the Lost City Trekking Colombia 4 days

DAY 1: Santa Marta to El Mamey to Adán Camp

  • Start Point: Santa Marta, 9:00 a.m.
  • Drive Time: 2.5 hours (4×4 ride to El Mamey)
  • Hiking Distance: 10 km / 4 hours
  • Overnight: Adán Camp

On the first morning of your Lost City Trekking Colombia adventure, a van will arrive at your Santa Marta hotel at 6:30 AM to carry you and any excess luggage to the Expotur office in town. After settling in and stowing what you won’t need, you’ll set off in a rugged 4×4 at 9:00 AM for the 2½-hour drive to El Mamey, the gateway to the trek.

By late morning you’ll enjoy a warm, traditional Colombian lunch before tightening your packs and beginning the roughly 10 km hike through sun-dappled forest and open terrain. As the afternoon stretches on, you’ll arrive at Adán Camp around 4:30 PM, where a cool dip in a natural pool and a hearty dinner await beneath the jungle canopy.

DAY 2: Adán Camp to Mutanzhi to Mumake Camp

  • Wake-up Time: 5:00 a.m.
  • Hiking Distance: 18 km total
  • Highlights: Indigenous village of Mutanzhi
  • Overnight: Mumake Camp

Day two greets you at 5:00 AM with the gentle call of the rainforest. After breakfast you’ll plunge deeper into the Buritaca River valley, trekking for about four hours until you reach the indigenous Kogui village of Mutanzhi. Here, your local guide will introduce you to centuries-old customs, traditional dress, and the ancestral wisdom of Tayrona descendants.

A midday break restores your energy before you press on through lush jungle trails, covering about 18 km in total, until you emerge at Mumake Camp by late afternoon. As night falls, swap stories with fellow trekkers over dinner and fall asleep to the chorus of nocturnal creatures.

DAY 3: Ascent to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City Colombia)

  • Distance: 4 km to Lost City Tayrona + return trek
  • Steps: 1.200 stone steps built by the Tayronas
  • Visit Duration: 3 hours exploring the site
  • Overnight: Return to Mumake Camp

Your third day begins at dawn with a quick breakfast, after which you’ll leave your main pack behind and carry only essentials on the 4 km journey to the Lost City’s entrance. The real challenge lies in the ascent of 1,200 moss-covered stone steps carved by the Tayrona people centuries ago.

Emerging onto the terraces and plazas of Ciudad Perdida just as the morning light filters through the mist, you’ll spend around three hours exploring its circular stone structures and learning about its spiritual significance. After descending to Paso Lorenzo for a well-earned lunch, you’ll retrace ten kilometers of jungle path back to Mumake Camp, arriving in the late afternoon for a final evening under the stars.

DAY 4: Return Trek to El Mamey and Santa Marta

  • Total Distance: 18 km
  • Terrain: Jungle and open trail
  • Return Time: Between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Santa Marta
  • End Point: Santa Marta (main office or hotel drop-off)

On the fourth and final day, a 6:30 AM breakfast readies you for the approximately 18 km return trek toward El Mamey, a journey of roughly six and a half hours through shifting terrain of dense forest and open trail. By around 2:00 PM you’ll arrive back at El Mamey for a celebratory lunch, recounting highlights of the journey with your guides and new friends.

At 3:00 PM the 4×4 will be waiting to drive you back to Santa Marta, where you can expect to arrive between 5:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Just in time to reflect on the unforgettable experience of discovering Colombia’s Lost City.

Recommendations for the trek to the Lost City

Traveler Responsibilities

Respect the privacy of indigenous and peasants. Not enter their houses and take pictures of them or their belongings without asking permission. Pack only the essentials, because the weight is an important factor. Make sure you are in good health. Return all trash to Santa Marta. Caring and respect what you find. No harm natural or cultural property. There is no mobile phone signal in the park. Tell your family and friends that you can only communicate with them once you are again to Santa Marta.

Clothing and Equipment

During the day, the weather is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, shirts and shorts for walking. At night, the temperature is about 16°C and there is a high proportion of mosquitoes and other insects, so it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts for sleeping and use insect repellent.

Please do not forget:

  • A bottle of water (1 liter), insect repellent, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and camera.
  • Bring only the essentials things in your backpack, remember that the more light is, the walk will be more comfortable and enjoyable.
  • Use sport or walking shoes for the trek, and wear sandals for your stay in the camps.
  • You have to bring your personal care items, so do not forget your soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, foot powder, among others.
  • Your personal medicines, if necessary bring them with you.
  • If you feel it is necessary, you can bring your sleeping bag, but we offer blankets.
  • Among your clothes, be sure to wear shorts, shirts, long pants, socks and swimwear.
  • Two big plastic bags will be very useful to keep dry clothing separate from wet clothing.
  • The insect repellent is essential to protect you against bites, like sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • A bottle of 1 liter of water is sufficient for the first day, we will supply the water needed by the rest of the way with purification tablets.
  • Finally, do not forget your camera so that you register the highlights of your trip.

Documentation

To book the Lost City Trek you must show in our offices your identification document (passport or identity card). To take the tour a copy of the document is enough. It is better not to take the original to prevent damage.

Vaccines

Our recommendation is to have the yellow fever vaccine as a preventive measure for Lost City Trek.

IF YOU GET A LOWER RATE AT ANY OTHER TOUR COMPANY, WE’LL OFFER YOU A SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER PRICE THAN THE OTHER ONE (subject of terms and conditions price 2025, Do not hesitate to ask us).

The tour includes

Transportation

Round trip transfers from the hotel or where you stay to the starting point of the tour (El Mamey) in 4WD vehicles.

Meals

  • Three (3) breakfasts.
  • Four (4) lunches.
  • Three (3) dinners.
  • Typical food prepared by local chefs.
  • Fruits and snacks during walks.

Accommodation

The accommodation during the tour is in hammocks, beds or tents, depending on availability. We provide mosquito nets and blankets every night.

Guidance

Our guides are from the region trained by SENA, with years of experience. They are trained to provide cultural, historical and anthropological information of the indigenous communities and the area.

Travel Insurance

During the tour you will have a medical assistance insurance that cover accidents and illness occurred during the tour. It covers transportation from the place of the event to the medical center, medical assistance, hospitalization and surgeries when
it is necessary.

Contribution to the Communities

We work closely with indigenous and peasant communities. We are committed to support the development of the region through contributions that help to improve the life quality of the locals.

Entrance to the Archaeological Park

The Teyuna Archaeological Park is managed by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH); an institution assigned the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Colombia. The entrance fee to the archaeological park is included
in the tour.

Related products

Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days

TOTAL PRICE

$ 1.860.000,00/guest

Booking Form
Please enter guest information

Tourism and Peace

The route to Lost City “Teyuna” in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is as model of Tourism, Peace and Coexistence region. In our agency,

Read More »

Tourism and Peace

The route to Lost City “Teyuna” in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is as model of Tourism, Peace and Coexistence region. In our agency,

Read More »

TRAVELERS FAQS

1. Where is the Lost City located?

The Lost City Santa Marta is situated high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in northern Colombia, at around 1,200 meters (3,940 ft) above sea level. It’s the final destination of the Lost City Tour, one of Colombia’s most iconic treks.

2. How far is the Lost City from Santa Marta?

The entire Lost City Trek Santa Marta covers roughly 100 kilometers (62 miles) round-trip:

About 70 km by 4×4 vehicle from Santa Marta.

Around 30 km of hiking from El Mamey (Machete Pelao) to the ancient terraces of Teyuna – The Lost City.

3. How long does the Lost City Tour take?

The Lost City Trek usually takes 3, 4, or 5 days, depending on your physical condition and the itinerary chosen by your tour operator.

4. Which is the best Lost City Tour option?

The 4-day Lost City Tour is the most popular and recommended. It offers a balanced experience — challenging yet enjoyable — ideal for most travelers.

5. Who can do the Lost City Trek?

Anyone over 12 years old with decent fitness and no major medical restrictions can join the Lost City Tour Santa Marta.

6. Which agencies operate the Lost City Tour?

There are currently 7 authorized tour operators for the Lost City Trek,
we are one of those.

7. Can I visit the Lost City without a guide?

No. The Lost City Santa Marta can only be visited with a certified operator and guide.
This ensures safety, cultural respect, and environmental protection throughout the Lost City Trek.

8. How much does the Lost City Tour cost?

As of 2025, average prices are:

4-day Lost City Tour: 1,860,000 COP

5-day Lost City Tour: 2,150,000 COP
Prices include meals, accommodation, transportation, guides, insurance, and entrance fees.

9. How do I book the Lost City Trek?

Most operators allow you to reserve your Lost City Tour Santa Marta with a 10% deposit. Booking early is highly recommended, especially during high season.

10. Can I pay by card or only cash?

The deposit can be made by credit card, but during the Lost City Trek, only cash (COP) is accepted in the camps for snacks or drinks.

TREKKING DETAILS

11. How many hours do you walk per day on the Lost City Trek?

Each day of the Lost City Trek Santa Marta involves 6–8 hours of hiking, including river crossings, jungle trails, and mountain ascents.

12. How difficult is the Lost City Tour?

The Lost City Trek is rated moderate to challenging. You’ll need good physical condition and stamina to handle the humidity, altitude changes, and long walking days.

13. What is the terrain like?

During the Lost City Tour Santa Marta, expect steep climbs, muddy jungle paths, and multiple river crossings. In the rainy season, trails can become slippery but adventurous.

14. What should I pack for the Lost City Tour?

  • For the Lost City Trek Santa Marta, bring:
  • Trekking shoes or hiking boots
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
  • Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and hat
  • Headlamp, swimsuit, towel, and cash

15. What’s included in the Lost City Tour package?

The Lost City Tour Santa Marta includes:
4×4 transport, indigenous or local guides, meals, accommodation, insurance, and entrance to the Teyuna Archaeological Park.

16. What are the camps like during the Lost City Trek?

Camps along the Lost City Trek are basic but comfortable, with beds or hammocks with mosquito nets, bathrooms, showers, and communal dining areas.

17. Is there electricity or internet on the Lost City Tour?

Electricity is limited, and there is no cell signal or Wi-Fi during the Lost City Trek Santa Marta. Enjoy the digital detox!

18. Can part of the Lost City Trek be done by motorcycle or horse?

Only the first short section can be done by motorcycle. The rest of the Lost City Tour is entirely on foot.

19. Is the Lost City Santa Marta safe to visit?

Yes. The Lost City Tour Santa Marta is fully safe, regulated by licensed agencies, indigenous communities, and local authorities.

20. Do I need hiking experience for the Lost City Trek?

Not necessarily, but having some trekking experience makes the Lost City Tour easier and more enjoyable — especially on steep climbs.

CULTURE & NATURE

21. Which indigenous communities live near the Lost City?

The Lost City Trek Santa Marta passes through lands inhabited by the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo peoples, descendants of the Tayrona civilization.

22. Why is the Lost City considered sacred?

For indigenous communities, the Lost City Santa Marta is the spiritual heart of the world. It remains a sacred site where traditional rituals and offerings are still performed.

23. Can I take photos during the Lost City Tour?

Yes — except in restricted sacred areas. Always follow your guide’s instructions when taking photos during the Lost City Trek.

24. What is the altitude of the Lost City Santa Marta?

The Lost City of Colombia stands at around 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) above sea level, with temperatures between 20°C and 32°C (68°F–90°F) year-round.

25. What wildlife can I see on the Lost City Trek?

The Lost City Tour Santa Marta offers chances to spot monkeys, toucans, frogs, butterflies, and tropical plants like orchids and giant ceibas.

26. Can I swim during the Lost City Tour?

Yes, there are several natural pools and rivers along the Lost City Trek Santa Marta where travelers can cool off after long hikes.

27. What’s the weather like on the Lost City Trek?

The Lost City Tour has a warm, humid tropical climate. From August to November, rains are heavier, making trails muddier but the jungle greener.

28. Is there medical assistance during the Lost City Trek?

Guides on the Lost City Trek Santa Marta are trained in first aid and carry basic medical kits. However, there are no hospitals nearby — travel insurance is highly advised.

29. Can children join the Lost City Tour?

Yes, children over 12 years old can join the Lost City Tour Santa Marta, as long as they’re in good physical shape and accompanied by an adult.

30. What are the top tips for the Lost City Trek Santa Marta?

Stay hydrated and pace yourself.

Don’t litter — protect the ecosystem.

Respect indigenous customs.

Enjoy every step of the Lost City Trek, a journey that connects you with nature and ancient history.

BOOK NOW

Follow us

Instagram Facebook Tiktok