How to get to the Lost City?
The Lost City in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is one of the most beautiful touristic places in Colombia. It is an invitation to disconnect yourself from the noise
The Lost City Trek 3 Days Tour
The Lost City Trek 3 Days Tour
Embark on the Lost City Trek, a thrilling 3-day adventure deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
This challenging yet unforgettable journey takes you through lush jungle paths, river crossings, and sacred indigenous trails.
Leading to the mystical remains of the Lost City Colombia, one of South America’s most extraordinary archaeological sites.
Each day, you’ll trek for 7 to 8 hours surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, exotic wildlife, and rich ancestral energy.
Along the way, expert local guides share the stories of the Tayrona civilization, connecting every step with centuries of hidden history.
Tour price $2.150.000 COP with translator
Itinerary of the Lost City Trek 3 days
DAY 1: The Beginning of Your Amazing Adventure! Lost City Trek
At 5:00 AM: It’s time to hit the road! Your adventure begins as you’re picked up from your accommodation in Santa Marta. Get ready to explore the breathtaking Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta!
Get ready for an amazing adventure! We’ll take you on a thrilling journey in a 4×4 vehicle for approximately 3 hours to the heart of the action.
Breakfast at the Mamey: Get ready to taste the local flavors and get pumped for the hike!
Next up is an incredible motorcycle ride along an unpaved road that will take you about an hour to reach the first camp, Vista Hermosa.
Trek start: Get ready for an incredible 7.6 km (approx. 3 hours) trek to the second camp! You’ll be treated to breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of nature along the way.
Lunch at Mumake Camp: Enjoy a delicious, nutritious lunch at Mumake Hut while relaxing in the beautiful surroundings.
Hike to Zhulezhi Camp: We’re off again! It’s another approximately 4-hour trek, and we’ll get to appreciate the region’s amazing fauna and flora.
Arrival at Zhulezhi Camp: Get ready to enjoy some amazing facilities (toilets, showers, and electricity from 6 PM to 9 PM) and relax in your bed.
Dinner: Get ready to share stories with your group while you savor a delicious local dinner!
DAY 2: We will discover the Lost City Colombia
Get ready for a day full of discoveries with an early breakfast.
The Lost City Trek Colombia. Just 2 km away, climb the 1.200 steps that lead to the majestic ruins of Teyuna.
Explore the Archaeological Park on a 3-hour tour and discover the history and culture of the ancestors.
You will return to Zhulezhi Camp, have lunch, and recharge your batteries before returning to Mumake Camp, where you will spend the night.
You will overnight at the camp. Enjoy dinner and relax in the hammocks or beds provided.
DAY 3: It’s time to head back to Santa Marta
Breakfast: Treat yourself to a delicious, energizing breakfast to fuel up for the return trip!
Time to head back to civilization! We’ll be departing for the lovely village of El Mamey, which will take us about 6 to 8 hours.
After your hike, you’ll have a lovely lunch in El Mamey. It’ll be a great chance to relax and enjoy a tasty meal in the village.
Transportation to Santa Marta: We’ll take you back to the city in a 4×4 vehicle, and you’ll be full of unforgettable memories of this wonderful adventure!
We’d love for you to join us!
This one-of-a-kind experience offers you the chance to explore the Lost City and immerse yourself in the culture and worldview of the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada. Every step you take will be a discovery, and every view will leave you breathless. ¡Book with us and live the adventure!
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.
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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,
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The Lost City Trek 3 Days Tour
$ 2.150.000,00/guest -
Lost City Hike Colombia 5 Days
$ 2.150.000,00/guest -
Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days
$ 1.860.000,00/guest
How to get to the Lost City?
The Lost City in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is one of the most beautiful touristic places in Colombia. It is an invitation to disconnect yourself from the noise
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,
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.