Trekking To The Lost City – 4 Days

The Lost City Trek is available through two complete programs lasting 4 or 5 days. Below, you will find the detailed itinerary for each option so you can choose the experience that best suits you.

Please note that these itineraries may be subject to minor changes due to weather conditions or safety considerations.

>> PROGRAM 1: 4-DAY TREK TO THE LOST CITY

* Day 1: Santa Marta - Mamey - Camp 1

We will begin the day early, at 7 AM, with a pick-up from your accommodation in Santa Marta. From there, we will travel by van or 4x4 for approximately 3 hours to Mamey.

The village of Mamey is the meeting point where the trek to the Lost City begins. Upon arrival, we will prepare for the hike, ensuring that we have everything needed to enjoy this unforgettable experience. Your guides will provide important instructions, share valuable information about the area, and explain the safety precautions required along the trail. We will have lunch in the village and, after a pleasant conversation and with renewed energy, we will begin our adventure.

We will start our hike to Camp 1: Casa Adan. This will be a 4-hour trek through lush vegetation, crossing crystal-clear rivers along the way. Upon reaching Camp 1, we will settle into hammocks equipped with mosquito nets for our first night. We will enjoy a dinner prepared at the camp and listen to stories about the origins of Teyuna.

* Day 2: Camp 1 - Mutanzi - Camp 3

We will begin the day with a hearty breakfast to prepare for an active day of hiking. We will leave Camp 1 for a two-hour trek toward the Indigenous village of Mutanzi.

This small village, home to the Kogui community, is surrounded by lush vegetation and a breathtaking natural landscape. Your local guide will share stories that introduce you to Kogui culture and ancestral traditions while you enjoy refreshing fresh fruit.

We will then continue walking for another 40 minutes to a group of cabins, where we will stop to relax in the natural pools and enjoy a delicious lunch.

At approximately 1 PM, we will continue toward Camp 3. This will be another 4 hours of guided hiking. Along the route, we will cross the Buritaca River, walk past banana plantations, and likely observe a wide variety of bird species that inhabit the area, including macaws, tanagers, woodpeckers, and toucans.

Between 4 and 5 PM, we will arrive at Camp 3: Mamo Romualdo, where we will spend the night in hammocks, bunk beds, or tents. After dinner at the camp, we will share more meaningful stories about the region and our journey.

* Day 3: Camp 3 - Lost City - Camp 2

After breakfast, we will leave Camp 3 very early. During the first part of the hike, we will not carry our backpacks—only cameras, swimsuits, and comfortable, lightweight clothing. We will leave the camp and hike uphill for approximately one hour until we reach the Lost City. The trail follows the riverbank before crossing the river, where we will find the 1,200 stone steps built by the Tayrona people leading to the majestic Lost City.

We will learn about every aspect of the city and its temple: when it was founded, why it was built, who discovered it, and how it has transformed over time. We will spend two hours exploring the archaeological, ethnological, and historical area. Afterward, we will have free time to enjoy the mountains and their healing properties and capture beautiful memories of this remarkable destination.

At 11:30 AM, we will begin the descent to Camp 3, where we will have lunch and spend time enjoying the river.

We will organize our belongings and, at 1 PM, begin the second hike of the day toward Camp 2: Casa Mumake. This section of the trail will take approximately 4 hours.

Along the way, you will encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna, as well as waterfalls and natural pools inviting you to take a refreshing swim. This hike requires physical effort, with sections of uneven terrain and steep slopes. However, the reward is the opportunity to experience a pristine and beautiful natural environment.

We will arrive at Casa Mumake at approximately 5 PM, where we will spend the night and enjoy another delicious dinner served outdoors. In addition to rest and cultural interaction, Casa Mumake offers the opportunity to take short walks through the surrounding area, exploring the natural landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the nearby rivers—a perfect way to relax after an active day.

* Day 4: Camp 2 - Mamey - Santa Marta

On the final day of the expedition, we will have an early breakfast before beginning our descent from Camp 2: Casa Mumake to Mamey. We will follow the same trails as on the first day during a 7-hour hike through the rainforest. This final section of the Lost City Trek offers time to reflect on the experience and admire the breathtaking scenery as we return to the starting point.

Throughout the return journey, local guides will be available to provide assistance and orientation. They can also share additional information about the sites and points of interest along the route. There will be rest stops where you can enjoy refreshments, snacks, and drinks.

As we approach Mamey, the fatigue will turn into the satisfaction of having completed the journey to the Lost City.

Once we arrive in Mamey, you will have time to rest, share stories and memories with your fellow travelers, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the small town.

At approximately 2 PM, we will board the vans and return to Santa Marta, arriving at your accommodation between 5 and 6 PM. This will mark the end of an unforgettable Lost City adventure and your return to civilization after exploring the secrets of this magical destination in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

>> PROGRAM 2: 5-DAY TREK TO THE LOST CITY

The first 3 days of Program 2 are exactly the same as those in Program 1. The difference is found in Days 4 and 5, which follow the itinerary below:

* Day 4: Camp 2 - Camp 1 - Ecological Hike

After breakfast, we will leave Camp 2: Casa Mumake early and begin a 2-hour ecological trek to Camp 1: Casa Adan.

This 2-hour nature hike in Ciudad Perdida will be an enriching experience. The guides leading the way will provide valuable information about the region’s flora and fauna, pointing out endemic plants and tree species, as well as the birds and other animals that inhabit the area. They will also highlight the importance of conserving and protecting these unique natural environments.

During the hike, you can stop at strategic viewpoints to admire panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding landscapes. You will also have the opportunity to take photographs and capture special moments amid the tropical scenery.

Upon arrival at the base camp, a delicious lunch will be waiting for us, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the river, short trails, and stories from local farmers. We will end the day with dinner and a relaxing evening in the hammocks.

* Day 5: Camp 1 - Mamey - Santa Marta

On the last day of the expedition, we will enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Camp 1, say goodbye to our hosts, and begin a 4-hour hike to Mamey.

The trail will follow the same route as on Day 1, giving us a second opportunity to enjoy the landscape—this time accompanied by great memories and the satisfaction of having reached the Lost City.

In Mamey, we will have lunch and rest while sharing the highlights of the adventure with fellow travelers.

At approximately 2 PM, we will board the vans and return to Santa Marta, concluding the adventure with drop-off at your accommodation between 5 and 6 PM. This will mark the end of an unforgettable odyssey to the Lost City and the return to everyday life after exploring the hidden charms of this enigmatic destination in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.