Colombia's Lost City

Stroll through the historic Old Town in Cartegena

Local woman selling fresh fruits on the streets of Colombia - Colombia's Lost City Trek, Colombia

Local woman selling fresh fruits on the streets of Colombia | Pat Rochon

The Lost City in Colombia's Sierra Nevada

The Lost City trek in Colombia's Sierra Nevada

The Lost City in Colombia's Sierra Nevada | Gesine Cheung

The colourful buildings in Old Town, Cartagena are a beautiful sight.

Colombia's Lost City Trek

Explore Colombia's lost and found highlights

Colombia

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2 reviews

10 Days from

$2690 USD

Trip Code: CLK

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement Lost City Trek

$490 USD

Solo Traveller Supplement

$900 USD

Duration

10 Days

Activities

4 day trek

Accommodation

6 nights hotel
3 nights jungle camp

Meals

3 Dinners
4 Lunches
9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Introductory to Moderate
This trip is graded ‘Introductory to Moderate’ under our fitness grading system. This adventure involves trekking for up to 6 hours a day at a steady pace in varied undulating jungle terrain. There will be long days in a hot/humid climate with some sections involving river crossings as well as trekking up and down some steep hills on a sometimes slippery and uneven trail. Also be prepared for the 1,200 steps to the highlight of the trek as you reach the 'Lost City'. We recommend people begin their fitness preparation immediately upon booking. Solid work-outs that are aerobic (ie. hill walking, jogging, swimming, bike riding or gym work) of 45 mins to 1 hour four times a week is a guide to a routine training program. This should be combined with hill walking in rugged terrain, in variable weather conditions. The amount of training and preparation you do beforehand can determine the amount of enjoyment you have on the track.
4 / 10
Introductory to Moderate

Carbon Footprint

51kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(463kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

See the sights of cosmopolitan Bogotá and its historic La Candelaria District
Be enchanted by the colonial architecture and cobbled alleys of Cartagena
Climb the 1200 steps to reach the Lost City
Journey through spectacular jungle scenery on the four day trek
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Felipe Fortress

Overview

Immerse yourself in the highlights of Colombia and discover a destination teeming with historical insights and natural wonders. Our adventure begins in the capital city of Bogota where we take in the colonial and baroque architecture found in La Candelaria and visit Bolivar Square. Climb the 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna, enjoying spectacular jungle scenery on a four day trek. Colombia’s Lost City, ancient ruins high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a breath-taking treasure that was once home to a thriving civilisation. Still considered hallowed ground by the indigenous tribes nearby. Our journey ends in the Caribbean beach resort city, Cartagena of the West Indies, with its colourful districts and wonderful beaches. Discover historically rich Cartagena and walk its meandering cobblestone streets of the walled city and take in the sights of centuries-old fortresses and churches, a fitting end to our time in Colombia.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

You will be met on arrival in Bogotá and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar.

Meals: Nil

Today's city tour starts with a visit to Paloquemao, the largest market in the heart of the city. Experience the traditional market with passionate merchants selling fruits, vegetables, and delicacies for tasting. The market is also supplied by florists from all over the country, turning the open-air area into a colourful sea of smells. Next, a cable car ride will take you to Cerro Monserrate, where you can visit one of the highest pilgrimage churches in the world at 3152 meters and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá and its surroundings. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the historical quarter of "La Candelaria," which includes the Plaza de Bolivar, home to the National Capitol of Colombia and an impressive cathedral. For lunch, we highly recommend trying the typical Bogotan soup dish called "Ajiaco Bogotano". In the afternoon the tour will include a visit to the renowned Gold Museum (closed on Mondays), featuring an impressive exhibition of the goldsmith's art of the indigenous people and the largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts in the world. Another highlight is a visit to the Botero Foundation, showcasing 85 original pieces by the famous Colombian artist of the same name. City-Tour with a local English-speaking guide (appr. 8 hours) Overnight: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar.

Meals: B

After breakfast you will be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Our team will be available to assist you with check-in at the airport. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight: Hotel Tamaca Beach or similar.

Meals: B

We'll depart Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest city, at 8:30am this morning and head towards La Aguacatera's sector. Once we arrive, we'll switch to a 4WD vehicle, which will take approximately 3 hours to reach El Mamey, where we'll have lunch. After lunch, we'll begin our trek to the first campsite. Along the way, you can relax and cool off in the rivers, natural pools, and waterfalls that surround us. In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner and spend the night in bunks. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Note: You'll be carrying everything you need for the trek in your small back pack and leaving your main luggage in Santa Marta. Your backpack should be fully adjustable to your body type, where in addition to water, you can carry your clothing and personal items. Horses will be used to transport some luggage. On the 3rd day on the way to the lost city you leave your belongings in the camp and go for one night with the basics (one long cotton pants, one long sleeved shirt, your camera and your insect repellent). Walking approx 4-5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

The day starts with an early breakfast, followed by a 2 hour trek to the Mutanzi indigenous community. Our local guide will accompany us, and we will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and discover their way of life. Following a 40-minute to 1-hour trek, we will reach the second camp, where we can enjoy lunch and relax by a crystalline river. We will then continue our trek for approximately 4 hours to reach Mamo Romulado, our basecamp for the night. In the evening, our guide will share stories and traditions from their community. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Walking approx 6-7 hours.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast in the early morning, we'll begin our climb up 1,200 steps on a trail built by the Tayrona people to reach the stunning Lost City. Upon arrival, our guide will provide us with a detailed tour of this enchanting place, complete with relics and ancestral stories. We'll have plenty of time to soak in the scenery and relax during the morning. After this incredible experience, we'll trek back to the third camp for lunch before returning to the second camp for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Walking approx 6 hours.

Meals: B,L,D

On the last day of our adventure, we'll start with breakfast at the camp before beginning our return journey to where it all began. Along the way, we'll take refreshing breaks at rivers and waterfalls. After a 7-hour hike, we'll finally reach El Mamey, where we'll enjoy lunch. Following lunch, we will begin our return journey to Santa Marta, which takes approximately 3 hours. Initially, a 4WD car will pick us up to transport us back to the Aguacatera sector. Subsequently, we will transfer to a van for the remainder of the journey to Santa Marta. We'll depart completely delighted with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the magical Sierra Nevada. Overnight: Hotel Tamaca Beach or similar. Walking approx 7 hours.

Meals: B,L

We'll depart from Santa Marta this morning and travel to Cartagena by road. Cartagena is a city that combines the charm of Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean lifestyle, cultural festivals, exotic scenery, and wonderful food. As you walk through the streets, you'll discover Spanish colonial buildings such as the Palace of the Inquisition, the Clock-Tower, and the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas. Cartagena also offers countless options for dining out and exploring new and exotic flavors in both local and international cuisines. Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas or similar.

Meals: B

The city tour starts with a visit to the hill of La Popa, where the monastery of the same name is located. Founded by Augustinian monks in the 17th century, the monastery now houses many interesting exhibits about Cartagena's history. From the hilltop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, including the suburbs, which is truly breathtaking. Next, we will visit one of the most iconic historical buildings of Cartagena, the Castillo de San Felipe. This is the largest military fortification ever built by the Spanish on the continent, and it offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past. Finally, we will take a walking tour of the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour typically ends around lunchtime, giving you the opportunity to indulge in some of the delicious Caribbean cuisine that Cartagena is famous for, at one of the many excellent local restaurants. City Tour (appr. 4 hours) Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas or similar.

Meals: B

The journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

94 scheduled departures between 29 Aug 2026 and 30 Dec 2026.

Departs 29 Aug 2026 – ends 7 Sep 2026 (10 days)
Departs 30 Aug 2026 – ends 8 Sep 2026 (10 days)
Departs 31 Aug 2026 – ends 9 Sep 2026 (10 days)
Departs 1 Oct 2026 – ends 10 Oct 2026 (10 days)
Departs 2 Oct 2026 – ends 11 Oct 2026 (10 days)
Departs 3 Oct 2026 – ends 12 Oct 2026 (10 days)
… and 88 more departures.

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What's included?

Included

9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
Airport transfers
Experienced local guides, English speaking tour leader for groups of 8 or more people
Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed
Comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
Porterage on trek

Not included

International flights & airport taxes
Flight Bogota to Santa Marta
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Medical treatment
Excess baggage costs
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, postage, phone calls, bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages etc
Tips and gratuities
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Reviews (2)

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Wow - this was a challenging hike! Not so much the terrain, definitely due to the hot weather. Putting the heat, sweat and fatigue to one side - this hike is unique and rewarding. Along the route there is lots to see and the destination is mind blowing! Our team (Stiwen, Brayan & Pinnochio) were attentive and did everything possible to make this a safe & memorable trip. The side journeys on this itinerary were all worthwhile and enjoyable. It was just the two of us for the duration of this trip and at all times we felt safe and everything ran without a hitch.

Neil Davis|Richmond, VIC Australia

3 Feb 2024

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From walking the historical streets of Bogota and admiring the fabulous street art, to watching street life in colourful Cartagena with its Caribbean vibe, this trip is a real treat from start to end.

The trek itself is a hot, sweaty, and at times exhausting one, but it is well worth the effort for the beautiful scenery. Using the only company that use indigenous guides makes the visit to the Lost City all the more magical; and listening to tales of indigenous village life around a campfire is an experience we will truly treasure.

G. Anderson|UK

20 Feb 2017

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Colombia's Lost City Trek

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Map

Elevation

Ready to start your adventure?