5 Days Lost City Trek

Day 1: Santa Marta - El Mamey - Adan's Camp  (L/D)

Depart between 9:00 and 10:00 am from the door of your accommodation by 4x4 vehicle for a 3-hour trip to reach El Mamey. Here we will have a light lunch before beginning your exciting trek into one of the largest pre-Columbian towns in Latin America, once inhabited by the Tayrona civilization around the 11th to 14th century.  Get ready for a 7-kilometer trek through the jungle passing by several natural pools where you can take a refreshing swim before reaching the first camp where you will set up your hammocks for the night, have dinner and get a good night’s sleep.(7-kilometer trek; 4 hours approx.) 

*Transfers: Please note that transfers from Cartagena to Santa Marta can be organized at an extra cost, please contact us for more information. 

Day 2: Adan's Camp - El Paraiso Camp   (B/L/D) 

Wake up for an early breakfast before departing on your 15-kilometer trek at 8:00 am. Walk through the indigenous Kogi village of Mutanshi to learn about local life in the jungle and the native inhabitants who live here. During the day you will meet indigenous families in their native lands and cross the river Buritaca several times refreshing yourself in the cool waters.  During rainy season water levels can reach up to 1 meter deep.  So today, please plan to wear water shoes or hiking sandals with good straps and be prepared to get wet. Snack on fresh fruits during the trek before reaching the third camp. Get settled in, have dinner and sleep here overnight in your hammocks.(15-kilometer trek; 8 hours approx.) 

Day 3: El Paraiso Camp - Lost City - Second Overnight Camp  (B/L/D) 

Enjoy breakfast listening to the sounds of the jungle come awake and be ready to depart at 7:00 am for a 6-kilometer trek en route to the mysterious site of Ciudad Perdida with its 1,200 steep and mossy steps, that take you uphill to reach this ancient site.  Nestled on the slopes of the Rio Buritaca river valley, the site overlooks the region from 1,300 meters above sea level.  Here you will have magnificent views overlooking the dense jungle and rugged terrain. Walk among the 170 stone terraces and endless staircases that cover the approximately 2 square kilometers that was once the largest Tayrona city and major economic and political center. This will give you a better understanding on how large and spectacular this site really is. After the site visit we will return to the third camp for lunch. Then go back to the camp 2 and have dinner as you reminisce on the magical experience of discovering the Lost City in the jungle.(6-kilometer trek; 7 hours approx.)  

Day 4: Second Overnight Camp - Adan's Camp   (B/L/D)  

Have an early breakfast today at 6:30am and hit the trail by 7:00am for a 10-kilometer return trek to camp 1 crossing back over the Buritaca River and passing through the indigenous community of Mutanshi along the way. Enjoy the fresh jungle air and spectacular scenery as you make your way to the camp 1 where you will get settled in, have dinner and get a good night’s rest.(10-kilometer trek; 4 hours approx.)   

Day 5: Adan's Camp - El Mamey - Santa Marta   (B/L)

Trek back another 7 kilometers today as you make your way back to the starting point of your trek in El Mamey where you will have lunch. Then take a van back to the coastal town of Santa Marta arriving around 5:00pm to rest up from your challenging trek and enjoy the amenities of civilization.  Reminisce about your trek with friends and compare photos.  Don’t forget to head over to the beach for a refreshing swim.(7-kilometer trek; 4 hours approx.)   

*Important Note: The itinerary may vary according to climatic conditions, river levels and availability at the campsites. 

*Transfers: Please note that transfers from Santa Marta to Cartagena can be organized at an extra cost, please contact us for more information.  

• Round Trip 4WD Transportation Santa Marta - Starting Point of Trek (El Mamey) - Santa Marta
• Transfers Cartagena - Santa Marta can be organized at an extra cost (contact us for more information) 
• Typical Meals prepared by local chefs during Lost City Trek: 4B/5L/4D (Vegetarian option available)
• Fruits and snacks during walks
• 4-nights Accommodation in hammocks with mosquito net and blanket
• Porters to carry hammocks and food on Lost City Trek
• Local Guide (Non-English Guide Service)
• Translator included for groups of 6 or more people at no extra charge
• Translator is available for additional fee for groups less than 6 people
• Required Permits for trek and Entrance Fees to Lost City
• Medical Assistance Card (Assist Card)

• Translator for groups of 6 or less people (extra fee required)
• Accommodation in Santa Marta
• Meals not specified in this itinerary
• Drinks 
• Personal Expenses
• Tips for guides & porters

Physical rating: You must have a high level of fitness to take part in this trek. You will be walking at high altitudes every day and it will be physically demanding.  In the months leading up to your trek, try walking with your daypack, climbing long staircases and add a couple of bricks to it for real training. Undertake regular aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling. The more preparation you have done in advance, the more you will enjoy it.

Suggested Packing List: Backpack (10 - 15 liters), sleeping bag (if desired-- sheets & blankets are provided), hiking poles, rain pants, plastic rain poncho, trekking boots, sandals/flip flops, thermals (socks, t-shirts, sweater), windbreaker, hiking trousers, shorts, wool hat/beanie, gloves, sun hat, sun block, sunglasses, flashlight/torch, camera (with extra batteries & memory card), personal medications, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, toiletries (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper, towel).

Food Budget: Please expect to spend at least 20 USD per day on food and beverages. Please note that food costs will vary depending on the number of portions consumed, location and availability.

Gratuity: Tipping is by no means mandatory, but is customary. For a job well done, we recommend tipping 10% to your guide, porter, and driver.

First Aid: All guides for this tour have completed first aid training