8 Days Tayrona National Park and Lost City Trek

Day 1: Santa Marta Airport Pick-Up

You will be picked up upon arrival in Santa Marta and transferred to your accommodation for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and taste some delicious colombian food. Overnight in Santa Marta.

Day 2: Tayrona National Park Day Tour

Make your own way to the meeting point at El Rodadero Beach at 8:30am for your transfer to Neguanje, the biggest bay in the Tayrona National Park and the most exposed to the waves because of the open sea. Catch a local boat from Neguanje and 8 minutes later arrive to Playa Cristal, 'Crystal Beach', considered as one of the areas of highest ecological importance of the Colombian Caribbean. Enjoy a full day in crystal waters, white sand and beautiful coral reefs perfectly suitable for snorkelling. After this amazing day, you will return to Santa Marta to be dropped-off at El Rodadero Beach, make your own way back to your accommodation. Overnight in Santa Marta.

Day 3: Santa Marta - Lost City Trek Starting Point - Camp 1 (L/D)

Depart between 9:00 and 10:00 am from the door of your hostel by 4x4 vehicle for a 3-hour trip to reach the Mamey region. 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.)

Day 4: Camp 1 - Camp 3 (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 5: Camp 3 - Lost City - Camp 2 (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 we reminisce on the magical experience of discovering the Lost City in the jungle. (6-kilometer trek; 7 hours approx.)  

Day 6: Camp 2 - Camp 1 (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 7: Camp 1 - 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. Overnight in Santa Marta.(7-kilometer trek; 4 hours approx.)   

Day 8: Santa Marta Airport Drop-Off

Today it is time to say goodbye to your new friends. After checking-out from your accommodation, you will be dropped off at Santa Marta airport in time to catch your departing flight.

• Santa Marta Airport Pick-Up & Drop-Off
• 3 Nights Accommodation in Santa Marta Hostel
• Tayrona Day Tour Including:
• Transportation (Bus + Boat)
• Non-English Speaking Guide
• Entrance Fees
• 5-day Lost City Trek Including:
• 4 Nights Accommodation in Hammocks with Mosquito Net and Blanket
• Typical Meals: 4B/5L/4D (Vegetarian option available)
• Santa Marta Accommodation Pick-up/Drop-off
• Porters to Carry Hammocks and Food
• Non-English Speaking Guide
• Translator included for groups of 6 or more
• Translator is available for around $150 USD for groups less than 6 (per group, for the whole trek)
•  Required Permits & Entrance Fees
•  Medical Assistance Card (Assist Card)

• Meals not stated in the itinerary
• Snorkelling Gear in Playa Cristal
• Optional Activities
• Tips for Guides
• Personal Expenses
• Travel Insurance

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