Go on a 4-day hiking adventure through the Colombian jungle as you trek to the mythical lost city of Ciudad Perdida, which is hidden in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Small group
- Limited to 18 participants
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 4 days
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English, Spanish
- Pickup included
- Pickup from your Santa Marta hotel/accommodation
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy a small group tour for up to 11 people, ensuring a more personalized experience
- Hike through the jungle, across rivers, and waterfalls as you enjoy the diversity of the Colombia's Sierra Nevada
- Embark on a 4-day trek to Ciudad Perdida in the Sierra Nevada and learn about ancient Tayrona culture from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Full description
Explore the scenic backcountry of Colombia on this 4-day trek to the legendary Ciudad Perdida hidden deep in the jungle. On this adventure hike, you'll pass through the beautiful hinterlands, unspoiled waterfalls, and majestic rivers, eventually reaching this amazing archaeological site. Depending on the length of the trek you choose, you’ll have time to visit some local indigenous villages along the way, swim in natural pools. You'll be camping each night in the lush wilderness of the Colombian Jungle.
Itinerary
Day 1: Santa Marta – Mamey – 1st Camp (Lunch, Dinner)
Your first day begins meeting between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM to start a 3-hour road trip to a small town called El Mamey. There, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving typical Colombian food. After lunch, the first trek begins. You'll have a 4-hour hike to the first campsite. When you reach the camp, you will have dinner and then the whole night to rest from your long day of trekking.
Day 2: 1st Camp – Mutanzi – 3rd Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Wake up early and eat a quick breakfast before departing around 6 AM for a 2-hour trek to an indigenous village called Mutanzi. You will then walk for about 40 minutes from Mutanzi to the 2nd campsite where a delicious lunch will be served. Finally, rest for a while and get ready for one last 4-hour trek to the 3rd camp where you will dine and rest for the night.
Day 3: 3rd Camp – Ciudad Perdida – 2nd Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, leave camp around 6AM and hike to Ciudad Perdida, which you’ll reach around 7 AM. You'll enter by climbing 1200 stone stairs, and will have two hours to explore the ancient city set in the dense jungle. Your guide will give you a quick tour and be present to answer all of your questions. Afterwards, return to the 3rd campsite where you’ll have lunch and will be able to rest for a while. In the afternoon, get ready for a 4-hour trek back to the 2nd camp, where you’ll have dinner and stay for the night.
Day 4: 2nd Camp – Mamey – Santa Marta (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, the longest hike will take place. You will trek for 7-hours (mostly downhill) to El Mamey, where you’ll have lunch, as on Day 1. Your guide will then take you back to your hotel in Santa Marta where you'll arrive mid-afternoon.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guide
- Entry tickets to attractions mentioned
- Camp accommodation
- Meals (specified on the itinerary)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Not suitable for
- Children under 16 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- Customers are required to bring and wear masks
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Towel
- Hiking shoes
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes
- Reusable water bottle
Not allowed
- Plastic bags
- Plastic bottles
Know before you go
- There will be beds and/or hammocks available at all three campsites, all with mosquito nets. You will be assigned one or the other depending on availability. You will also be provided with blankets upon request since it can get chilly at night. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from sleeping in a hammock, please let the local partner know in advance.
- Changes to the tour may occur due to external factors. In this event, you will be notified in advance.
- Food: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners and snacks during the hikes. The meals will be prepared locally at the campsite, and the snacks will be local fruits. Please let the local partner know if you have any food allergies or follow a special diet.