Lost City Trekking in Colombia Tour by Intrepid Travel

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Cartagena, Colombia

Ends

Santa Marta, Colombia

Highlights

Hike to the Lost City of Teyuna – a sacred archaeological site in Colombia. Guided by your local leaders, revel in the secrets of a site only reached by multi-day hiking.

Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada through tropical rainforest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views – a great opportunity for a true digital detox.

Visit the indigenous Wiwa community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles of local women and men within the community.

Wander beneath Cartagena balconies overflowing with flowers – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.

End your trip in Santa Marta – fringed by beaches spilling onto the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.

Itinerary

For those drawn to epic challenges and ancient mysteries, the 'Lost City Trekking in Colombia' trip offers a seven-day guided hiking adventure through the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Starting in Cartagena and concluding in Santa Marta, this challenging trek brings you face-to-face with Colombia’s Teyuna, or Lost City—accessible only via a multi-day jungle hike. Along the way, engage with local Indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain camps far from modern distractions, and traverse Tayrona National Natural Park’s lush landscapes. The unique aspect of this journey is its fusion of archaeological discovery, cultural immersion, and physical challenge, making it a top choice for adventurers and hiking enthusiasts.

day 1 - Cartagena

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

included:Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

day 2 - Santa Marta

Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.

included:Santa Marta - Orientation walk

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Lost City Trek

This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.

included:Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 4 - Lost City Trek

Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.

included:Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 5 - Lost City Trek

This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

included:Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Lost City Trek / Santa Marta

Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 7 - Santa Marta

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhoodSanta Marta - Orientation walkLost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trekLost City – guided tour of the Lost City of TeyunaLost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

What's Excluded

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