6 Days Lost City Adventure & Santa Marta
Duration
6 days
Max Group Size
16
Departure Type
Guaranteed
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Physical level
serious
Operated In
English, Spanish
Age Requirement
18 - 60 Ages
About this tour
Embark on a 6-day journey that blends Caribbean charm with one of Colombia’s most iconic treks. Start in the coastal city of Santa Marta, where colonial history and ocean breezes welcome you. Then, lace up your boots for a four-day guided hike deep into the Sierra Nevada mountains, home to the legendary Lost City of Teyuna. Along the way, immerse yourself in lush jungle landscapes, cross rivers, meet indigenous communities, and discover ancient terraces hidden in the mist. This unforgettable adventure combines physical challenge with cultural insight—perfect for curious, active travelers seeking a meaningful connection with Colombia’s past and present.
Route
Starts from
Santa Marta
Ends in
Santa Marta
Pickup Location
Santa Marta
Dropoff Location
Santa Marta
What makes this tour special
Itinerary
Santa Marta is a lively Caribbean city nestled at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the tallest coastal mountain range in the world. Here, snow-capped peaks soar nearly 6,000 meters just 42 kilometers from the sea, creating a dramatic natural contrast. The region is home to ancestral Indigenous communities whose traditions remain vibrant today. Santa Marta is the gateway to some of Colombia’s most iconic destinations, including the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park and the legendary Lost City trek. In the city’s historic center, travelers can admire colonial architecture, visit the grand Cathedral, and explore the house where national hero Simón Bolívar spent his final days.
Our exploration of Santa Marta begins at the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the former sugarcane estate where Simón Bolívar, the liberator of South America, spent his final days before passing away in December 1830. Today, the estate, once owned by Joaquín de Mier, functions as a museum housing artifacts and everyday objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Bolívar’s personal belongings and the very bed where he died. The museum also features artwork celebrating key moments in his fight for independence. From there, we continue to the historic center to visit the Cathedral of Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest church. Our route then follows Avenida 3, passing landmarks like Simón Bolívar Park, Los Novios Park, the Palace of Justice, San Francisco Church, and the scenic beachfront promenade. To finish, we drive into the hills toward Taganga, a traditional fishing village, and pause at a viewpoint to take in the coastal views.
Meals: -/-/-
After departing from our hotel in Santa Marta, we’ll travel for about three hours by 4×4 to reach Mamey, located at around 120 meters above sea level. Once there, we’ll enjoy lunch and receive a brief orientation before beginning our hike toward Camp Adán, situated at approximately 450 meters above sea level. Upon arrival at the camp, we’ll have the chance to relax and take a refreshing dip in nearby natural pools.
Meals: B/L/D
After breakfast we start our hike to Camp 2 (approx. 470 m.a.s.l.), where we have lunch, and we can cool off in the pleasant water of the Rio Buritaca. We continue our hike uphill and pass an indigenous village where we learn about the culture of the Sierra Nevada. We then hike to camp 3 (approx. 900 m.a.s.l.), where we spend the second night. This camp is only about 1 hour away from Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City.
Meals: B/L/D
Climbing 1200 steps, we see terraces laid out more than a thousand years ago, finally arriving at the archaeological rings that form the foundations of the main settlement of the vanished Tayrona culture. We learn more about the Lost City and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Around noon, we begin our descent to camp 3 for lunch and where we spend another night.
Meals: B/L/D
Today we hike back to camp Adán, where we will spend our fourth and last night; while here, we will enjoy a refreshing bath in the natural pools.
Meals: B/L/D
Your unforgettable journey through Colombia comes to a close today. After breakfast, take a moment to enjoy the gentle coastal breeze one last time before your scheduled transfer to the airport for your return flight. As you depart from Santa Marta, you take with you more than just photographs—you carry the wild essence of the Sierra Nevada, meaningful cultural connections with indigenous communities, and the accomplishment of completing one of the world’s most remarkable jungle treks. Wishing you a safe journey home, and we hope to welcome you back to Colombia again in the future!
Meals: Breakfast
Trip includes
Included
English/Spanish Native guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
English
SpanishMeals as described in the itinerary
Vegan
Vegetarian
Meat- All transfers according to the program
- Luggage: Travel with light luggage containing only the essentials! It might rain, so make sure to bring some plastic bags to keep your stuff dry. During the day, you carry your luggage. For a surcharge, you can hire mules that carry heavier luggage, so you carry only a light daypack. Your excess luggage is stored safely in Santa Marta or at the trek's starting point. We recommend bringing the following: 2 pairs of pants, 4 cotton shirts, 2 short- or long-sleeved shirts, 1 light rain cover, 2 pairs of comfortable hiking-/running shoes, toiletries, sun block, hat
Physical condition: The Lost City trek is moderately to highly challenging, covering 45 km round-trip over uneven terrain, steep climbs, and humid jungle conditions. Good physical fitness is essential.
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Luggage: You’ll only carry what you need for the hike in a small backpack. Your main luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Santa Marta.
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Climate & gear: Expect hot, humid weather with occasional rain. Light, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and a headlamp are must-haves.
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Connectivity: There’s no cell phone signal or internet during the trek. It’s a perfect opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in nature.
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Altitude: The highest point on the trek is about 1,200 meters (approx. 4,000 ft), so altitude sickness is not a concern.
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Cultural respect: The route passes through Indigenous territory. Travelers are asked to respect local customs and follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
Excluded
During the Lost City trek, accommodations are rustic yet comfortable, designed to offer rest and shelter in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Each night is spent in community-run camps equipped with basic beds or hammocks, mosquito nets, and shared bathroom facilities. The camps are open-air structures surrounded by lush jungle, allowing travelers to fall asleep to the sounds of nature. While amenities are simple, the experience is authentic and deeply connected to the environment. In Santa Marta, before and after the trek, guests stay in a comfortable hotel with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a central location near the city’s cultural and historical sites.
Domestic and international flights
Travel insurance not included
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned (lunches/dinners except where specified)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, extra drinks, etc.)
- Optional activities or additional stops not specified in the itinerary
Availability
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Make this journey exclusively yours
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
Personal
Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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