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

After breakfast it is time to return to town. Early in the morning, we hike from camp Adán to El Mamey. Here we have lunch before boarding the jeeps in the early afternoon to take us back to Santa Marta.