FAQ — Lost City Trek Colombia

The Lost City trek lasts between 4 and 6 days. The 4-day option averages 14 km per day and is more physically demanding. The 5-day option is intermediate, and the 6-day option covers the same route at a relaxed pace of about 7 km per day. All tours depart from Santa Marta.

The route is exactly the same for all. The difference is the pace: the 4-day tour covers the route in long stages (~14 km/day), while the 6-day tour breaks it into shorter stages (~7 km/day). The first day is identical for all tours. From the second day on, the 4-day tour advances directly to the "Cabaña Romualdo" or "Paraíso Teyuna" camp, while the 6-day tour stops at the "Mumake" camp.

No. Access to the Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park is exclusively through agencies authorized by ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History). Independent trekking is not permitted for reasons of heritage conservation and protection of indigenous communities.

Most guides are natives of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and lead tours primarily in Spanish. However, based on demand and availability, a bilingual interpreter (Spanish-English) accompanies international groups. If you need an interpreter in another language, contact us in advance.

The 4-day tour starts at $543 USD per person. The 5-day tour from $600 USD and the 6-day tour from $766 USD. The price is all-inclusive: certified guide, round-trip transport from Santa Marta, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks), camp accommodation and archaeological park entrance.

The price includes: certified native guide, transport Santa Marta ↔ trek starting point, all meals during the route, accommodation in camps with beds/hammocks, blankets and mosquito nets, entrance to the Teyuna Archaeological Park and contribution to indigenous communities and ICANH. Not included: travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, tips or personal items.

You will sleep in camp cabins equipped with bunk beds or hammocks with mosquito nets. Each cabin has bathrooms and showers. Blankets are provided — you do not need to bring a sleeping bag.

No. The cabins are equipped with blankets and mosquito nets. The goal is for you to hike as light as possible. We do recommend bringing a fleece or warm clothing for the cool nights at the last camp.

Some cabins have electricity from solar panels, where you can charge your phone or other electronic devices. However, it is not guaranteed in all camps, so bring a backup power bank.

Lightweight quick-dry clothing (2-3 changes), long pants for evenings and insect protection, long-sleeved shirts, trekking socks, extra underwear. Waterproof trekking shoes or hiking boots (essential). Sandals for rivers and camps. Biodegradable insect repellent, sunscreen, headlamp, trekking poles (recommended), basic first aid kit.

Trekking shoes or hiking boots with good grip and water resistance are essential. The trail includes mud, wet rocks and river crossings. Avoid running shoes or canvas shoes. In addition to boots, bring sandals or flip-flops to wear during rest stops at camps and when crossing rivers.

The best time is from December to March (dry season), when rainfall is scarce and the trails are in better condition. June to August is also a good window. The sierra can receive rain year-round, but the tour operates normally. In September the Lost City closes at the request of indigenous communities for cleansing rituals. It is recommended to avoid Easter and Christmas (peak season, higher crowds).

The climate is warm and humid during the day (25–30°C in the lower jungle) and cool at night in the higher camps (18–22°C). As you ascend, the temperature drops. At "Paraíso Teyuna", the highest camp (1,100 m above sea level), it can get quite cool at night. The cabins have blankets.

The Lost City closes for the entire month of September at the request of indigenous communities for spiritual cleansing rituals. The rest of the year it operates with daily departures from Santa Marta, including rainy seasons.

There is no mandatory vaccine required to join the tour. However, the yellow fever vaccine is recommended, although no cases have been recorded in the area. It is also advisable to bring biodegradable insect repellent, as there are more mosquitoes and ticks during the rainy season. Consult your doctor before traveling.

The Sierra Nevada is home to enormous biodiversity, including snakes, scorpions, spiders and other insects. However, these animals rarely attack people and normally flee from human presence. The guides know the environment perfectly. It is recommended not to walk barefoot or leave the marked trails at night, and always consult the guide before exploring unmarked areas.

Yes, the area is safe for tourists. With the development of tourism over recent decades, armed conflicts have disappeared from the area. Currently more than four communities benefit economically from the tour. There is a military presence in the archaeological park and local guides know the territory perfectly.

On the way from Machete Pelao to the Lost City you will mainly encounter Kogui and Wiwa communities. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is also home to the Arhuaco (Iku) and Kankuamo peoples. These four peoples are considered the "elder brothers" of humanity according to their worldview, and are the ancestral guardians of the sierra.

Yes. All agencies authorized to operate the Lost City tour are required to make an economic contribution to local communities, regional farmers and ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History), which has protected the park since 1976. When you book with us, your money directly contributes to the well-being of more than 3,000 families in the sierra.

It is not possible as part of the standard tour. Indigenous communities have strict rules of coexistence and privacy. If you are interested in a deeper cultural immersion experience, contact us to inquire about special community tourism options, subject to availability and community approval.