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.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people, allowing for a close experience with the guide and less impact on the trail and the archaeological park. If you are traveling with a large group (family, company, university) or prefer a private departure, contact us: we organize semi-private and private tours subject to availability.

Yes. Many travelers combine the Lost City with Tayrona National Natural Park (beaches and jungle) or Minca (coffee, waterfalls and birdwatching) before or after the trek, since both destinations also depart from Santa Marta. Contact us and we will build a combined itinerary tailored to you.

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.

We recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance during high season (December to March, Easter and July), since the number of daily spots is limited by park authorities. In low season there is usually availability with just a few days notice, but booking ahead guarantees your spot and the price.

You can book directly on each tour's page: choose the date, number of travelers, and hold your spot with a partial deposit (the exact percentage is shown when booking). We accept online card payment and other methods enabled at checkout. The remaining balance can be completed before departure. If you'd rather get advice before paying, message us on WhatsApp.

Yes, each tour has its own cancellation and date-change policy, which you can check before booking on the tour page or by asking us on WhatsApp. In general, the more notice you give for a change, the more flexibility you will have. We always recommend having travel insurance that covers unexpected events.

The base price is the same all year round; we do not apply high-season surcharges. What does vary is spot availability, which is more limited in December-March, Easter and July. That is why we recommend booking ahead for those dates.

It is a medium-high difficulty trek: mountainous terrain with steep climbs and descents, heat and humidity, and river crossings. No previous mountaineering experience is required, but a basic level of fitness is needed (being able to walk several hours in a row). The 4-day tour is the most demanding due to its pace (~14 km/day); the 6-day tour is more accessible for those who prefer to take it slow.

We recommend walking or jogging regularly 4-6 weeks before the trip, climbing stairs or hiking on uneven terrain to condition your ankles and knees, and staying well hydrated in the days before. High-performance training is not necessary: consistency matters more than intensity.

There is no strict limit, but it is recommended from age 10-12 for children (with good physical fitness) and up to any adult age as long as the person can walk several hours a day on uneven terrain. For young children, older adults, or people with specific medical conditions, contact us before booking so we can evaluate the best option together.

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.