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Santa Marta · Magdalena · Colombia
Ciudad Perdida 5-Day Trek from Santa Marta
Starting From
From $992.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
**Embark on a 5-day adventure through Colombia’s backcountry to the legendary Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), hidden deep within the dense jungle. Experience a thrilling trek across diverse landscapes, including pristine waterfalls and rivers, and reach this remarkable archaeological site. Depending on your trek length, you’ll visit indigenous villages, swim in natural pools, and camp each night in the lush wilderness of the Colombian jungle.** **Itinerary:** **Day 1: Santa Marta – Mamey – 1st Camp (Lunch, Dinner)** Begin your journey early by meeting in Santa Marta between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive to El Mamey, where you’ll have lunch at a local eatery. Afterward, start your first trek—a 4-hour hike covering 7 km to reach the first campsite. Relax with a hearty dinner and rest for the adventures ahead. **Day 2: 1st Camp – Mutanzi – 3rd Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)** Start early with breakfast, then embark on a 2-hour trek to the indigenous village of Mutanzi. Explore local culture before walking 40 minutes to the 2nd campsite for lunch. In the afternoon, trek 4 hours to the 3rd camp, covering 17 km for the day. Enjoy dinner and a restful night at the 3rd camp. **Day 3: 3rd Camp – Ciudad Perdida – 2nd Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)** After breakfast, depart the 3rd camp at 6 am for Ciudad Perdida. Climb 1,200 stone steps to reach the ancient city by 7 am. Explore the ruins for two hours with your guide. Return to the 3rd camp for lunch and then trek 4 hours back to the 2nd camp, covering 11 km. Enjoy dinner and rest at the 2nd camp. **Day 4: 2nd Camp – 1st Camp – Ecological Hike (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)** Start early with breakfast and trek 4 hours back to the 1st camp. This hike offers new perspectives on the landscapes you’ve explored. After arriving at the 1st camp, enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on your adventure. **Day 5: 1st Camp – Mamey – Santa Marta (Breakfast, Lunch)** On your final day, have breakfast at the 1st camp and begin a 7-hour downhill trek back to El Mamey. Enjoy lunch at the same local restaurant from Day 1. Return to Santa Marta with your guide, arriving in the mid-afternoon and completing your adventure with a total distance of 16 km covered.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- 5 day trek to Ciudad Perdida in the Sierra Nevada
- Discover Colombias Lost City and learn about ancient Tayrona culture
- Trek through the jungle, across rivers and past waterfalls
- Enjoy meals and downtime at three different camps along the way
- Pick up and drop off in Santa Marta
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Santa Marta
Your first day begins meeting between 8:00 am and 9:00 am to go on a 3-hour road trip to a small town called El Mamey, where you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant serving typical Colombian food.
Continued
Santa Marta
Hiking. After lunch, the first trek begins. You will have a 4-hour hike to the first campsite. When you arrive, you will have dinner and then the whole night to rest from your long day of trekking.
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Santa Marta
Accommodation provided
Day 2
Santa Marta
Hiking. You will wake up early and eat a quick breakfast before departing around 6 am for a 2-hour trek to an indigenous village called Mutanzi. You will then walk for about 40 minutes from Mutanzi to the 2nd Campsite where a delicious lunch will be served for you. Finally, rest for a while and get ready for one last 4-hour trek to the 3rd camp where you will dine and rest for the night.
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Santa Marta
Accommodation provided
Day 3
Santa Marta
Hiking at Ciudad Perdida. After breakfast, leave camp around 6 am to hike to Ciudad Perdida, which you’ll reach around 7 am. You'll enter climbing its 1,200 stone stairs, and will have two hours to explore the ancient city set in the dense jungle. Our guide will give you a quick tour and be present to answer all of your questions. After, you will return to the 3rd campsite where you’ll have lunch and will be able to rest for a while. In the afternoon, get ready for a 4-hour trek back to the 2nd camp, where you’ll have dinner and stay for the night.
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Santa Marta
Archaeological Exploration at Ciudad Perdida.
Continued
Santa Marta
Accommodation provided
Day 4
Santa Marta
Accommodation provided
Day 5
Santa Marta
After breakfast, the longest hike will take place. You will trek for 7-hours, mostly downhill, to El Mamey, where you’ll have lunch, as on Day 1. Our guide will then take you back to Santa Marta where you'll arrive in mid-afternoon.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off Knowledgeable guide in English or Spanish. Entry tickets to attractions mentioned
Not Included
Souvenirs, gratuities, and pictures (only if they're available for sale)
What to Bring
* Please advise any specific dietary requirements or allergies at time of booking * We recommended you bring good hiking shoes, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. You may also want to pack a flashlight, a roll of toilet paper, small snacks and hand sanitizer * We recommended you bring a comfortable backpack and/or luggage that is easy to carry * Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level SPECIAL NOTE: Please note that as of Nov 2019, plastics are forbidden in all national and natural parks in Colombia. Plan accordingly.
Restrictions
We don't recommend this tour for: * People with back problems * Expectant mothers * People with serious medical conditions
Meeting & Pickup
Private transportation from and to hotel/accommodation in Santa Marta. Please note that pick up in Taganga and areas outside Santa Marta have an additional charge.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 12 Hotel pickup offered: Yes Confirmation: Manual By Business
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