Santa Marta: Multi-Day Trek to The Lost City

Santa Marta: Multi-Day Trek to The Lost City is a remarkable adventure that takes you into Colombia’s Sierra Nevada for a journey through dense jungle, ancient ruins, and indigenous communities. For $640 per person, you can choose between a 4, 5, or 6-day trek that promises to be both physically challenging and deeply rewarding. Along the way, you’ll learn about local cultures, discover natural pools and rivers, and experience the thrill of reaching one of South America’s most iconic archaeological sites.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure and culture. The guides—who are fluent in both Spanish and English—are passionately knowledgeable, making the journey not just a walk but an engaging educational experience. Plus, the camps are surprisingly comfortable, with electricity, toilets, and showers, which makes the tough days more bearable.

A possible consideration: this trek involves long walks over muddy, sometimes slippery terrain, and the climate can be humid and warm. It’s not generally suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

This tour suits travelers who are eager for a physical challenge combined with authentic cultural insights and stunning natural scenery. If you’re someone who appreciates well-organized excursions with supportive guides and a chance to disconnect from the modern world, this might just be your perfect adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Interact with indigenous communities and learn about their traditions.
• Physical Challenge: Expect several days of trekking through challenging terrain, including rivers and muddy paths.
• Comfortable Campsites: Sleep in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets, equipped with electricity, toilets, and showers.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides who speak both Spanish and English enhance your understanding and safety.
• All-Inclusive Value: Meals, entrance fees, transportation, and contributions to local communities are covered.
• Flexible Duration: Options for 4, 5, or 6 days let you tailor the experience to your stamina and schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Treks to the Lost City

Location and Overall Experience

The tour begins in Santa Marta, a lively coastal city, and heads into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Over several days, you’ll traverse lush forests, cross rushing rivers, and climb to viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. The ultimate goal? The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), a legendary archaeological site older than Machu Picchu by 650 years.

This isn’t a leisurely sightseeing tour. It’s a multi-day trek designed for those eager for adventure and willing to put in some effort. The reward is not only witnessing ancient terraces and stone paths but also connecting with the indigenous communities who have preserved their culture for generations.

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

The tour is flexible, offering 4, 5, or 6-day options. The shorter routes typically cover the essentials, while the extended trek allows for more rest and exploration. First, you’ll hop in a 4×4 Jeep from Santa Marta to Mamey, setting the tone for a scenic journey into the mountains.

From there, the daily routine involves:

• Walking through dense jungle: Expect humid air, thick foliage, and sometimes muddy, slippery paths. You will cross streams and rivers, which is part of the adventure—and a good reminder that you’re deep in nature.
• Enjoying natural sights: Along the way, you’ll encounter natural pools perfect for cooling off, sweeping viewpoints, and waterfalls that make for memorable breaks.
• Interaction with Indigenous Communities: Contributions from your tour fund local development, so you’ll meet indigenous inhabitants, see traditional homes, and learn about their way of life.

The final destination, the Lost City, is stunning. It’s a sprawling complex of terraces, staircases, and plazas set high in the jungle. Many reviewers mention that the two days of walking to reach it pay off, with one saying, “The Lost City is very rewarding after 2 days of walking to reach it!”

Accommodation and Meals

You’ll sleep in large camps that are surprisingly comfortable considering the remote location. They have electricity, toilets, and showers, and you can choose between hammocks or beds with mosquito nets—an important feature given the jungle environment.

Meals are hearty and well-prepared, often featuring local ingredients and plenty of fruits and snacks. Several travelers rave about the delicious, filling food that sustains you through tough days of trekking.

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Transportation and Logistics

Transport between Santa Marta and Mamey is handled by a 4×4 Jeep, ensuring a scenic and relatively smooth start to the adventure. During the trek, you’ll be accompanied by guides who speak both Spanish and English, making for a more enriching experience.

The tour includes entrance tickets to the archaeological site, accident insurance, and contributions to local communities, adding to the overall value. You’ll also have the option for storage of your luggage during the trek, so you can travel light.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price includes most essentials: meals, accommodation, transportation, guides, and entrance fees. Drinks other than water are not included, so you’ll want to bring some cash for sodas or alcohol.

The Authentic Experience

Perhaps the most compelling aspect, according to reviews, is the chance to interact with indigenous cultures and see how they live today. The community contributions help support their development, and guides often share insights about local traditions.

Authentic Guides Make the Difference

Many reviews highlight the role of guides like Emilie, Luis, or Tatiana—whose knowledgeable, encouraging, and caring approach makes a big difference. One reviewer said, “Our guides were fantastic—encouraging us through tough sections and sharing their vast knowledge.” This kind of support is invaluable on a journey that can be physically demanding.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the trek offers incredible value and authentic experiences, it’s not for everyone. The demanding nature of the hike—including muddy trails, river crossings, and humid weather—means it’s best suited for active travelers. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

Weather can be unpredictable, and rain often falls at sunset, making some parts slippery. Packing the right gear—raincoat, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and quick-dry clothing—is essential.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re an adventure traveler looking for a challenging hike combined with culture, this trip is ideal. It’s perfect for those who enjoy physical activity, are comfortable camping, and want to go beyond typical tourist spots. If you’re interested in supporting local communities and learning about indigenous traditions, this trek delivers.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed vacation or have limited mobility, this might be too strenuous. Likewise, if you’re hoping for luxurious accommodations, this journey is more rustic—and that’s part of its charm.

Final Thoughts

This multi-day trek to the Lost City offers a rare blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The guided support, well-organized logistics, and authentic experiences make it stand out from many other jungle treks. It’s clear many travelers find it worth every drop of sweat, describing it as a top highlight of their Colombia trip.

For those willing to work for it, the views, the history, and the cultural interactions deliver a deep sense of achievement and connection. Plus, knowing your contribution helps sustain indigenous communities makes the experience even more meaningful.

If you’re eager for a journey that pushes your limits but rewards with unforgettable sights and stories, this trek is hard to beat. Just remember to pack your insect repellent, sturdy shoes, and an open mind.

FAQ

How long does the trek typically last?
You can choose between a 4, 5, or 6-day trek depending on your stamina, schedule, and desire for a more relaxed pace.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from Santa Marta to Mamey is by 4×4 Jeep, and guides accompany you throughout the trek.

What’s the accommodation like during the trek?
You’ll sleep in camps with mosquito nets, and some options include beds with electricity, toilets, and showers—surprisingly comfortable given the remote jungle setting.

Are meals provided?
Yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, featuring hearty local dishes and plenty of fresh fruit and snacks.

Can I customize the duration of the trek?
Yes, the tour offers options for 4, 5, or 6 days, so you can select the one that best fits your fitness level and available time.

Are guides bilingual?
Absolutely. Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible for international travelers.

What should I bring?
Expect to bring hiking shoes, rain gear, insect repellent, quick-dry clothes, a daypack, toiletries, and personal medications. Don’t forget cash for optional extras.

Is the trek suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to the strenuous nature of the journey.

This adventure promises more than just a destination; it’s a chance to engage deeply with Colombia’s landscape and culture. While it requires some effort, many travelers agree that the experience of reaching the Lost City and connecting with local communities is more than worth it. If you’re ready for an authentic, active, and meaningful journey, this trek could be your highlight in Colombia.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby