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Lost City Trekking in Colombia
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GGXS
Overview
Destination:
Colombia,
Duration:7 days
Type:Group tour (max 16)
Travel Period
December 2025 - December 2027
The ancient site of Teyuna (or the Lost City) sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. On this week-long active trip, you’ll do just that, with knowledgeable local leaders to guide the way. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena, you’ll jump straight into local Colombian culture, explore the scenic port city of Santa Marta and then begin your trek to the Lost City. Meet local indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site – a perfect adventure for hikers and explorers seeking a challenge!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1, 2 and 6 (Hotels) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, so please read the packing list and our recommendations carefully. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10kg total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in Santa Marta for the duration of the trek.
3. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
2. You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, so please read the packing list and our recommendations carefully. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10kg total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in Santa Marta for the duration of the trek.
3. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
Highlights:
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement will only be included on Days 1, 2 and 6 (Hotels) and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, so please read the packing list and our recommendations carefully. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10kg total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in Santa Marta for the duration of the trek. 3. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners.
- Transport: Private vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights).
- Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood.
- Santa Marta - Orientation walk.
- Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek.
- Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna.
- Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit.
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Cartagena
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Santa Marta
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.
Day 3: Lost City
This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.
Day 4: Lost City
Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.
Day 5: Lost City
This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Day 6: Lost City to Santa Marta
Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
Day 7: Santa Marta
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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