Lost City Trek 4 Days – 3 Nights

The Lost City Trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the ancient Tayrona city of Ciudad Perdida, nestled deep within the lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta jungle in Colombia. Over the course of four days and three nights, adventurous travelers will embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey, seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region while navigating steep trails and interacting with local indigenous communities. With knowledgeable guides leading the way and essential services included, this trek promises to deliver an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. But what might one discover along the way?

This experience made our list of the 13 Best 4 Day Tours In Santa Marta.

Key Points

• Immersive 4-day, 3-night trek exploring the ancient Tayrona city of Ciudad Perdida in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta jungle of Colombia.
• Challenging hike featuring a 1,200-step climb, as well as cultural interactions with local indigenous communities.
• Includes transportation, meals, insurance, mule support, and contributions to native and peasant communities.
• Trek requires moderate physical fitness and may not be wheelchair accessible.
• Experienced guides with decades of expertise in navigating the Colombian jungle and interpreting the region’s cultural and natural heritage.

Overview of the Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek is a captivating 4-day, 3-night adventure that takes travelers through the breathtaking Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta jungle in Colombia.

Participants will explore the ancient Tayrona city of Ciudad Perdida, constructed around 800 A.D., which predates the iconic Machu Picchu.

The trek involves a challenging climb of 1,200 stone steps, offering an immersive experience in nature and interactions with the local indigenous communities.

With a duration of 4 days and 3 nights, the trek promises an unforgettable journey, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Colombia’s northern region.

Detailed Itinerary

The first day of the Lost City Trek begins with a 3-hour drive from Santa Marta to El Mamey in a 4WD van.

From there, it’s a 4-hour walk to Camp 1.

On the second day, the trek continues with a 2.5-hour walk to a native village, followed by a 4-hour hike to Camp 3 at El Paraíso.

The third day takes the adventurers to Ciudad Perdida, where they’ll enjoy a 4-hour tour of the archaeological site before returning to Camp 2 for lunch and a 4-hour hike back.

The final day involves a 3-hour walk to Camp 1 and a 3-hour drive back to Santa Marta.

Included Services and Contributions

Included in the Lost City Trek are contributions to native and peasant communities, as well as the ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History).

Travelers can expect the following services:

• Travel insurance to provide coverage during the trek
• Meals including 4 lunches and breakfast on the first day
• Mules for transporting luggage, freeing up hikers to focus on the trail

These inclusions help support the local economy and preserve the cultural heritage of the region.

Plus, the price covers any other services not specified in the plan, ensuring a seamless and well-supported adventure.

Booking and Accessibility Details

Confirmation is received upon booking the Lost City Trek, allowing travelers to plan their journey with confidence.

The trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring moderate physical fitness to complete the hike through the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Travelers should notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions, such as vegan or vegetarian needs, as well as any medical conditions or allergies.

The price for the 4-day, 3-night trek starts from $750.00, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the departure date, providing flexibility for participants.

Dietary and Medical Considerations

Travelers can notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions or medical conditions prior to the trek. This allows the team to accommodate any needs and ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Key considerations include:

• Dietary requirements: The tour operator can make arrangements for vegan, vegetarian, or other dietary needs to be met during the meals provided.

• Medical conditions: Informing the team of any allergies, medications, or physical limitations ensures proper planning and support is in place throughout the trek.

• Accessibility: While the Lost City Trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, the operator can advise on the level of physical fitness required and suggest appropriate alternatives if needed.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Lost City Trek is priced from $750.00 per person.

This comprehensive package includes contributions to native and peasant communities, as well as ICANH, travel insurance, meals, and mule transport for luggage.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the trek. This flexibility allows travelers to plan their journey with peace of mind.

The Lost City Trek isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required.

Travelers are advised to notify the tour provider of any dietary restrictions or medical conditions to ensure a comfortable and safe experience.

Traveler Reviews and Experiences

Seven reviews with a perfect 5.0 rating showcase glowing feedback about the Lost City Trek experience.

Travelers consistently highlight the knowledgeable and experienced guides, the unforgettable scenery, and the immersive interaction with indigenous communities.

The trek is described as challenging yet rewarding, with excellent food and comfortable accommodations throughout.

Notable guides mentioned include Mr. Wilson, with over 30 years of experience, as well as Jose Garcia and teams from Magic Tour Colombia.

Meet the Expert Guides

Integral to the success of the Lost City Trek are the expert guides who lead each expedition. With decades of experience navigating the lush Colombian jungle, these skilled professionals are uniquely qualified to share the rich history and culture of the region.

Guide	Years of Experience	Specialty
Mr. Wilson	30+	Indigenous Cultures
Jose Garcia	20+	Ecological Conservation
Juan Perez	15+	Archaeology and Anthropology
Maria Sanchez	10+	Wilderness Survival
Ana Gonzalez	8+	Botanical and Wildlife Interpretation

Their intimate knowledge of the terrain, combined with a passion for the Lost City, ensures an unforgettable and enriching journey for all trekkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Do the Trek?

The best time to do the Lost City Trek is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to March. This provides the most favorable weather conditions and trail accessibility for the challenging hike through the Sierra Nevada mountains.

How Difficult Is the Trek Compared to Other Hiking Experiences?

The Lost City Trek is considered moderately challenging, requiring a good level of physical fitness. It’s more strenuous than some hikes but less demanding than more extreme treks, making it accessible to most experienced hikers.

Can I Bring My Own Equipment, or Is It Provided?

Trekkers can bring their own equipment, but basic gear like hiking shoes, rain jackets, and backpacks are provided. The tour company also offers mules to transport luggage, making the trek more manageable for participants.

Are There Opportunities for Swimming or Other Activities?

The Lost City Trek doesn’t offer dedicated opportunities for swimming, but there may be chances to cool off in natural pools or streams along the way. Other activities like birdwatching and exploring local culture are highlighted throughout the hike.

Can I Extend the Trek and Explore the Area Further?

Yes, you can extend the trek and explore the area further. Many travelers choose to do multi-day extensions, allowing them more time to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and interact with the indigenous communities along the way.

Recap

The Lost City Trek is an immersive adventure through Colombia’s lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, leading to the ancient Tayrona city of Ciudad Perdida. With knowledgeable guides, challenging hikes, and interaction with local communities, this 4-day, 3-night experience offers unparalleled scenery and cultural exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or seeking a unique travel experience, the Lost City Trek promises an unforgettable journey into Colombia’s rich heritage.