Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) – 4 Days – From Santa Marta or Taganga

The Lost City Trek, also known as the Ciudad Perdida, is a captivating 4-day hiking adventure that takes trekkers on a journey through Colombia’s breathtaking landscapes. Beginning from either Santa Marta or Taganga, this medium-high difficulty trek immerses participants in the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Kogui community, while leading them through lush forests, across rivers, and up 1,200 steps to the ancient archaeological site. Offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, the Lost City Trek promises an unforgettable expedition for adventurous nature lovers. But what secrets lie hidden within this hidden city, waiting to be uncovered?

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

Key Points

• The Lost City Trek is a renowned 4-day hiking adventure to the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, starting from Santa Marta or Taganga.
• The trek involves hiking through lush forests, crossing rivers, and climbing 1,200 steps, offering a medium-high difficulty level due to the terrain and climate.
• The trek provides an immersive cultural experience with the indigenous Kogui community, allowing trekkers to learn about their rich heritage, weaving, medicinal practices, and spiritual beliefs.
• The trek includes transportation, entrance fees, accommodation, and most meals, but is not recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.
• The trek has received mixed reviews, with some praising the cultural experience and natural beauty, while others find the physical demands too challenging, suggesting a careful assessment of fitness level before booking.

Overview of the Lost City Trek

The Lost City Trek, also known as the Ciudad Perdida, is a renowned 4-day hiking adventure that takes adventurers and nature enthusiasts through the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range to an ancient archaeological site.

The trek can be started from either Santa Marta or Taganga, and it’s suitable for those seeking a cultural and outdoor experience.

Trekkers will hike through lush forests, cross rivers, and climb approximately 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City, an impressive archaeological wonder.

Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local Kogui community and learn about their history and way of life, making this trek a truly immersive cultural experience.

Trek Details and Difficulty

The Lost City Trek spans 4 days, with a medium-high difficulty level due to the challenging climate and terrain.

Travelers can expect to walk an average of 6 hours per day through the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The total number of steps to reach the Lost City archaeological site is 1,200.

The trek is suitable for adventurous and fit nature lovers, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 8 travelers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Cultural Experience With the Kogui

As visitors embark on the Lost City Trek, they’ve the unique opportunity to interact with the indigenous Kogui community.

The trek provides a window into the Kogui’s rich cultural heritage and way of life. Trekkers can learn about their history, traditions, and connection to the land.

The Kogui are known for their intricate weaving, medicinal practices, and spiritual beliefs rooted in the natural world. This cultural exchange is a highlight of the journey, offering travelers a deeper appreciation for the indigenous communities that have inhabited the Sierra Nevada mountains for centuries.

Through these meaningful interactions, the Lost City trek becomes not just a physical adventure, but a culture as well.

Included in the Trek

Comprehensive coverage of the trek’s inclusions ensures a seamless and well-rounded experience for participants. Travelers can expect transportation, an entrance fee to the lost city site, and a fee for interacting with the indigenous Kogui community. Lodging in camps and meals – 3 dinners, 4 lunches, and 3 breakfasts – are also provided.

Included	Details
Transportation	To and from trek starting point
Entrance Fee	For La Ciudad Perdida
Indigenous Fee	To interact with Kogui community
Lodging	Overnight in camps
Meals	3 dinners, 4 lunches, 3 breakfasts

Alcoholic drinks are the only item not covered, allowing participants to purchase them independently during the trek.

Additional Trek Information

Pickup for the Lost City Trek occurs between 7:00 and 9:00 am at participants’ accommodations, with the trek itself beginning promptly at 9:00 am.

The trek isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

Confirmation of the trek is received at the time of booking. The maximum group size is 8 travelers, and the trek is suitable for adventurers and nature lovers who wish to explore the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the archaeological site of La Ciudad Perdida.

Pickup and Start Time

Participants are picked up between 7:00 and 9:00 am at their respective accommodations, with the trek itself commencing promptly at 9:00 am.

This early start time ensures ample time to cover the day’s planned route and activities. The organizers recommend that travelers be ready and waiting at their lodging during the pickup window to avoid any delays.

Punctuality is crucial, as the trek operates on a tight schedule to provide the full cultural and natural experience within the four-day timeframe. Tardiness could result in missing out on key elements of the journey.

Accessibility and Recommendations

The trek isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the rugged terrain and steep inclines encountered throughout the hike.

Plus, the Lost City Trek isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

The demanding nature of the trek, including an average of 6 hours of walking per day in hot and humid conditions, could pose significant challenges for those with pre-existing health concerns.

Prospective participants should carefully consider their physical abilities and any potential limitations before embarking on this adventure.

Comprehensive medical clearance is advisable to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all trekkers.

Trek Reviews

Just 2 reviews have been submitted for the Lost City Trek thus far, resulting in an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. The trek seems to have divided opinions, with some hikers praising the cultural experience and natural beauty, while others found the physical demands too challenging. A closer look at the review breakdown reveals more insights:

Reviewer Rating	Number of Reviews
5-star	0
4-star	0
3-star	0
2-star	1
1-star	1

Prospective trekkers should carefully consider their fitness level and preparedness before booking this adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Trek?

The typical group size for this trek is a maximum of 8 travelers. The small group size allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as participants explore the archaeological site and interact with the local Kogui community.

Are There Any Medical Requirements for Participants?

The trek has medical requirements for participants. It’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions, as the trek involves heat, humidity, and up to 6 hours of walking per day.

Are Alcoholic Drinks Included in the Provided Meals?

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the provided meals. The trek package only covers non-alcoholic beverages, with any alcoholic drinks being an additional expense for participants.

Can I Book This Trek for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this trek. The tour operator allows individual bookings and has a maximum group size of 8 travelers, so solo adventurers are welcome to join the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Trek Duration?

While the standard Lost City Trek is 4 days, travelers can work with the tour provider to extend or shorten the duration based on their preferences and physical abilities. Flexibility is generally offered to accommodate individual needs.

Recap

The Lost City Trek offers adventure-seekers a captivating 4-day journey through Colombia’s lush landscapes. Trekkers will enjoy the indigenous Kogui culture, ascending 1,200 steps to discover the ancient archaeological site. With a medium-high difficulty level, this trek is a must for nature lovers seeking an unforgettable expedition. Ultimately, the Lost City Trek provides a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty.