Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days From Santa Marta

Venture into the lush, verdant landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a captivating 5-day trek to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida. This unforgettable adventure takes you through the heart of indigenous communities, where you’ll learn about rich cultural traditions and discover the mystique of the Tayrona civilization. Accompanied by knowledgeable bilingual guides, you’ll navigate challenging river crossings, encounter cascading waterfalls, and explore the enchanting jungle terrain, all while enjoying comfortable campsites and delectable local cuisine. Prepare to be swept away by the sheer beauty and historical significance of this remarkable destination.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours In Santa Marta.

Key Points

• 5-day trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains to the 9th-century archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, covering 29 miles (47 km).
• Explore indigenous villages, rivers, and waterfalls while hiking with a group of up to 11 participants, led by experienced guides.
• Climb 1,200 stone steps to reach the ancient Tayrona civilization site and immerse in its mystique.
• Accommodations include comfortable campsites with local Colombian cuisine, with vegetarian options available.
• Trek rated 4.5/5 from 19 reviews, with flexibility for cancellation up to 24 hours prior, starting from $805.

Overview of the Trek

The Ciudad Perdida trek is a captivating 4- or 5-day hiking adventure that takes adventurers through the lush landscapes of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

Departing from Santa Marta, participants embark on a 29-mile (47 km) journey to the legendary archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, dating back to the 9th century.

Along the way, trekkers explore indigenous villages, cross rivers, and encounter stunning waterfalls, all while learning about the fascinating Tayrona culture.

The group size is limited to 11 participants, ensuring a more intimate and immersive experience.

With a well-planned itinerary and experienced guides, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Detailed Itinerary

A typical 5-day Ciudad Perdida trek commences with participants being picked up from their hotels in Santa Marta at 8:00 am.

They travel for 3 hours to El Mamey, where they enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a 4-hour hike to the first campsite, covering 7 km.

Day 2 starts early, with a 2-hour trek to Mutanzi village followed by a 40-minute walk to the second campsite and a 4-hour trek to the third camp.

On Day 3, trekkers climb 1,200 stone steps to reach Ciudad Perdida, explore the ruins for 2 hours, then return to the third camp for lunch before a 4-hour trek back to the second camp.

Highlights of the Journey

Amidst the lush, verdant landscapes of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the trek to Ciudad Perdida offers adventurers a captivating glimpse into the ancient Tayrona civilization.

Trekkers will navigate through dense jungle, cross refreshing rivers, and stumble upon cascading waterfalls as they make their way to the legendary 9th-century archaeological site.

The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the climb up the 1,200 stone steps to reach the ruins, where explorers can marvel at the ingenuity of the Tayrona people and enjoy the mystique of this lost city.

Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to interact with indigenous communities, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Preparing for the Trek

To embark on the trek to Ciudad Perdida, adventurers must come prepared. The journey includes navigating through dense jungle, crossing rivers, and ascending steep stone steps. Proper footwear is essential, as the terrain can be challenging.

Hikers should pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the elements. A refillable water bottle and snacks are also recommended to stay hydrated and energized.

Bringing a flashlight, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer can make the experience more comfortable. Packing a comfortable backpack or waterproof luggage is advised to carry the necessary gear.

With the right preparations, trekkers can fully enjoy the remarkable journey to the ancient city of Ciudad Perdida.

Accommodations and Meals

During the trek to Ciudad Perdida, trekkers enjoy comfortable campsite accommodations throughout the journey.

The campsites are located along the trail, providing a peaceful respite after a day of hiking. Meals are provided as per the itinerary, featuring local Colombian cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared by the guide’s team, ensuring nourishing and flavorful meals to fuel the trekkers.

Vegetarian options are available upon request. The campsites offer basic amenities, including sleeping mats and tents, allowing trekkers to rest and recharge before the next day’s adventure.

Logistical Arrangements

The trek to Ciudad Perdida is well-organized, with participants being picked up from their hotels in Santa Marta.

Pickup time is at 8:00 am, allowing for a timely departure. The group size is limited to 11 participants, ensuring an intimate experience.

Bilingual guides lead the way, providing valuable insights into the Tayrona culture and history. Accommodations are provided at campsites along the trek, and meals are included as per the itinerary.

Entrance fees to the archaeological site are also covered. With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience, travelers can book with confidence.

The trek is priced from $805.00, offering the lowest price guarantee.

Traveler Feedback and Ratings

Travelers overwhelmingly praise the Ciudad Perdida trek, awarding it an impressive 4.5-out-of-5 rating from 19 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the quality of the tour guides, the memorable experiences, and the rewarding yet challenging nature of the hike. Reviewers consistently emphasize the importance of proper footwear, noting the trek’s difficulty level.

The cancellation policy offers flexibility, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

With prices starting from $805.00 and a lowest price guarantee, the Ciudad Perdida trek provides an exceptional value for adventurous travelers seeking to explore Colombia’s ancient wonders.

Booking and Pricing Information

The Ciudad Perdida trek offers travelers a range of booking and pricing options to suit their preferences.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Marta, along with a bilingual guide, campsite accommodations, meals, and entrance fees.

Travelers can choose the 4-day or 5-day itinerary, with prices starting from $805.

Bookings can be made directly through the tour provider, and cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

With a lowest price guarantee, the Ciudad Perdida trek provides an excellent value for the unique and challenging hiking adventure through Colombia’s stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the trek to Ciudad Perdida. The hike through dense jungle and steep terrain makes it unsafe and impractical to bring animals along. Participants must complete the trek without their pets.

Is There Any Cell Phone Coverage During the Hike?

There is limited cell phone coverage during the trek. Hikers can expect spotty reception at certain points, but should not rely on consistent connectivity. Communication with the outside world may be intermittent throughout the journey.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?

The minimum age requirement for participants on this trek is typically 8 years old. Younger children may be allowed to join if accompanied by a responsible adult, though the hike’s difficulty level should be carefully considered for any child’s participation.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Spend More Time at Ciudad Perdida?

The itinerary can be customized to allow more time at Ciudad Perdida, but this would require extending the overall duration of the trek. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to discuss feasible adjustments to the standard 4- or 5-day schedule.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included in the Listed Price?

The listed price appears to cover all the major costs, but travelers should check if there are any additional taxes or fees not explicitly mentioned. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider for a complete breakdown of expenses.

Recap

The trek to Ciudad Perdida is an exceptional adventure that immerses travelers in the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada mountains. With experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious local cuisine, this 5-day journey offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the mystique of the Tayrona civilization and create lasting memories. For those seeking a unique and rewarding trekking experience, the trek to Ciudad Perdida is a must-consider adventure.