Colombia's Lost City
Colombia's Lost City
Stroll through the historic Old Town in Cartegena
Local woman selling fresh fruits on the streets of Colombia  | Pat Rochon
The Lost City in Colombia's Sierra Nevada
The Lost City trek in Colombia's Sierra Nevada
The Lost City in Colombia's Sierra Nevada  | Gesine Cheung
The colourful buildings in Old Town, Cartagena are a beautiful sight.

Colombia's Lost City Trek

Explore Colombia's lost and found highlights

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 2 reviews

10 Days from

$2290 USD

Trip Code: CLK
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement Lost City Trek
$380 USD
Single Supplement High Season Lost City Trek (Easter - 11th - 20th Apr)
$490 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement High Season (Easter - 11th - 20th Apr)
$1040 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$1080 USD

Duration

  • 10 Days

Activities

  • 4 day trek

Accommodation

  • 6 nights hotel
  • 3 nights jungle camp

Meals

  • 3 Dinners
  • 4 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Trip highlights

  • See the sights of cosmopolitan Bogotá and its historic La Candelaria District
  • Be enchanted by the colonial architecture and cobbled alleys of Cartagena
  • Climb the 1200 steps to reach the Lost City
  • Journey through spectacular jungle scenery on the four day trek
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Felipe Fortress

Overview

Immerse yourself in the highlights of Colombia and discover a destination teeming with historical insights and natural wonders. Our adventure begins in the capital city of Bogota where we take in the colonial and baroque architecture found in La Candelaria and visit Bolivar Square. Climb the 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna, enjoying spectacular jungle scenery on a four day trek. Colombia’s Lost City, ancient ruins high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a breath-taking treasure that was once home to a thriving civilisation. Still considered hallowed ground by the indigenous tribes nearby. Our journey ends in the Caribbean beach resort city, Cartagena of the West Indies, with its colourful districts and wonderful beaches. Discover historically rich Cartagena and walk its meandering cobblestone streets of the walled city and take in the sights of centuries-old fortresses and churches, a fitting end to our time in Colombia.

Itinerary

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You will be met on arrival in Bogotá and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar.

Meals: Nil

Today's city tour starts with a visit to Paloquemao, the largest market in the heart of the city. Experience the traditional market with passionate merchants selling fruits, vegetables, and delicacies for tasting. The market is also supplied by florists from all over the country, turning the open-air area into a colourful sea of smells. Next, a cable car ride will take you to Cerro Monserrate, where you can visit one of the highest pilgrimage churches in the world at 3152 meters and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá and its surroundings. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the historical quarter of "La Candelaria," which includes the Plaza de Bolivar, home to the National Capitol of Colombia and an impressive cathedral. For lunch, we highly recommend trying the typical Bogotan soup dish called "Ajiaco Bogotano". In the afternoon the tour will include a visit to the renowned Gold Museum (closed on Mondays), featuring an impressive exhibition of the goldsmith's art of the indigenous people and the largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts in the world. Another highlight is a visit to the Botero Foundation, showcasing 85 original pieces by the famous Colombian artist of the same name. City-Tour with a local English-speaking guide (appr. 8 hours) Overnight: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar.

Meals: B

After breakfast you will be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Our team will be available to assist you with check-in at the airport. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. Overnight: Hotel Tamaca Beach or similar.

Meals: B

We'll depart Santa Marta, Colombia's oldest city, at 8:30am this morning and head towards La Aguacatera's sector. Once we arrive, we'll switch to a 4WD vehicle, which will take approximately 3 hours to reach El Mamey, where we'll have lunch. After lunch, we'll begin our trek to the first campsite. Along the way, you can relax and cool off in the rivers, natural pools, and waterfalls that surround us. In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner and spend the night in bunks. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Note: You'll be carrying everything you need for the trek in your small back pack and leaving your main luggage in Santa Marta. Your backpack should be fully adjustable to your body type, where in addition to water, you can carry your clothing and personal items. Horses will be used to transport some luggage. On the 3rd day on the way to the lost city you leave your belongings in the camp and go for one night with the basics (one long cotton pants, one long sleeved shirt, your camera and your insect repellent). Walking approx 4-5 hours

Meals: B,L,D

The day starts with an early breakfast, followed by a 2 hour trek to the Mutanzi indigenous community. Our local guide will accompany us, and we will have the opportunity to interact with the locals and discover their way of life. Following a 40-minute to 1-hour trek, we will reach the second camp, where we can enjoy lunch and relax by a crystalline river. We will then continue our trek for approximately 4 hours to reach Mamo Romulado, our basecamp for the night. In the evening, our guide will share stories and traditions from their community. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Walking approx 6-7 hours.

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast in the early morning, we'll begin our climb up 1,200 steps on a trail built by the Tayrona people to reach the stunning Lost City. Upon arrival, our guide will provide us with a detailed tour of this enchanting place, complete with relics and ancestral stories. We'll have plenty of time to soak in the scenery and relax during the morning. After this incredible experience, we'll trek back to the third camp for lunch before returning to the second camp for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight basic camp, equipped with bunk beds with mosquito nets. Walking approx 6 hours.

Meals: B,L,D

On the last day of our adventure, we'll start with breakfast at the camp before beginning our return journey to where it all began. Along the way, we'll take refreshing breaks at rivers and waterfalls. After a 7-hour hike, we'll finally reach El Mamey, where we'll enjoy lunch. Following lunch, we will begin our return journey to Santa Marta, which takes approximately 3 hours. Initially, a 4WD car will pick us up to transport us back to the Aguacatera sector. Subsequently, we will transfer to a van for the remainder of the journey to Santa Marta. We'll depart completely delighted with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the magical Sierra Nevada. Overnight: Hotel Tamaca Beach or similar. Walking approx 7 hours.

Meals: B,L

We'll depart from Santa Marta this morning and travel to Cartagena by road. Cartagena is a city that combines the charm of Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean lifestyle, cultural festivals, exotic scenery, and wonderful food. As you walk through the streets, you'll discover Spanish colonial buildings such as the Palace of the Inquisition, the Clock-Tower, and the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas. Cartagena also offers countless options for dining out and exploring new and exotic flavors in both local and international cuisines. Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas or similar.

Meals: B

The city tour starts with a visit to the hill of La Popa, where the monastery of the same name is located. Founded by Augustinian monks in the 17th century, the monastery now houses many interesting exhibits about Cartagena's history. From the hilltop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, including the suburbs, which is truly breathtaking. Next, we will visit one of the most iconic historical buildings of Cartagena, the Castillo de San Felipe. This is the largest military fortification ever built by the Spanish on the continent, and it offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past. Finally, we will take a walking tour of the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour typically ends around lunchtime, giving you the opportunity to indulge in some of the delicious Caribbean cuisine that Cartagena is famous for, at one of the many excellent local restaurants. City Tour (appr. 4 hours) Overnight: Hotel 3 Banderas or similar.

Meals: B

The journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
  • Airport transfers
  • Experienced local guides, English speaking tour leader for groups of 8 or more people
  • Sightseeing and site entrance fees as listed
  • Comfortable hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
  • Porterage on trek

Not included

  • International flights & airport taxes
  • Flight Bogota to Santa Marta
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas
  • Medical treatment
  • Excess baggage costs
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, postage, phone calls, bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages etc
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Reviews (2)

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