Lost City Trekking in Colombia
Lost City Trekking in Colombia
Lost City Trekking in Colombia
7 Days Starting in Cartagena, Colombia and ending in Santa Marta, Colombia
Visiting: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Sierra Nevada, Lost City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GGXS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Lost City Trekking tour in Colombia, where you'll explore the most significant archaeological site in the country, the Lost City of Tayrona. This journey takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada mountains, offering a true digital detox as you trek through lush tropical forests and along serene rivers. Experience the rich culture of the Indigenous WIWA Community, guided by a spiritual leader who will share insights into their way of life. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Cartagena, with its charming Caribbean flair, and conclude in the tropical paradise of Santa Marta, where you can unwind by the Caribbean Sea. This tour promises a blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty, all while enjoying the guidance of local experts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: hotel
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not walk around the Old City within the walled town, packed with churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. Your hotel for tonight sits in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. After the meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional welcome dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. Then, head out with your leader for a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and experience some of the vibrant local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, as your leader shares insights into the city's heritage. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and explore the local dining scene.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Lost City Trek
Location: Sierra Nevada
Accommodation Name: Adam camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Mamey (or Machete Pelao), which sits at about 120 m above sea level. When you arrive, you’ll have lunch before heading out on your first scenic hike in the mountains – to the Lost City. Hikehrough humid, tropical forest with amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at Adam, your mountain camp for the night, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 470 m above sea level.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Lost City Trek
Location: Lost City
Accommodation Name: Lorenzo campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your second day of hiking takes you to the WIWA Community Camp, where you’ll meet El Mamo – considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The Indigenous guide will share their way of living here and the role that both women and men have within the community. After, hike through the humid, tropical forest to Mutanyi – the small Indigenous village of the Kogi people, home to only 20 huts made of mud, wood and palm trees. Continue your hike along the Buritaca River until you reach Mumake campsite for a break. When you arrive, sit by the crystal-clear waters of the river, have lunch with the group and recharge. After, you’ll carry on through the mountains, soaking up the sounds of nature along the way. The day’s hike ends at Lorenzo campsite where you’ll spend the night. Maybe go for a swim in the natural pool and listen to stories and anecdotes from your local guides as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Lost City Trek
Location: Lost City
Accommodation Name: Mumake campsite
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the hardest day of hiking, heading through the rainforest to the great Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna). To get to this ancient archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River with the help of your guides, then climb the 900+ stone steps to reach the first stone rings. When you arrive, take a tour with your local guides, feeling like you’ve travelled back in time in the middle of the jungle. Learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu, and take in your lush surroundings and the sounds of the forest. After exploring the Lost City, you’ll retrace your steps back to Lorenzo campsite for lunch. Rest and recharge, then continue your route back to Mumake campsite, where you’ll spend your last night in the mountains.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping at Adam campsite to recharge your batteries with a few snacks and maybe a dip in the natural pool. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you have a free evening to rest or head out to an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
Day 7: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and 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 do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights) -
Meals
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners -
Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
An orientation walk of the hotel neighbourhood in Cartagena is included.
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Santa Marta – Orientation walk
An orientation walk in Santa Marta is included.
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Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek
A guided trek on the Lost City trail for 3 nights and 4 days is included.
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Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit
A visit to the Wiwa Indigenous community camp is included.
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Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna
A guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna is included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the San Felipe de Barajas Castle tour, Walking tour of Cartagena Walled City, and others are not included.
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Single Supplement
A single supplement is not included and is available only on certain days, subject to availability.
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Personal Backpack
You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, and it should not exceed 10kg in total weight.
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Passport Copy
A copy of your passport is required to comply with Colombian tourist regulations.
Transport
Private vehicle
Accommodation
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
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.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes transportation via private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Accommodation may vary due to availability, but a similar standard is maintained. Early arrivals may not allow immediate check-in, but luggage storage and shared day rooms are available.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the main highlight of the Lost City Trekking tour in Colombia?
The main highlight of the Lost City Trekking tour is the hike to the Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna), which is the most important archaeological site in Colombia. This sacred place can only be reached by a multi-day hiking expedition.
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What can I expect during the visit to the Indigenous WIWA Community?
During the visit to the Indigenous WIWA Community, you will meet El Mamo, the spiritual guide of the community, who will share insights into their way of life and the roles of women and men within the community.
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses private vehicles for transportation.
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What should I know about the accommodation during the tour?
The style of accommodation indicated in the itinerary is a guideline and may change due to availability. Alternative arrangements will be made if necessary, maintaining a similar standard. Early check-in is not always possible, but luggage can be stored, and shared day rooms may be available until rooms are ready.
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What is the difficulty level of the trek to the Lost City?
The trek to the Lost City includes a challenging day of hiking, particularly when crossing the Buritaca River and climbing over 900 stone steps to reach the Lost City of Tayrona.
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What should I pack for the trek?
You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, which should not exceed 10kg in total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in Santa Marta for the duration of the trek.
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Is there a single supplement available for this tour?
Yes, a single supplement is available for those who prefer not to share a room on this trip. It is available on Days 1, 2, and 6, subject to availability.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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