Lost City Trekking in Colombia

Lost City Trekking in Colombia

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7 Days From

$1355

Lost City Trekking in Colombia

7 Days Starting in Cartagena and ending in Santa Marta

Visiting: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Lost City Trek, Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

GGXS

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

15-99 years

From: $1355

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The ancient archaeological site of Teyuna, or the Lost City, sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. On this week-long walking trip, you’ll do just that, with knowledgeable local guides to guide the way into Tayrona National Natural Park. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena, you’ll jump straight into local Colombian culture, explore the scenic port city of Santa Marta and then begin your trek to the Lost City. Meet local Indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site – a perfect adventure for any avid adventurer, hiker and explorer!

Highlights

  • Hike to the Lost City to Tayrona (or Teyuna) – the most important archaeological site in Colombia. Explore this sacred place with our local guides and revel in the secrets of a site only reached by multi-day hiking.

  • Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada – a great opportunity for a true digital detox – through tropical forest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views.

  • Visit the Indigenous WIWA Community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles that local women and men have within the community.

  • Wander beneath the floral balconies of Cartagena – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.

  • End your trip in Santa Marta – a tropical paradise on the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Cartagena

Location: Cartagena

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO Worls 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:
-Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

Optional Activities:
-Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle
-Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City
-Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour
-Cartagena - Mangroves Tour
-Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour
-Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour

Day 2: Santa Marta

Location: Santa Marta

Meals Included: breaksfast

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:
-Santa Marta – Orientation walk

Day 3: Lost City Trek

Location: Lost City Trek

Meals Included: breaksfast, 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:
-Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek

Day 4: Lost City Trek

Location: Lost City Trek

Meals Included: breaksfast, 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 Paraiso Teyuna 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:
-Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

Day 5: Lost City Trek

Location: Lost City Trek

Meals Included: breaksfast, 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 1200 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 Paraiso Teyuna 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:
-Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna

Day 6: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta

Location: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights)

  • Meals
    6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

  • Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

  • Santa Marta – Orientation walk

  • Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek

  • Lost City - WIWA indigenous community visit

  • Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna

  • Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    There are 4 days of strenuous trekking on this trip. You'll be trekking between 4-6 hours a day, the highest altitude reached is 1,200 m (3,937 ft) at the Lost City itself. The humidity and the heat makes this trek challenging. Throughout the year the day time temperatures are generally between 30-45 degress celsius.

    In dry season (December - March), the trail can be dry and dusty. In the wet season (April - November), there can be heavy rain and muddy conditions.

    You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10kg total weight.

    You will get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – from hotels to dormitory style accommodation in hammocks or rustic bunks. Their unique locations and close proximity to nature is what makes them special.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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