The Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) is one of Colombia’s top bucket-list adventures — a multi-day jungle hike that leads to an ancient city built over 1,000 years ago by the indigenous Tairona people.
This is a fully guided trek deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, typically lasting 4 days and including meals, lodging, and transportation. It’s a physically demanding but unforgettable experience, filled with rivers, mountains, indigenous villages, and lush jungle scenery.
We recently completed this trek, and it exceeded all expectations. From hiking through dense jungle to swimming in clear rivers and exploring centuries-old ruins, it’s an experience we’ll never forget.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about doing the Lost City trek — including the itinerary, logistics, tips, and our personal insights.
Quick Trek Info
- Total Distance: 49 km (30 miles) roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2,650 m (8,700 ft)
- Max Altitude: 1,190 m (3,900 ft)
- Trek Duration: 3 to 5 days (most choose 4)
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
Where Is the Lost City?
The Lost City is located in northern Colombia, near the coastal city of Santa Marta.
Getting there is easy, with direct flights to Santa Marta from cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Pereira (flight time ~1.5 hours). Most trek companies offer round-trip van transportation between Santa Marta and the trailhead — so you don’t have to arrange that yourself.
Need a hotel before or after your trek? We recommend Hotel Boutique Casa Chunuu in Santa Marta.
What to Expect on the Trek
This is an all-inclusive guided hike — meaning your tour will include:
- Lodging in jungle camps (bunk beds + mosquito nets)
- All meals (3 per day)
- Luggage transport
- River swimming spots
- Cultural experiences with indigenous communities
The trek can be completed in 3 to 6 days, but most people opt for 4 days, which balances the physical challenge with a good amount of sightseeing.
Lost City Trek: Day-by-Day Experience
Day 1: Santa Marta to Camp Alfredo
- Start: 7 AM pickup from your hotel
- Drive: 2 hours (highway + mountain road) to Machete village
- Trek Distance: ~9 km (6 miles)
- Highlights: Uphill jungle trail, lunch stop in Machete
- Challenge: Rain made the trail muddy and slippery
- Overnight: Camp Alfredo
Expect a sweaty but exciting start. We met our guides, bonded with fellow trekkers (12 total), and set off into the humid mountains.
Day 2: Indigenous Villages & River Fun
- Distance: ~14 km (8 miles)
- Start: 5 AM wakeup, hike to Camp Paraiso
- Highlights:
- Visit to Mutanyi village (Kogi people)
- Lunch + river swim at Camp Mumake
- Rain held off until bedtime!
This was one of the most physically intense days, but the cultural experience and river swim made it special.
Day 3: Explore the Lost City
- Main Goal: Reach Ciudad Perdida
- Climb: ~1,200 steep, ancient stone steps
- Highlights:
- Guided tour of the Lost City ruins
- Panoramic mountain views
- Return to Camp Mumake via Camp Paraiso
The Lost City blew us away — vast stone terraces, historical depth, and stunning jungle views. It’s older than Machu Picchu and only partially excavated.
Day 4: Return Trek
- Distance: ~16 km (10 miles)
- Route: Camp Mumake → Machete → Santa Marta
- Highlights:
- Clear skies and gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada
- Final lunch with our group
Tired but satisfied, we returned to Santa Marta with mud-stained boots and lifelong memories.
Is the Lost City Trek Hard?
Yes, it’s tough — but doable. Expect long uphill climbs, muddy trails, high humidity, and early mornings (5 AM starts daily).
Even fit hikers find it challenging. But the guides are patient, and there are frequent breaks, snacks, and river swim opportunities.
With determination, anyone with average fitness can complete this trek.
What Are the Camps Like?
The camps are basic but surprisingly comfortable:
- Bunk beds with mosquito nets
- Flush toilets and showers
- Charging stations (often for a small fee)
- WiFi (not always reliable)
- Camp shops with snacks, toiletries, and drinks
Don’t overpack — you can buy essentials at each stop!
Safety on the Lost City Trek
Overall, this is a very safe trek, especially with a reputable tour company. While some areas in Colombia can be risky, this trail has had a strong safety record for years.
The main concern is slipping or injury from the trail — not crime.
Food & Water Safety
Meals were hearty and fresh: rice, eggs, meat, pasta, veggies, fruit — even coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings.
Filtered water is provided at all camps, but you can also bring water purification tablets or buy bottled water along the way to avoid stomach issues.
No one in our group got sick, but it’s always wise to be cautious.
Can You Hike Without a Guide?
No — the Lost City trek is strictly guided. Independent trekking is not allowed.
This helps protect the trail, preserve the environment, and support local communities (many guides are from indigenous villages).
Best Tour Company
We trekked with Magic Tour Colombia and had an amazing experience. Their bilingual guides were helpful, knowledgeable, and professional.
If they’re booked, you can also reserve through GetYourGuide, which works with several licensed operators.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of 2025, the standard price is 2,150,000 COP (about $520 USD) for a 4-day trek.
Yes, the cost has tripled since 2014, but the experience is still 100% worth it. The price includes:
- All meals and lodging
- Transportation from/to Santa Marta
- Entrance fees and permits
- Bilingual guides
Final Thoughts: Is the Lost City Trek Worth It?
Absolutely. This is one of the most unique and rewarding hikes in South America — a deep cultural and physical journey that few travelers get to experience.
It’s not easy, but it’s unforgettable. Do it now, while the trail is still relatively quiet and accessible.
Map of the Trek
You can find the full trail map and elevation profile on AllTrails. If you get AllTrails+, you can download it offline, which is super handy on the trail.