Ciudad Perdida Trek

Treks

SUMMARY

5 Days

Colombia

Trek to Ciudad Perdida: Colombia’s Hidden Gem

Embark on a thrilling adventure to Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City of the Tayrona civilization, nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta rainforest. This trek offers a blend of challenging hikes, rich history, and stunning natural beauty. Unlike high-altitude treks like the Inca Trail, this journey remains manageable for most hikers while delivering an unforgettable experience.

A Unique Trek Through Colombia’s Wilderness

The Ciudad Perdida Trek immerses you in the heart of the Colombian jungle. Expect to cross vibrant river valleys, navigate steep forest trails, and cool off in crystal-clear mountain streams. Along the way, you’ll visit indigenous villages where the traditions of the local communities remain intact, offering a rare glimpse into their way of life.

Camping accommodations are basic, but they allow you to connect fully with the natural surroundings. This trek is about embracing the wild and discovering the untouched beauty of Colombia.

Journey to the Lost City

The highlight of the trek is reaching Ciudad Perdida, an ancient city hidden for centuries. Built by the Tayrona people around 800 CE, it features terraces, plazas, and stairways carved into jungle-covered mountains. With relatively few visitors, you can explore its secrets and enjoy the breathtaking views in peace.

The Five-Day Trek Experience

Contours Travel recommends the five-day option to fully immerse yourself in the journey. With a more relaxed pace, you’ll have extra time to appreciate the rainforest’s vibrant flora and fauna and connect with the rich history of the region. Each step brings new discoveries and unforgettable memories.

Best Time to Visit

For the best experience, trek during the dry season from December to March, when warm, sunny days and reduced rainfall make hiking conditions ideal.

Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of the Lost City? Book your Ciudad Perdida Trek today and experience the adventure of a lifetime!

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike through breathtaking scenery: Trek through the lush rainforests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with stunning mountain views at every turn.
Immerse yourself in local culture: Interact with the indigenous Kogui and Wiwa communities and learn about their unique traditions and way of life.
Climb to the Lost City: Ascend 1,183 ancient steps to reach the fabled Ciudad Perdida, a hidden gem of the Colombian jungle.
Experience authentic jungle camping: Sleep under the stars in comfortable hammocks with mosquito nets. Embrace the simplicity of the jungle and enjoy the incredible scenery.
Cool off in crystal-clear streams: Refresh yourself in the pristine mountain streams that flow through the rainforest.
Choose your adventure: Choose between a four-day or six-day trek to suit your fitness level and desired pace.
Reward yourself with a beach break: Extend your adventure with a relaxing stay on the Caribbean coast after your trek.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Santa Marta/Ciudad Perdida

Depart Santa Marta or Taganga this morning and travel by road to the town of Machete, where the trailhead begins. Your hike through the spectacular Sierra Nevada begins here! Set off with your guide and hike along gently inclining terrain until you reach Mamey River, where you will stop for a light lunch. You can also take a dip in the refreshing waters to cool off if you like. After lunch, continue hiking to the first overnight camp, surrounded by lush greenery, small pools and with views out over the valley. Overnight in hammocks with mosquito nets (around 6.8km hiking or 4 hours).

Day 2 Ciudad Perdida

Today you will have an early start for what is probably the most challenging day on the trek. After breakfast, you will start walking and continue your journey through the Sierra Nevada. Along the way, you will visit indigenous communities Mutanyi and Koguis. Later you can take a swim in the rivers of the Sierra before arriving at Camp 2 for lunch.
After lunch and some time to swim in the Buritaca River, you will continue your trek, arriving this afternoon at camp 3, Mamo Kogui’s Farm (accommodation in hammocks or bunk beds subject to availability). (Approx 14.7km or 8 hours – today is mostly uphill hiking)

Day 3 Ciudad Perdida

Early this morning you will cross the river that guards the fabled Lost City. Climb the 1,183 stairs to find La Ciudad Perdida. Your guide will take you on a tour of this ancient place, visiting the terraces, roads and ceremonial centres in the middle of the jungle. After time to enjoy the surrounds and take photos, you will descend back along the stairs and then hike back along the trail to a small waterfall, where you stop for lunch. After lunch, you will hike back to Camp 2, where you stay overnight (approx 6km or 7 hours hiking).

Day 4 Ciudad Perdida

Depart the camp this morning and continue retracing your journey back through the Mamey region of the Sierra Nevada. We will have a stop for lunch near Mutanyi and then continue to the first campsite where we overnight. (Approx 9.7km or 4 hours hiking)

Day 5 Ciudad Perdida/Santa Marta

After breakfast we will visit a magnificent waterfall and then start hiking back to Machete Pelao, where you will celebrate the end of an unforgettable hike with a final meal together with your group. After lunch, transfer to Santa Marta or Tayrona National Park. (Approx 6.8km or 4 hours)