The Lost City , also known as Teyuna , is one of Colombia's most fascinating archaeological treasures , and a must-see destination for lovers of history, ancestral culture, and adventure.
This is an ancient pre-Columbian city built by the Tayrona culture , which inhabited the region over a thousand years ago. Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level, Ciudad Perdida lies deep within the rainforest , surrounded by a unique mountain range, a cool climate, and an extraordinary natural environment that offers unforgettable panoramic views.
A visit to the Lost City is an unforgettable experience filled with challenges and a deep connection with nature. The trek typically lasts between four and five days , depending on each traveler's pace and physical condition. You can choose the option that best suits your needs. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking mountain landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.
The tour will be conducted in the company of an expert local guide who will lead the way, sharing stories and knowledge about the Tayrona culture and its ancient city.
Join our exciting Lost City tour and discover an archaeological treasure hidden deep in the Colombian jungle! Our all-inclusive package includes safe ground transportation , comfortable accommodations in hammocks or bunk beds, delicious traditional meals throughout the trip, and travel insurance for your peace of mind.
Don't miss the opportunity to live this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
About this tour
The Lost City Trek can be done in two complete programs of 4 or 5 days, below we provide the details of the itinerary of each program so that you can select the option that you like best.
Please note that these itineraries may be subject to minor changes due to weather conditions or safety considerations.
>> PROGRAM 1: TREKKING TO THE LOST CITY FOR 4 DAYS
* Day 1: Santa Marta - Mamey - Camp 1
We'll start the day very early, at 7 AM, with a pick-up from your accommodation in Santa Marta. After picking you up, we'll travel by van or 4x4 for 3 hours to Mamey .
The village of Mamey is the meeting point where the hike to the Lost City begins. Once there, we'll prepare for the trek , making sure we have everything we need to fully enjoy the experience. You'll receive instructions from the guides, who will share valuable initial knowledge about the area and the necessary precautions for the trail. We'll have lunch in the village , and after a pleasant chat and with renewed energy, we'll begin our adventure.
We'll begin our hike to Camp 1: Casa Adan . It will be a 4-hour trek through lush vegetation, crossing crystal-clear rivers along the way. Upon arrival at Camp 1, we'll settle into hammocks with mosquito nets for the first night, enjoying a dinner prepared on-site and hearing stories about the origins of Teyuna.
* Day 2: Camp 1 - Mutanzi - Camp 3
We'll start early with a hearty breakfast to prepare us for a busy day. We'll leave Camp 1 with a two-hour hike towards the indigenous village of Mutanzi.
The small village, inhabited by the Kogui community , is nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape and surrounded by lush vegetation. The local guide will share stories that will immerse you in Kogui culture and ancestral traditions, all while you enjoy refreshing fresh fruit.
We will continue for another 40 minutes to some cabins where we will stop to relax in the natural pools and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Around 1 PM, we will continue our journey to Camp 3. It will be another 4 hours of guided hiking. We will cross the Buritaca River , pass through banana plantations , and surely encounter a wide variety of birds that inhabit the area, such as macaws, tanagers, woodpeckers, and toucans.
Between 4 and 5 PM we will be arriving at Camp 3: Mamo Romualdo , where we will spend the night in hammocks, bunk beds or tents, have dinner at the camp and share more impactful stories of the place and our journey.
* Day 3: Camp 3 - Lost City - Camp 2
We'll have breakfast and leave Camp 3 very early. For the first hike, we won't be carrying backpacks, just cameras, swimsuits, and comfortable, lightweight clothing. We'll leave the camp and hike uphill for about an hour to reach the Lost City. The hike will follow the riverbank, then we'll cross it and find the 1,200 stone steps built by the Tayrona people that will lead us to the majestic Lost City.
We will learn all the details of the city and its temple : when it was founded, why, who discovered it, and how it has transformed over time. We will spend two hours exploring the entire archaeological, ethnological, and historical zone . We will then have free time to enjoy the mountain and its healing properties and capture the most beautiful memories of the area.
Starting at 11:30 AM we will begin the descent to camp 3 where we will have lunch and enjoy the river.
We will organize our belongings and at 1 PM, we will begin the second hike of the day towards Camp 2: Casa Mumake , this path will take us about 4 hours.
Along the trail, you'll encounter a rich variety of flora and fauna , as well as waterfalls and natural pools that invite you to take a refreshing dip. The hike requires some physical effort , as there are sections of uneven terrain and steep slopes, but the reward is the experience of being immersed in a pristine and beautiful natural environment .
We'll arrive at Casa Mumake around 5 PM, where we'll spend the night and enjoy another delicious al fresco dinner. In addition to rest and cultural interaction, Casa Mumake also offers the opportunity to take short walks in the surrounding area, exploring and enjoying the natural landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. You can also enjoy refreshing swims in the nearby rivers, a perfect way to relax after a busy day.
* Day 4: Camp 2 - Mamey - Santa Marta
On our final day of the expedition, we'll have an early breakfast and begin our descent from Camp 2: Casa Mumake to Mamey. We'll enjoy the same trails as the first day on a 7-hour hike that will immerse us in the rainforest . This final leg of the trek will offer us the opportunity to reflect on the experience and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we make our way back to the starting point.
During the return journey, local guides will be on hand to provide guidance and assistance. They can also offer additional information about sites and points of interest along the way. There will be rest stops for refreshments, snacks, and drinks.
As we approach Mamey , the exhaustion will transform into satisfaction at having completed the journey to the Lost City.
Once we arrive in Mamey , you will have the opportunity to rest, share stories and memories with your travel companions, and enjoy a well-deserved lunch in the small town.
Around 2 PM we'll board the vans and head towards Santa Marta, arriving at your accommodation between 5 and 6 PM. This will mark the end of an unforgettable adventure in the Lost City, and your return to civilization after exploring and discovering the secrets of this magical place in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
>> PROGRAM 2: 5-DAY TREK TO THE LOST CITY
The first 3 days of program 2 are exactly the same as those of program 1. The difference will be in days 4 and 5, which will have the following itinerary:
* Day 4: Camp 2 - Camp 1 - Ecological Hike
After breakfast, we will leave early from Camp 2: Casa Mumake on a 2-hour ecological trek to Camp 1: Casa Adan.
The 2-hour nature hike in Ciudad Perdida will be an enriching experience. The guides leading the way will share valuable information about the flora and fauna of the region, pointing out endemic plant and tree species, as well as the birds and other animals that inhabit the area. They will also emphasize the importance of conserving and preserving these unique natural environments .
During the hike, you can stop at strategic points to enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest and surrounding landscapes. You'll also have the opportunity to take photographs and capture special moments amidst the tropical exuberance.
Upon arrival at base camp, a delicious lunch awaits us, followed by the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the river, the short trails, and the stories of the local farmers. We'll end the evening with dinner and a relaxing time in hammocks.
* Day 5: Camp 1 - Mamey - Santa Marta
On the last day of the expedition , we will have a leisurely breakfast at Camp 1, say goodbye to our hosts, and begin a 4-hour hike to Mamey .
The trail will be the same route as on day one, but we will have a second opportunity to enjoy it, this time accompanied by great memories and the satisfaction of having found the Lost City.
In Mamey , we will have lunch and rest while sharing the adventure with others.
Around 2 PM we'll board the vans and return to Santa Marta , concluding the adventure with drop-off at your accommodation between 5 and 6 PM. This will mark the end of an unforgettable odyssey in the Lost City, symbolizing the return to everyday life after exploring and unraveling the hidden charms of this enigmatic place in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.