Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days from Santa Marta, Santa Marta

About this activity

Set out on an exhilarating 5-day journey through the untamed wilderness of Colombia to uncover the mystical Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), hidden deep within a lush, vibrant jungle. This adventure will take you off the beaten path, guiding you through breathtaking landscapes, where you'll cross pristine rivers and encounter cascading waterfalls on your way to this ancient archaeological marvel. Depending on the length of your trek, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of local indigenous communities, enjoy refreshing swims in natural pools, and camp each night surrounded by the rich flora and fauna of the Colombian jungle.

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At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Impulse Travel

Ages: Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Accommodation at the camps
Included: Bilingual guide
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Santa Marta
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Entry tickets

Not included

Not included: Unspecified food and drinks
Not included: Optional tips and gratuities

Itinerary

Day 1 · Santa Marta - Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida

8 hours Admission included

Your adventure begins bright and early as you meet between 8:00 am and 9:00 am in Santa Marta. From there, you'll embark on a picturesque 3-hour road trip to the quaint town of El Mamey. Upon arrival, you'll stop for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of typical Colombian cuisine.

With your appetite satisfied, you'll commence your first trek of the journey. This invigorating 4-hour hike will lead you through stunning landscapes and natural beauty as you make your way to the first campsite. Covering a total distance of 7 km, this trek offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward.

Upon reaching the camp, you'll be greeted with a hearty dinner, providing the perfect end to your day of exploration. Afterward, you'll have the entire night to rest and rejuvenate, preparing yourself for the adventures that lie ahead.

Camp Accomodation

Day 2 · 1st Camp – Mutanzi – 3rd Camp

Ciudad Perdida

8 hours Admission included

Day two starts early with a quick breakfast before you set off around 6 am. Your first trek of the day is a 2-hour journey to the indigenous village of Mutanzi. This trek offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about the traditions of the indigenous people.

After exploring Mutanzi, you'll continue with a 40-minute walk to the 2nd campsite, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. This meal is the perfect opportunity to recharge and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Once you've rested, you'll embark on a final 4-hour trek to the 3rd camp. This part of the trek is both challenging and rewarding, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment as you make your way to your destination. Upon arrival at the 3rd camp, you'll enjoy a well-deserved dinner and have the rest of the night to rest and recuperate from your 17 km trek.

Camp accomodation

Day 3 · 3rd Camp – Ciudad Perdida – 2nd Camp

Ciudad Perdida

8 hours Admission included

Your third day begins with an early breakfast before departing the 3rd camp at 6 am for a trek to the legendary Ciudad Perdida. After a rewarding climb up 1,200 stone steps, you’ll arrive at the ancient city around 7 am. Here, you’ll have two hours to explore the mysterious ruins nestled deep in the jungle. Your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of Ciudad Perdida, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Following your exploration, you’ll return to the 3rd camp for a well-earned lunch and a chance to rest. In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a 4-hour trek back to the 2nd camp. This return journey covers a total distance of 11 km, offering time to reflect on your adventure. Once back at the 2nd camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and spend the night, resting up for the next leg of your journey.

Camp Accommodation

Day 4 · 2nd camp – 1st camp – Ecological Hike

Ciudad Perdida

8 hours

Start your day with an early breakfast, preparing for a rewarding journey ahead. Depart around 6 am for a 4-hour trek back to the 1st camp, retracing your steps through the stunning natural scenery. This trek offers a unique perspective on the environment you've been exploring, allowing you to appreciate the diverse landscapes from a different vantage point.

Upon reaching the 1st camp, you'll enjoy a well-deserved dinner and settle in for the night. This evening at the camp provides a chance to relax and reflect on your journey through the captivating landscapes and experiences of the previous days.

Camp or Hammock accommodation

Day 5 · 1st Camp – Mamey – Santa Marta

Ciudad Perdida

8 hours Admission included

Your final day begins with a hearty breakfast at the 2nd camp before embarking on the longest trek of your journey. This 7-hour hike, primarily downhill, will take you through lush landscapes back to El Mamey. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at the same local restaurant where you dined on Day 1, offering a familiar taste as you near the end of your adventure.

Following lunch, you’ll make your way back to Santa Marta with your guide. Arriving in mid-afternoon, you’ll complete your journey having covered a total distance of 16 km on this day. This trek, while challenging, offers a rewarding conclusion to your immersive exploration of the region.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Grand Marina Suites
Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina
Hotel Miami SM
Hotel Escondor
Hotel Boutique ADAZ
San Francisco De Asis
La Palma Hotel
Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus
La Casa Del Piano Hotel Boutique
Hotel Catedral Plaza
Casa Verde Hotel
Hotel Tayromar

and 30 more pickup points

Pick up service from Santa Marta Hotels /Accommodations. Please enter your pick up details.

Let us know if your hotel/accommodation is not listed so we can arrange your pick-up (including zones like Pozos Colorados).

Note: pick-up from other towns have an additional cost (including but not limited to Taganga). Please contact us to arrange it.

Using your ticket

Note: Please email Impulse Travel at [email protected] to confirm your pickup time and location.

° The price you paid for the service does not include 19% V.A.T. This benefit only applies to foreigners entering as tourists, so it is necessary that you send us as proof a copy of your passport and the photo of the entry stamp to the country. As required by the national tax authority.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
PLEASE NOTE: To access Ciudad Perdida, you need a negative PCR COVID test at least 72 hours in advance. Failure to comply with this requirement, will result in cancellation of the tour.
PLEASE NOTE: If the PCR COVID test is positive, you will have a full refund.
Please advise any specific dietary requirements or allergies at time of booking
We recommended you bring good hiking shoes, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle. You may also want to pack a flashlight, a roll of toilet paper, small snacks and hand sanitizer.
We recommended you bring a comfortable backpack and/or luggage that is easy to carry and ideally, waterproof.
Quick dry clothes and towel are highly recommended but not mandatory.
Lodging information: There will be both beds and/or hammocks available on all three campsites, all with mosquito nets. You will be assigned one or the other depending on availability. We will also provide blankets upon request since it can get chilly at night at the base of a snow-peak. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from sleeping in a hammock, please let us know in advance.
Pick up time at your hotel or accommodation will happen between 8:00am and 9:00am
Please Note: No plastic is allowed in the national park.