Colombia Lost City Trek, Tayrona & Cartagena Tour

Arrive at any time. We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes around 30 minutes and offers your first glimpse of the Caribbean coast.

Santa Marta is the oldest colonial city in South America, founded in 1525 and known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. It also serves as the gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the stunning Tayrona National Park, making it the perfect starting point for your Caribbean adventure.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Tayrona area Meal Plan: None

Today, we will start the trip towards the Lost City, called the Ciudad Perdida in Spanish. The Lost City is one of Colombia's and South America's most important archaeological sites. It lies in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a network of tiled roads, and several small circular plazas. It is believed to have been founded about 800 CE, some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu in Peru. 

The adventure to the Lost City will start at 8 a.m. We will travel by car to the Mamey region to begin our journey to the Lost City. Today, we'll hike to our first stop, where you will spend the night. The initial day covers several kilometres, with climbs that test endurance, but as you hike through lush tropical forests, you will see rivers and waterfalls where you can swim and refresh.  Breathtaking views and incredible wildlife will keep your spirits high throughout this exciting journey.

Note: The trail to The Lost City is usually closed from the 1st to the 30th of September. This allows the natural ecosystems to rest and replenish and allows the indigenous groups who have always called the park and the wider Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta home to perform traditional cleaning rituals and ceremonies.

Overnight: Camp 1 Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Trip to the Lost City

The second day of trekking intensifies as the terrain steepens and we head deeper into the Sierra Nevada jungle. The journey will mix uphill climbs and river crossings. After breakfast, you will start your journey to the Buritaca River, where you will see a small Indigenous village called Mutansh. You will have the opportunity to learn more about their culture and connection to the land. Tonight, we will spend the night at Camp 3.

Overnight: Camp 3 Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Trip to the Lost City

Today, we will finally arrive at the Lost City. The trail grows even more rugged, with steeper inclines and dense jungle surroundings, but the thought of reaching the ancient city will motivate you to keep going. 

As you hike to the final stretch, you'll climb over 1,200 stone steps built centuries ago by the Tayrona civilisation. Finally, you will see the ruins of the Lost City, and the breathtaking view will make you feel accomplished and rewarded for your efforts.

You will stay there for about 3 hours before starting the journey back to Cabin No. 2, where we will spend the night.

Overnight: Camp 2 Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included activities:   Trip to the Lost City

Today is the last day of this adventure. Early in the morning, we will start the journey back to the Mamey Region, have lunch there and then go to a hotel near Tatyrona Park, where you will spend the next few nights.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Included activities:   Trip back to Santa Marta

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included activities:   Day trip to Tayrona Park

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to begin our journey toward Cartagena. The drive takes approximately 4.5 hours and gradually reveals the changing landscapes of Colombia’s Caribbean region.

Cartagena de Indias, set along the shimmering Caribbean coast, is a city alive with history, colour, and cultural energy. As you enter the heart of the city, the enchanting Ciudad Amurallada, you are transported to another era. Cobblestone streets, brightly painted colonial houses, and the imposing stone walls that once defended the city from pirates create an atmosphere full of character and charm. The air carries the scent of local delicacies, while music and street performers bring every corner to life, turning each walk into an unforgettable experience.

Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel for a guided city tour, beginning with the impressive Castillo de San Felipe and continuing through the historic old city. The fortified walls surrounding Cartagena were built during Spanish rule to protect the city from enemies and looters, and today they stand as one of the most iconic symbols of its colonial past.

Castillo de San Felipe is the largest and strongest fortress ever constructed by the Spanish in any of their colonies. Built atop San Lázaro Hill, it successfully defended Cartagena from numerous attacks, including the famous British siege of 1741. The old city, meanwhile, is the vibrant historic heart of Cartagena. We will stroll through its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by its most important architectural and cultural landmarks.

You will have the afternoon free to relax at your hotel or continue exploring the old city at your own pace, admiring its colourful façades, lively plazas, and romantic Caribbean atmosphere.

Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast

Included activities:   City tour in Cartagena

The tour ends today. At the time required, we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.

Overnight: Breakfast

Colombia can be visited throughout the year, but the Lost City trek and Tayrona Park have scheduled closures. The Lost City route is usually closed during September for environmental restoration and traditional indigenous ceremonies. Tayrona National Natural Park also has regular closure periods. We recommend checking the dates when planning your trip, and our team can advise on the best time to travel.

The Lost City trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. The route involves long days of walking, steep climbs, uneven paths and humid tropical conditions. You should be comfortable hiking for several hours a day and walking in warm, sometimes wet weather. The effort is rewarded with spectacular scenery, waterfalls, rivers and the extraordinary archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida.

The trek itself takes four days. Along the route, you will spend each night at a campsite in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The complete tour lasts 10 days, allowing time before and after the trek to enjoy Santa Marta, Tayrona National Natural Park and Cartagena.

Accommodation during the trek is basic and located at campsites within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Facilities are simple, with shared sleeping arrangements, bunk beds or hammocks and mosquito nets. Staying at these campsites is part of the experience, giving you the opportunity to rest in the heart of the jungle and experience the remote environment of the Sierra Nevada.

Yes. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and most other dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

Yes. This is a private tour, and you will have private transfers and transportation throughout, including the visits to Tayrona National Natural Park and Cartagena. However, during the Lost City trek you will share the campsite accommodation with other travellers, as the facilities are basic and used by everyone taking part in the trek.

Absolutely. This is a tailor‑made tour, and we can adjust activities, accommodation and dietary requirements to suit your preferences. The only part with limited flexibility is the Lost City trek. We can extend it by one extra day if needed, but the route and overall experience remain the same, as it follows a fixed itinerary used for all trekkers.

For the Lost City trek, we recommend packing light and bringing only the essentials, as you will be hiking through hot and humid tropical terrain. Comfortable, lightweight clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a small backpack are essential. A waterproof jacket or poncho is also useful, as rain is possible throughout the trek. You should also bring a small torch, personal toiletries, any necessary medication and a quick-drying towel. Your main luggage can be left safely before starting the trek, so there is no need to carry everything with you.

The trek involves walking through challenging terrain, so it is best to travel with only the essentials for the hiking section. Your travel arrangements and luggage requirements can be discussed with our team before departure so that you are properly prepared for the trek.

All day tours and transfers included in the itinerary are insured, providing added security and peace of mind during scheduled activities. For complete protection, we strongly recommend arranging suitable international travel insurance for the full duration of your trip.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers.

Before your trip begins, we create a dedicated chat group with our operations team so you can easily reach us before, during, and after your journey. Once in Colombia, our team is available daily to assist with anything you may need. You will also be accompanied by a bilingual local guide who provides cultural insight and on-the-ground support. 

We take special care of our guests, so you always feel supported, safe, and fully immersed in the local experience.

Colombia has changed significantly over the past decades, and many destinations are now well established for international tourism. As with any destination, travellers should take sensible precautions and follow local advice. Travelling with local guides and pre-arranged private transportation can also make your journey easier and more comfortable.