Expeditions Lost City Trek, Tayrona & Cartagena Adventure

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 and South America's most important archaeological sites. It is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a net 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 Lost City. Our goal today is to hike up 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.  The breathtaking views and incredible wildlife will keep your spirit high during this exciting journey.

Note: Please be aware that the way up 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 allow 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

The second day of trekking intensifies as the terrain becomes steeper and we get deeper into the Sierra Nevada jungle. The journey will be a mix of 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overnight: Breakfast
Meal Plan: