Lost City Trekking in Colombia

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.

This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.

Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.

This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.