4-Day Lost City Trek in Santa Marta
Active
4d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Venture deep into the jungle in search of the Lost City on an intrepid trek where you will hike through indigenous villages, cross the Buritaca River, sleep in hammocks and climb 1,200 mossy steps to reach one of the largest Tayrona cities in Latin America.
HIGHLIGHTS
Trek deep into the jungle to the famous Lost City
Pass through indigenous villages and discover the local life
Experience the adventure of crossing the Buritaca River
Available options
4-Day Lost City Trek in Santa Marta
Pickup included
What's included
Travel insurance
3N in hammocks with mosquito net and blanket
Round trip 4WD transportation Santa Marta - starting point of trek (El Mamey) - Santa Marta
Local Spanish Speaking guide
Transfers to/from Santa Marta
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Snacks, meals, purified water
Entrance fees to Archeological Park
3B/4L/4D
Rural Communities contribution
What's not included
Other activities
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Personal expenses
Flights
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
If you exercise regularly and enjoy nature, then the path to the Lost City is an exceptional experience that you should add to your list of adventures. For those concerned about their physical condition, most days consist of about 7-8 kilometers trekking through challenging trails that are often steep, slippery and muddy, including forging the Buritaca River. During the dry season, the water may be knee high while water levels may increase to chest-height with strong currents during the rainy season. We recommend bringing a reliable pair of trekking shoes.
Avoid carrying a heavy and uncomfortable backpack; each trekker is responsible for their own load.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking water constantly.
During walks, always stay with your group and avoid getting away the paths.
Protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen regularly and wearing protective clothing and a hat.
Minimize your plastic garbage and dispose waste properly.
Leave what you find and respect wildlife and local customs.
During the day the weather is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, shirts and shorts for walking; at night the temperature is about 16°C and there is a high proportion of mosquitoes and other insects, so it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts for sleeping and use insect repellent.
Small or Medium Backpack (pack as lightly as possible)
Trekking boots and Sandals/Tennis Shoes
Hiking poles (optional)
Personal medication & toiletries
Swimsuit
Sunscreen & Insect repellent
Warm layers for night
Torch / Headlamp / Flashlight
Rain poncho
Waterproof bags for clothes & camera
Basic first aid supplies
Water bottle / Water purification tablets
Camera
Please note that the region has a humid and rainy temperate climate with cold nights of 16 - 18° C.
Note: We have more than 20 guides for the Lost City tour of which 3 are bilingual. In the rest of cases we include a translator as long as there is a minimum of 6 people for the day they wish to register. In general (90%) we send translators every day.
t. As a preventive measure for the Lost City Trek, getting the yellow fever vaccine is recommended.
Important notes
Physical Requirements: If you exercise regularly and enjoy nature, then the path to the Lost City is an exceptional experience that you should add to your list of adventures. For those concerned about their physical condition, most days consist of about 7-8 kilometers trekking through challenging trails that are often steep, slippery and muddy, including forging the Buritaca River. During the dry season, the water may be knee high while water levels may increase to chest-height with strong currents during the rainy season. We recommend bringing a reliable pair of trekking shoes.
Essential Tips:
• Avoid carrying a heavy and uncomfortable backpack. During the trek, everyone carry what they want to take.
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking water constantly.
• During walks, always stay with your group and avoid getting away the paths.
• Protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen regularly and wearing protective clothing and a hat.
• Minimize your plastic garbage and dispose waste properly.
• During the day the weather is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, shirts and shorts for walking; at night the temperature is about 16°C and there is a high proportion of mosquitoes and other insects, so it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts for sleeping and use insect repellent.
• It is recommended to have the yellow fever vaccine as a preventive measure for the Lost City Trek.What to bring:
• Small or Medium Backpack (pack as lightly as possible)
• Trekking boots and Sandals/Tennis Shoes
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Personal medication & toiletries
• Swimsuit
• Sunscreen & Insect repellent
• Warm layers for night
• Torch / Headlamp / Flashlight
• Rain poncho
• Waterproof bags for clothes & camera
• Basic first aid supplies
• Water bottle / Water purification tablets
• Camera
*Please note the region has a humid and rainy temperate climate with cold nights of 16-18°C.
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a vibrant coastal city in Colombia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and as the gateway to the iconic Tayrona National Park. This city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination on the Caribbean coast.
Top Attractions
Tayrona National Park
A stunning national park with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife. Perfect for hiking, camping, and relaxing.
Nature
Full day or overnight
Moderate (Entry fee around $10-15 USD)
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A historic hacienda and museum dedicated to the life of Simón Bolívar, Colombia's legendary liberator.
Historical
2-3 hours
Budget (Entry fee around $2-5 USD)
Taganga
A charming fishing village with a laid-back vibe, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Beach
Half day or full day
Budget to Moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bandeja Paisa
A hearty platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, plantain, avocado, and arepa.
Lunch
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian
Arepas
Cornmeal cakes, often stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.
Appetizer
Contains seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Trek to Ciudad Perdida
Surfing in Palomino
Beach relaxation in El Rodadero
Spa treatments
Coffee tasting in Minca
Visiting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Exploring Centro Histórico
Best Time to Visit
December to March
This is the dry season, offering sunny days and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration.
26°C to 32°C
79°F to 90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone
GMT-5
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Santa Marta is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
- • Use licensed taxis or app-based services
Getting there
By air
- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport • 20 km from city center
By bus
Terminal de Transporte de Santa Marta
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and widely used, but can be crowded and slow.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Didi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
El Rodadero
Centro Histórico
Gairiga
Day trips
Minca
40 km • Full day or overnight
A picturesque mountain town known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and eco-lodges.
Palomino
80 km • Full day or overnight
A laid-back beach town with beautiful white sand beaches and a relaxed vibe.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
40 km • Multi-day trek (4-5 days)
A challenging trek through the jungle to an ancient ruins site, older than Machu Picchu.
Festivals
Festival de la Autenticidad • January
Carnaval de Santa Marta • February/March (before Lent)
Feria de las Flores • July
Pro tips
- Visit Tayrona National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds
- Take a boat tour to the nearby islands for a unique experience
- Explore the local markets for fresh produce and souvenirs
- Try the local coffee and seafood dishes
- Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in certain areas
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
