The Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida is a multi-day hike in the northern part of Colombia. Over four days, you will trek through the jungle, passing breathtaking views, waterfalls, indigenous tribes, and various landscapes that are only accessible on foot. The hike covers a distance of 45 kilometers (28 miles), where you’ll have endless opportunities to enjoy the surroundings while also pushing yourself at times. With the Lost City Trek, you’ll reach the highlight, the archaeological site ‘La Ciudad Perdida,’ in two days. The remaining days are spent hiking back to the starting point, Manchete. Does this adventure sound like music to your ears? Read our tips and experiences for the Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida and embark on a well-prepared journey in the Colombian jungle!

The History of Ciudad Perdida in Colombia

Ciudad Perdida is an archaeological site located at an elevation of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in northern Colombia. This city is comprised of approximately 250 circular terraces built with flat stones and mud. The indigenous tribes heated the stones under the sun and then cracked them with cold water. These stones were also used for the staircases connecting the circular terraces, the roads, and the retaining walls on which their houses stood. Archaeologists believe that Ciudad Perdida was built around 650-800 AD by the indigenous Tayrona population. It served as a political and economic center, estimated to have housed between 2,000 and 8,000 people.

When the Spaniards arrived in Colombia 400 years ago, the Tayrona population was displaced, and Ciudad Perdida slowly became overrun by the jungle. Excavations suggest that the city was set on fire. In 1972, Ciudad Perdida was rediscovered by treasure hunters who stumbled upon the steep staircase leading to the lost city. When they initially sold the excavated artifacts on the black market, the discovery came to light. In 1976, a team of Colombian archaeologists officially discovered Ciudad Perdida. Over the following years, the site was nearly fully restored. The exact size is unknown, but it is believed that Ciudad Perdida is even larger than Machu Picchu in Peru.

The Lost City Trek only takes you to a small part of Ciudad Perdida. A significant portion remains hidden in the jungle. The local indigenous tribes, descendants of the Tayrona population—the Arhuacos, Koguis, Wiwas, and Kankuamos—still reside in the Sierra Nevada area and are likely to be encountered during the Lost City Trek.

Tip: If you encounter someone from the indigenous population during the hike and wish to take a photo, always ask for permission first!

How many days to allocate for the hike to Ciudad Perdida?

The Lost City Trek can be done in 3, 4, 5, or 6 days. The four-day trek is the most commonly offered and popular tour. We opted for the four-day trek, averaging about 6 hours of walking per day, including breaks and stops. If you choose the three-day trek, you will cover more miles per day. On the other hand, the five or six-day trek allows for a more leisurely pace. The route and distance of the various treks are relatively similar. We thoroughly enjoyed the four-day trek, as the stops at the river and waterfalls provided ample time to rest and rejuvenate. The guides will share the history, culture, and surroundings of this beautiful part of Colombia during the hike. The tours are led by local guides who will immerse you in the history of Ciudad Perdida.

Is the Lost City Trek suitable for everyone?

If you have a good basic fitness level and some endurance, the Lost City Trek is quite doable. Especially during the dry season, from December to March, there is little rainfall, making the trails easily passable. Outside of these months, you can still undertake the hike, but the paths may be muddier. The Lost City Trek covers a distance of 45 kilometers (28 miles) from start to finish. The mix of climbing, flat stretches, and descents is well spread out over the days, with plenty of opportunities to catch your breath. People of all ages undertake the Lost City Trek, each at their own pace. Walking with a group provides mutual support and the chance to have enjoyable conversations along the way.

Tip: Disconnect for four days and fully immerse yourself in the present moment. You won’t have any cellular reception in this beautiful area of Colombia. However, at the campsites, you have the option to purchase the Wi-Fi password if you really can’t do without it. But for the best experience, go offline for four days.

What does the Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida look like?

The Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida offers a unique and must-do experience in Colombia. The diversity and beauty of the surroundings will leave a lasting impression. What makes the Lost City Trek particularly special is the combination of hiking, swimming at waterfalls, and immersing yourself in the history and culture of the indigenous tribes. Unlike many other hikes, the Lost City Trek stands out due to the variety of landscapes you’ll encounter. You’ll traverse through the beautiful Colombian jungle, conquer hills and mountains, cross rivers, and scramble over slippery stones. On the first two days of the Lost City Trek, you hike to Ciudad Perdida and then return to the starting point via a different route. There is some overlap between the outward and return journey, but the breathtaking environment and diversity make it barely noticeable. Each day, you’ll walk through beautiful landscapes, pass by local houses, and cross the Buritaca River multiple times. Below, we’ll provide a brief overview of what to expect each day, without revealing too much.

Day 1: Start of the Lost City Trek

Around 7:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel in Santa Marta or Minca and taken to the tour organization’s office. Here, you’ll leave your large backpack behind and meet the group, usually consisting of 8 to 10 people. Then, you’ll be driven to Manchete, the starting point of the hike. After an early local lunch, hop on a motorcycle taxi and ride to the top. This is where you begin the hike towards the first camp of the Lost City Trek. After a 15-minute walk, you’ll reach the first swimming spot and then continue hiking for about three hours towards the first camp. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the rich landscapes and listen to the guide’s stories. By the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the first overnight location, where you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip at a waterfall.

3 – 4 hours of hiking

Day 2: Exploring Ciudad Perdida

Today, you’ll rise early to a delicious breakfast before embarking on a four-hour hike to the next camp. Along the way, you’ll tackle a challenging climb known as the “happy hour” and have several resting points to catch your breath and enjoy some fruit or a snack. At the lunch spot, you can take a dip in the Buritaca River and enjoy a served lunch. After lunch, it’s a short half-hour walk to the last obstacle before reaching Ciudad Perdida. To reach Ciudad Perdida, you’ll need to climb 1,200 steps, but once you reach the top, the steps will quickly be forgotten. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll explore the different sectors of Ciudad Perdida, cool off at a waterfall, learn about the history of the city, and, last but not least, capture beautiful photos. After visiting Ciudad Perdida, you’ll descend and hike back to the camp.

8 – 9 hours of hiking

Day 3: Return through the jungle and swimming in the Buritaca River

Today, you’ll cover the longest distance. After breakfast, you’ll hike back to the camp where you spent the first night. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the Buritaca River. Lunch will be provided at this camp before you walk for about three hours back to the camp where you swam on the first day. This is where you’ll spend the final night of the Lost City Trek.

7 – 8 hours of hiking

Day 4: The easiest day of the Lost City Trek

The last day of the Lost City Trek is the easiest, as you leisurely walk back to Manchete. Today, you’ll mostly descend and have the opportunity to swim at two swimming spots along the way. You’ll arrive in Manchete around lunchtime, where you’ll have lunch and bid farewell to the group. From there, you’ll be taken back to Santa Marta. If you’re not returning to Santa Marta but heading to another destination, please read the tip in the next paragraph.

3 hours of hiking

Where to store your luggage when hiking to Ciudad Perdida?

You can often leave your large backpack at the tour operator’s office in Santa Marta. If that’s not possible, you can always ask your hotel or hostel if they can store your belongings. After the Lost City Trek, you’ll be brought back to Santa Marta.

Tip: If you’re continuing your journey to Tayrona or Palomino after the Lost City Trek, ask your guide if they can bring your luggage to the end point of the hike (Manchete). This will prevent you from having to return to Santa Marta only to travel in the opposite direction again.

Packing List for the Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida

When embarking on the Lost City Trek, it’s best to pack as lightly as possible. You’ll be carrying your backpack for four days, so minimize the weight and make it easier for yourself. Keep in mind that your clothes may get wet due to high humidity and sweat, and they may not dry well. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear lightweight and quick-drying clothing during the hike. It’s highly likely that you’ll arrive at the camp sweating. If you want your clothes to dry, hang them up as soon as possible. Due to the high humidity and cooler nighttime temperatures, your items won’t dry properly and will only get wetter. You can also hang your wet clothes on your bag while hiking to allow them to dry. This is also useful for your swimsuit or bikini after a dip in the river. Additionally, we recommend bringing the following items for the Lost City Trek.

Food, Drinks & Accommodation during the Lost City Trek

During the Lost City Trek, you’ll spend the nights in 3 out of the 7 different camps. The camps vary in size, accommodating approximately 20 to 100 people. The facilities in the camps are relatively good considering the jungle setting. You’ll sleep in bunk beds equipped with mosquito nets, pillows, and blankets. All camps have toilets and showers. The camps are often located near a river or waterfall, allowing you to take a refreshing dip to wash away the sweat and help your muscles recover after a long day of hiking. The lights are typically turned off around 9:00 PM after a tiring day. At 5:00 AM, the lights come back on, and you start the day with renewed energy.

Do you, like us, always hesitate about bringing extra snacks and drinks? Trust us, it’s really not necessary for the Lost City Trek. The food and drinks provided are very well taken care of. Your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are freshly prepared in the camps where you sleep or pass by. During our tour, there was a local cook who provided us with fresh meals every day. The guide also brings multiple snacks each day to replenish your energy every 1-2 hours. From fresh fruit to energy bars, chips, and local candies. Along the route, you’ll also have the opportunity to buy snacks and drinks at local huts.

Tip: Each camp has a water filtration point where you can refill your water bottle. However, we recommend buying bottled water to avoid getting sick from contaminated water. We have heard stories from other travelers who got stomach illness from the water, and unfortunately, we experienced it ourselves as well. When buying water, always check if the bottle cap has never been opened.

The Best Time to Do the Lost City Trek

The best time to hike to Ciudad Perdida is from December to April, during the dry season when the trails are in good condition. From May to November, there is a higher chance of rainfall. While this doesn’t necessarily cause major issues, it does make the hike more challenging due to muddy paths. It is always hot in northern Colombia, so a rain shower provides a welcome refreshment.

Note: Every year in September, the area around Ciudad Perdida is closed for a few weeks. If you plan to do the Lost City Trek in September, contact one of the tour providers to inquire about the exact closure period as it may vary slightly each year. In the last paragraph, we’ll provide recommendations for the best tour organizations.

Base for the Lost City Trek

The standard base for the Lost City Trek is Santa Marta, but some organizations also pick you up from the center of Minca. On the day of the Lost City Trek, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or hostel. From there, you’ll take a 1.5-hour shuttle ride to the starting point, the village of Manchete. The ride can be quite intense, especially because some tour operators transport people in Land Rovers where you sit on a bench with many others in the back. The bumpy road uphill doesn’t help either. Viajero Hostel is one of the coziest places to stay in Santa Marta. The large rooftop terrace with an amazing infinity pool is the highlight of this hostel. If you want to treat yourself to luxury before starting the Lost City Trek, book a few nights at Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina. This hotel with a jacuzzi is all about pure relaxation, allowing you to start the hike fully rested.

Viajero Hostel More information

Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina More information

Good Tour Operators for the Lost City Trek to Ciudad Perdida

If you want to book the Lost City Trek, get in touch with one of the local tour operators. The route to Ciudad Perdida is the same for all tours, but fortunately, different organizations try to add their own twist to it. This means that the day-to-day itinerary of the tour may vary slightly from the description mentioned above. The guide may also make adjustments to the tour in consultation with the group to ensure you have the best experience. The crowd in the camps can also influence this. We had a good experience with Wiwa Tours, but we know from other travelers that Magic Tours is also highly rated. It is not possible to do the trek independently.

Tip: Plan two days of rest in a beautiful lodge after the hike

After four intense days, it’s nice to treat yourself to some luxury and relaxation. Two hours away, in the vicinity of Tayrona National Park, there are a few special accommodations tucked away in nature where you can unwind after the hike. After recovering from the Lost City Trek, you can also visit Tayrona National Park from here. Check out our tips for the 5 most beautiful places near Tayrona.