Embark on a four-day expedition through the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the ancient archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida. These multi-day treks include experienced local guides, rustic camp accommodations, and all your meals along the trail.
Free Cancellation Explore the region with local SENA-certified guides specializing in indigenous culture and community-led tourism.
Free Cancellation A 4-day trek through the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the 9th-century ruins of Colombia's Lost City.
Free Cancellation Trek deep into the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the 1,200 stone steps of an ancient Tayrona city.
Free Cancellation Hike to the Lost City of Teyuna with bilingual guides to learn about indigenous history and support local communities.
Free Cancellation A four-day jungle trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach the ancient ruins of the Tairona Lost City.
Free Cancellation A 4-day trek through the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the ancient stone terraces of Colombia’s Lost City.
Free Cancellation Reach the ancient ruins of Colombia’s Lost City on a challenging 4-day trek through jungle and indigenous lands.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Ciudad Perdida — from practical tips to personal highlights.
The 4-day trek to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) is a highly rewarding, physically demanding jungle expedition deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. You will hike through dense tropical rainforests, cross rivers, and sleep in rustic jungle camps before climbing 1,200 ancient stone steps to reach the breathtaking 9th-century Tairona ruins.
The final approach to the ruins requires conquering 1,200 narrow, moss-covered stone steps carved directly into the steep mountainside by the Tairona people over a thousand years ago.
At the top of the mountain, you will explore 169 massive circular stone terraces. Sitting on the edge of these platforms offers sweeping, misty views of the surrounding jungle peaks.
The trail crisscrosses the Buritaca River multiple times. Depending on water levels, you will either wade through the cool, refreshing water or cross via narrow, single-file suspension bridges.
Tours pass by the traditional Kogui village of Mutanyi. You will see circular thatched-roof huts and learn about sacred rituals, like the use of the 'paporo', from local indigenous guides.
After long days of hiking, you will unwind at rustic, open-air jungle camps. Many of these sites feature natural rock pools and cascading waterfalls perfect for a late-afternoon swim.
The rugged 86-acre site and surrounding trails are packed with biodiversity. Keep an eye out for towering wax palms, giant ferns, vibrant tropical plants, and exotic birds.
Planning a trek to Ciudad Perdida requires some preparation, as this is a remote, multi-day jungle expedition with strict local regulations.
Independent trekking is strictly prohibited. You must book an all-inclusive tour through an authorized agency, which secures the necessary permits and ensures a portion of your fee goes to local indigenous communities.
As of 2026, the cost for a standard shared 4-day trek is highly regulated, ranging from 1,860,000 COP to 2,150,000 COP (roughly $521 to $602 USD). This covers your guide, transport, meals, camp accommodation, and park entry fees.
This is not a casual walk. The 4-day itinerary requires hiking about 7.1 miles (11.5 km) per day over steep, slippery clay paths in extreme heat and humidity. Travelers must have at least a moderate to high level of physical fitness.
You only need to carry a 20-liter daypack on the trail. Tour operators typically allow you to leave your main luggage at their Santa Marta offices for free while you complete the trek.
Most tours include pickup from accommodations in Santa Marta's historic center, Rodadero, Taganga, and Pozos Colorados. Pickups from further towns like Palomino or Minca usually require an additional fee.
Due to the rugged terrain, the trek is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health. The minimum age is typically 8 years old for group tours.
Most major tour providers offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change.
| Standard 4-Day Group Trek | Indigenous-Led 4-Day Trek | Private 4-Day Trek | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Style | Shared Group Tour | Cultural Group Tour | Private Tour |
| Best for | Active travelers and backpackers | Deep cultural immersion | Couples or families wanting their own pace |
| Includes | Bilingual guide, meals, camp beds/hammocks, transport | Indigenous guide, translator, meals, camp beds, transport | Private guide, flexible pacing, meals, camp beds, transport |
| Price from | $550 USD | $675 USD | $850 USD |
The Ciudad Perdida archaeological site is officially open daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, but access is strictly managed by your tour guides.
Reaching Ciudad Perdida is a multi-step journey that begins on the Caribbean coast.
The weather in the Sierra Nevada mountains heavily impacts the difficulty of this trek.
Due to its remote jungle location and rugged terrain, Ciudad Perdida is completely inaccessible to wheelchair users.
The hike involves steep, slippery clay paths, wading through rivers, and crossing narrow suspension bridges. The final ascent to the ruins requires climbing 1,200 steep, narrow, and often wet stone steps with no handrails.
This trek is highly physically demanding and is not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with spinal injuries, or anyone with poor cardiovascular health. Elderly visitors should be in excellent physical condition, and families with young children should consider booking a slower-paced 6-day private itinerary instead.
While you are deep in the jungle, the designated campsites provide essential, albeit rustic, comforts.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are sacred ancestral lands for the Arhuaco, Kogui, Kankuamo, and Wiwa communities. Visitors must adhere to strict guidelines.
The standardized price for the shared 4-day and 5-day treks ranges between 1,860,000 COP and 2,150,000 COP (approximately $521 to $602 USD). This all-inclusive price covers your round-trip transport from Santa Marta, professional guides, jungle camp accommodation, meals, and park entry fees.
No, independent trekking to Ciudad Perdida is strictly prohibited by the Colombian government and indigenous authorities. You must book an organized tour through an authorized agency, which ensures safety and funds local communities.
The 4-day trek is highly challenging and physically demanding. You will hike for 6 to 9 hours a day, covering about 7.1 miles daily over steep, muddy clay trails under intense heat and high humidity.
To access the main archaeological site, you have to climb a flight of 1,200 steep, narrow stone steps. These were carved into the mountainside by the Tairona people over a thousand years ago and can be very slippery when wet.
You will sleep in rustic, open-air jungle camps run by local families. Hikers are assigned either a bunk bed or a hammock, and every bed is equipped with a protective mosquito net to keep out jungle insects.
Yes, potable water is provided at all the cabins and camps, so you do not need to bring water purifying tablets. The water is sourced from the river and chemically treated in large containers for safe refilling.
The trail and archaeological site are completely closed to tourists during the entire month of October. This closure allows the indigenous communities to perform sacred cleansing ceremonies without tourist interference.
Pack very light, using only a 20-liter daypack. Bring lightweight, quick-drying hiking clothes, reliable broken-in hiking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and long pants and long-sleeve shirts for the evenings to protect against mosquitoes.
Yes, most tour operators will store the luggage you do not wish to take on the trail at their main offices in Santa Marta at no additional cost. You can pick it up when you return on the final day.
Yes, the Colombian military maintains active posts and a high mountain battalion along the trail to ensure safety. You will see friendly, armed soldiers in uniform whose presence guarantees the route remains secure for tourists.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
Our tours are led by experienced local guides certified by SENA. They provide in-depth information on the history, anthropology, and traditions of the indigenous communities that call this region home. You will gain a genuine perspective on the area's heritage through the eyes of those who live here. We work directly with indigenous and peasant communities to ensure our visits are respectful and beneficial. Your participation supports local development projects, contributing to a better quality of life for residents and helping to sustain the regional economy.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day expedition leads you through the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to Ciudad Perdida, an ancient archaeological site built in the 9th century. The journey involves several days of hiking across steep terrain and rivers, making it a physically demanding trip suited for active travelers. You will explore the stone terraces and plazas of the ruins while learning about the history of the Tayrona people. To maintain a personalized experience, groups are limited to 12 participants. The tour includes a professional guide, round-trip transport from Santa Marta hotels, and all entrance fees. Basic trail accommodations and meals are provided according to the itinerary, allowing you to focus entirely on the hike.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Built around 800 A.D., Ciudad Perdida predates Machu Picchu by several centuries. This archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a complex system of stone-tiled roads, circular plazas, and terraces carved directly into the mountainside. Once a major hub for the Tayrona people, the city remains one of South America's most significant ancient ruins. The journey begins in Santa Marta and requires a multi-day trek through dense jungle and across mountain rivers. Reaching the city itself involves climbing 1,200 steep stone steps built by the original inhabitants. Throughout the hike, you will pass through the ancestral lands of indigenous communities who still live in the region, providing a look at life in the mountains overlooking the Caribbean coast.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Led by bilingual guides, this trek takes you through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach the ancient ruins of Teyuna, also known as the Lost City. The route follows established trails, providing a close look at the region's unique ecosystems and mountain terrain. Throughout the journey, you will learn about the history and customs of the indigenous cultures that have called this area home for centuries. The trek focuses on the archaeological importance of the site and the spiritual connection the local people maintain with the land. This tour also contributes to the welfare of the local community. A percentage of the booking cost is donated to social projects within the Sierra Nevada, ensuring that tourism provides direct support to the families living along the trail.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day expedition leads you through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to Ciudad Perdida, an archaeological site built by the Tairona civilization. The route involves hiking through dense tropical forests, crossing rivers, and climbing stone steps to reach the ruins. Along the way, you will pass through indigenous territories and farming lands, providing a look at the region's history and modern mountain life. The tour includes all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the fourth day, as well as round-trip transportation and accident insurance. You will stay in rustic jungle camps with basic amenities. Guides are members of the local farming and native communities, offering firsthand knowledge of the landscape and ancestral traditions. Because the terrain is rugged and the climate is humid, the trek is physically demanding. The package price also includes contributions to the local communities that maintain the trails, ensuring that the tour supports the people living in the Sierra Nevada.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek leads you deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach Ciudad Perdida, an ancient archaeological site built by the Tayrona people. The trail winds through dense tropical forest, crossing rivers and passing remote waterfalls along the way. You will spend several hours each day hiking through the backcountry to reach the stone terraces and plazas that make up this hidden mountain city. Throughout the journey, you will stay in basic camps set within the jungle. The itinerary includes visits to local indigenous villages and opportunities to swim in natural river pools. Each evening is spent in the forest, providing a direct experience of the region's wilderness before returning to the trailhead on the final day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek leads you deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to find the archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida. The route is physically demanding, involving steep climbs, river crossings, and dense jungle trails. Along the way, you will pass through native villages and see several waterfalls while navigating the diverse terrain of the Colombian rainforest. Built around 800 AD, this ancient city predates Machu Picchu and remains a sacred site for the local indigenous communities. During the hike, you will have the opportunity to meet these residents and learn about their customs and relationship with the land. You will stay in established campsites where traditional local meals are served, providing a chance to rest and connect with other hikers before reaching the stone terraces of the ruins.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish