Choose from 4-day and 5-day guided treks through the Sierra Nevada mountains to the ancient archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida. These multi-day expeditions include rustic campsite accommodations, daily meals, and local guides to help you navigate the dense jungle trails.
Free Cancellation Learn about indigenous history and local culture from experienced, SENA-certified guides rooted in the region.
A four-day trek through the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the ancient Lost City and visit local communities.
Free Cancellation A four-day trek through the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the 9th-century ruins of the Lost City.
Free Cancellation A 5-day jungle trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach the ancient ruins of Colombia’s Lost City.
Free Cancellation Hike through the Sierra Nevada jungle on a four-day guided trek to the ancient Tairona ruins of the Lost City.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Ciudad Perdida — from practical tips to personal highlights.
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is a challenging but incredibly rewarding multi-day journey deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will hike through dense tropical rainforests, cross rivers, and interact with local indigenous communities before reaching the ancient Tairona ruins built around 800 AD.
The final push to the archaeological site requires climbing 1,200 narrow, moss-covered stone steps carved directly into the mountainside. It is a grueling climb but an unforgettable rite of passage.
At the top of the mountain, you will find a massive network of 169 circular stone terraces. Sitting on the edge offers sweeping, misty views of the surrounding jungle peaks.
You will cross the Buritaca River several times during the trek. Depending on the season, you will either wade through cool waters or carefully navigate narrow suspension bridges.
The trail passes through the Kogui village of Mutanyi. You will see traditional thatched-roof huts and learn about the sacred 'paporo' ritual from local indigenous guides.
After a long day of hiking, you will sleep in rustic open-air camps. You can cool off in nearby natural rock pools and waterfalls before grabbing dinner with your group.
The dense jungle environment is teeming with life. You will walk past towering wax palms and giant ferns while listening to the sounds of exotic birds hidden in the canopy.
Planning a trek to the Lost City requires preparation, as this is a remote jungle expedition with strict local regulations. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.
Independent trekking is strictly prohibited by local authorities. You must book an all-inclusive tour through an authorized agency, which secures your permits and ensures contributions go to local indigenous communities.
Standard 4 or 5-day shared tours cost between $521 and $602 USD (1,860,000 to 2,150,000 COP). This all-inclusive price covers round-trip transport from Santa Marta, meals, camp accommodation, guides, and park entry fees.
This is a highly challenging hike requiring a moderate to high level of fitness. Expect 6 to 9 hours of daily walking over steep, muddy clay trails under intense tropical heat and humidity.
The trail and archaeological site are completely closed to tourists every October. This annual closure allows local indigenous communities to perform sacred spiritual cleansing ceremonies without interruptions.
Single-use plastics, including water bottles and bags, are banned in the park. You must bring a reusable hydration bladder or bottle, and pack as lightly as possible in a 20-liter daypack.
The trek is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues. A yellow fever vaccine is highly recommended as a preventive measure before entering the jungle.
Most tour operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. However, a few specific tours have strict non-refundable policies, so check your ticket details carefully.
Since you only hike with a small daypack, tour operators allow you to leave your large suitcases at their main offices in Santa Marta at no additional cost while you are on the trek.
| Standard 4-Day Group Trek | Paced 5-Day Group Trek | Private 6-Day Family Trek | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 96 hours | 120 hours | 144 hours |
| Best For | Active hikers short on time | Hikers wanting a slightly slower pace | Families with kids or older adults |
| Group Size | Small Group | Small Group | Private |
| Price (USD) | ~$550 - $600 | ~$992 | Varies |
The Ciudad Perdida archaeological site is officially open daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, but actual access is strictly managed by your tour guides.
Because of its remote location in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, getting to the trailhead is an adventure in itself.
Weather plays a massive role in how difficult your trek will be. The local ecosystem features extreme heat and high humidity year-round.
Ciudad Perdida is a rugged, remote jungle environment that is not accessible for everyone.
Accommodation and amenities along the trail are basic but sufficient for jungle survival.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are sacred ancestral lands, and strict rules are enforced to protect both the environment and the local communities.
In 2026, 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 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 government and indigenous authorities. All visitors must book an organized tour through an authorized agency.
To access the main archaeological site, visitors must 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.
Yes, potable water is provided at the cabins and camps. The water is typically sourced from the river and chemically treated in large containers, making it safe for you to refill your reusable bottles.
Accommodation consists of rustic, open-air jungle camps run by local families. Hikers sleep in long rows of bunk beds or hammocks, each equipped with a protective mosquito net.
No, the trail and archaeological site are completely closed to tourists during the entire month of October. This allows the indigenous communities to perform sacred cleansing ceremonies.
The trek is highly challenging and physically demanding. Expect to hike 6 to 9 hours a day over steep, muddy clay trails while dealing with intense tropical heat and high humidity.
Pack as lightly as possible in a 20-liter daypack. Bring quick-drying clothes, long pants and long-sleeve shirts for the evenings, hiking shoes with good grip, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle. Single-use plastics are banned.
Yes, jungle insects are highly active and can cause painful bites. You should apply biodegradable insect repellent regularly, wear long sleeves at night, and check your boots for scorpions in the morning.
Children as young as 6 have completed the trek, but it requires booking a private, slower-paced 6-day itinerary. Parents must closely monitor children near steep drops and ensure they are fit enough for the daily mileage.
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Our team consists of local guides certified by SENA with years of field experience. They provide detailed historical and anthropological context regarding the indigenous communities and the unique landscapes of this area. We operate in close partnership with indigenous and campesino communities to ensure our tours directly benefit the people who live here. These collaborations support regional development and fund initiatives that improve the quality of life for local families.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day expedition leads you through the tropical rainforests and steep river valleys of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the ancient archaeological site known as Teyuna. Along the trail, you will experience the region's diverse wildlife and vegetation while passing through the territories of local indigenous groups. The trek is designed for those looking for a physical challenge in a remote natural environment. The tour is fully inclusive of round-trip transportation, all meals, and medical insurance. Accommodations consist of beds, hammocks, or tents at established campsites, all provided with mosquito nets and blankets. You will be accompanied by a qualified guide and a translator throughout the trip. The package also covers the archaeological zone entrance fee and financial contributions to the local peasant and indigenous communities that maintain the trail and surrounding lands.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek leads you through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to reach Ciudad Perdida. The route involves hiking through dense jungle and crossing rivers to access an indigenous archaeological site that dates back to the 9th century. To ensure a manageable pace and a more personal experience, groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants. The tour includes a professional guide, basic accommodations along the trail, and all entrance fees to the site. We provide round-trip transportation from hotels in Santa Marta and include all meals as specified in the trip itinerary.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This five-day trek leads you through the Sierra Nevada mountains to the stone terraces of Ciudad Perdida. The route follows trails deep into the Colombian jungle, where you will navigate steep terrain, cross rivers, and pass several waterfalls. It is a physically demanding journey that ends at the archaeological ruins of an ancient Tayrona settlement. Along the way, you will stay in established jungle camps and pass through territories belonging to local indigenous communities. The schedule provides opportunities to meet these residents and learn about their culture and history. You can also cool off with swims in natural river pools found along the trail. Each night is spent in the forest, allowing you to experience the local environment firsthand before completing the final ascent to the site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This four-day trek leads you into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, also known as Teyuna. The route involves hiking through tropical forests, crossing rivers, and visiting local indigenous and farming communities. You will be accompanied by local guides who provide historical context on the Tairona civilization and the current culture of the mountain region. The tour includes round-trip transportation, accident insurance, and all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the fourth. Accommodations are provided in rustic camps with basic amenities along the trail. Your participation also includes mandatory contributions to the local indigenous and peasant communities that manage and protect the archaeological site.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish