Explore the ancient archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida with multi-day treks through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Choose from 4- or 5-day guided expeditions that include meals, accommodation, and round-trip transport.
A four-day jungle trek through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the ancient ruins of the Lost City.
Free Cancellation A four-day trek through the Colombian jungle to the 9th-century archaeological ruins of Ciudad Perdida.
Free Cancellation A five-day trek through the Sierra Nevada jungle to reach the ancient ruins of the Lost City.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Ciudad Perdida — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Trekking to Ciudad Perdida is a challenging multi-day expedition deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will hike through dense, humid rainforests, cross rivers, and sleep in rustic jungle camps before finally ascending to the ancient stone terraces of the Tairona people.
The final approach to the archaeological site requires climbing a steep, narrow staircase carved directly into the mountainside over a thousand years ago.
Reaching the summit rewards you with breathtaking, misty views over massive circular stone platforms that once served as the city's political and spiritual center.
You will cross the Buritaca River multiple times during the trek, either wading through the cool, refreshing water or carefully walking across narrow suspension bridges.
Walk past traditional circular thatched-roof huts and observe the daily life of the indigenous Kogui people, who still maintain their ancestral connection to these mountains.
Evenings are spent at rustic open-air camps where you can swim in natural rock pools, eat hearty communal meals, and sleep in bunk beds or hammocks under mosquito nets.
Learn about local indigenous traditions from your guides, including the use of the 'paporo' gourd and coca leaves to maintain spiritual balance with nature.
Proper preparation is essential for this grueling but incredibly rewarding multi-day trek. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot on a Ciudad Perdida tour.
Independent trekking is strictly prohibited. You must book an all-inclusive tour through an authorized agency, which secures your permits and ensures a portion of your fee supports local indigenous communities.
The most common itineraries are 4-day and 5-day shared group treks. The 4-day option requires a fast, intense pace, while the 5-day option breaks up the mileage for a slightly more relaxed experience. Private 3-day or 6-day options are also available.
Tours generally cost between $521 and $602 USD (around 1,860,000 to 2,150,000 COP) for standard shared treks. This price covers your entrance fees, round-trip 4WD transport from Santa Marta, meals, guides, and camp accommodations.
Travelers must have at least a moderate to high level of physical fitness. You will be hiking 6 to 9 hours a day over steep, slippery clay trails in extreme heat and humidity.
The trail and archaeological site are completely closed to all tourists during the month of October. Indigenous communities use this time to perform sacred cleansing ceremonies on the land.
Single-use plastic water bottles, plastic bags, and drones are strictly prohibited on the trail. You must bring a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder, and pack as lightly as possible in a small daypack.
Cancellation policies vary heavily by operator. Some tours offer a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, while others treat all sales as final with no refunds available. Check your specific ticket before booking.
| 4-Day Standard Trek | 5-Day Slower Trek | Private Expedition | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 5 Days / 4 Nights | 3 to 6 Days |
| Pace & Difficulty | Fast-paced, high physical demand | Moderate pace, mileage broken up | Customizable to your group's fitness |
| Accommodation | Bunk beds or hammocks at shared camps | Bunk beds or hammocks at shared camps | Bunk beds or hammocks at shared camps |
| Approx. Price | ~$580 - $600 USD | ~$990 USD | Varies by group size |
While the archaeological site is officially listed as open from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM daily, actual access is strictly managed by your tour guides during daylight hours.
Because you are on a guided multi-day trek, your daily schedule will be entirely dictated by your guide and the distance you need to cover to reach the next camp.
Reaching Ciudad Perdida is a multi-step journey that requires both off-road transport and several days of intense hiking.
The climate in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is characterized by extreme heat and high humidity year-round, but rainfall varies drastically.
Ciudad Perdida is an extreme wilderness environment and is completely inaccessible to wheelchair users or those with significant mobility issues.
Accommodation and facilities along the trail are highly rustic but provide the basic necessities for survival in the jungle.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are sacred ancestral lands, and visitors must adhere to strict environmental and cultural rules.
In 2026, standard shared 4-day and 5-day treks cost between 1,860,000 COP and 2,150,000 COP (approximately $521 to $602 USD). This is an all-inclusive price covering transport from Santa Marta, guides, camp accommodation, meals, and park entry fees.
No, independent trekking is strictly prohibited. You must book an organized tour through an authorized agency to secure permits and ensure local indigenous communities receive a portion of the fees.
To access the main archaeological terraces, you have to climb a grueling flight of 1,200 steep, narrow stone steps. These were carved by the Tairona people over a thousand years ago and can be very slippery when wet.
Yes, Ciudad Perdida was founded by the Tairona civilization around 800 AD, with some residential areas dating back to 650 AD. This makes it roughly 650 years older than Peru's Machu Picchu.
Accommodation consists of rustic, open-air camps where hikers sleep in bunk beds or hammocks. Every bed is equipped with a mosquito net to protect against jungle insects, and blankets are available for cooler nights.
Yes, potable water is provided at the cabins and camps. The water is sourced from the river and chemically treated in large containers, so you can safely refill your reusable bottles without needing purifying tablets.
Pack extremely light in a 20-liter daypack. Bring quick-drying clothes for hiking, long pants and long sleeves for the evenings to avoid bug bites, well-broken-in hiking shoes, dry bags for electronics, and a reusable water bottle.
Tours operate for most of the year, but the trail and archaeological site are completely closed to tourists during the month of October. This closure allows indigenous communities to perform sacred ceremonies without interference.
For shared group tours, the minimum age is typically 8 years old. While children as young as 4 or 6 have completed the hike, they must do so on a customized, slower-paced private 6-day itinerary.
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.
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This four-day expedition takes you deep into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the archaeological ruins of the Lost City. The route passes through dense tropical forests and diverse landscapes where you can spot local wildlife and visit active indigenous communities living in the mountains. The tour is fully supported, with transport, all meals, and medical insurance included. You will spend your nights in a mix of hammocks, beds, or tents, each provided with mosquito nets and blankets. A qualified guide and a translator lead the group to provide historical context and navigate the terrain safely. Your trek also supports the local region through mandatory contributions to both indigenous and peasant communities. All entrance fees to the archaeological site are covered in the price, allowing you to focus entirely on the physical challenge and the scenery of the Sierra Nevada.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This four-day expedition leads you through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains to reach Ciudad Perdida, an indigenous archaeological site dating back to the 9th century. The trek involves several days of hiking through dense jungle and crossing rivers before climbing 1,200 stone steps to reach the ancient ruins. You will follow trails through the Colombian wilderness while learning about the history of the Tairona civilization from your guide. To maintain a manageable pace, groups are limited to a maximum of 12 participants. The tour includes round-trip transport from hotels in Santa Marta, all entrance fees, and meals as specified in the itinerary. Accommodations are provided at camps along the trail for the duration of the hike.
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 de Santa Marta mountains to the ruins of Ciudad Perdida. Built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD, the site is only accessible on foot. The route involves several days of hiking through dense tropical forests, crossing rivers, and climbing steep stone steps to reach the archaeological site. Along the way, you will pass through indigenous villages and learn about the local communities that still inhabit the region. The itinerary includes stops at natural swimming holes and waterfalls to cool off. Each night is spent at basic jungle campsites equipped with hammocks or beds, where you are surrounded by the local wildlife and vegetation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish