The Lost City trek
Hiking and Trekking
Lost City, also known as Teyuna or Buritaca-200, is an ancient Tayrona indigenous town and archaeological site belonging to the city of Santa Marta. It was built around the 8th century AD and is considered one of the main archaeological sites in the country. It is one of the more than 250 ancient towns of the four indigenous groups found in the north and southwest areas of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in the Magdalena department in northern Colombia.
The Lost City is recognized as one of the best treks you can find in South America. During this tour you will discover powerful jungle and appreciate countless landscapes, lush vegetation, archaeological ruins and wildlife animals.
Remember that is necessary to have a very good physical condition since the walks are of 7 to 8 hours daily.
Day 1: Transfer from Santa Marta to the place called El Mamey where the hiking trail starts. The drive takes 3 hours approximately. Lunch in the village. In the afternoon we will hike for 4 hours till the Camp 1. Dinner at the camp. Night in hammocks or beds with mosquito net.
Day 2: Departure early in the morning towards the Mutanzi indigenous community, the hike takes about 2 hours. Later we will continue walking to the Camp 2 where the lunch will be served. After lunch we will continue walking another 4 hours to the Camp 3 called Mamo Romulado. Dinner. Night in hammocks or beds with mosquito net.
Day 3: After breakfast we will leave the Camp 3 in order to continue our hike with the ascent to the Lost City. When we get there, we will do a 2 hour tour to get familiarized with the archaeological and historical area. After some free time we will return to the Camp 3 for lunch. In the afternoon we will do another 4 hour walk back to the Camp 2. Dinner. Night in hammocks or beds with mosquito net.
Day 4: After breakfast and full of energy we will initiate the 4 hours hike to the camp 1. Lunch. Small walk to the natural pools and rest. Return to the Camp 1. Dinner. Night in hammocks with mosquito net.
Day 5: Today is your last trekking day, just 3 hours left in order to reach El Mamey – where we started this adventure on the first day. Lunch. Return to Santa Marta by car.
- Remember that during the tour you will carry your backpack with personal belongings throughout the trekking. If you request a mule for the baggage, this service has an extra cost!
- Is necessary to have a very good physical condition since the walks are long
- If you are vegan or vegetarian please make sure you notify it when booking
- If you have any special health condition or allergies please notify when booking
- If you have extra luggage, we can store it for you in our office during the tour
- Carry all your charged electronic devices and if possible, carry a portable battery
- Bring a bottle of 1.5 liters of water for the first day. We will supply the water needed during the trip. In each camp you can refill your water bottles with drinking water
- Bring with you what you really need for 5 days, remember that it is a long walk and if you bring less things the walk will be easier
- Use comfortable clothing like short, t-shirt for walking because the weather is hot and humid and at night is important to wear long pants, long-sleeved sweaters for sleeping because of mosquitoes or insects
- Keep in mind this is an ecological destination with basic lodging facilities
- In the camps there are blankets; however you can carry your own light (thin) sleeping.
- Take in mind that you will stay in a camps which are shared with other groups and agencies
- The trek is normally closed in September
- If you want to hire the mules, it is only possible to do when you arrive to the trekking point and you need to negotiate with the local community (the tour operator does not offer this service). On average on day, one mule costs around USD 30 (one mule carries about 3 backpacks).
- Please bring cash in Colombian pesos. At the beginning of the trek there are small shops where you can buy drinks, etc.