Lost City Trekking in Colombia - 7 Days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As there's little time spent in Cartagena on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to see all the sights this incredible city has to offer. If you arrive early, why not walk around the Old City within the walled town, packed with churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. Your hotel for tonight sits in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. After the meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional welcome dinner.

Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. Then, head out with your leader for a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and experience some of the vibrant local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, as your leader shares insights into the city's heritage. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and explore the local dining scene.

This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level. When you arrive, you’ll have lunch before heading out on your first scenic hike in the mountains – to the Lost City. Hike through humid, tropical forest with amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp 1, your mountain camp for the night, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m above sea level.

At the WIWA Community Camp, you’ll meet El Mamo – considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The Indigenous guide will share their way of living here and the role that both women and men have within the community. Your second day of hiking takes you through the humid, tropical forest. Have lunch with the group and recharge. After, you’ll carry on through the mountains, soaking up the sounds of nature along the way. The day’s hike ends at campsite 2 where you’ll spend the night. If conditions suit go for a swim in the natural pool and later listen to stories and anecdotes from your local guides as the sun goes down.

Today is the hardest day of hiking, heading through the rainforest to the great Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna). To get to this ancient archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River with the help of your guides, then climb the 900+ stone steps to reach the first stone rings. Pass by the small Indigenous village of the Kogi people, home to only 20 huts made of mud, wood and palm trees. When you arrive at the Lost City of Tayrona, take a tour with your local guides, feeling like you’ve travelled back in time in the middle of the jungle. Learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu, and take in your lush surroundings and the sounds of the forest. After exploring the Lost City, you’ll retrace your steps back to camp. Rest and recharge at campsite 3, where you’ll spend your last night in the mountains.

It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping at a waterfall and maybe a dip in the natural pool. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you have a free evening to rest or head out to an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.