Colombia Lost City Trek

Santa Marta – El Mamey – Buritaca River - Adán Camp. Once you have arrived in Santa Marta, make your way to the meeting point where you will begin your journey into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. From here, we’ll travel by 4WD through lush countryside and jungle landscapes on a scenic drive over 2.5 hours to the remote village of El Mamey, the starting point of our trek.

Upon arrival, we’ll stop for a hearty local lunch before setting off on foot along the Tayrona trail. The trek to our first camp covers approximately 6.8 km and takes around four hours, with much of the route gradually ascending through dense tropical jungle. Along the way, we’ll pass through shaded forest paths alive with birdsong, butterflies and the sounds of the rainforest.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our first jungle camp. If weather conditions allow, you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the nearby river after the day’s hike.

This evening, we’ll settle into rustic hammocks and enjoy dinner surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the jungle.

Meeting Point: Expotur’s office, Centro Comercial Rex, Cra. 3 #17-27, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia

Adán Camp –Buritaca River - Mutanshi – Zhulezhi Camp. We have an early start at dawn, with breakfast served at camp before continuing deeper into the Sierra Nevada mountains. As we set off, we’ll follow the Buritaca River, surrounded by dense jungle, rushing water and the sounds of tropical wildlife.

Along the route, we’ll pass through the indigenous Kogui village of Mutanshi, where traditional thatched homes blend into the surrounding forest. This remote community offers a glimpse into the ancestral culture and way of life that has existed in these mountains for generations.

As we continue through the rainforest, we’ll pass towering trees and vibrant tropical plants and, if we’re lucky, spot wildlife such as monkeys and toucans hidden within the canopy. Several uphill sections along the trail are rewarded with impressive views across the valleys and jungle-covered mountains.

By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our next jungle camp, nestled deep within the wilderness. After time to rest and freshen up, we’ll enjoy dinner together before settling in for the night surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Trekking distance: approximately 14.7 km
Trekking time: approximately 7 hours

Zhulezhi Camp – Tayrona - Ciudad Perdida – Mumake Camp. This morning, we’ll set off from camp after breakfast and begin the climb towards the legendary Lost City. Our route follows a series of around 1,200 ancient stone steps built centuries ago by the Tayrona civilisation, leading us deeper into the mist-covered jungle of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Upon arrival at Ciudad Perdida, we’ll explore the remarkable archaeological site with our local guide. Hidden amongst the mountains for centuries, the Lost City is made up of ancient terraces, ceremonial platforms and stone pathways that offer a fascinating insight into the region’s indigenous history and culture. Surrounded by dense rainforest and dramatic mountain scenery, there will be plenty of opportunities to take in the views and capture photographs along the way.

After exploring the site further with our guide and learning more about the stories and traditions connected to the Lost City, we’ll begin our trek back through the jungle to Camp 3, where lunch will be served.

Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue trekking through the rainforest towards Camp 2. After arriving at camp, we’ll enjoy dinner together and spend the evening relaxing beneath the jungle canopy.

Trekking distance: approximately 6 km
Trekking time: approximately 7 hours

Mumake Camp – El Mamey – Santa Marta. We wake up before sunrise to enjoy breakfast at camp before beginning our final day of trekking through the Sierra Nevada mountains. As we retrace our steps through the jungle, we’ll pass through ever-changing rainforest scenery, with much of today’s route gradually descending through the dense forest.

Along the way, we’ll stop at rivers and waterfalls where, weather permitting, we can cool off and take a moment to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the jungle.

By lunchtime, we’ll arrive back at El Mamey, where we’ll enjoy a well-earned meal and share stories from the adventure together before continuing our journey back to Santa Marta by 4WD.

After arriving back in Santa Marta, your trek through the Lost City comes to an end and you will make your way to your accommodation or the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!

Trekking distance: approximately 16.5 km
Trekking time: approximately 7–8 hours

End- point: Expotur’s office, Centro Comercial Rex, Cra. 3 #17-27, Comuna 2, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia