Embark on a Multi-Day Trek to The Lost City in Santa Marta

Are you a fan of adventure and exploration? Are you looking for something exciting and unforgettable to do in Santa Marta? Well, you’re in luck: the Lost City is a spectacular archaeological discovery nestled away in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, and the region is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. It can only be accessed via a demanding multi-day trek, and for many, this makes the experience all the more rewarding.

The Lost City (also known by its indigenous name, Ciudad Perdida) was established by the Tayrona people of the region around 800CE, during a period of great cultural significance. Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, it was discovered by treasure hunters in 1975 and has since become one of South America’s premier archaeological sites.

What makes this experience so extraordinary is the multi-day trek needed to get there. The trek can often last upwards of 4 days, depending on your pace and motivation. The stroll through the jungle is filled with stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and the massive stone steps carved into them by the Tayrona. While the Lost City may be the ultimate goal for many, the journey itself will give you some of your best memories.

Preparing for Your Trek

Before hitting the trails, it’s essential to make sure that you’re well-prepared for the journey. The first rule of the trek is to properly hydrate yourself: bring at least 2 litres of water per day and rarely drink from streams unless there is a professional guide present. It’s recommended that you bring a bag of snacks too as restaurants and convenience stores will be few and far between out there.

Clothes-wise you’ll need to wear something that’s light and breathable since you may be walking in hot and humid conditions throughout the journey. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you have good hiking shoes that protect your feet from both thorns and rocks. Last but not least, make sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses and a hat that covers your face from getting sunburned – it can get intense out there!

The Trek Begins

Betito, the local guide, will give you a briefing about what to expect during the trek. After this intro you’ll be on your way. Depending on how quickly the group moves, it is possible to complete the route from El Mamey to Ciudad Perdida in 4 days.

The trek begins on an old path cutting through the heart of the jungle with some grueling hike up the mountain side. With sweat dripping down your face, you’ll be mindful not to over-exert yourself as the air gets thinner at higher altitude. By lunch time you’ll usually have reached Pueblito, which is a small settlement on top of the peak. You can relax and enjoy some food while admiring the majestic views of the valley below while breathing in some fresh mountain air.

You’ll spend the night camping near Pueblito and most likely start off with some exploration around Pueblito before lunchtime. In most cases, there is no electricity nearby so embrace the opportunity to disconnect from everyday life, sit around a campfire and just enjoy some quality time with your companions.

Activities at The Lost City

On day 3, you’ll resume your trek at 6am and it will take approximately 5 hours until you reach Ciudad Perdida. Reaching this spot is always an exciting moment – you’ve done it! You’ll arrive just in time for lunch and some much needed rest.

The rest of the afternoon will be spent exploring and learning about this fascinating pre-colonial city – home to Tayrona civilization over 500 years ago. After hearing stories about it in El Mamey and getting familiar with it during your trek up there, you can now get to appreciate its beauty with your own eyes. Special attention must be paid to its circular stone terraces – an impressive accomplishment of engineering – as well as its burial grounds that can still be seen today.

Ending Your Trek

On day 4 you will start off early from Santa Marta back to El Mamey – a few hours drive out. This final hike back down will also offer some stunning views as reward for your effort. As it starts to get really hot mid-way through this hike, make sure you don’t overexert yourself since your body needs rest now more than ever!

The Journey of a Lifetime

Exploring The Lost City in Santa Marta is an unforgettable experience so if you’re up for a great adventure – go out there! Actions like these help us disconnect from our daily lives and enjoy nature as our ancestors did centuries ago. Being so remote yet so close to civilization gives you an unforgettable physical but also emotional experience that no one should miss out on!

So what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to embark on this amazing adventure, GetYourGuide offers amazing packages with guides who will help make your experience even more enjoyable – check out their Multi-Day Trek to The Lost City in Santa Marta activity for more details!