Experience the Lost City in Santa Marta with a Multi-Day Trek

Santa Marta is a Colombian port city located on the Caribbean coast. It is a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the beauty of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range and its natural ecosystems which are rich and varied. One of its greatest attractions is the Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, which is an ancient archaeological site located at an elevation of more than 800m in the jungle. The region is so secluded that it was only discovered in 1972, when three siblings crossed the dense Colombia vegetation and stumbled upon its ruins.

While it is possible to trek to the city independently, it is not recommended due to the lack of trail markers and navigation difficulties in the jungle. A multi-day guided trek organised by experienced tour operators is instead highly recommended and is the only safe option for accessing this beautiful and remote archaeological site.

Each company offering guided tours of the Lost City of Santa Marta has slightly different itineraries and different amenities. Here are some things to consider when choosing a multi-day trek to the Lost City in Santa Marta:

Duration

The trek usually takes four days and three nights. It takes you through the jungle, crossing streams and mountains, with the majority of it spent walking on unpaved terrain. Most companies offer alternative*, shorter options that don’t reach the city, but still offer a glimpse into indigenous cultures and access to stunning jungle scenery.

*(Alternative/shorter-term options are two or three-day trips for those who want to experience the beauty of the region but don’t have enough vacation time to make a more lengthy excursion)

Transportation

Getting to the starting point of the trek is a two-hour drive from Santa Marta. The tour companies tend to provide transportation to and from the city or you can rent or borrow a car or hire a cab or take public transportation. Depending on the company, you might also have to cover your way back from the city to Santa Marta if they don’t provide transportation these days.

Services

Apart from the guide, you will usually be accompanied by a cook who will prepare food throughout your journey. This usually consists of local dishes such as arepas and salads, but may also include vegetarian food if requested ahead of time.

Most companies also provide other amenities like sleeping bags and tents (or hammocks), comfort stops along the way, snacks, purified water, torches, coffee and some companies even offer WiFi access for those wishing to stay connected during their journey.

Health Considerations

Since you will be trekking on heavily wooded terrain for four days and will be surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, it is important to take certain health considerations seriously. While most people do not suffer from problems such as altitude sickness or dehydration, there is always a risk of getting bitten by insects carrying tropical diseases, so it is necessary to bring insect repellent. It is also recommended that you bring sun protection such as sunscreen, hats and long sleeved shirts since you will be exposed to intense sunlight while trekking.

The Cost

The cost of a multi-day trek to the Lost City in Santa Marta varies depending on the company you choose, although most companies tend to offer similar prices. Prices typically start at around $150 and increase depending on the duration and type of services provided by each company.

The cost usually includes everything you will need on your journey – transport costs to and from Santa Marta, waterproof covers for your bags, sleeping bags (or hammocks), tents and meals provided by a cook throughout your stay. Additionally, some companies may also provide climbing gear for those wanting to explore more challenging routes up the mountains around the city.

Booking with GetYourGuide

Booking a multi-day trek to the Lost City in Santa Marta with GetYourGuide is easy, reliable and cost-effective. GetYourGuide offers a variety of tours for all tastes and budgets that provide access to this magical site. Furthermore, their customer service is excellent and their tour operators are highly knowledgeable.

Moreover, GetYourGuide is reliable and secure when it comes to booking activities. When booking with GetYourGuide, you’ll always get exactly what you asked for – no surprises or hidden costs – plus they offer plenty of options if you want to cancel or change your plans at any point. Experience a multi-day trek to the Lost City in Santa Marta with GetYourGuide now!