Lost City Trekking in Colombia

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

The ancient archaeological site, Teyuna or the Lost City, sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek.

Highlights

Hike to the Lost City to Tayrona (or Teyuna) – the most important archaeological site in Colombia. Explore this sacred place with our local guides and revel in the secrets of a site only reached by multi-day hiking.
Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada – a great opportunity for a true digital detox – through tropical forest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views.
Visit the Indigenous WIWA Community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles that local women and men have within the community.
Wander beneath the floral balconies of Cartagena – the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.
End your trip in Santa Marta – a tropical paradise on the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cartagena, Colombia

Finishes

Santa Marta, Colombia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Cartagena

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the Old City within the walled town and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

Optional Activities:

Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (33000 COP)
Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Mangroves Tour (180000 COP)
Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour (50000 COP)
Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour (320000 COP)

Day 2: Santa Marta

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, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

Santa Marta - Orientation walk

Day 3: Lost City Trek

This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek, by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical forest and take in the amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.

Included Activities:

Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek

Day 4: Lost City Trek

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 and the role that both women and men have within the community. Then, you’ll hike 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 and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the first stone rings. Along the way, you’ll pass the small 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 this afternoon, take a tour with your local guides and learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

Day 5: Lost City Trek

This morning, hike back to the WIWA Community Camp, along the way, you’ll see waterfalls and pass river crossings. After lunch hike to camp via a different route, so you can see another side of the Sierra. From here, the rest of the day is free to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools and later, listen to stories from your local guides as the sun goes down.

Included Activities:

Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna

Day 6: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta

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’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

Day 7: Santa Marta

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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $1,895

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

The ancient archaeological site, Teyuna or the Lost City, sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 11 Jan 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now