Santa Marta and Colombia’s Lost City
Colombia Hiking + Walking Tours
An unforgettable hiking experience to the Ciudad perdida and The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length10 days
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Prices from$1612 Rates
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Overview
Colombia: A diverse and unique nation home to some of the most incredible landscapes on the planet. Natural wonders, unique flora and fauna, gastronomic delights, and world-famous coffee abound on this guided hiking tour, sure to surpass every adventure seeker's expectations. This trek starts and ends in Santa Marta and takes you to the famous Lost City (Ciudad Perdida). This archaeological wonder will leave you amazed as it was believed to have been founded some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu.
A highlight of this guided trekking tour is a fascinating experience with the Kogui community, an indigenous group that lives in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will learn their customs and traditions first-hand and speak with the Mamo, the spiritual leader of the community. Beautiful beaches, untouched forests, and snowcapped mountains are also part of what makes this hiking tour truly magical.
Highlights
- Santa Marta, a bustling costal city
- The famous Lost City
- Sierra Nevada mountain range
- Incredible beaches
- Unique flora and fauna
Check out our other hiking tours and birdwatching tours!
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Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta – Welcome to Colombia!
Welcome to Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, located between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean Sea. This vibrant coastal destination is known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and unique cultural heritage.
Upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, your English-speaking guide will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Take the evening to relax and settle in, or explore the city’s historic center, bustling markets, and scenic coastline.
Accommodation: Alko Cotona Hotel
Meals: Not includedDay 2: Trekking to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) – Day 1
Your journey to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) begins with a 3-hour transfer to El Mamey, the starting point of the trek. After a light lunch, the adventure starts with an 8 km hike through the lush jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, passing natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Halfway through, stop at the Mirador of the Three Crossings to taste local fruits before continuing to Camp 1 (Adam or Alfredo), where you will spend your first night.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Altitude: 135m → 450m
Accommodation: Basic camp with electricity, shared bathrooms, and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 3: Trekking to the Lost City – Day 2
After an early breakfast, continue trekking towards Camp 2 (Cabaña Wiwa), where you can take a break and enjoy a refreshing bath in the Buritaca River while waiting for lunch.
The journey then continues past Mutanyi, a traditional Kogui indigenous village, where you will gain insights into their way of life. The day ends at Camp 3 (Paraíso Teyuna), the closest camp to the Lost City.
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 16 km
Altitude: 450m → 860m
Accommodation: Basic camp with electricity (limited hours), shared bathrooms, and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 4: Trekking to the Lost City – Day 3
Today is the highlight of the trek! After breakfast, begin a 2 km ascent, climbing 1,200 stone steps to reach the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), an ancient Tayrona archaeological site hidden deep in the jungle.
Explore the ceremonial terraces, stone pathways, and remnants of a lost civilization, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. You may also have the chance to meet a local spiritual leader (Mamo), who serves as the guardian of this sacred land.
After the visit, descend to Camp 3 for lunch, then continue back to Camp 2 (Cabaña Wiwa), where you will spend the night.
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Distance: 9 km
Altitude: 860m → 450m
Accommodation: Basic camp with shared bathrooms and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 5: Trekking to the Lost City – Final Descent
After breakfast, begin your final trek back to El Mamey, stopping briefly at Camp 1 for snacks and rest. From here, continue on a 4-5 hour descent, reaching the end of the trail in time for lunch in El Mamey.
A transfer will bring you back to Santa Marta, where you can enjoy a well-deserved evening of rest.
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 13 km
Altitude: 450m → 135m
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: BreakfastDay 6: Free Day – Relax in Santa Marta
After the intense trek, enjoy a free day to relax. You can choose to explore Santa Marta’s colonial center, visit Parque de los Novios, or unwind on nearby Caribbean beaches.
If you’re looking for an additional adventure, you may opt for an optional excursion to Tayrona National Park.
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: BreakfastDay 7: Minca & Coffee Farm La Victoria
Depart for Minca, a scenic mountain town located 20 km from Santa Marta at 600m above sea level. This lush, forested region is a haven for birdwatchers, coffee lovers, and nature enthusiasts.
The tour includes a visit to La Victoria Coffee Farm, one of Colombia’s oldest coffee plantations, where you’ll learn about traditional coffee production using machinery from 1892. Afterward, visit Nevada Beer Brewery, where spring-water craft beers are made.
Continue to Arimaka Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to Santa Marta.
Duration: 9 hours
Accommodation: Sweet Harmony Hotel Boutique
Meals: Breakfast / LunchDay 8: Cerro Kennedy Trek – Day 1
Begin the Cerro Kennedy trek, a two-day high-altitude adventure offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean coastline and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks.
Start with a transfer from Santa Marta or Minca to La Tagua, stopping at a small local coffee producer to learn about traditional cultivation. Then, begin a 3 km hike to Santa Elena Eco-lodge, where you will spend the night.
Enjoy a sugar cane drink and a traditional meal, then explore the surroundings with opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Distance: 3 km
Altitude: 650m → 2,200m
Accommodation: Santa Elena Eco-lodge
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 9: Cerro Kennedy Summit & Return to Santa Marta
After breakfast, begin the ascent to Cerro Kennedy (3,100m), passing through lush floral vegetation and small streams. If the weather is clear, you will enjoy breathtaking views of Colombia’s highest peaks—El Colón and Bolívar (5,700m), sacred to the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada.
After some time at the summit, descend back to Santa Elena Eco-lodge for lunch before continuing to Santa Marta or Minca.
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 12 km
Altitude: 3,100m → 650m
Accommodation: Alko Cotona Hotel
Meals: Breakfast / LunchDay 10: Departure from Santa Marta
After an incredible journey through Colombia’s Lost City, lush mountains, and Caribbean coastline, your driver will transfer you to Santa Marta Airport for your return flight.
We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and perhaps even a desire to return to explore more of Colombia’s hidden gems!
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Hike (on request & not included in tour package)
Tayrona National Park Hike
Available on Day 6
Duration: Full dayTayrona National Park is a tropical paradise where the Sierra Nevada meets the Caribbean Sea. Begin with a scenic coastal drive, then hike through the lush jungle trails of Cañaveral, stopping at Arrecifes Beach, Piscina Beach, and Cabo San Juan for swimming and relaxation.
Note: The park may be closed in February, June, October, and November for conservation efforts.
Included:
Private transportation
English-speaking guide
Entrance feesTour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta
Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, is a vibrant coastal destination nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Known for its stunning beaches and rich history, the city offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, your English-speaking guide will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Take the evening to relax and settle in, or explore the city’s historic center, bustling markets, and scenic coastline.
Accommodation: Alko Cotona Hotel
Meals: Not includedDay 2: Trekking to the Lost City – Day 1
The journey to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) begins with a three-hour transfer to El Mamey, the starting point of the trek. After a light lunch, the adventure starts with an 8 km hike through the lush jungles of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, passing natural pools where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Halfway through, stop at the Mirador of the Three Crossings to taste local fruits before continuing to Camp 1 (Adam or Alfredo), where you will spend your first night.
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Altitude: 135m → 450m
Accommodation: Basic camp with electricity, shared bathrooms, and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 3: Trekking to the Lost City – Day 2
After an early breakfast, continue trekking towards Camp 2 (Cabaña Wiwa), where you can take a break and enjoy a refreshing bath in the Buritaca River while waiting for lunch.
The journey then continues past Mutanyi, a traditional Kogui indigenous village, where you will gain insights into their way of life. The day ends at Camp 3 (Paraíso Teyuna), the closest camp to the Lost City.
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 16 km
Altitude: 450m → 860m
Accommodation: Basic camp with electricity (limited hours), shared bathrooms, and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 4: Trekking to the Lost City – Day 3
Today is the highlight of the trek. After breakfast, begin a 2 km ascent, climbing 1,200 stone steps to reach the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), an ancient Tayrona archaeological site hidden deep in the jungle.
Explore the ceremonial terraces, stone pathways, and remnants of a lost civilization, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada. You may also have the chance to meet a local spiritual leader (Mamo), who serves as the guardian of this sacred land.
After the visit, descend to Camp 3 for lunch, then continue back to Camp 2 (Cabaña Wiwa), where you will spend the night.
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Distance: 9 km
Altitude: 860m → 450m
Accommodation: Basic camp with shared bathrooms and showers
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / DinnerDay 5: Trekking to the Lost City – Final Descent
After breakfast, begin your final trek back to El Mamey, stopping briefly at Camp 1 for snacks and rest. From here, continue on a four to five-hour descent, reaching the end of the trail in time for lunch in El Mamey.
You will be transferred back to Santa Marta, where you can enjoy a well-deserved evening of rest.
Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Distance: 13 km
Altitude: 450m → 135m
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: Breakfast / LunchDay 6: Free Day in Santa Marta
After the intense trek, enjoy a free day to relax. You can choose to explore Santa Marta’s colonial center, visit Parque de los Novios, or unwind on nearby Caribbean beaches.
If you’re looking for an additional adventure, you may opt for an optional excursion to Tayrona National Park.
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: BreakfastDay 7: Tubing on Rio Don Diego
Start the day with a short 15-minute hike through nature before floating down the beautiful Rio Don Diego on a tubing adventure. As you glide through the river, keep an eye out for howler monkeys, diverse bird species, and butterflies.
The journey ends at a pristine beach where the river meets the Caribbean Sea. Here, you can enjoy a swim in both the river and the ocean before heading back to your hotel.
Duration: 2 hours
Included: Nature hike, tubing equipment and instruction, swim at a virgin beach
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: BreakfastDay 8: Visit to the Kogui Indigenous Community of Katanzama
Embark on a cultural immersion experience with the Kogui indigenous people, who are direct descendants of the Tayrona civilization.
Begin the day with a scenic three-hour hike along the Palomino River, passing through lush jungle landscapes before reaching the remote village of Katanzama. Here, you’ll meet Mamo Agustin, a spiritual leader of the Kogui people, who will share insights about their traditions, myths, and deep connection to nature.
You’ll also have time to bathe in the river and relax on a secluded beach before returning.
Duration: 5 hours
Included: English-speaking guide, private transport, entry to Mamo Agustin’s house, mythological talks, lunch, snacks, and round-trip transport to the hotel
Accommodation: Finca La Jorará
Meals: Breakfast / LunchDay 9: Tayrona National Park Exploration
Spend the day exploring Tayrona National Park, a natural wonder where the Sierra Nevada’s coastal foothills meet the Caribbean Sea.
Begin the trek from Cañaveral through lush forests to Arrecifes Beach, where you’ll take a short break before continuing to Arenilla Beach, Piscina Beach, and Cabo San Juan.
Take time to swim, relax, and enjoy the stunning views before returning to Santa Marta.
Duration: Depends on chosen route
Included: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees
Note: The full hike to Cabo San Juan takes approximately five to six hours but can be shortened by visiting only selected beaches.Accommodation: Alko Cotona Hotel
Meals: BreakfastDay 10: Departure from Santa Marta
After an incredible journey through Colombia’s Lost City, lush mountains, and Caribbean coastline, your driver will transfer you to Santa Marta Airport for your return flight.
We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and perhaps even a desire to return to explore more of Colombia’s hidden gems.
Meals: Breakfast
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Map
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Accommodation
This hiking tour in Colombia will have you staying in rustic mountain dwellings, traditional fincas (farms), and beautiful and unique coastal hotels. On several nights, you will have the option between bunk beds or hammocks. These accommodations will allow you to meet and interact with locals and give you a taste of Colombian culture like never before.
Please review the daily itinerary for further information on the accommodations. -
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 9 nights in traditional fincas or hotels
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Spanish-speaking drivers for transfers and English-speaking guides for tours as specified in the itinerary
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Airfare to and from Santa Marta
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Jul 15–31 (Daily)Jul 15–31 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Jul 15–31 (Daily)Jul 15–31 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Aug 1–31 (Daily)Aug 1–31 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Sep 1–30 (Daily)Sep 1–30 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Oct 1–3 (Daily)Oct 1–3 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Oct 1–3 (Daily)Oct 1–3 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Oct 14–31 (Daily)Oct 14–31 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Oct 14–31 (Daily)Oct 14–31 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Nov 1–30 (Daily)Nov 1–30 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Dec 1–14 (Daily)Dec 1–14 (Daily) Option 1 $ 1612 Book Dec 1–14 (Daily)Dec 1–14 (Daily) Option 2 $ 1689 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Option 1 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 16122025 departures: Daily Jan 1–Dec 31
2025 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Tour Package 1 traveler $ 2939 2 travelers $ 2074 3 travelers $ 1889 4 travelers $ 1794 5 travelers $ 1752 6 travelers $ 1638 7 travelers $ 1612 8 travelers $ 1618 Optional hike: Tayrona National Park On request These rates are applicable during the low season. High season rates are available upon request for the following periods: Holy Week, June 15 – July 15, 2025, October School Break Week, and December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026.Tours can only be confirmed based on availability and if the guest(s) provides their passport upon booking, this is a requirement.Prices do not include Colombian VAT (19%) because foreign tourists are exempt from this tax.The mentioned rates might be modified due to currency devaluation.- Option 2 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 1689
2025 departures: Daily Jan 1–Dec 312025 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Tour Package 1 traveler $ 3108 2 travelers $ 2128 3 travelers $ 1908 4 travelers $ 1809 5 travelers $ 1810 6 travelers $ 1753 7 travelers $ 1713 8 travelers $ 1689 These rates are applicable during the low season. High season rates are available upon request for the following periods: Holy Week, June 15 – July 15, 2025, October School Break Week, and December 15, 2025 – January 15, 2026.Tours can only be confirmed based on availability and if the guest(s) provides their passport upon booking, this is a requirement.Prices do not include Colombian VAT (19%) because foreign tourists are exempt from this tax.The mentioned rates might be modified due to currency devaluation. - Option 2 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 1689
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult hiking tour in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada and Santa Marta regions. The hike to the Lost City is strenuous and a good level of fitness is highly recommended. The rest of the tour incorporates rest days and days of less-intense walking. Please refer to the daily itinerary for exact elevation details and for further information on each route.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to the start of this tour is Simón Bolivar International Airport.
Local Travel
A transfer to and from this airport is included on the first and last day of the tour.
Climate
This area is hot and humid during the day (65-90 ºF) and can be colder at night (55ºF during Cerro Kennedy Trek). Rainy season is in April/May as well as October/November.
Refer to the averages below.
Remarks
The itinerary can be adjusted to your specific needs! For example, additional rest days, shorter walks, or shorter itineraries. Please ask us for a quote!
An exact packing list will be sent approx. 1 month before the booked departure date, but you will not need much for this trek. Food, water, and bedding will be supplied and carried by mule, you will not need to bring your own sleeping bag. You will just have to carry your clothes and one liter of water for the day. The recommended size backpack is between 25 and 30 liters.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Colombia for stays shorter than 90 days. For any other nationality, Colombia's Foreign Affairs website has a useful tool to determine if you will need a visa (scroll towards the middle/end of the page to the dropdown menu and select your home country).
Tour Operator
This tour is run by WhereNext Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Lynn M.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Bozena
1 year ago - Option 1 2025 Daily Jan 1–Dec 31 from $ 1612