Everything You Need to Know Before The Multi-Day Jungle Hike
Deep in the Colombian jungle hides a city older than Machu Picchu – but it won’t give up its secrets easily…
The Lost City isn’t just an archeological site – it’s a 4-5 day adventure that challenges your body, rewards your spirit, and immerses you in the jungle and Indigenous culture. We approached it excited, having heard countless stories of the trek, and every step more than lived up to the hype.
What is the Lost City Trek?
The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida, is an ancient archeological site tucked into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountians. Built by the Tayrona civilization around 800 AD, it remains sacred land today, inhabited by local indigenous communities.
Unlike other ruins, reaching it isn’t a day trip – it’s a sweaty, muddy, soul-stretching multi-day hike that takes you deep into the jungle. That’s exactly what makes it so special.
Along the way, you’ll not only see the ruins, but also learn the history of the Tayrona people and hear about the culture of today’s Kogi and Wiwa communities, turning the trek into a living classroom.
How to get there?
Start your journey from Santa Marta, where tour companies organize everything for you: transport, food, sleeping arrangements, guides and a lot of snacks.
What to expect on the Trek?
Each day involves hiking 20-25km through lush jungle, crossing rivers, and climbing steep hills. The heat, humidity, and sudden rain showers make it challenging, but also unforgettable.
Along the way, expect:
- Sleeping in jungle camps with bunk beds and mosquito nets
- River crossings and muddy trails
- Stunning views, howler monkeys, and encounters with Indigenous communities
- Natural pools and rivers perfect for refreshing dips
The most special moment for us? Seeing the Lost City itself bathed in sunlight. Our group had the terraces almost to ourselves – no other visitors blocking the view – and it felt like a completely private, magical experience.
After days of jungle hiking, river crossings, and steep steps, you reach the 1,200 stone steps leading to the Lost City.
Walk among the stone terraces wrapped in mist, listen to stories from guides and Indigenous people, and watch the ruins come alive with sunlight.
We were completely in awe – more than just the famous photos. The surrounding jungle, terraces, and sacred spots made the moment feel enormous and deeply rewarding.
Costs & Booking Info
- Price Range: Tours typically cost between $350-500 USD, depending on duration and company
- Duration: 4, 5, or 6 days (most people go for 4)
- Included: Very good meals, good guides, accomodation, permits, and medical support
- Departure: Daily from Santa Marta
Tip: Book through ethical companies that support the local Indigenous communities
What to pack (and what to leave behind)?
Light is right! Leave the rest in storage at your hostel in Santa Marta!
Here are your essentials:
Practical Tips & Safety
- Respect the sacred nature of the site.
- Prepare for basic conditions: jungle showers, no WiFi, and early nights
- It’s safe, but remote – your guides are trained in first aid, and mules are available if needed in emergencies
- Don’t underestimate the trek’s physical demands. Take your time, hydrate, and savor the experience – the reward at the end is worth every step.
Final Thoughts
The Lost City Trek is adventurous, educational, and utterly rewarding. From the jungle mornings to the sunlit terraces of the ruins, every step brings you closer to understanding Colombia’s ancient cultures and natural beauty.
The sunrise over Ciudad Perdida, the quiet moments on the terraces, and the shared laughter on muddy jungle paths are memories that will stay with us forever.
It’s not just a hike – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
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