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A four-day trek from Santa Marta to Ciudad Perdida traces ancient Tayrona stairways through rivers, jungle and indigenous villages. Expect long jungle days, river crossings, community-run camps and a final climb of roughly 1,200 stone steps to the terraces of the Lost City.
A four-day trek from Santa Marta to Ciudad Perdida traces ancient Tayrona stairways through rivers, jungle and indigenous villages. Expect long jungle days, river crossings, community-run camps and a final climb of roughly 1,200 stone steps to the terraces of the Lost City.
Morning in the Sierra Nevada arrives like a slow exhale: humid air, river mist curling among trees, and the chant of distant birds guiding you inland from Santa Marta. On day one a 4x4 cuts across coastal scrub and then the road gives way to jungle; by afternoon you’re at Camp 1, a cluster of hammocks and river pools where the forest seems to watch your slow unpacking.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Expotur · Santa Marta, Magdalena
Morning in the Sierra Nevada arrives like a slow exhale: humid air, river mist curling among trees, and the chant of distant birds guiding you inland from Santa Marta. On day one a 4x4 cuts across coastal scrub and then the road gives way to jungle; by afternoon you’re at Camp 1, a cluster of hammocks and river pools where the forest seems to watch your slow unpacking.
This four-day route follows古 stone stairways and footpaths built by the Tayrona people, climbing the final 1,200 steps to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City). Geologically the Sierra Nevada is an isolated coastal massif rising from sea level to snowy peaks—the lower slopes are tropic rainforest, rich in biodiversity and crossed by streams that dare you to cool off mid-hike. Culturally the trek passes Kogui and campesino settlements; local guides trained by SENA share anthropology, origin stories, and the ongoing community stewardship that keeps the trail open.
Expect long jungle days—one day can run seven hours—river crossings, muddy slope sections, and a sustained ascent to the terraces of the ruins. Meals are simple and included; nights are in camps with beds or hammocks and basic showers. Practical notes: carry a well‑fitted pack, bring insect repellent and a rain shell, and plan for high humidity and sudden downpours. The operator stores extra luggage in Santa Marta if needed, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
This is a trekking experience that balances physical effort with cultural immersion: be ready to walk, listen, and leave no trace.
challenging.
4 days.
Moderate to strong cardio and leg strength; able to hike 5–7 hours per day on uneven terrain while carrying a daypack.
The route is challenging: multiple days of jungle hiking, one day of sustained climbing (~1,200 steps) and uneven terrain; a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
Guiding, most meals (listed as breakfasts, lunches and dinners across the itinerary), camp accommodations in hammocks or beds, snacks, and pickup from Expotur facilities; pickup and drop‑off options to Santa Marta or nearby towns are offered.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure; the operator advises against participation for pregnant travelers or those with severe back/heart problems.
Yes—the operator allows you to leave suitcases at the Expotur office at no additional cost and can forward luggage to the endpoint if you don’t return to the city.
Ciudad Perdida dates to the Tayrona culture (pre-Columbian coastal highland societies) and was constructed as a series of terraces and stairways important for regional ceremonial life.
This trek is largely community-managed; local fees and guide programs support conservation and livelihoods—carry out trash, avoid single-use plastics, and follow leave-no-trace practices.
Expotur operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Morning in the Sierra Nevada arrives like a slow exhale: humid air, river mist curling among trees, and the chant of distant birds guiding you inland from Santa Marta. On day one a 4x4 cuts across coastal scrub and then the road gives way to jungle; by afternoon you’re at Camp 1, a cluster of hammocks and river pools where the forest seems to watch your slow unpacking.
Morning in the Sierra Nevada arrives like a slow exhale: humid air, river mist curling among trees, and the chant of distant birds guiding you inland from Santa Marta. On day one a 4x4 cuts across coastal scrub and then the road gives way to jungle; by afternoon you’re at Camp 1, a cluster of hammocks and river pools where the forest seems to watch your slow unpacking.
This four-day route follows古 stone stairways and footpaths built by the Tayrona people, climbing the final 1,200 steps to Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City). Geologically the Sierra Nevada is an isolated coastal massif rising from sea level to snowy peaks—the lower slopes are tropic rainforest, rich in biodiversity and crossed by streams that dare you to cool off mid-hike. Culturally the trek passes Kogui and campesino settlements; local guides trained by SENA share anthropology, origin stories, and the ongoing community stewardship that keeps the trail open.
Expect long jungle days—one day can run seven hours—river crossings, muddy slope sections, and a sustained ascent to the terraces of the ruins. Meals are simple and included; nights are in camps with beds or hammocks and basic showers. Practical notes: carry a well‑fitted pack, bring insect repellent and a rain shell, and plan for high humidity and sudden downpours. The operator stores extra luggage in Santa Marta if needed, and yellow fever vaccination is recommended.
This is a trekking experience that balances physical effort with cultural immersion: be ready to walk, listen, and leave no trace.