A five-day guided trek from Santa Marta into the Sierra Nevada brings you to Ciudad Perdida via river crossings, waterfalls, and 1,200 stone steps. Expect multi-hour jungle hikes, rustic camps, and a deep cultural encounter with indigenous villages.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You set out before dawn from Santa Marta, air humid and birds already at work, boarding a winding road toward El Mamey. The jungle closes in quickly—broadleaf canopy, mossed trunks, and the constant percussion of rivers daring you to keep pace. Over five days you’ll cross multiple streams, take steep stone stairways, and arrive at the terraces of Ciudad Perdida where ancient stone rings and platforms sit quietly above the forest floor.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular and leg strength; able to hike 4–8 hours per day on uneven, muddy terrain and climb many stone steps.
Wildlife
History
Ciudad Perdida was built by the Tairona people centuries before European contact; its terraces and stone paths reveal a sophisticated pre-Columbian settlement.
Conservation
Access is regulated and visitors must follow strict no-plastic rules; sticking to trails and respecting local guidance helps protect fragile jungle soils and archaeological features.
Reserve your spot on the Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days from Santa Marta today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Prepare for long uphill stair sections
Train with stairs and hill repeats; the final ascent to Ciudad Perdida includes roughly 1,200 stone steps—steady pacing prevents early fatigue.
Bring a refillable water bottle and purification
Daily hikes are humid and hot—treat or filter water if you run low between camp refills.
Pack for rain and mud
A lightweight rain shell and quick-dry clothing keep you comfortable on sudden tropical downpours and muddy trails.
Follow cultural and park rules
No plastic is permitted inside the national park; respect indigenous sites and follow guide instructions.
Waterproof hiking boots
Support and traction on steep, muddy jungle trails and river approaches.
Lightweight rain shell
Protects against tropical downpours and keeps core temperature stable.
Headlamp with extra batteries
Hands-free light for camps, early starts, and night-time needs in remote sites.
Insect repellent & long-sleeve layers
Essential protection from mosquitoes and biting insects in lowland jungle camps.