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Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

Colombia🇨🇴 | hikesLost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)Jungle terraces, river crossings, Kogi lands, multi-day camps | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)
🏆 Top pickhike ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Pick the four-day round trip with a licensed agency if you have limited time, and the five or six day pace if you want the river swims and slower mornings, because the route is the same and only the daily mileage changes. Ciudad Perdida sits in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the north of Colombia, a few hours inland from the Caribbean coast. Independent hiking is not allowed, so you book a guided group, and the price is steep but covers food, bunks and guides. The scenery is the draw: jungle ridges, river crossings and about 1,200 stone steps to the terraces. The climbs are muddy and relentless, and the humidity makes every day feel longer than the kilometers suggest. Public transport to the trailhead at El Mamey is easy, since agencies collect you in Santa Marta. On the second morning I expected a ruin guarded by soldiers and rope barriers. Instead, a young Kogi boy in a white tunic walked past me barefoot on the wet stones, carrying a bag of cane. The final steps are slick with moss.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Colombia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: December - March
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 44 kilometers
Total ascent: 3000 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 hike in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) gives backpackers a rare combination: a real multi-day jungle trek with a clear goal, and no logistics to solve. Operators out of Santa Marta bundle guides, food, bunks and permits, so you show up with a pack and a sense of adventure. The ruins are the draw. Teyuna, built by the Tairona around the 9th century, is several centuries older than Machu Picchu, and you reach it on foot through the jungle, with no train or bus. The scale is impressive: about 169 terraces cut into the ridge. The second reason is the people. Camps sit near Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco communities, and your guide can explain their ongoing relationship with the land. Expect to see the 1,200 stone steps at the end, a climb that makes arrival feel earned. Because tours run on fixed 4 to 6 day … read more 👉
Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) gives backpackers a rare combination: a real multi-day jungle trek with a clear goal, and no logistics to solve. Operators out of Santa Marta bundle guides, food, bunks and permits, so you show up with a pack and a sense of adventure. The ruins are the draw. Teyuna, built by the Tairona around the 9th century, is several centuries older than Machu Picchu, and you reach it on foot through the jungle, with no train or bus. The scale is impressive: about 169 terraces cut into the ridge. The second reason is the people. Camps sit near Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco communities, and your guide can explain their ongoing relationship with the land. Expect to see the 1,200 stone steps at the end, a climb that makes arrival feel earned. Because tours run on fixed 4 to 6 day schedules, the trek also slots easily into a Caribbean coast itinerary between Tayrona and Cartagena, with swimming in the river as a bonus on hot afternoons.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Ciudad Perdida Terraces: The headline sight is a set of circular stone platforms cut into the mountainside, founded by the Tayrona centuries before Machu Picchu. Arrive early, when the mist still hangs below the plazas and the groups are small. The central terraces give the best view down the valley.
  2. The Final 1,200 Steps: The last climb is a steep staircase of moss-covered stone through dense forest. It is slippery, tiring and a proper build-up to the site. Go slowly and keep one hand free for the rough rail of roots.
  3. Buritaca River Crossings: You wade or cross by log and stepping stones, and the river is cold and fast after rain. Waterproof sandals help. Swim in the deeper pools after the day’s walking.
  4. Kogi Village Visits: The trail passes homes of the Kogi and Wiwa peoples, who live on the
… read more 👉
  1. Ciudad Perdida Terraces: The headline sight is a set of circular stone platforms cut into the mountainside, founded by the Tayrona centuries before Machu Picchu. Arrive early, when the mist still hangs below the plazas and the groups are small. The central terraces give the best view down the valley.
  2. The Final 1,200 Steps: The last climb is a steep staircase of moss-covered stone through dense forest. It is slippery, tiring and a proper build-up to the site. Go slowly and keep one hand free for the rough rail of roots.
  3. Buritaca River Crossings: You wade or cross by log and stepping stones, and the river is cold and fast after rain. Waterproof sandals help. Swim in the deeper pools after the day’s walking.
  4. Kogi Village Visits: The trail passes homes of the Kogi and Wiwa peoples, who live on the land and consider it sacred. You will see thatched huts and white-clothed families. Guides explain what is respectful, such as not photographing people without asking.
  5. Ridge Viewpoints and Camps: The ridge sections open into long views of green folds toward the Caribbean haze. Camps sit near rivers or hammocks under tin roofs, with swimming holes close by. Evenings are loud with insects and frogs.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

Hike for 4 days to the Lost City, Santa Marta

Hike for 4 days to the Lost City, Santa Marta

5.0(3601) 96h
From €690
per personViator
4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta

4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta

4.9(254) 96h
From €526
per personViator
4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada

4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada

4.9(137) 96h
From €581
per personViator
5-day hike to Lost City : Teyuna indigenous culture

5-day hike to Lost City : Teyuna indigenous culture

5.0(89) 72h
From €749
per personViator
Lost City Trek 4 Days | Jungle Trek | Ciudad Perdida Teyuna

Lost City Trek 4 Days | Jungle Trek | Ciudad Perdida Teyuna

5.0(43) 96h
From €526
per personViator
Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days from Santa Marta

Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days from Santa Marta

4.7(19) 120h
From €1,191
per personViator
Lost City Trek 4 days - 3 nights

Lost City Trek 4 days - 3 nights

4.8(11) 96h
From €599
per personViator
Ciudad Perdida "Teyuna" 4 Days Tracking Tour

Ciudad Perdida "Teyuna" 4 Days Tracking Tour

4.5(8) 96h
From €590
per personViator
Ciudad Perdida 4 Días Aventura a las Terrazas Sagradas de Teyuna

Ciudad Perdida 4 Días Aventura a las Terrazas Sagradas de Teyuna

5.0(4) 96h
From €653
per personViator
5-day Hike Tour to the Lost City of Sierra Nevada

5-day Hike Tour to the Lost City of Sierra Nevada

5.0(2) 120h
From €617
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Dry Season (December to March): This is the window for firm trails and the fewest river surprises. Days run 28 to 34°C (82 to 93°F) in the lowlands, nights near 22°C (72°F), and the Buritaca crossings stay knee-deep or lower.
  • Peak Crowds (December to January and July to August): Groups fill camps on the same schedule, so book early. Operators hold prices fairly steady, around US$400 to 450 for the 4 to 6 day trek, and rarely discount.
  • Shoulder (April to June): Heat and humidity build, with afternoon storms starting in May. Camps are quieter and the forest is greener.
  • Wet Season (September to November): Expect daily downpours, deep mud, and rivers that can rise fast. Temperatures stay 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F). Some operators run short on departures, and trips occasionally get rerouted.
  • Daylight:
… read more 👉
  • Dry Season (December to March): This is the window for firm trails and the fewest river surprises. Days run 28 to 34°C (82 to 93°F) in the lowlands, nights near 22°C (72°F), and the Buritaca crossings stay knee-deep or lower.
  • Peak Crowds (December to January and July to August): Groups fill camps on the same schedule, so book early. Operators hold prices fairly steady, around US$400 to 450 for the 4 to 6 day trek, and rarely discount.
  • Shoulder (April to June): Heat and humidity build, with afternoon storms starting in May. Camps are quieter and the forest is greener.
  • Wet Season (September to November): Expect daily downpours, deep mud, and rivers that can rise fast. Temperatures stay 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F). Some operators run short on departures, and trips occasionally get rerouted.
  • Daylight: Days stay close to 12 hours all year, so you start hiking around 6 a.m. to finish the heat-heavy climbs early.
A departure in the first half of February tends to give dry trails with thinner crowds than the holiday weeks.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
Colombia - the Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

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🥾 Hike detailsKey facts about the Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) hike

Total Distance: Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) covers about 44 kilometers round trip, out and back on the same route.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 6 days, depending on the operator. Most groups choose 4 or 5.
Difficulty: Hard. Heat, humidity, mud and steep climbs add up, though the daily distances are short.
Starting Point: El Mamey, reached by jeep from Santa Marta in roughly 2 to 3 hours. Tours include the transfer and meet you at their Santa Marta office.
Major Landmarks:
  • Camps: Basic bunks with mosquito nets, in simple shelters along the route. Some have cold showers.
  • Buritaca River: Crossings and
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) covers about 44 kilometers round trip, out and back on the same route.
Estimated Duration: 4 to 6 days, depending on the operator. Most groups choose 4 or 5.
Difficulty: Hard. Heat, humidity, mud and steep climbs add up, though the daily distances are short.
Starting Point: El Mamey, reached by jeep from Santa Marta in roughly 2 to 3 hours. Tours include the transfer and meet you at their Santa Marta office.
Major Landmarks:
  • Camps: Basic bunks with mosquito nets, in simple shelters along the route. Some have cold showers.
  • Buritaca River: Crossings and swimming spots near several camps.
  • Indigenous villages: Kogui and Wiwa homes seen from the path.
  • Teyuna: The ruins at the end of the 1,200 steps.
Terrain and Scenery: Mostly dirt and rock paths that turn to thick mud after rain, with steep ups and downs on forested ridges. Viewpoints open onto deep green valleys.
Vegetation: Humid tropical forest, with palms, ferns, giant leaves, and cleared patches for coca, bananas and cattle pasture near villages.
Wildlife: Birds are most common, along with butterflies, insects and the occasional lizard or monkey. Mosquitoes are constant, so bring repellent.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Lost City Trek is a well-run, guided route, and most problems are blisters, heat, and mud rather than danger. Humidity is the main hazard. Start at dawn, drink steadily (the camps sell water and your guide will purify it), and pace yourself on the long climbs, especially the final 1,200 steps to the site. Footing is slippery after rain, and the Buritaca crossings can be waist-deep in wet months, so trail shoes that dry quickly beat heavy boots. Bring spare dry socks for camp, insect repellent, and a headlamp. Mosquitoes and sandflies are common, and snakes are present but rarely met on the established path, so stay on it and watch where you place hands and feet. Camps use bunks with nets. The trek crosses Indigenous Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco lands, so ask before photographing people and follow … read more 👉
Lost City Trek is a well-run, guided route, and most problems are blisters, heat, and mud rather than danger. Humidity is the main hazard. Start at dawn, drink steadily (the camps sell water and your guide will purify it), and pace yourself on the long climbs, especially the final 1,200 steps to the site. Footing is slippery after rain, and the Buritaca crossings can be waist-deep in wet months, so trail shoes that dry quickly beat heavy boots. Bring spare dry socks for camp, insect repellent, and a headlamp. Mosquitoes and sandflies are common, and snakes are present but rarely met on the established path, so stay on it and watch where you place hands and feet. Camps use bunks with nets. The trek crosses Indigenous Kogui, Wiwa, and Arhuaco lands, so ask before photographing people and follow your guide’s instructions. Only licensed operators are permitted on the route, and the army maintains a post near the site.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)

Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) takes 4 to 6 days round trip, covering roughly 44 to 50 kilometers (27 to 31 miles). Most operators offer 4, 5, or 6 day itineraries, and the 4 day version is the fastest pace with long hiking days. All start and end at Machete Pelao, about 2 to 3 hours by road from Santa Marta.
Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) is moderately hard, mainly because of humidity, daily distances of 8 to 15 kilometers (5 to 9 miles), and steep, muddy climbs. Elevation stays low, with the site at about 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), so altitude is not an issue. Reasonable fitness and broken-in shoes are enough, and no technical skills are needed.
Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) can only be done with a licensed tour operator, and the guide and permit are bundled into the price. Expect to pay roughly US$400 to 450, which covers food, bunk accommodation, guides, and entry. Book a few weeks ahead for December to January and July to August, and bring your passport for registration.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Go in the dry months, roughly December to March, when the mud is lighter and the river crossings are lower. Even then, set out at first light each day so you walk through the cooler hours and reach camp before the afternoon downpours. I would choose the 5-day option and pack light, and I would skip cotton clothing.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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