Colombia's Lost City to the Caribbean image
Operated by G Adventures

Colombia's Lost City to the Caribbean

From
Price on request
Duration
15 days
Countries
Colombia
Activity
moderate

The adventure

One of the unique pleasures of travelling is getting to a place before everyone else. When you make the trek to Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida, that pleasure is all yours. Bunk up for the night in hammocks in small local communities before braving the jungles in search of Teyuna, a lost city that predates Machu Picchu. Later, explore the northern coast in Cartagena, visit rural villages near Taganga, and explore Tayrona National Park. It’s the Great Outdoors, with a Caribbean twist.

At a glance

Duration
15 days
Route
Santa Marta → Santa Marta
Countries
Colombia
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Colombia's Lost City to the Caribbean image

Day by day

Vibrant landscape of cropland with a mountain backdrop in Guayabal, Tolima, Colombia.
Your journey through

Colombia

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Transfer to Machete Pelao
Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek for 4-5 hrs each day through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Day 3The route starts along the Buritaca River
The route starts along the Buritaca River, taking you further into the vivid green jungle past small villages en route to the camp for the evening. After a long day of trekking, enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the natural swimming pools.
Day 4Continue trekking along the route to the Ciudad Perdida
Continue trekking along the route to the Ciudad Perdida. Today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep inclines, make sure to rest and take in the beautiful views.
Day 5Get started early to climb the 1
Get started early to climb the 1,200 steps up to the Lost City. The view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it well worth the hike. Explore the Lost City and learn what is known of its origins from the indigenous guide, before making the descent back to Wiwa Camp for the night.
Day 6In the morningSanta Marta
A vibrant coastal city with mountains, beach, and clear blue sea under a sunny sky.Santa Marta
In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.
Map showing Santa Marta
Day 7Drive down the coast to Cartagena and start…
Drive down the coast to Cartagena and start exploring this charming city.
Day 8Enjoy a free day exploring all Cartagena has…
Enjoy a free day exploring all Cartagena has to offer. Opt to enjoy the beautiful coast or explore the charming colonial city.
Day 9Enjoy a city tour
Enjoy a city tour, visiting the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach.
Day 10Travel by bus to Santa Marta with free…
A vibrant coastal city with mountains, beach, and clear blue sea under a sunny sky.Santa Marta
Travel by bus to Santa Marta with free time to explore this beautiful coastal city.
Map showing Santa Marta
Day 11Journey into the hills around Minca and hike…
Journey into the hills around Minca and hike to a beautiful waterfall. Take a tour of a coffee farm and indulge in a local lunch. Continue to Taganga, a perfect base for exploring nearby Tayrona National Park.
Day 12Spend the day exploring Taganga
Spend the day exploring Taganga. Opt for more active options like snorkelling or hiking or hit one of the beaches and relax in a hammock.
Day 13Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate…
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia. Stay in a lodge close to the park.
Day 14Return to Santa Marta for an optional evening out on the town
A vibrant coastal city with mountains, beach, and clear blue sea under a sunny sky.Santa Marta
Return to Santa Marta for an optional evening out on the town.
Map showing Santa Marta
Day 15Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover Colombia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking aerial view of the lakes and rolling hills in Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, under a dramatic sky.
Lush green hills under a cloudy sky in Manta, Colombia.
Explore the serene landscape of Sumapaz Paramo, showcasing lush greenery and a tranquil lake.
Stunning aerial shot of verdant hills and forests in Bogotá, Colombia under a cloudy sky.
Stunning aerial view of Medellín's urban landscape nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

Book my trip →

More South America adventures

Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast image
G Adventures
Save 20%

Lima to Rio: Coast to Coast

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active

fromCAD 8,919
Next: 20 Jun
Brazil Rio Christ Redeemer
Intrepid Travel
Deal

Epic South America

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Uruguay · 39 days · Moderate4.2(6)

fromCAD 8,901
Next: 24 Jun
Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures image
G Adventures
Save 20%

Quito to La Paz: Amazon & Ancient Cultures

Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru · 35 days · Active

fromCAD 4,879
Next: 27 Jun