Lost City Trek · Ciudad PerdidaThe Express Tour 3 days
The full route in three long days. You leave at 4:30 am, cover a stretch by motorbike and hike more than 14 km each day.
Express: for strong hikers short on time
It’s for you if
- You are very fit
- You only have a few days in Santa Marta
- You have done multi-day hikes before
Day-by-day itinerary
Teyuna · Lost City
About 1,200 stone steps lead you to more than 200 terraces built by the Tayrona around AD 600–800. It remains a sacred site for the peoples of the Sierra.
A fact: it was built some 650 years before Machu Picchu.
Pre-dawn start and into the junglePickup 4:30 am · motorbike section
Drive to El Mamey and a motorbike ride up to Vista Hermosa. From there, a long day of hiking to the camp.
Teyuna, the Lost City≈ 1,200 steps · 3–4 h visit
You climb to the terraces early, explore the site with your guide and start the descent towards the lower camps.
On the terraces, your guide tells the story of the Tayrona and of the peoples who look after the place today.
Return to Santa Marta≈ 18 km · arrival between 3:00 and 6:00 pm
The longest day: you hike to El Mamey, have lunch and return to Santa Marta by 4x4.
Kilometres and hours for each day to be confirmed
What’s included
Included
- Return transport from your accommodation
- All meals, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- Vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly menu on request
- Camps with bed or hammock, mosquito net and blankets
- Filtered water at the camps
- Entrance to Teyuna Archaeological Park
- Travel insurance
- Expert local guides
- Contribution to the communities of the Sierra
Not included
- Breakfast on day 1
- Mule for your luggage
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
Your extra luggage is stored free of charge at our office while you hike.
Pickup
Tap your starting point to see the route.
- At the door of your accommodation. Historic centre, Bello Horizonte and surroundings.
- ≈ 2 h to El Mamey, with a stop at La Aguacatera.
- The afternoon before, we confirm your exact time by WhatsApp.
On the way back
You arrive in Santa Marta between 3:00 and 6:00 pm. If you are travelling on, we can drop you off along the way at Tayrona, Playa Los Ángeles, Costeño, Buritaca or Palomino.
What to bring
Payment methods
Online deposit
Secure payment with Bold. Prices are in Colombian pesos.
Changes and cancellation
Questions about this tour
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to hike more than 14 km a day with steep climbs, three days in a row. The last day is about 18 km.
Why does it leave at 4:30 am?
To gain daylight hours and complete the route in three days.
What is the motorbike section?
A ride from El Mamey to Vista Hermosa that saves you the first part of the hike.
How do I pay?
You pay 10% online by card, PSE or Nequi. The balance is paid on departure day, in cash in Colombian pesos or by card (+4%).
Can I change or cancel?
Yes, free of charge up to 7 days before departure. Within the last 72 hours, the 10% is retained. If you do not show up or you leave the tour, there is no refund.
What are the camps like?
They have beds or hammocks with mosquito nets and blankets, cold showers, toilets, a small shop and filtered water.
Does the guide speak English?
The guides speak Spanish and an English translator walks with you. A French translator is also available if you let us know in advance.
Where do I leave my luggage?
We store it free of charge while you hike. You only take a 20–30 litre backpack up the mountain.