Trekking to the Lost City: everything you need to know

21 Jul Trekking to the Lost City: everything you need to know

A mysterious archaeological complex is hidden in the depths of the Colombian jungle, and you can see it with your own eyes after spectacular trekking of 4 or 5 days. If trekking to the Lost City is your next adventurous temptation, here you will find all the information you need to know before starting.

How to trek to the Lost City?

The first thing you should know is that the trekking to the Lost City must be carried out together with official tour operators. Remember that we are the guests in this sacred land, protected and respected by the Wiwas, Koguis, and Arhuacos for thousands of years. In Denomades, we have a 4-day trek to the Lost City and a 5-day trek to the Lost City. Both include shared transportation, accommodation, food, entrance to the park, and bilingual guide (Spanish and English).

Description of the route to the Lost City

Day 1: The adventure begins in the city of Santa Marta. From here, a 4 × 4 vehicle will pick you up in the morning for a 3-hour trip to the town of Mamey. Once in Mamey, and after having lunch, a walk of approximately 3 hours (7.6 km) begins to the first camp of the journey. In the camp, you have the option (depending on how you hired the tour) to sleep in a tent or a hammock with mosquito nets.

Waterfall and person bathing in poses in the jungle

Day 2: One of the hardest days in terms of walking. On day two, 14.7 kilometers are covered, which are covered in approximately 8 hours. Throughout the trek, it is possible to cool off in the spectacular waters of the Buritaca River, in addition to visiting the occasional waterfall. During this day, the indigenous town of Mutanyi is also visited, an interesting break to learn more about the Wawi lifestyle, take pictures and interact with their people.

Lost city in the middle of palm trees and the Colombian jungle

Day 3: The third day is the key day. After having breakfast, a 1-hour walk begins to reach the Lost City. You will climb the famous 1200 steps until you reach the archaeological ruins, and once there, the host guide will explain the history of this mysterious place. You will have around 3 hours to take pictures. From the Lost City, we will return to the Make cabin in a 7.6-kilometer journey, during a time of approximately 4 hours.

Travelers walking along the path to the lost city of Colombia

Day 4: From the same camp on day 2, the long return to civilization is returned. The estimated walking time is around 6 hours, in a total route of 15.6 kilometers. During the journey, there will be stops to have lunch, rest and even bathe in the waters of the Buritaca River. From Mamey, you take the vehicle to Santa Marta.

Differences between the 4-day trek and the 5-day trek to the Lost City

The route and the distance are the same in both trekkings. The difference is the number of hours walking per day. If you do not have much time and your physical condition allows you to walk more than 7 hours with a demanding unevenness for two days, you will not have problems doing the 4-day trek. If you want to distribute the physical load with one more day of walking and go at a more leisurely pace, the 5-day trekking is the best option.

If you notice, the last two days of the 5-day trek divide the physical load from the last day of the 4-day trek.

What is the best time to trek to the Lost City?

Although the trekking to the Lost City is open all year round, the best time to do it is between December and March, when the dry season occurs and there is less rain.

What should I take on the trek to the Lost City?

For the trekking to the Lost City, you should bring small amounts of cash to buy snacks. Also, a headlamp for the night, toilet paper, repellent against mosquitoes, alcohol-gel soap, and finally a book or a game of cards for moments of rest during the trek. You should also bring the following:

• 40-liter backpack to carry all the things you will use during the circuit.
• Waterproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or similar).
• Polar-type warm clothing.
• Short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts.
• Trekking shoes.
• Sufficient battery (not enough plugs to charge batteries).
• Beach sandals (for showers and rest).
• Hat for the sun.
• Ziploc bags or similar (to store your garbage).
• Trekking sticks.
• Travel insurance that covers accidents and cancellations.

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