Trekking to the Lost City

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Santa Marta - Sierra Nevada - Ciudad Perdida - Wiwa Community
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights (flexible)
Price:
from £ 628.- per person (excluding flights)

Trek into the jungles of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains and find Colombia’s Lost City – Ciudad Perdida – a site which pre-dates even Machu Picchu, and was once home to the ancient Tairona civilisation. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the reward once you arrive will make all the hills, river crossings, mud and bugs seem well worth the effort.

**You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to complete this trek, but you will require a reasonable level of fitness, as well as a good attitude! Feel free to give us a call if you’re unsure.**

Day 1 – Into the jungle

Early this morning you’ll be picked up in the city of Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, to join the rest of your small international group for a drive by 4×4 to the start point of the trek. You’ll have some lunch and leave your main luggage here, taking only what you need for the next few days (we’ll advise on this beforehand). You’ll also meet your guide – since you’ll be trekking through sacred tribal lands, you’ll have an indigenous guide who knows the area well. This also means that the indigenous community directly benefit from the trek.

You’ll set off along the jungle paths that lead towards Adams Cabin, your camp for the night around 8km away. It should take around 5hrs, with a few steep sections and some opportunities to refuel with water and local fruits along the way, as well as a chance to cool off in a crystal clear river. At camp you’ll be fed a simple, hearty dinner whilst your guide tells you about the history and cultures of their people, before settling into your covered hammock for the night.

Day 2 – Deeper into the Sierra Nevada

Today you’ll start early to avoid the heat as much as possible, roving 5km deeper into the Sierra Nevada towards a camp run by the indigenous Wiwa community who live there. It’s a gentle start followed by a steep incline as you reach the camp, where you can rest and refuel over lunch. The views today over the mountain range will be a welcome tonic for weary legs. It’s a further 9km to your camp for the night, not far from the Lost City, and will take you up and down the sides of the valleys, as well as wading through rivers. On arrival you can eat, take a cold shower, and prepare for tomorrow.

Day 3 – Ciudad Perdida

After breakfast this morning, it is only just over 1km (through two rivers and up 1200 steps!) to Ciudad Perdida. When you first glimpse the main part of the city your aches and pains will be forgotten – the terraces rise from the jungle, with mountains all around. It is difficult to put into words, and pictures can’t do it justice. Your guide will explain what is known about the civilisation which once lived in this sacred place, and you’ll have a couple of hours to explore, sit and stare at your surroundings. After returning for lunch back at the camp, you’ll hike the 9km back to the Wiwa community where beds and dinner will be waiting.

Day 4 – Journey back to civilisation

This morning, if you wake up early, head out to explore your amazing surroundings. Nearby, you’ll find a river and a waterfall where you can take a dip, then head back to your camp for breakfast. Once you’ve eaten, you’ll set off on the 5km hike back to your first campsite, where your lunch will be served, and listen to your guide tell tales about living in the communities who call this place home.

After lunch it’ll be time to retrace your steps back to the starting point. It’ll be mostly downhill for around 4hrs before you wave goodbye to your guide and travel back to a warm bed in Santa Marta. Ready for the beach? If you prefer, we can arrange a private transfer to Palomino instead, so you can soak your weary muscles in the Caribbean Sea.