Hiking is a great way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and enjoy unbelievable experiences. For adventure travelers, the hiking journey is as rewarding as the destination. This is why many people choose multi-day hiking excursions. However, these trips have more challenging trails. That translates into you needing to be better prepared for whatever you might experience along the way.
This is especially true for a hike like the Lost City Trail. Formally known as La Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, this is an archeological site in Colombia that’s believed to have been established around 800 CE. In the early 2000s, treks were temporarily banned because of armed conflicts and kidnappings. But in 2005, tourist hikes resumed and since then thousands of ambitious hikers traversed the five-day, roughly 27-mile trip.
Trail Overview
Archeological sites of ancient civilizations are always intriguing and naturally draw people to them. The Lost City is no different. It predates Machu Picchu in Peru by around 650 years and is located in the mountains within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range. The highlight is the 180 stone terraces thar are carved into the mountain side, along with ancient plazas and streets that connect them. The Lost City is close to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, which makes it a fun add-on excursion if your Colombian vacation takes you to that part of the country.
Because the Lost City is buried deep in the jungle, the only way to get there is on foot. Compared to other multi-day hiking trails, the trip to the Lost City isn’t quite as intense. You should still be in generally good health and fitness, but the average time from start to finish is five days. Be prepared to cross rivers and walk up steep paths. This includes the final ascent up 1,200 stone steps to reach the Lost City.
Colombia enjoys generally good weather year round. However, the best time to go is during the country’s dry season, which is from October to April. Most hikers will start their journey in Santa Marta. Experts don’t recommend attempting this trip alone so you’ll want to secure a tour with a reputable tour group in Colombia. The trip starts at 492 feet above sea level and when you reach the Lost City, you’ll be 3,937 feet above sea level.
Permits and Regulations
Currently you won’t need a permit to tackle the Lost City trail. However, since you shouldn’t traverse this multi-day trail alone, you’ll need to book a tour with one of the official tour operators located in Santa Marta.
Expect to spend between $400 to $500 per person depending on the length of your tour for a hike-only excursion. Expect to spend more for an immersive experience where you spend time in the local villages, learn more about the cultures and customs of the indigenous communities, and want to stop at other archeological spots along the trail.
If you’re a speedy hiker, then opt for the four-day tour. If you’d like a bit more time to stop and take in the sights — and rest — then a five-day tour is a better option. The tour fees include 4×4 transportation for the first leg of the hike, resupply stops in local villages along the way, and campgrounds you’ll use in both directions.
Trail Highlights and Points of Interest
Depending on the tour you book, specific stops may vary. However, your travels will usually take you to a few predetermined towns. This is because the tour operators are working with indigenous communities like the Kogui, descendents of the Inca and Aztec people, to create these immersive experiences. But more importantly, you’ll get to experience a wide array of natural wonders.
Your trip will take you along the Buritaca River and into several waterfalls including the Cascada de Pablo, El Abanico, and Cascada de Tina. Additionally, some tours include stops at local indigenous farms called campos where you’ll learn about local agricultural practices and native crops. Of course, the highlight of your trip is the roughly day and a half spent in and around the Lost City which is located in the Teyuna Archeological Park.
Safety Considerations
Even though this is a guided tour, you should still be mindful of safety concerns. Your first factor is fitness level. Almost all of the tour operators note that the trail isn’t the most severe, but is still challenging. Keep in mind that you’ll be crossing water rapids and changing elevation rapidly given the short length of this hike.
So, if you’re not prepared to hike several miles per day over difficult terrain, this might not be the trip for you. Also, note that you’ll shift elevation fairly quickly since you start your journey at just 492 feet above sea level on the first day and reach the 3,937-foot summit of La Ciudad Perdida by day 3. Likewise, weather tends to be the biggest issue for many hikers. Colombia is humid and hot, so mosquitos are a given. Depending on when you attempt this trek, you might encounter heavy rains which may slow your progress.
Thankfully, going as part of a guided tour means that accommodations are provided, as are rest stops, hydration replenishment, and food. Since this is a tropical tour, mosquito nets are also included in that. Likewise, your tour fee includes travel insurance, a cook, and a guide to keep your group heading in the right direction.
Expert tour guides recommend that you travel light since this is a short multi-day hike where you’re on the go more than you’re resting. But, you still need to be prepared for what the trail might throw your way. Since water is a real concern, consider using a drybag to pack your belongings. Your pack should include:
- Shoes: sneakers or boots, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops
- Fast-drying t-shirts
- Shorts
- Long pants and sweatshirts for cooler night temperatures
- Swim suit
- Microfiber towel
- Long socks
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight
- Personal hygiene items
- 1 to 1.5-liter water bottle
- Any necessary medications you might need
- Camera
- Plastic or waterproof bags to protect against the rain
Hiking Tips and Techniques
Be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable but also provide a good grip. The Lost City hike takes you across wet and dry conditions, so you don’t want to lose your footing. Focus on traveling light and avoid bringing unnecessary gear. Remember, you’ll likely be wearing your backpack for most of your trip. If possible, bring collapsible hiking poles to help you maintain balance. These will come in handy when you tackle those 1,200 stairs when you finally reach the Lost City.
Although the tour groups have itineraries with a preset pace to reach certain campsites within specific timeframes, speak up if the trail is getting too intense. This is especially important since you’re rapidly going up in elevation. If you experience signs of altitude sickness such as a headache or dizziness, speak up.
Environmental Awareness
A major hallmark for virtually every tour operator providing Lost City tours is their commitment to work with the indigenous communities to do no harm. This means that your tour will work to create a comfortable experience for you, but will also ensure that you’re limiting your impact on the local ecology and surrounding communities. So, try to be mindful that while this is a fun excursion for you, people and wildlife live along the trail.
People Ask: Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) Hike
Q: How difficult is the hike?
A: Hiking to the Lost City requires that you be physically fit. Most tours range from as little as three days to as much as six days. The shorter the length, the more you need to walk and the more efficiently you need to do this. You should be in reasonably good shape before attempting this hike.
Q: How long is the Lost City hike?
A: This is a round-trip hike that usually takes between three to six days depending on your pace. Most tour operators offer four and five-day excursions.
Q: Can I visit the Lost City by myself?
A: Reaching the Ciudad Perdida, Colombia is challenging because there’s no other way to get there except by foot. To date, tour-operated excursions are the only reliable way to reach the archeological site. This is also because the operators work with indigenous communities along the trail to ensure that hikers have access to accommodations, food, resupply points, communications, and more.
Q: What is included in the Lost City hike tour packages?
A: The tour packages are comprehensive. Your tour fees cover access to the Lost City, a tour guide, food, accommodations, and hydration in both directions. Additionally, your tour comes with a guide and a cook and 4×4 ground transportation between Santa Marta and the official starting point for traveling by foot. Depending on the tour, you might also have additional excursions like cultural stops in local communities along the path. Pricier tours might also include air and ground transportation to get you to Santa Marta, the starting point for your hike.
Q: Are there restrooms along the trail?
A: Yes, there are. The tour operators create itineraries that incorporate plenty of rest stops along the way. Plus, when you make camp in the evening, most of the operators note that you’ll stay at real facilities which include access to showers and working toilets.
Q: Do I need a permit to hike to the Lost City?
A: You won’t need a permit to hike to the Lost City, but it’s located inside of an archeological park. Your tour package includes entrance to this park, as well as travel insurance in case you get injured on the trail.
Q: When is the best time to hike to the Lost City?
A: Colombia is a country located in the tropical zone, so you’ll want to avoid the rainy season. Experts recommend taking the journey between October and April when it’s dry.
Q: Should I bring money with me on the Lost City hike?
A: Most guides will recommend that you bring around $100 USD with you. This will give you spending money to buy snacks or drinks when you make camp each night, as well as buy handcrafted items from the local vendors when visiting towns.
Q: Is the Lost City trek safe?
A: In the early 2000s, the area where the Lost City is located had a reputation for being dangerous. Between armed conflicts and kidnappings, making the trek could be risky. These days, the trek is incredibly safe. Additionally, the Colombian military patrols the jungle, which also greatly reduces safety risks.
Q: Do I need a vaccine to visit the Lost City?
A: No vaccines are required to take the Lost City trek. Check with Colombian immigration requirements to ensure that you don’t need any vaccinations upon arrival at a port of entry or airport.