The ancient site of Teyuna (or the Lost City) sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. On this week-long active trip, you’ll do just that, with knowledgeable local leaders to guide the way. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena, you’ll jump straight into local Colombian culture, explore the scenic port city of Santa Marta and then begin your trek to the Lost City. Meet local indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site – a perfect adventure for hikers and explorers seeking a challenge!
Lost City Trekking in Colombia
Deal number: 19484149
Intrepid
This deal expires 21 Dec 2025
From 21/12/2025 to 25/12/2027
Colombia
7-day tour
Price from
$1,610.75*
per person
Deal number: 19484149
Hike to the Lost City of Teyuna – a sacred archaeological site in Colombia. Guided by your local leaders, revel in the secrets of a site only reached by multi-day hiking.
Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada through tropical rainforest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views – a great opportunity for a true digital detox.
Visit the indigenous Wiwa community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles of local women and men within the community.
Wander beneath Cartagena balconies overflowing with flowers – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.
End your trip in Santa Marta – fringed by beaches spilling onto the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.
Breakfasts Included: 6
Lunches Included: 4
Dinners Included: 3
Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights)
Private vehicle
Age: min 15
Group Size: 1 - 16
Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
Santa Marta - Orientation walk
Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek
Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna
Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit
Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada through tropical rainforest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views – a great opportunity for a true digital detox.
Visit the indigenous Wiwa community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles of local women and men within the community.
Wander beneath Cartagena balconies overflowing with flowers – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.
End your trip in Santa Marta – fringed by beaches spilling onto the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.
Breakfasts Included: 6
Lunches Included: 4
Dinners Included: 3
Hotel (3 nights) Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights)
Private vehicle
Age: min 15
Group Size: 1 - 16
Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
Santa Marta - Orientation walk
Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek
Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna
Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit
1 Cartagena
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
2 Santa Marta
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.
3 Lost City Trek
This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.
4 Lost City Trek
Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.
5 Lost City Trek
This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
6 Lost City Trek / Santa Marta
Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
7 Santa Marta
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
2 Santa Marta
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.
3 Lost City Trek
This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.
4 Lost City Trek
Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.
5 Lost City Trek
This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
6 Lost City Trek / Santa Marta
Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
7 Santa Marta
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Enquire to book this trip
Deal number: 19484149
Lost City Trekking in Colombia
Intrepid
From 21/12/2025 to 25/12/2027
Colombia
7-day tour
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