Lost City Trek and Tayrona - Activexpedition

Overview

Lost City Trek Colombia is one of the most important treks that you can do in South America, discover amazing secrets that Sierra Nevada hide in the middle of this powerful jungle. where you will appreciate countless landscapes, lush vegetation and many wildlife animals. If you are an adventurer and you love, feel the adrenaline in your body.

Accommodation is provided at basic campsite and cabins.

Highlights

Learn about the history of The Lost City
Trek through the rain forest
Look for species of flora and fauna
Relax on the beach
Explore Cartagena
Support sustainable travel to preserve culture and nature
Be led by experts at every step you take.

Activities

Trekking
Culture
Wildlife
Swimming

Activity level

Moderated

Season

Year around

Minimum age

12 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVAL TO SANTA MARTHA

Today you will be picked up at the Airport and taken to the Hotel in the small village of Taganga. It is optional to go and relax in one of the nearby beaches.

Overnight: Bahia Taganga or similar

Day 2

TREK EL MAMEY

The transportation will pick us up at our lodging in Santa Marta between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. to start the trip to the great Colombian jungle. Once the group is gathered, we will start the drive to Mamey in a 4x4 off-road vehicle for two and a half hours. Upon arrival, we will have lunch to regain strength and be ready for the start of the trek.
During the next 4 hours, we will walk through rivers and waterfalls where we can bathe and enjoy the authentic nature in the jungle. Around 6:30 p.m. we will arrive at "Camp 1", where we will be served dinner and spend the night in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets.

Overnight: Basecamp
Meals Included: Lunch and dinner

Day 3

TREK MUTANZI

Our day starts early with a good breakfast, so we can make the most of the trekking day and avoid the hottest hours of the day. The second day's hike lasts 7 hours through the jungle of the Sierra Nevada and the Buritaca river valley. Along the way we will stop for lunch at "Camp 2" and pass through the Mutanzi indigenous village, where we will learn about the lifestyle of the Kogui community.
The second day of the Ciudad Perdida tour will end when we arrive at "Camp 3", where we will have dinner and spend the night in hammocks, tents or beds.

Overnight: Basecamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

LOST CITY

Today is the most spectacular route, the ascent to the Lost City. After breakfast we will start the hike up the 1,200 steps that ascend to the Tayrona village. Once in the Lost City the guide will give you a tour of the area and explain the history and secrets of this magical place.
At the end of the guided tour you will have free time throughout the morning to enjoy all the surroundings and corners that this place has to offer. After this intense day we will return to "Camp 2", where we will have dinner and spend the night in hammocks or beds.

Overnight: Basecamp
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5

BACK TO TAGANGA

After enjoying breakfast, we will start the last day of the Lost City trek. During this 7-hour journey, we will pass by waterfalls and rivers until we return to Mamey. There, the van will be waiting for us to have lunch and return to Taganga for spending the night.

Overnight: Bahia Taganga or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6

GOING COASTAL IN TAYRONA

One of the world's most famous national parks due to its stunning aquamarine and royal blue coves, abundant wildlife, white sand beaches and lush tropical forest—Tayrona surely will make a lasting impression. Upon entering the park we set foot on a five-hour hike to explore deep into the forest. Monkeys swinging through the treetops, the chirp of birds, and the rustle of caiman that make this tropical paradise their home accompany us as we head up towards the gorgeous views from Cabo San Juan beach. Along the way we may even stumble upon the local indigenous people who reside within the park. Afterwards we will make our way to the Cabins.

Overnight: Arrecifes or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7

CASUAL CARTAGENA

We bid adieu to Tayrona with a short one-hour hike to catch our transport to Cartagena. This colonial port city is the most visited in the country and for good reason! Founded in the 16th century, the rich history of this Spanish New World trade center is reflected in the canon-lined fortress walls, winding alleyways and colorful stucco buildings that stand out distinctly again the high-rising skyscrapers of Boca Grande-- the modern downtown filled with lively nightlife. Be captivated by the Carribean breeze as you walk down the cobbled streets lined with balconied homes, flowers dripping from the sides and the sounds of live music at every corner. This tour is truly a treat for the senses and the spirit. Our afternoon takes us up to the San Felipe Castle. Perched on the hill overlooking the city, this fortress served as a stronghold against invading forces for over 200 years. Take in a jaw-dropping view of the bay below and learn about the rise and fall of this formidable structure. End the night locked up abroad…no really! Our final night takes us to one of the local restaurants in the city for our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Getseman or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8

DEPARTURE DAY

As you depart, we thank you and wish you safe travels to wherever your destination may be! If you wish to continue exploring more of Colombia, we can help you organize an extension trip to places you did not see during this trip. We thank you for choosing us and hope to see you soon!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Let's design your adventure

Included

Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Transport and airport transfers
Accommodation for seven nights
Meals according to the Itinerary
Water and snacks at all time
Hiking gear: Trekking poles
All fees to reserves and museums

Not Included

International flights
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Weather bottle
Optional activities

Important Information

• Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
• Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
• Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
• Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Colombia, as it is a country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
• Gear: We always make sure our guests have top of the line gear from well-known and reputable international brands as we understand that the best gear gives extra confidence to our guests.
• Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 4 out of 5. People need to be fit and ready to hike up to 8 hours involving a lot of uphill, the terrain can be wet and muddy.
• Weather and Elevation: The Climate of Colombia is characterized for being tropical and isothermal as a result of its geographical location near the Equator presenting variations within five natural regions and depending on the altitude, temperature, humidity, winds and rainfall. Each region maintains an average temperature throughout the year only presenting variables determined by precipitation during a rainy season caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The climates in Colombia are characterized for having tropical rainforests, savannas, steppes, deserts and mountain climate, mountain climate further divided into tierra caliente (hot land) tierra templada (temperate land) tierra fría (cold land), tierra helada (frozen land) and Páramo. Sometimes the weather of Colombia is altered by the seasons in northern hemisphere, for example, from March to June, the weather is mild Spring, from June to August the weather is hot Summer, From September to December the weather is cool Autumn, and from December to March the weather is cold Winter. This happens very rarely, and it is usually a slight difference.
• Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough, so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero-waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Colombia, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
• Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
• Heath advices: no vaccinations needed for this trip; but recommended to have yellow fever and to take malaria medication, however ask your doctor for advice.