Trek through lush jungle and local settlements to uncover Colombia's Lost City, overnighting in charming houses along the way. Climb the 1,200 stone steps which lead to the Ciudad Perdida, a fascinating site made up of stepped terraces carved into the side of a mountain. Top off your stay with some relaxation by the beach in Tayrona National Park.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Santa Marta
Welcome to Santa Marta, the first stop on your Colombian adventure. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Santa Marta where you will be able to relax and freshen up before making the most of your free time for the rest of the day. Founded in 1525, Santa Marta was the first Spanish settlement in South America and has been nicknamed the ‘Pearl of America’ thanks to its stunning location. Take a wander through the city and see what you think of this legendary city.
Overnight: Santa Marta
Machetepelao – Adan’s House
Santa Marta - Adan's House. Now the real fun begins as Day 2 marks the start of your hike that will eventually take you all the way to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven for 2 hours before arriving at the outskirts of the jungle. From there you will be driven for another hour along a bumpy road to the settlement of Machetepelao, the start of the trekking route. You will trek for a total of around four and a half hours, stopping along the way to take a dip in the El Machete River and to admire the verdant jungle. Your final stop for the day is Adan’s house, the home of a former colonist.
Overnight: Adan's House | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gabriel's House
Adan's House - Gabriel's House. Time for a hearty breakfast as you are about to embark on a six hour hike through some of Colombia’s most beautiful deep forest. Roughly halfway through today’s hike you will pass through Mutanyi, a meeting town of the Koguis people. Here, you will have the chance to interact with the locals in order to learn more about their community, history and traditions. This is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique culture. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the nearby Rio Buritaca before heading to dinner and then to bed in colonist Gabriel’s House.
Overnight: Gabriel's House | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rumualdo's House
Gabriel's House - Rumualdo's House. Today you continue your journey through the heart of the Colombian wilderness after filling up on breakfast. You will spend five hours trekking today and during this time you will be required to cross the Buritaca River on several occasions. Sometimes you will be able to traverse the water simply by wading through, however, other times it will be necessary to swim. Whilst walking, the guide will indicate spots where treasure hunters were once active, looting the land of its riches. The final stop for the day is Rumualdo’s House where you can put your feet up and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Rumualdo's House | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)
Rumualdo's House - The Lost City - Gabriel's House. After an early breakfast, you are back on the road and the first challenge of the day presents itself in the form of 1,200 stone steps, which lead to the much anticipated Lost City. Built by the Tayronas between 500 and 700 AD, the Ciudad Perdida is around 800 years older than Peru’s Machu Picchu and was probably the capital of the region at the time. The site comprises 169 stepped terraces, which have been carved into the side of the mountain, a series of tiled roads and some small circular plazas that show the harmony between the Tayrona civilisation and nature.
In 1972 the city was discovered by treasure hunters and is now a major archaeological site. Once you have finished exploring everything the ancient city has to offer, it’s time to head back to the camp to freshen up and have some lunch. After lunch, you begin a five hour trek back to Gabriel’s House.
Overnight: Gabriel's House | Breakfast, Lunch
Tayrona National Park
Gabriel's House - Tayrona National Park. The day starts with a six hour trek back through the jungle to the Machetepelao settlement where you will have lunch before being picked up by a 4x4 that will drive you all the way to the stunning Tayrona National Park. Sitting on the Caribbean coast, this park is a national treasure and encompasses pristine beaches, picturesque forests and a huge variety of flora and fauna. Howler monkeys and iguanas are just two of the numerous animals that can be spotted here. The latter part of this day will be used to recover before you take on the park on Day 7.
Day 7 is your day to do whatever you like. Explore the thick swathes of jungle that make up the interior of the national park or lie on the gorgeous beach and soak up some sunshine, the choice is yours. When it gets too warm, take a dip in the refreshing water of the Caribbean Sea.
Overnight: Tayrona National Park | Breakfast x 2
Goodbye Colombia
Today marks the end of your Colombian adventure. After breakfast and hotel check-out you will be transferred to Santa Marta airport for your onward travel.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply.
Read More