The Lost City trek can be done in three different ways, depending on the number of days of duration. As the hike is challenging, making the best decision can help you have the best experience, with a perfect balance between demand and time that better fits your circumstances. Here we show you the most complete information about each variation of the Lost City tour.
Firstly, take into account these details:
Your current physical condition
The weight you have to carry along the trail
The Lost City trail is the same for arriving there and returning
Having this information as context, let’s see the differences.
The very first three days of the adventure will be the same on each tour, you will arrive at Lost City on the third day. That day you take the way back to the second camp (“Mumake” or “Wiwa”) where you will stay that night.
From the fourth day onwards you will see the difference, in the 4-day trek, you will hike 15 km (9.3 miles), and the tour ends. But in the 5-day trek, this part of the trail is split into two stages: On the fourth day, you will hike 8 km (5 miles) up to the first camp, where you can rest and take a dip in a near river.
On the fifth day, the tour ends. You hike the remaining 7 km (4.3 miles) up to El Mamey, where the car will take you back to Santa Marta.
What makes the 6-day Lost City tour different from the others is almost every day you will hike during the morning, having free time at the camps after lunch.
Because of this, it is perfect for those who are not in a hurry and prefer to take time to connect with nature, or to have a more paced tour, to reduce the intensity of each day of hiking.
First day: This day is the same no matter the duration of the tour. Every tour starts with the hike from ‘El Mamey’ to the first camp.
Second day: After taking breakfast, you walk to the second camp, passing near ‘Mutanyi’ (village of Kogui people) which will allow you to learn about this indigenous community.
Third day: On this day you will hike to the third camp (the nearest camp to the Lost City) where after arriving, you have lunch, and for the rest of the day you can rest.
Fourth day: During the morning you visit the Lost City and tour the archaeological site (around 3 hours). Then, you return to the third camp for having lunch. On this day you will hike to the second camp where you will stay that night.
Fifth day: Hike from the second camp to the first one. Lunch and free time at the camp.
Sixth day: Return to ‘El Mamey’, lunch, and transportation to the Santa Marta.
Frequently asked questions about the duration of the tour:
In general, what’s the best option, 4, 5, or 6 days?
It’s better if you think about it in terms of the best option according to your circumstances. As we have said above, no matter how much the tour lasts, you are going to enjoy the same places, information, and views.
There are also price differences in these tours?
For many years, the 4-day and 5-day tours had the same price. In 2023, the price of a tour of 4 days is $1,750,000 COP, 5 days is $2,050,000 COP, and that of 6 days is $2,250,000 COP.
Do I miss something if I take the tour with less duration?
No, you don’t. There is no extra activity planned for the tours that last longer, and as the trail is the same way there and back, what you will see going to Lost City will be the same when you come back. It happens that, the more days, the more time you will have to enjoy the environment, rest at the camps or relax in the rivers, that’s all.
If I book the 5-day tour and after starting the trek, I decide to finish it in 4 days, can I make this change?
Yes, it’s possible. If you are doing the 5-day trek and you decide to finish it on the fourth day, you can say the guide about your decision. The only thing you have to take into account is the extra value you paid will not be reimbursed, in addition, any expense related to your accommodation for that day will not be the responsibility of Visit Santa Marta.
If I book the 4-day tour and after starting the trek, I want to add another day, is that possible?
In this case, it is not possible, since the logistics of that extra day were not planned and therefore accommodation, food, and medical assistance policy have been arranged to cover only 4 days. If you have doubts, consider booking the 5-day tour instead.
You can book the tour whether the number of days you have chosen following these links:
We are ready to help you decide the best experience for you, contact us to give you the necessary advice.
The tour to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is one of the most popular among foreigners in Colombia, and for them, it turns out to be a discovery of the secrets of the jungle of the Sierra Nevada and the archaeological ruins that left the ancient Tayrona people.
Surely, among the options, there is one that fits your travel pace and preferences, we hope we have helped you choose well and trust us to make your trip to the Lost City a memorable experience.