The Lost City.
Archaeological Park Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida.
Ciudad Perdida is a hidden gem in the jungle, an ancient city carved in stone by the legendary Tairona indigenous civilization. It is nestled on the magical northeastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
With over 1,300 years of history, this place vibrates with the secrets, traditions, and myths of an ancient culture that left its mark on this enchanted paradise. This adventure is an epic challenge, an intense trek surrounded by pure nature, filled with authentic encounters with indigenous cultures and local farmers from the region.
It’s the perfect plan for those ready to leave behind the routine, wear out their boot soles, and forget about the comforts for a while.
Lost City Trek Colombia: Full 2025 Guide – How to Reach It, Cost, and Duration
The Lost City of Colombia, also known as Teyuna or Buritaca-200, is one of South America’s most stunning archaeological wonders. Nestled deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this ancient city is a sacred and cultural heartland for the Arhuaco, Kogui, Kankuamo and Wiwa people — direct descendants of the Tairona civilization.
If you’re looking for a unique jungle adventure that blends nature, history, and indigenous culture, the Lost City trek is an unforgettable journey.
What is the Lost City?
Officially discovered in 1976 by Colombian archaeologists, the Lost City is an ancient site composed of over 240 stone terraces, stairways, ceremonial platforms, and stone-paved roads, built between 600 and 800 AD. It served as a major political and manufacturing hub for the Tairona people, with an estimated population of 2,000 to 8,000 before it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest.
Today, it’s protected as the Teyuna Lost City Archaeological Park and can only be visited via guided treks through the jungle.
How to reach the Lost City?
The only way to reach the Lost City is by joining a multi-day guided trek that starts from Santa Marta, a coastal city in northern Colombia. From Santa Marta, a 4×4 vehicle takes you to Machete Pelao (also known as El Mamey), the trek’s trailhead.
From there, you’ll hike through dense rainforest, cross rivers, climb mountains, and pass by Indigenous villages — a physically challenging but deeply rewarding route.
How long does the Lost City trek last?
The Lost City trek typically takes between 3 to 6 days, depending on your tour operator and pace. Here’s a general breakdown:
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3-day trek: Very fast pace, for very experienced hikers.
- 4-day trek: Fast pace, for experienced hikers.
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5-day trek: A moderate option, with a balanced pace and time to rest.
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6-day trek: Slower pace, ideal for those who want to take their time.
Each day involves 6–8 hours of hiking, with overnight stays at rural campsites run by local families and Indigenous communities.
How much does it cost to get to the Lost City?
As of 2025, the Lost City trek costs between $1.860.000 COP and $2.150.000 COP for the shared options of 4 and 5 days. The options for 3 and 6 days are private tours, which cost depend on the number of participants. The price includes:
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Transportation from and back to Santa Marta
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Professional, certified local guide (often from Indigenous communities)
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Accommodation in jungle camps (hammocks or beds)
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All meals during the trek
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Entry fees to the archaeological park
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Contributions to local and Indigenous communities
Only certified agencies can operate this tour, such as eConnection Colombia, working directly with local communities.
What to pack for the Lost City trek
Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
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Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
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Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
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Swimsuit and microfiber towel
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Water bottle or hydration pack
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Personal medicines and some cash
Tips to enjoy the Lost City trek to the fullest
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Respect Indigenous traditions and sacred sites.
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Leave no trace — help preserve the environment.
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Train or hike regularly beforehand to build endurance.
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Listen to your guide — they offer amazing insights, especially since they belong to the farming and to the Indigenous communities.
Is the Lost City trek worth it?
Absolutely. The Lost City trek is a transformational experience — not just a hike, but a journey into Colombia’s living history, surrounded by lush jungle and rich culture. It’s one of the most authentic adventures you can have in South America.
Ready to discover one of Colombia’s greatest secrets with eConnection? Embark on the Lost City trek and follow the ancient paths of the Tairona to a mystical city hidden in the heart of the Sierra Nevada
Book with 1 click.
Lost City in 3, 4, 5 or 6 days.
Confirm your preferences, personal information, and the start date of your Lost City tour through our contact channels.
Book your spot with a deposit of $40 USD via PayPal, or 160,000 COP by bank transfer:
ENLACES COLOMBIA SAS
NIT: 901549048-9
Savings Account – Bancolombia: 51600004288
SWIFT Code: COLOCOBM
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by the Client
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More than 48 hours before the start of the tour: 100% refund of the total amount paid.
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Between 48 and 24 hours before the start of the tour: a penalty of 10% of the total tour cost will be applied.
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Less than 24 hours before the start of the tour: a penalty equivalent to a no-show will be applied.
The client will not be entitled to a refund in the following cases:
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Failure to show up at the beginning of the tour (no-show).
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An accident, emergency, or force majeure event that prevents the start or continuation of the service.
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The client decides not to continue with the service.
If the traveler decides to shorten the service (e.g., ending a 5-day trek in 4 days), no refund will be granted for the change in tour duration. The company provides a fixed itinerary covering the full 5 days. Therefore, once the activity has started, any modification by the client will be considered a change to the originally agreed conditions.
Cancellation by the Operator
In the event of adverse weather conditions or force majeure situations that may compromise the safety of participants, the operator may reschedule or cancel the tour, offering options for rescheduling, full or partial refunds, depending on what is feasible or appropriate.
Client Commitments
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Health and Physical Condition: The client declares they are in adequate physical condition to undertake the trek required by the tour.
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Gear and Clothing: The client is responsible for bringing appropriate gear and clothing suitable for the conditions of the trek.
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Compliance with Regulations: The client agrees to respect the rules of the parks, regions, and indigenous territories; and to follow the instructions of the guides, behaving responsibly throughout the tour.