Colombia Lost City Trek – Self-Launched

Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) — direct flights from Bogotá take around 1.5 hours with Avianca or LATAM, typically £40–£70 one way if booked in advance. From the airport, take a taxi or collectivo minibus into the city centre (~£4–6). Check into a hostel in the El Rodadero or historic centre neighbourhood, and spend the afternoon exploring the charming colonial streets. In the evening, attend any pre-trek briefing if your chosen trek agency has one, and pick up any last supplies (snacks, sun cream, insect repellent) at a local supermarket.

🚌Taxi or collectivo from SMR airport to city centre ~£4–6. Domestic flight Bogotá–Santa Marta ~£40–70 (book via Avianca or LATAM directly).

🛏Hostel in Santa Marta city centre — recommended options include Masaya Hostel Santa Marta or La Brisa Loca. Expect to pay ~£12–18/night for a dorm bed.

• →Arrive and check into hostel in Santa Marta city centre
• →Explore the historic centre — visit Parque de los Novios and the Cathedral of Santa Marta
• →Stock up on trek supplies at a local supermarket or Éxito
• →Brief pre-trek prep and early night

Important note: by Colombian law, the Lost City Trek must be completed with a licensed agency — independent trekking is not permitted. However, booking directly with a local Santa Marta agency is significantly cheaper than booking via a UK operator like Gap360. Top-rated local agencies include Magic Tour Colombia, Wiwa Tour, and Expotur — all bookable online or in person in Santa Marta, with 4-night/5-day treks typically costing £150–£200 per person, inclusive of all camping accommodation, meals on trail, and a local guide. Book your slot before arriving. Today your agency's transport picks you up from a central meeting point and drives to Machete Pelao, where the trek begins. Today's hike covers ~7.6km through jungle and farmland to Ricardito Camp.

🚌Shared jeep transfer from Santa Marta to Machete Pelao, included in local agency trek package.

🛏Ricardito Camp — included in your local agency trek package. Hammocks or bunk beds with mosquito nets, cold showers, flushing toilets.

• →Transfer by agency jeep/shared transport to Machete Pelao trek starting point
• →7.6km jungle hike through flat and uphill terrain into the rainforest
• →Pass rural mountain farmland with possible sunset views
• →Arrive at Ricardito Camp — dinner and stargazing

A challenging but stunning day hiking alongside the jade-coloured Buritaca River, climbing through valleys past coffee farms, cattle ranches and cacao trees. A highlight is passing through Kogi Indigenous villages — the Kogi are descendants of the Tairona people who built the Lost City, and their circular huts are a fascinating glimpse into a living, ancient culture. Arrive at Mumake Camp in the afternoon with time to rest by the river. All meals today are included in your trek package.

🚌On foot — all trekking.

🛏Mumake Camp — included in local agency trek package. Hammocks/bunks with mosquito nets.

• →Riverside hiking along the Buritaca River through steep valleys
• →Visit traditional coffee, cattle and cacao farms
• →Pass through Kogi Indigenous villages — observe circular huts respectfully
• →Afternoon rest and swim at Mumake Camp

The highlight of the entire trip. Climb the famous 1,200 steep stone steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna, estimated to have been built around 800 AD — 650 years before Machu Picchu. Your local guide will bring the history to life, covering both the ancient Tairona civilisation and the dramatic modern story of the site's rediscovery in the 1970s. Spend around three hours exploring the terraced ruins surrounded by emerald jungle. Return downhill to Mumake Camp with a lunch and river swim stop. Total hiking time approximately 8 hours. This is the most demanding day — pace yourself and stay hydrated.

🚌On foot — all trekking.

🛏Mumake Camp — included in local agency trek package.

• →Climb 1,200 stone steps to the Lost City of Teyuna ruins
• →Guided tour of the pre-Columbian terraced city with local guide
• →~3 hours exploring the jungle-clad ruins and stone circles
• →Lunch and river swim stop on the return hike
• →Return to Mumake Camp for dinner and rest

An early start as you depart Mumake Camp, hiking past the village of El Mamey through grasslands and dense rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for blue morpho butterflies, tropical birds and lush banana groves. Today's pace is gentler — savour the birdsong, the vivid green landscape and the rhythm of jungle life. Arrive at Las Cascadas Camp for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon by the waterfall to rest, swim and reflect on the incredible journey so far.

🚌On foot — all trekking.

🛏Las Cascadas Camp — included in local agency trek package. Hammocks/bunks with mosquito nets.

• →Early morning hike past El Mamey village through grasslands and rainforest
• →Wildlife spotting — blue morpho butterflies, tropical birds
• →Observe daily life at Kogi villages
• →Afternoon rest and swimming at Las Cascadas Camp waterfall

The last day on the trail. Hike back through the jungle to Machete Pelao, soaking up the views one last time. Your agency's transport will be waiting to drive you back to Santa Marta. On arrival, check back into your hostel (or a new one — consider treating yourself to a private room to celebrate!). The evening is entirely yours — head out to the beachfront bars and restaurants of El Rodadero, try a cold Águila beer and toast your incredible achievement with fellow trekkers.

🚌Shared jeep transfer Machete Pelao → Santa Marta, included in local agency trek package.

🛏Hostel in Santa Marta — same as Day 1, ~£12–18/night dorm or ~£25–35 for a private room as a post-trek treat.

• →Final jungle hike back to Machete Pelao trek start point
• →Shared jeep transfer back to Santa Marta
• →Check into Santa Marta hostel and freshen up
• →Celebratory dinner and drinks on the Caribbean waterfront

Your final day is completely free. Santa Marta has plenty to offer — relax on the golden beaches of El Rodadero, explore the Museo del Oro Tairona to deepen your understanding of the civilisation you just trekked through, or consider a day trip to the stunning Tayrona National Park (~£8 entrance fee, collectivo from the city ~£2 each way). Head to the airport for your onward flight when ready. Book your return domestic flight to Bogotá or international departure in advance.

🚌Collectivo to Tayrona National Park ~£2 each way. Taxi to SMR airport ~£4–6.

🛏Check out of Santa Marta hostel — depart at any time.

• →Optional: day trip to Tayrona National Park (~£8 entrance + ~£4 transport)
• →Optional: visit the Museo del Oro Tairona in the city centre (free entry)
• →Relax on El Rodadero beach
• →Depart Santa Marta at leisure