Lost City Trek

Ciudad Perdida

An ancient archaeological site hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, older than Machu Picchu and accessible only by multi-day trek through jungle. This is the jewel of the region, offering pre-Columbian ruins, indigenous culture, and stunning mountain vistas that make the challenging hike worthwhile.

Things to do

• Hike to Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) — Trek through dense jungle and cloud forest over 4-5 days to reach the ancient terraced ruins hidden at approximately 1,200 meters elevation, the main archaeological jewel of the trek.
• Explore Pre-Columbian Terraces — Walk among dozens of restored stone agricultural terraces and ceremonial platforms built by the Tayrona civilization around 800 CE, older than Machu Picchu.
• Visit Indigenous Kogi Communities — Encounter and respectfully observe members of the Kogi people who still inhabit the Sierra Nevada and maintain ancestral traditions in settlements near the trek route.
• River Crossings and Natural Pools — Cool off in cold mountain rivers and natural swimming holes encountered throughout the multi-day trek, particularly refreshing after long hiking days.
• Summit Viewpoints — Reach ridge-top vistas offering panoramic views of the Caribbean coast, Sierra Nevada peaks, and surrounding jungle canopy from elevations above 1,400 meters.
• Night Hiking in Jungle — Experience the trek's night sections through the forest listening to nocturnal wildlife sounds and observing bioluminescent insects under guide supervision.

Food to try

• Ajiaco Soup — A hearty stew of chicken, potatoes, and local vegetables cooked in mountain lodges, providing essential calories and warmth during the multi-day trek.
• Arepas with Local Cheese — Thick corn cakes served alongside fresh cheese made in small Sierra Nevada communities, typically eaten for breakfast before long hiking days.
• River Fish (Trucha) — Fresh trout caught from mountain rivers near trek campsites, grilled simply over open fires and served with plantains and rice.
• Plantain Dishes — Fried or boiled plantains prepared as a staple carbohydrate at trek lodges, often served with every meal to fuel the demanding hike.
• Sancocho — A thick stew combining meat, yuca, and seasonal vegetables that represents traditional mountain cooking and is commonly served at overnight rest stops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — The ruins are sacred to the Kogi people; visitors should not touch carvings, remove artifacts, or venture beyond marked areas, and should listen respectfully to guide explanations of spiritual significance.
• Hire Licensed Local Guides — It is both legally required and culturally important to trek only with official guides from Santa Marta who are trained in archaeology, safety, and indigenous protocols.
• Pack Out All Waste — The fragile ecosystem and archaeological preservation require that all trash, including organic waste, be carried back down the mountain rather than left at sites.
• Dress Modestly Around Communities — When passing through or staying near indigenous settlements, wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees as a sign of cultural respect to Kogi and local communities.