Lost City & Kayaking in Santa Marta, Colombia (7 days)

Trip Overview

Discover Ciudad Perdida & Ancient Cultures

Experience the life of a fascinating native culture that has barely changed since the 7th century. The memorable trek will take you into the thick jungle, through waist-high rivers, and to a spellbinding Lost City.

Our 7-day experience (4-day trek) will bring you closer to the history of the region and its indigenous communities still living here.

Details

  • Where: La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
  • Duration: 6 days
  • Number of participants: 16 max
  • Cost: From $899 USD p/p (price doesn’t include international flights)
  • Level of difficulty: 2.5/5 (moderate to challenging)
  • Dates: All year round – Get in touch to book your spot.
  • Carbon emissions: 54.6 kg of CO2e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here! See below for more details.

Trip highlights

  • Jungle trekking into the world’s tallest coastal mountain range
  • Swim in natural jungle pools and bathe under waterfalls
  • Discover a spellbinding Lost City
  • Lean about indigenous customs unchanged since the 7th century
  • Kayak alongside howler monkeys and to a Caribbean beach

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals

We offer two private transfer times upon arrival. Depending on arrival times, we offer a historical walking tour of the city.

Enjoy a free evening exploring the charming Parque de Los Novios, where you will encounter a wide array of street music and a sultry Caribbean vibe.

Day 2: Begin a journey to an ancient Lost City

Our local partners pick up the group from your hotel and transport you to the beginning of the 4-day trek.

Before beginning this memorable journey, you will discover why indigenous locals claim this mountain range to be sacred and key to maintaining the equilibrium of the planet. You’ll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 3: Encounter customs & traditions from the past

Hike closer to the mystical ancient city, learning the traditions of the native Kogi and Wiwa communities. Expect to wade through waist-high rivers, along mountain peaks, and alongside towering waterfalls. ​

After hearing mystical stories of the land over dinner, you’ll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 10 hours.

Day 4: Discover the spellbinding Lost City

Today you’ll reach Ciudad Perdida, an ancient site shrouded with mist, glory, and magic. Bask in your trekking achievement above the clouds and gaze into the thick jungle atop one of the top platforms.

Again, you’ll stay in jungle camps either in bunk beds or hammocks.
Hiking time: 6 hours.

Day 5: Finish the trek & relax on Caribbean beach

Your epic journey will come to an end with another adventurous day hiking and, depending on the pace of the group, some free time on the pristine Caribbean beach.
​Hiking time: 6 hours

Day 6: Kayaking to a secluded Caribbean beach

After a well-earned lie in, you will enjoy a unique weaving class with our partners in the Arhuaco native community.

After lunch, jump in a tube or kayak and head down a winding river to a secluded beach. Keep an eye out for native birds and monkeys!

Day 7: Departures

We offer one departure time for guests to travel from their eco-hotel and to the airport for their connecting flight home.

More Information

  • All meals during the trekking days
  • Airport transfers in private transport
  • Private transport and domestic flight
  • All accommodation throughout
  • Local bilingual Kagumu guides
  • Full health insurance
  • All scheduled excursions & activities
  • Carbon offsetting for your international flight
  • Water during the trip

  • Meals during any free time
  • Tips (optional)
  • International flights
  • Activities not mentioned
  • Travel insurance

We have worked out that this trip generates an average of 54.6kg of CO2e per person. This includes all the carbon equivalent emissions (CO2e) from your trip including accommodation, food, transport, guides, and staff operations.

Extra potential CO2e emissions from your journey to and from Santa Marta.
New York – Bogotá – Santa Marta – 629.6kg (round trip)
London – Bogotá – Santa Marta – 930.8kg (round trip)
Miami – Cartagena – 252.6kg (round trip)
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You can read more about how we measure our carbon emissions by reading our climate action policy here.

Book this trip or tailor a journey for you.

Flexible bookings

Book now, pay later. Due to changing circumstances we make it easy for you to reserve your educational trip without paying a deposit upfront!.

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