Colombia: Andean Trek & Lost City (10 days)

Trip Overview

Trek Andes mountains and Caribbean jungle

Come face to face with Colombia’s extraordinary cultures old and new. Discover towering Andean peaks and unique tropical ecosystems before stepping back into the 7th century with a memorable 4-day hike to an ancient Lost City.

Details

Location: Antioquia & La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Duration: 11 days
Number of participants: 9 max
Level of difficulty: 2.5/5 (moderate to challenging)
Cost: From $1825 USD p/p*
Dates: All year round – Get in touch to book your spot.
Carbon emissions: 271kg of CO2e p/p – we offset 100% of these emissions plus your journey here! See below for more details.

During this unique adventure, you will explore unblemished Andean forests and towering peaks, diving into crystal-clear rivers along the way. You experience traditional Colombian life by staying with local and ultra-friendly families in their own homes. You’ll then take a short flight to the tallest coastal mountain range on earth – La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Here, you’ll tackle one of the continent’s finest treks and discover an ancient Lost City shrouded in mist and mystery.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrivals (Medellin)

We offer two private transfer times upon arrival. Depending on arrival times, we offer a historical walking tour of the city. You can visit the poignant Memory Museum and ride the award-winning cable car. Dinner with the group.

Day 2 - Hiking unblemished Andean forests (San Francisco)

After a hearty breakfast, we travel to the start of our Andean mountain trek. You’ll set off on paths rarely walked by visitors, passing towering sage-green peaks and entering a whole new world of fauna and flora. After lunch, you will continue your trek and can cool off under a waterfall and swim in the Santo Domingo River. Overnight stay in an eco-lodge.
Distance: 15km
Time: 8 hours

Day 3 - Swimming in rivers & under waterfalls (San Francisco)

Another hearty breakfast sets us up for another day of trekking through peaceful mountains and countryside as we head toward Rio Melcocho. Once again you will get to enjoy a swim in one of the clearest rivers in Antioquia. The afternoon also includes a stunning walk in a canyon where 8 new species of plants and animals have just been recently discovered. Overnight stay in an eco-lodge.
Distance: 10km
Time: 6 hours

Day 4 - Witness a unique high-altitude ecosystem (Sonson)

Put your senses to the test by smelling, feeling, and tasting different tropical fruits and aromatic plants before discovering how artisanal cacao is roasted and ground. We will have the opportunity to taste the cacao fruit in its different states. After lunch, set off towards a valley of waterfalls and streams of Las Aguadas before experiencing the healing power of nature with a chocolate spa session. Overnight in Medellin.
Distance: 9 km
Time: 6 hours

Day 5 - Medellin to Santa Marta (Medellin)

Feel a drastic change in pace, in time, in culture as you fly 1hr to the Caribbean coast and the enthralling Santa Marta. 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 6 - Begin a journey to an ancient Lost City (Santa Marta)

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 7 - Encounter customs & traditions from the past (Santa Marta)

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 8 - Enter the spellbinding Lost City (Santa Marta)

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 think 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 9 - Finish the trek & relax on the beach (Santa Marta)

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 10 - Departures (Santa Marta)

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 on non trekking days
Tips (optional)
International flights
Activities not mentioned
Travel insurance

We have worked out that this trip generates an average of 271kg 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 – Medellin – 521kg (round trip)
Panama – Medellin – 256kg (round trip)
Miami – Medellin – 307kg (round trip)

You can read more about how we measure our carbon emissions by reading our climate action policy here.

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!.