Lost City School Expedition: Colombia

Overview

Take your students back to Pre-Hispanic times on this school expedition through Caribbean jungle, alongside ancient civilisations, and to a Lost City shrouded in mist and mystery.

Students will learn the fascinating customs and traditions of the four indigenous communities still living in La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta while trekking through rivers and up mountains.

The 4-day adventure ends in the epic Ciudad Perdida and includes a unique bag weaving workshop, kayak activity, and a sunset ending on a Caribbean beach.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals

Our team will meet you at Santa Marta’s international airport and take you directly to your hotel in the beautiful historical Old Town. We enjoy a walking tour of Santa Marta before an evening meal and introduction to the program. Our overnight stay will be in a lovely hotel in the center.

Day 2: Set off into the jungle!

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 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. We stay overnight in a lovely jungle-embedded eco lodge.

Day 7: Departure day

We take the group in a private transport to Santa Marta’s international airport in plenty of time for their flight home.

Essential information

  • Locations visited: Santa Marta, La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
  • Cost: From $899 p/p (price depends on group size)
  • Teachers: teachers travel for free
  • Accommodation: Hotel, jungle camping, eco lodge.
  • Other available destinations: Ecuador expedition or discover other adventure options here.

Your students will:

  • Learn essential hiking techniques and safety measures when journeying on a multi-day trek.
  • Gain a better understanding of Pre-Hispanic cultures and traditions, learning directly from indigenous communities.
  • Learn about the ecology of the Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – the largest coastal mountain range in the world.

  • Free teacher place for every 12 students that sign up
  • All meals (we chose varied dishes to give a real taste of Colombia)
  • Accommodation (rooms are shared but privates are available on request and at an extra cost)
  • Transport – private buses
  • All scheduled excursions, activities, visits
  • All hiking equipment – tents, sleeping bags, walking poles
  • Local guides and translators
  • Safety documents – risk assessment, safety protocols
  • Health Insurance
  • Two Kagumu guides for every 10 students

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.

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