4-Day Lost City Trek in Santa Marta: Small-Group Hike

Four days in the jungle, ending at an archaeological site thousands of years old

A 4-day small-group hiking tour from Santa Marta to the Lost City (Teyuna), an ancient 9th-century archaeological site deep in the Colombian jungle. The trek covers roughly 6 km on day one, 8–9 hours on day two, and 1 hour to the ruins on day three, with a guide, three nights in cabins or hammocks, meals, national park fees and round-trip transport from your hotel all included. Maximum 12 participants per group.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Start trek to first cabins

• Meet at pickup or meeting point
• Drive 3 hours to El Mamey
• Trek 6 km to first cabins
• Swim in natural pools
• Overnight in cabins

Day 2 — Trek to Paraíso Teyuna camp

• Depart 8:00 am from first cabins
• Trek 8-9 hours towards Paraíso Teyuna
• Pass Mutanyi indigenous settlement
• Overnight at Paraíso Teyuna camp

Day 3 — Visit The Lost City

• Trek 1 hour to The Lost City
• Climb 1200 ancient stairs
• Explore archaeological terraces and rings
• Learn about Tayrona culture
• Optional bath in Pozo de la Juventud
• Return to Paraíso Teyuna camp
• Trek back to first cabins
• Overnight in cabins

Day 4 — Return to Santa Marta city

• Early departure from cabins
• Trek back to El Mamey
• Enjoy homemade lunch at El Mamey
• Drive back to Santa Marta
• Free time with travel mates

The Experience

The tour starts with a 3-hour 4WD drive from Santa Marta to El Mamey, where the hiking begins. Day one covers about 6 km through jungle terrain to the first camp (Adan or Alfredo), with natural pools fed by the Sierra Nevada where you can swim and cool off. You'll sleep in beds or hammocks and eat meals prepared as part of the itinerary.

Day two is the longest stretch—8 to 9 hours of trekking from your first camp toward Paraíso Teyuna, the second overnight stop. Along the way you'll pass Mutanyi, a settlement of the Kogui indigenous people, and your guide will share local knowledge about the region and its inhabitants. The terrain is unspoiled Colombian wilderness, and the pace is steady but demanding.

On day three you reach Teyuna itself. The final push takes about an hour from Paraíso Teyuna, but the approach is steep: you'll climb 1,200 stone steps built centuries ago, passing ancient terraces and archaeological rings that were the heart of the extinct Tayrona culture. At the top, the Pozo de la Juventud (youth well) is a natural pool where you can bathe. After exploring the site with your guide, you descend back to camp for the night.

Day four is the return. You'll trek 8 to 9 hours back to El Mamey, then ride the 4WD vehicle back to Santa Marta. A homemade lunch breaks the journey, and you'll have time to rest before the final drive to your hotel. The guide speaks English or works with an English translator, and the group stays small—no more than 12 people.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Santa Marta.
• 4WD transport to and from the trailhead at El Mamey.
• three nights accommodation in cabins or hammocks at three different camps.
• all meals as per the itinerary.
• light refreshments.
• English-speaking guide or English translator.
• national park entrance fees.
• all activities and trekking.
• local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baquianos Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this four-day trek if you want time to absorb the jungle and archaeological site without rushing, and need an English-speaking guide or translator for your group of up to 12.

Traveler reviews

4.85★★★★★★★★★★

254 verified traveler reviews

5 ★234

4 ★11

3 ★3

2 ★3

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How difficult is the hike to the Lost City?

The trek requires at least moderate physical fitness. Day one covers about 6 km, day two is 8–9 hours of hiking, and day three includes climbing 1,200 stone steps to reach the ruins. The terrain is jungle and can be muddy; hiking boots are recommended. Children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult.

What's included in the 4-day tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Santa Marta, the 4WD transport to and from the trailhead, three nights accommodation in cabins or hammocks, all meals as per the itinerary, national park entrance fees, a guide who speaks English (or an English translator), and all activities. Light refreshments and local taxes are also covered.

Where do you sleep on the Lost City trek?

You stay in three different camps over the four days: Adan or Alfredo on night one, Paraíso Teyuna on night two, and Mumake or Tezumake on night three. Accommodation is in beds or hammocks, depending on the camp.

What is the Lost City and why is it significant?

Teyuna, known as the Lost City, is an archaeological site built by the Tayrona culture around the 9th century. It sits high in the jungle and consists of ancient stone terraces and ceremonial rings. The site was abandoned centuries ago and remained hidden until its rediscovery; reaching it requires climbing 1,200 stone steps that were built thousands of years ago.

Can you swim during the trek?

Yes. On day one, natural pools fed directly from the Sierra Nevada are part of the route, and you'll have time to swim and refresh yourself. On day three at the Lost City, the Pozo de la Juventud (youth well) is a natural pool where you can bathe after exploring the ruins.

What should I bring for the 4-day hike?

Hiking boots are recommended for the muddy jungle terrain and the 1,200 stone steps. You'll need clothes suitable for hot, humid jungle conditions and rain gear. The operator will provide accommodation and meals; bring a light pack with personal items, sun protection and any medications you need. Passport details are required at booking for all participants.