🏞️ Ciudad Perdida Trek – Colombia’s Lost City Jungle Adventure

María Albao M.
Aug 26
3 min read

If Machu Picchu has been on your list, Colombia’s Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) might just blow you away. Hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this 3- to 5-day trek takes you through thick jungle, across rivers, past Indigenous villages, and up 1,200 stone steps to reach ancient ruins older than Machu Picchu.

It’s not easy. It’s sweaty, muddy, mosquito-filled—but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do in Colombia.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

🚶 The Basics

Length: 3–5 days (about 50 km / 30 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep climbs + humidity)
Start/End: Santa Marta
Operator Required: You can’t do it solo—you must book with an authorized agency.📌 Top picks: Wiwa Tours, Expotur, or our favorite, Teyuna Tours
Price: Around $350–450 USD, depending on the length and it is a private group or not (includes food, guides, lodging, and park entry)

🎒 What to Pack

You’ll be carrying your own pack (though some agencies offer mules for extra cost). Keep it light but smart:

Essentials:

✅ Hiking shoes or trail runners – waterproof isn’t necessary (they’ll stay wet if it rains or you cross a river), but good grip is.

✅ Sandals or flip-flops – for evenings and river crossings.

✅ Light, quick-dry clothes – humidity is brutal. Avoid cotton.

✅ 2–3 T-shirts/tank tops – you’ll re-wear them.

✅ 2 shorts/leggings – quick-dry fabric.

✅ 1 lightweight long-sleeve – for evenings & mosquito protection.

✅ Swimwear – rivers & waterfalls are irresistible.

✅ Rain jacket or poncho – sudden downpours are guaranteed.

✅ Light sweater – it can get cool at night.

✅ Socks & underwear – quick-dry + extra pairs.

✅ Microfiber towel – light & fast-drying.

✅ Headlamp/flashlight – no electricity in camps.

✅ Water bottle – some operators provide filtered water refills.

✅ Insect repellent – lots.

✅ Sunscreen & hat – you’ll be in and out of shade.

✅ Basic first aid kit – blister pads, ibuprofen, antihistamine.

✅ Power bank – there’s limited charging in most camps.

✅ Cash – for snacks, soft drinks or beers at camps.

🚫 What Not to Bring

❌ Heavy hiking boots – they’ll weigh you down once wet.
❌ Jeans or cotton – never dry in jungle humidity.
❌ Too many outfits – you’ll re-wear sweaty clothes. Everyone does.
❌ Big backpack – keep it under 40L if possible.
❌ Valuables – no Wi-Fi, no use. Just risk.
❌ Sleeping bag – provided in camps (either hammocks w/ mosquito nets or bunk beds).

🛏 Accommodation

Every night you’ll stay in rustic jungle camps. Expect:

Hammocks or bunk beds (with mosquito nets)
Cold showers (refreshing after 8 hours of hiking)
Simple meals (lots of rice, beans, chicken, arepas)
Electricity in some camps (very limited—don’t count on it)

🐒 The Experience

Day 1–2: Hike deep into the jungle, passing Indigenous villages, rivers, and swimming holes.
Day 2 - 3: Climb 1,200 stone steps at dawn to reach Ciudad Perdida. Hear the history from your guide and wander the terraces, stone paths, and sacred sites.
Day 3–5: Return hike back, retracing your steps but with new appreciation.

📌 The trek is physically tough but not technical—if you’re reasonably fit, you can do it.

🌿 Insider Tips

🐜 Mosquitoes are brutal – long sleeves at night are your best defense.
💦 Embrace being wet – from sweat, rain, or rivers. Dry is a myth.
🛶 Pack light snacks – camps sometimes sell chocolate & chips, but pricey.
📵 Digital detox – no signal. Best part of the trek.
🙏 Respect Indigenous communities – you’re a guest on sacred land. Ask before taking photos.
🌞 Hydrate constantly – humidity will drain you faster than you realize.

🧳 Final Word

Ciudad Perdida is not just about the ruins—it’s about the journey. The jungle challenges you, the rivers cool you, and the history humbles you. When you finally stand at the top of those stone terraces, sweaty and exhausted, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

It’s not the easiest thing you’ll do in Colombia—but it might be the most meaningful.