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Medellin

THE LOST CITY TREK IN COLOMBIA

Hiking

Category

11 Days

Duration

Intermediate

Experience

Intense

Fitness

From 1 to 12

Participants

What you'll do

An epic Colombian adventure from the Andes to the Caribbean. Hike among towering wax palms, sleep in mountain farms, and trek through jungle to the ancient Lost City. Discover vibrant Medellín, explore coffee country, and relax on the coast near Tayrona National Park.

Itinerary

Arrive in Medellín, Colombia’s vibrant “City of Eternal Spring.” After checking into your hotel, you can choose to unwind or join your guide for an optional stroll through the local neighborhood. In the evening, meet your fellow adventurers over a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a taste of traditional Colombian cuisine.
Today brings a dramatic change of scenery as you journey to the charming Andean town of Salento, located in Colombia’s UNESCO-listed coffee region. The scenic road trip takes around seven hours by comfortable public coach, winding through lush hills and farming villages that offer a glimpse of rural Colombian life. You’ll arrive at a beautiful countryside ranch where you’ll spend the night.
Embark on an unforgettable hike into Los Nevados National Natural Park, one of Colombia’s natural treasures. Trek through cloud forests and wide valleys dotted with wax palms — the world’s tallest palm trees — and climb toward snow-capped peaks, hidden lagoons, and towering volcanoes. Keep your eyes peeled for parrots, marmots, and even the elusive spectacled bear. Your day ends at the remote La Argentina Farm, where you can sip a hot tinto or herbal aromática while soaking in views of La Tolima volcano. Time: 5–6 hrs | Length: 10.6 km / 6.6 mi | Elevation gain: 1,415 m up / 4,642 ft, 300 m down / 984 ft
Experience the surreal beauty of the páramo, a high-altitude tropical tundra unique to the Andes. Hike from La Argentina Farm to La Playa Farm, surrounded by alien-like frailejones plants and dramatic mountain views. Look skyward for the majestic Andean condor by day, and prepare for an awe-inspiring blanket of stars by night. Time: 3–4 hrs | Length: 6.7 km / 4.2 mi | Elevation gain: 530 m up / 1,739 ft, 300 m down / 984 ft
Set off early through the mystical Cocora Valley and into the dense, misty cloud forest. Descend through vibrant, green scenery before returning to the ranch via a bumpy jeep ride. Today is a long hike, but the sense of immersion in this otherworldly landscape is unforgettable. Time: 6–8 hrs | Length: 22.6 km / 14 mi | Elevation gain: 600 m up / 1,969 ft, 1,900 m down / 6,234 ft
After a hearty Colombian breakfast of arepas and fresh fruit, travel to Pereira Airport and catch a flight to Santa Marta, nestled on Colombia’s northern Caribbean coast. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, this is the gateway to your next jungle adventure. Settle into your accommodation in Santa Marta and rest up for the trek ahead.
Begin your journey toward Ciudad Perdida — the Lost City — once the heart of the ancient Tayrona civilization. Follow jungle paths, pass farming settlements, and cool off with a swim in a crystal-clear river. Arrive at your jungle camp in the afternoon and unwind as the forest comes alive with sound. Time: 6 hrs | Length: 7.6 km / 4.7 mi | Elevation gain: 500 m up / 1,640 ft, 150 m down / 492 ft
Trek deeper into the humid, untamed jungle. Wade through rivers, bathe in waterfalls, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Sierra Nevada. Learn from your guides about the sacred myths, legends, and histories of the local indigenous communities — as well as the tales of tomb raiders once lured by ancient gold. Time: 10 hrs | Length: 14.7 km / 9.1 mi | Elevation gain: 550 m up / 1,804 ft, 220 m down / 722 ft
Climb 1,200 steep stone steps through dense jungle to reach the mystical Ciudad Perdida, built over 600 years before Machu Picchu. Wander through the sprawling ruins, shrouded in vines and mystery. As part of your visit, join a meaningful ceremony honoring the natural environment. Watch out for snakes lounging in the trees as you take in the magic of this sacred site. Time: 6 hrs | Length: 9.6 km / 6 mi | Elevation gain: 400 m up / 1,312 ft, 740 m down / 2,428 ft
Wrap up your jungle trek with a hike to the village of Machete, pausing for swims in rivers and waterfalls along the way — a refreshing end to your rainforest adventure. Later, head to an eco-hotel near Tayrona National Park for your final night. On clear days, it’s possible to spot snow-capped peaks while swimming in the Caribbean — a perfect symbol of Colombia’s natural contrasts. Time: 6 hrs | Length: 12.7 km / 7.9 mi | Elevation gain: 20 m up / 66 ft, 340 m down / 1,115 ft
Enjoy one final Colombian sunrise before making your way to the airport for your flight home. If you’re flying from Medellín instead of Santa Marta, don’t forget to arrange your own internal flight — check the "Getting There" section for more details.

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance
Medical and luggage insurance
Travel cancellation insurance
Optional orientation walk in Medellín
Guided hike through the Valle De Cocora
Guided hike through Los Nevados National Natural Park
Guided hike through the Los Nevados cloud forest
3-day guided hike to La Ciudad Perdida
Visit to Ciudad Perdida, the 'lost city'
Guided hike to Machete, stopping to swim under waterfalls
Expert, local, English speaking guides
1 night in a hotel in the Poblado district of Medellín
2 nights in a small, traditional hotel in Salento
2 nights at rural Andean farms
2 nights in an eco-hotel in Santa Marta
3 nights jungle camping
All (10) traditional Colombian breakfasts
7 tasty lunches
5 wholesome Andean dinners
Internal flights
Internal flight from Pereira Aiport to Santa Marta on Day 6
Arrival transfer from Medellin Airport in the afternoon of Day 1
Departure transfer to Santa Marta Airport at any time on Day 11
All transfers during the trip
All your camping equipment and bedding
All National Park entrance fees and permits
Flight
Visa (if applicable)
Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”
Expenditure of personal nature
Tips are not included in the trip price and are entirely at your discretion, though it's customary to tip for good service. Your guide will be happy to offer advice, but as a general guideline, we recommend $3–$5 USD per person, per day.

Accomodations

Medellín

Your adventure begins in the vibrant city of Medellín, where you’ll spend the first night. You'll stay in a comfortable twin room at the stylish Sites Hotel, located in El Poblado — a lively and safe neighborhood known for its restaurants, cafés, and nightlife.

Salento

Nestled in the heart of Colombia's coffee region, Salento will be your base on Day 2 and Day 5. Accommodation here is in charming, locally run hotels that reflect the town’s traditional character. Your host typically arranges stays at Terrazas de Salento, Tia Emiss, or Salento Real. Rooms are twin or triple share, depending on availability.

Los Nevados (Finca La Argentina & Finca La Playa)

On Day 3 and Day 4, you’ll immerse yourself in rural Colombian life with overnight stays at traditional fincas (mountain farm lodges). These rustic yet welcoming lodges offer home-cooked meals, breathtaking views, and the chance to connect with local families who share stories of life in the high Andes.

Santa Marta – Jungle Eco-Lodge

For your time in the lush foothills near the Caribbean Coast, you’ll stay at an eco-hotel in the Santa Marta Nature Reserve on Day 6 and Day 10. Surrounded by jungle and wildlife, this peaceful retreat typically includes Villa Margarita or La Mar del Bien. Rooms are twin-share with private bathrooms — perfect for a bit of comfort before and after your trek.

The Lost City Trek – Campsites

During the three-night trek to the legendary Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), you’ll sleep at basic yet scenic jungle campsites. Accommodation is in beds or hammocks, each with a mosquito net. Facilities are simple, with basic toilets, and bathing is done in nearby rivers or waterfalls — an unforgettable, back-to-nature experience.

Meeting point

6.2476376-75.5658153
Medellin

Frequently asked questions

Departures

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2190 €

(722 € deposit)