You’re Guide to Success When Trekking to the ‘Lost City’ in Colombia

So you’ve gained some interest in trekking in far off places. Maybe you’ve read my other articles about trekking to amazing lost civilizations or incredible places (if not click here and you can). You’ve decided to dip your foot into the supported trek arena and don’t know where to start… Well you’ve come to the right place. ‘The Lost City’ trek in Colombia is a great way to learn if trekking is for you. This guide will help you prep, pack, and succeed in your new adventure!

First things first, you’ve got to book a company to help you. There are several companies that put on these treks but you need to pick one that is not only local but also provides a cultural interpretation. The company that we recommend is also one of the least expensive ones. Wiwa Tours is the company we used.They provide local guides and interpreters. By using a company you will not have to worry about places to stay, food, water, or getting lost. Plus the local guides can provide cultural interpretation as you pass the many local villages. I would HIGHLY recommend the 5 day trek. The reason is that it keeps you from being rushed. The 4 day trek only spends a couple of short hours in the city and also stays with the throngs of other trekkers. The 5 day afforded us the opportunity to spend more time at the Lost City and also put us stopping at places where the other treks don’t.

An indigenous village you’ll experience along the trek

Now that you’ve picked a company you need to figure out when you can go. Pay heed to the rainy vs dry seasons. During the rainy season the trails are very muddy, during the dry season its hot and muggy. I chose the dry season as it keeps everything you own from getting soaked. April is a great time to go.

Next on the list of things to do is arrange transportation and hotel before and after the trek. Its best to fly into Santa Marta. The airport code is SMR. Try to arrive the day before or earlier if you want to enjoy the coastal town. I can recommend an amazing boutique hotel with a very attentive staff, great location, excellent price, and within walking distance to the company for the trek. For a small fee, they will send a car to the airport to get you, just arrange it in advance with the hotel. Understand that uber is not reliable in Colombia and the buses often break down.  Here is the hotel I used: Casa de Isabella

An opportunity to swim in one of the beautiful waterfalls.

Now its time to start getting things together. Click here for a downloadable printable packing list.

Sometime a few months or so ahead of the trip you need to start training. Although the trek isn’t the hardest that is out there, nor is it the longest…. it isn’t easy. There are very steep climbs on dirt and rock trails that seem to go on forever. There are steep descents that will tax your legs as well. Finally getting to the ‘Lost City’ itself requires you to climb over 1000 stairs. If you want to enjoy the trek you need to train for it. Also remember you’ll be carrying 20-30lbs of gear as well. Challenge yourself to go harder and farther and you’ll be fine. Always remember to practice how you play – wear your trekking clothing, pack with items in it, and footwear.

This is just the beginning! There are over 1000 steps leading to the Lost City.

Once you arrive in Santa Marta and get settled in, you’re going to need some cash. There is an area in the north east part of the tourist zone that has a few banks with ATM machines. Make sure you’re using an ATM card that doesn’t charge fees for using other bank’s ATMs or charge an exchange fee. Make sure you have enough money with you to tip the guides and cook for the trek (10% total, the majority to the head guide, next largest to the interpreter, and smallest to the cook). You will also need smaller bills as along the way there are many stands where you can buy cold drinks, fresh orange juice, and snacks. Remember you’ll be passing through very poor villages… it can’t hurt to buy a few snacks and drinks (including beer).

The amazing rain forest you’ll hike through.

Along the trek you will stop to sleep in pre-established ‘camps’ with beds and showers. Make sure you bring biodegradable soap and a towel to shower. You won’t be allowed to sleep in the beds until you are clean. Along those lines make sure you bring a sleeping bag liner. I recommend this one for the trek that is anti-bug and light weight. You’ll use your liner in the beds to avoid getting bit at night and giving you a comfort barrier between your body and a questionably clean bed.

One of the places you can stay, this one offers hammocks, others offer beds.

Finally… remember to ask questions, keep your head up, and interact with everyone. There are many opportunities to learn and grow as a person on the trek. You will pass from the rich area of Santa Marta, through the poor areas of the city and into the self sustaining villages of the local people. Don’t pass up the opportunity be a part of something greater than the world you understand.

Our indigenous guide proudly showing us his beautiful home.