Trek to the Lost City with Wiwa and Kogui Communities

Day 1

We start on the first day at 8.30 am at a starting point which is approximately 2 hours from Santa Marta, in an all-terrain vehicle which will drive us to the sector known as `Mamey` (Machete Pelao) where we will have lunch before starting the best trek in South America, starting with a hike for paths which will lead us after 7.6 km to our first camp at Adam’s Cabin, a small peasant community located at 450 metres above sea level, where we will sleep the first night and rest well after our first full day of demanding hiking. We recommend that you pay close attention to the guides instructions and along the route we will take the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear waters of the river which follows our path and we will be able to observe the extraordinary wealth of flora and fauna of the area. Some people complete the trek in 3 hours, others in 5, it all depends on your physical condition and on the weather.

Day 2

We start the day with a demanding walk of 14.7 km which takes approximately 10 hours, from Adam’s Cabin to the Teyuna Paradise Cabin which is the home of an indigenous community, located at 830 metres above sea level, and at this point we were very close to the Lost City, known as Teyuna, the sacred city of the Tayrona people. We will also pass close by to the Mutanzhi indigenous community on the route and we will be able to appreciate the harmony which exists between these indigenous settlements and Nature, at the same time as we can witness the extraordinary animal and plant life of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. In the afternoon we can relax and have a fabulous refreshing swim in the wonderfully clean river and in the evening, the local indigenous guide will give a talk about the Lost City and its holy meaning to the indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada, as well as sharing some of the history and the customs of their community and the region.

Day 3

We start the day with a very early breakfast to set out for the Lost City, which is only 1km away, but we have to ascend 1,200 steps built by the ancient Tayrona people and by the time we reach the top we will be at1,200 metres above sea level. Our indigenous guide will show us the various terraces and holy sites, where we can take all the photos we wish, enjoying this magical place, until at approximately 11am we will go back down the steps to the Teyuna Paradise Cabin to have lunch and quickly pack our rucksacks again, in preparation to go back down towards the Wiwa Cabin, a 9.6km trek which takes us approximately 5 hours until we arrive back at the Wiwa community in their settlement where we will rest and spend the night.

Day 4

On the last day of our adventure we will have an early breakfast to begin our return trip down to our initial starting point, 12.7km away. Our route is full of rivers and waterfalls to bathe in as we make our descent towards Mamey where we have lunch and set off in our all terrain vehicle until we arrive at the city of Santa Marta at approximately 5pm, having fully enjoyed the most fulfilling experience in the magical Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta.

Please note: Weather conditions and ground transport availability may cause some variation in the itinerary of this route.

Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta

Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta The Sierra is the birthplace of the Tayrona, a monumentally important indigenous civilisation in the history and prehistory of Colombia. Around 70,000 people who are descendants of the Kogui, Arhuaco, Kankuamo and Wiwa communities still live in this area, a region which enjoys the status of being the highest mountain range in a coastal area anywhere in the world, with two peaks at 5775 metres above sea level, Cristobal Colon Peak and Simon Bolivar peak, both within x kilometres of the shoreline. Because of the vast variety of ecosystems, the different climates next to the sea, its unique beauty and its extraordinary historical and culture wealth, the area was named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1979.

The Lost City

The Lost City or Teyuna was built around 700 AD by the Tayrona indigenous communities. After almost 400 years of abandonment, it was discovered by tomb raiders almost by accident in 1973 while they were exploring nearby ancient settlements, at which point they literally stumbled upon the 1200 stone steps which at that time were almost entirely obscured by moss, earth and tree roots. Only in 1976 did the Colombian Government hear the rumours circulating in the city of Santa Marta of quartz and gold treasure up in the mountains above. The settlement is made up of a complex system of constructions, cobbled paths, staircases and intercommunicating walls forming terraces and platforms upon which the ceremonial sites, houses and storehouses are built.

😷 Bring a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit (Face masks, hand sanitizer gel, alcohol spray, goggles or face shield, disposable tissues, waste disposal bag).

💧 It's vital to bring a water bottle and maintain constant hydration, as we'll be in a location where the heat can be intense, and staying hydrated will ensure we can carry out the travel plan optimally.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. Using sunscreen is important; remember to use a mineral sunscreen for your face.

👕 Pack light clothes suitable for hot weather for four days. We suggest wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt as the route includes trees with long branches, which will help avoid scratches. It's important to bring clothes that can get wet, as well as swimwear and a waterproof jacket.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes; avoid fabric sneakers or ballet shoes. It's essential to bring spare shoes in case your primary ones get wet during the journey.

💉 It's advisable to have vaccinations against tetanus and yellow fever.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (medical insurance card and ID).

🎒 Avoid using a wheeled suitcase and instead carry a small backpack or waist pack to carry your personal items during walks.

During this 4-day Ciudad Perdida tour, it's essential to respect the privacy of the indigenous people. We should not enter their living quarters or take photographs of them or their belongings without first asking permission or speaking with the guide to learn the protocol to follow.

Only bring the essentials, as weight is a determining factor when walking. Ensure you are in good physical condition and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages the day before. Remember to bring back all trash to Santa Marta.

Do not damage natural or cultural assets. In Ciudad Perdida and during the journey, there is no mobile phone signal, so inform your family and friends that you will only be able to communicate with them once you return from your experience.

During the day, the weather is hot and humid, so we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, T-shirts, and shorts for walking. At night, the temperature drops to approximately 14°C, and there is a greater presence of mosquitoes and other insects. It's important to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts for sleeping and use insect repellent.

Relevant Information:

• Remember that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.
• Keep your phone charged; this will allow you to take photos and use it in case of emergency.
• Your safety is very important, so please be cautious, always keep the group in sight, and follow the guide's instructions.
• Do not bring cigarettes or alcoholic beverages. Do not go hiking while intoxicated, pregnant, or with medical disabilities.
• Strictly follow your doctor's instructions regarding injuries, and if necessary, bring your personal medications.
• In September, the park is closed by indigenous people for preservation. Check the closing dates.