Colombia Lost City Trek – Self-Launched
7 days · Colombia · 5 October 2026 → 11 October 2026
Estimated savings vs. commercial tour
Gap360 charges £749. This no-markup version: ~£340.
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
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About this trip
Tackle one of the world's greatest jungle treks independently — the legendary Lost City of Teyuna (La Ciudad Perdida) — starting and finishing in Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast. By booking the 4-day/5-day Lost City Trek directly with a licensed local agency (required by Colombian law — all treks must be done with an authorised operator), and sorting your own accommodation in Santa Marta, you can replicate this incredible adventure for a fraction of the Gap360 price. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Santa Marta
Santa Marta
Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) — direct flights from Bogotá take around 1.5 hours with Avianca or LATAM, typically £40–£70 one way if booked in advance. From the airport, take a taxi or collectivo minibus into the city centre (~£4–6). Check into a hostel in the El Rodadero or historic centre neighbourhood, and spend the afternoon exploring the charming colonial streets. In the evening, attend any pre-trek briefing if your chosen trek agency has one, and pick up any last supplies (snacks, sun cream, insect repellent) at a local supermarket.
- →Arrive and check into hostel in Santa Marta city centre
- →Explore the historic centre — visit Parque de los Novios and the Cathedral of Santa Marta
- →Stock up on trek supplies at a local supermarket or Éxito
- →Brief pre-trek prep and early night
~£40/person today · save ~£58/person vs. Gap360
Start the Lost City Trek — Drive to Machete Pelao & First Camp
Santa Marta → Machete Pelao → Ricardito Camp
Important note: by Colombian law, the Lost City Trek must be completed with a licensed agency — independent trekking is not permitted. However, booking directly with a local Santa Marta agency is significantly cheaper than booking via a UK operator like Gap360. Top-rated local agencies include Magic Tour Colombia, Wiwa Tour, and Expotur — all bookable online or in person in Santa Marta, with 4-night/5-day treks typically costing £150–£200 per person, inclusive of all camping accommodation, meals on trail, and a local guide. Book your slot before arriving. Today your agency's transport picks you up from a central meeting point and drives to Machete Pelao, where the trek begins. Today's hike covers ~7.6km through jungle and farmland to Ricardito Camp.
- →Transfer by agency jeep/shared transport to Machete Pelao trek starting point
- →7.6km jungle hike through flat and uphill terrain into the rainforest
- →Pass rural mountain farmland with possible sunset views
- →Arrive at Ricardito Camp — dinner and stargazing
~£175/person today · save ~£256/person vs. Gap360
River Trekking — Buritaca Valley to Mumake Camp
Buritaca River Valley
A challenging but stunning day hiking alongside the jade-coloured Buritaca River, climbing through valleys past coffee farms, cattle ranches and cacao trees. A highlight is passing through Kogi Indigenous villages — the Kogi are descendants of the Tairona people who built the Lost City, and their circular huts are a fascinating glimpse into a living, ancient culture. Arrive at Mumake Camp in the afternoon with time to rest by the river. All meals today are included in your trek package.
- →Riverside hiking along the Buritaca River through steep valleys
- →Visit traditional coffee, cattle and cacao farms
- →Pass through Kogi Indigenous villages — observe circular huts respectfully
- →Afternoon rest and swim at Mumake Camp
~£0/person today · save ~£0/person vs. Gap360
Discover the Lost City — Teyuna Ruins
Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna)
The highlight of the entire trip. Climb the famous 1,200 steep stone steps to reach the Lost City of Teyuna, estimated to have been built around 800 AD — 650 years before Machu Picchu. Your local guide will bring the history to life, covering both the ancient Tairona civilisation and the dramatic modern story of the site's rediscovery in the 1970s. Spend around three hours exploring the terraced ruins surrounded by emerald jungle. Return downhill to Mumake Camp with a lunch and river swim stop. Total hiking time approximately 8 hours. This is the most demanding day — pace yourself and stay hydrated.
- →Climb 1,200 stone steps to the Lost City of Teyuna ruins
- →Guided tour of the pre-Columbian terraced city with local guide
- →~3 hours exploring the jungle-clad ruins and stone circles
- →Lunch and river swim stop on the return hike
- →Return to Mumake Camp for dinner and rest
~£0/person today · save ~£0/person vs. Gap360
Jungle Trails, Kogi Villages & Las Cascadas Camp
El Mamey → Las Cascadas Camp
An early start as you depart Mumake Camp, hiking past the village of El Mamey through grasslands and dense rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for blue morpho butterflies, tropical birds and lush banana groves. Today's pace is gentler — savour the birdsong, the vivid green landscape and the rhythm of jungle life. Arrive at Las Cascadas Camp for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon by the waterfall to rest, swim and reflect on the incredible journey so far.
- →Early morning hike past El Mamey village through grasslands and rainforest
- →Wildlife spotting — blue morpho butterflies, tropical birds
- →Observe daily life at Kogi villages
- →Afternoon rest and swimming at Las Cascadas Camp waterfall
~£0/person today · save ~£0/person vs. Gap360
Final Trek Day — Return to Santa Marta
Las Cascadas → Machete Pelao → Santa Marta
The last day on the trail. Hike back through the jungle to Machete Pelao, soaking up the views one last time. Your agency's transport will be waiting to drive you back to Santa Marta. On arrival, check back into your hostel (or a new one — consider treating yourself to a private room to celebrate!). The evening is entirely yours — head out to the beachfront bars and restaurants of El Rodadero, try a cold Águila beer and toast your incredible achievement with fellow trekkers.
- →Final jungle hike back to Machete Pelao trek start point
- →Shared jeep transfer back to Santa Marta
- →Check into Santa Marta hostel and freshen up
- →Celebratory dinner and drinks on the Caribbean waterfront
~£35/person today · save ~£51/person vs. Gap360
Free Day in Santa Marta — Depart at Leisure
Santa Marta
Your final day is completely free. Santa Marta has plenty to offer — relax on the golden beaches of El Rodadero, explore the Museo del Oro Tairona to deepen your understanding of the civilisation you just trekked through, or consider a day trip to the stunning Tayrona National Park (~£8 entrance fee, collectivo from the city ~£2 each way). Head to the airport for your onward flight when ready. Book your return domestic flight to Bogotá or international departure in advance.
- →Optional: day trip to Tayrona National Park (~£8 entrance + ~£4 transport)
- →Optional: visit the Museo del Oro Tairona in the city centre (free entry)
- →Relax on El Rodadero beach
- →Depart Santa Marta at leisure
~£30/person today · save ~£44/person vs. Gap360
Questions
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~£340
estimated per person
+£50 seat fee
Pays for verified group access and unlocks messaging with confirmed members — split between the trip organiser and Travel Crew. If this departure doesn't run, you get platform credit, not a cash refund. See our disclaimer.
Departs
5 October 2026
Returns
11 October 2026
Group
1/8 joined
Spots left
7 spots
Trip Organiser
Travel Crew
0 trips completed
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