Hidden Colombia Trek to the 'Lost City' of the Sierra Nevadas

Hidden Colombia Trek to the 'Lost City' of the Sierra Nevadas

Travel back 1,000 years to the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada. Soak in the sights and the sounds of the remote jungle as you travel to a far corner of Colombia.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Explore Bogotá's historic district and check out the city's famous plazas. Jump off waterfalls and take a refreshing swim in the Buritaca River. Trek through indigenous villages and pristine jungle on your way to ancient ruins

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE IN BOGOTÁ

Stop At: Bogota, Bogota
Arrive in Bogotá, where a OneSeed staff member will greet you and take you to our partner B&B. Take the afternoon to explore the city on your own. Be sure to visit the gold museum if you have time!
Peak Altitude: 8,612 ft (2625 m)
Inclusions: Airport transfer, accommodations
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 2: BOGOTÁ

Stop At: Bogota, Bogota
Head out for a locals tour of Bogotá! Visit a market and try traditional Colombian foods and exotic fruits, check out the city's famous plazas, and tour La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic district. End the tour with a visit to a local Tejo bar. That afternoon join your fellow OneSeeders for a late welcome lunch, where you will get the chance to try some of the local cuisine.
Peak Altitude: 8,612ft (2625 m)
Inclusions: Day tour with local guide, breakfast, welcome dinner and accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 3: BOGOTÁ TO CAMP 1

Stop At: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca Colombia
The adventure begins! Wake up early to catch the first flight (~7:30am) for the 1.5 hour flight to Santa Marta, a beautiful Caribbean beach town and the oldest city in Colombia. You’ll be greeted by your Lost City guide at the airport then drive three hours to el Mamey, the small town where the trailhead for the Lost City begins. Enjoy the first sights and sounds of the jungle as you hike through this lush area before setting up camp for the night.
Peak Altitude: 787 ft (240 m)
Total Hiking: 5 miles (7.6 km) / Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Inclusions: Airport transfer, domestic flight, ground transportation, full board, camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shared basic and rustic shelter accommodations - Bunkbeds

Day 4: CAMP 1 TO CAMP 2

Stop At: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca Colombia
Continue your trek through the jungle. Pass by the indigenous town of Mutanshi and marvel at the well-constructed jungle huts that make up the town. There are plenty of opportunities to take a dip in a cool, clear stream along the way before having the evening to relax and rest your legs.
Peak Altitude: 1,673 ft (510 m)
Total Hiking: 5 miles (7.6 km) / Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Inclusions: all meals; camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shared basic and rustic shelter accommodations - Bunkbeds

Day 5: CAMP 2 TO 'THE LOST CITY' TO CAMP 3

Stop At: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca Colombia
After a hearty breakfast, follow along the ancient trail that leads to the Lost City. Cross the Buritaca river nine times as you continue the ascent. Weather permitting, head to the Lost City in the afternoon after dropping your things at Camp 3. End the day with a leg burner as you climb the 1,200 steps that lead to the Lost City. Learn about the history of the ruins as your guide shows you around. Enjoy solitude and stunning views as you try to imagine what the city would have been like when it was built in 800 AD. Return to Camp 3 for the night. ** If afternoon weather is not great, plan to hike to The Lost City the morning of Day 6.
Peak Altitude: 3,773 ft (1150 m)
Total Distance: 6 miles (3.7 km) / Approximately 6-7 hours of trekking
Inclusions: all meals; camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shared basic and rustic shelter accommodations - Bunkbeds

Day 6: CAMP 3 TO CAMP 2

Stop At: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca Colombia
Return the way you came. Cross multiple suspension bridges, wade in the cool water, and listen to the parakeets chirping. Stay at Camp 2 for the night.
Peak Altitude: 2,723 ft (830 m)
Total distance: 5 miles (7.6 km) / Approximately 5-6 hours of trekking
Inclusions: all meals; camping accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Shared basic and rustic shelter accommodations - Bunkbeds

Day 7: CAMP 2 TO SANTA MARTA

Stop At: Santa Marta, Santa Marta, Santa Marta District, Magdalena Department
Continue the descent toward Mamey and enjoy a final day under the lush canopy. Pick up the van that will take you back to Santa Marta. Join your fellow OneSeeders for a final dinner (~6pm) to celebrate your accomplishments.
Peak Altitude: 1,673 ft (510 m)
Total distance: 9 miles (5.6 km) / Approximately 7-8 hours of trekking
Inclusions: all meals, ground transportation; accommodations
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 star boutique hotel accommodations

Day 8: SANTA MARTA TO BOGOTÁ

Stop At: Bogota, Bogota
Catch a mid-morning flight and return to Bogotá (BOG) airport by 1pm and conclude your expedition.
Peak Altitude: 8,612ft (2625 m)
Inclusions: breakfast; domestic flight - no ground transportation included.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.