Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 7 Day Lost City Trekking in Colombia. The ancient site of Teyuna (or the Lost City) sits within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. On this week-long active trip, you’ll do just that, with knowledgeable local leaders to guide the way. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena, you’ll jump straight into local Colombian culture, explore the scenic port city of Santa Marta and then begin your trek to the Lost City.
Meet local indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites read more away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site – a perfect adventure for hikers and explorers seeking a challenge!
Meet local indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites read more away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site – a perfect adventure for hikers and explorers seeking a challenge!
Our Price From
US$1,112 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $287 per person
Save 20%
Trip Length
7 Days
Trip Starts
Cartagena
Trip Ends
Santa Marta
Departures
Mar 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
Intrepid
Trip Style
Original
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Challenging
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you arrive early, maybe walk around the historic walled city and explore some of the local churches, monasteries, plazas and heritage mansions. After the meeting, you’ll head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city. Tonight, maybe head out for dinner with your group – a great way to get to know your fellow travellers.
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations. (B)
This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m. (B/L/D)
Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon. (B/L/D)
This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. (B/L/D)
Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure. (B/L)
After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Hike to the Lost City of Teyuna – a sacred archaeological site in Colombia. Guided by your local leaders, revel in the secrets of a site only reached by multi-day hiking.
- Spend four days trekking in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada through tropical rainforest landscapes, along rivers and surrounded by mountain views – a great opportunity for a true digital detox.
- Visit the indigenous Wiwa community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles of local women and men within the community.
- Wander beneath Cartagena balconies overflowing with flowers – this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town combines Caribbean charm and old-world accents.
- End your trip in Santa Marta – fringed by beaches spilling onto the Caribbean Sea, this is the perfect place to relax after your trek.
- Hotel (3 nights) Bunks (3 nights)
- 6 Breakfasts included
- 4 Lunches included
- 3 Dinners included
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
- Intrepid regularly update their itineraries throughout the year based on feedback and local conditions. Therefore the itinerary you see now may differ from when you booked. Global Journeys will provide you with detailed trip notes at the time of quoting, along with a finalised itinerary and trip notes before your trip departs.
Operator
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers off the beaten track to discover the world's most amazing places for 30 years. Every trip is designed to truly experience local culture - to meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Led by a local leader, our small group tours offer more a sustainable way to travel off the beaten track, while giving back to the places and people that travellers visit.
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Intrepid Worldwide (2025-26)
Since 1989, Intrepid has been taking travellers beyond the ordinary to discover the real and remarkable. With small groups, passionate local leaders, and a commitment to responsible travel, every journey is crafted to connect you deeply with the people and places you visit. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Intrepid combines comfort, culture, and more curiosity for adventures that truly matter, all backed by a global network and guaranteed departures for peace of mind.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Flexible Deposit
Cancel up to 56 days before departure and your deposit becomes a credit for future travel.
Definite Departures
Your Intrepid trip is guaranteed to depart as soon as one full paying traveler is booked!
Sunday
01 Mar 2026
01 Mar 26
Cartagena
Saturday
07 Mar 2026
07 Mar 26
Santa Marta
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,430
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
15 Mar 2026
15 Mar 26
Cartagena
Saturday
21 Mar 2026
21 Mar 26
Santa Marta
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,435
US$1,148
Save $287
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
