Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Lost City. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Hike for 4 Days to the Lost City, Santa Marta

• 4-Day Lost City Small-Group Tour in Santa Marta

• 4-Day Walking Tour to Lost City of Sierra Nevada

• Trek to Ciudad Perdida: 5 Days from Santa Marta

• Lost City Trek 4 Days - 3 Nights

The only way to get to the Lost City in Colombia is via a guided multi-day trek, and prices typically start from around US$545 per person, though the cost includes most meals during the hike, camping accommodation each night, and a guide who will keep you safe and informed along the way. Excursions tend to last for 4–5 days.

Yes, the Lost City—otherwise known as La Ciudad Perdida in Spanish—is absolutely worth visiting if you're in Santa Marta. However, given that it requires a pretty intense trek to get there, you should only attempt it if you're in physically good shape and ready to spend several days en route. In order to visit, you'll have to book a guided tour; be aware that most excursions last for at least four days.

Per one customer who booked the Hike for 4 Days to the Lost City, Santa Marta, "It was very well planned from start to finish. Everything was as described in the details. The adventure was amazing. [...] Hiking was very tough but breaks were provided as needed. The camps we stayed in were very nice. [...] We were fortunate to have a group of similar aged and physically capable people which made the trek even better. [...] It is something I will remember forever."

You generally need at least four days to complete the Lost City Trek from the nearest city of Santa Marta. The 4-day route to the Lost City is the most common one that tourists take and includes travel to and from Santa Marta, but there are also longer treks that take six days to get there.

No, you cannot visit or do the Lost City Trek without a guide. Permits to enter the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park are required for all visitors to the Lost City and can only be obtained through a licensed tour operator. This leaves you no option but to visit with a tour guide.

The Inca Trail and Lost City Trek are considered challenging and strenuous treks. Many people consider the Lost City Trek harder than the Inca Trail because of the heat and humidity you experience hiking through the Colombian jungle, even though you don’t need to cope with the effects of hiking at altitude.

Besides packing your hiking boots, you will want to bring items that help you stay comfortable and safe while exploring and staying in the jungle and mountains. Sunscreen, insect repellant, a hat, and lightweight clothes will help you cope with sweat, the sun, and bugs, while bringing a bathing suit will let you take advantage of streams and waterfalls where you can cool off.

During your Lost City trek, you’ll stay overnight at remote campsites. Facilities at these campsites are basic, with limited electricity and no potable water, and you’ll be sleeping in bunk beds in a shared space or hammocks if no beds are available. A mosquito net covers each bed and comes with linen provided.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Lost City. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Santa Marta:

• Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona)

• Crystal Beach (Playa Cristal)

• Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

• El Rodadero

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Santa Marta.