Exploring the Lost City in Colombia: A Challenging 5-Day Adventure

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Exploring the Lost City in Colombia: A Challenging 5-Day Adventure

If you’re on the lookout for a unique trekking experience, I highly recommend the Lost City in Colombia. This journey spans approximately 4 to 5 days through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where you’ll not only marvel at the ancient ruins of a pre-Columbian society but also immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous Kogi people. These experiences set this trip apart from other forest treks.

Costs and Duration

Many people ask me if the trip to Lost City is worth it, especially considering the price tag — around 1,860,000 COP for a 4-day trek. That’s roughly 508 USD, or over 10 million VND. If you opt for the 5-day tour, the cost rises to 2,150,000 COP. The duration of the trek is flexible, lasting about 4 to 5 days depending on personal preference and fitness level.

How Many Days Should You Go For?

Most participants choose the 4-day itinerary, but I believe that a 5-day trek is more sensible. As someone who enjoys trekking, I prefer the 5-day option to fully enjoy swimming, taking in the beautiful scenery, and relaxing at various stops along the way. The trip is structured with three days of trekking to reach the Lost City, a day dedicated to exploring the ruins, and the final day for the return journey.

Difficulty Level

While not technically challenging, this trek is quite demanding. You’ll need stamina to tackle an elevation gain of about 2,700 meters, which breaks down to roughly 600 meters each day. The continuous ups and downs require good physical preparation. Be aware that you need to be fit, as you’ll be walking around 5 hours each day over the course of 5 days.

If you’re not a fan of trekking, you might want to think twice, as this journey will truly test your limits. Perhaps the toughest part is those final steps before you hop onto the minibus back to Santa Marta; everyone in my group was utterly exhausted and collapsed into sleep on the ride home.

You Can’t Go Solo

If you’re considering organizing this trip on your own to save some money, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed — it’s not possible. The Lost City is situated in Kogi territory, and only a handful of tour companies are permitted to operate here. The local authorities and the Kogi people want to manage the number of visitors and ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared properly.

Choosing the Right Tour

There are at least five tour operators authorized to conduct the Lost City trek: Turcol, Expotur, Eco Magic Tours, Baquianos Travel, and Wiwa Tours. These companies offer standard pricing, so you can pick the one that feels most comfortable for you. Some international companies may also provide this tour but often charge an additional service fee.

What to Expect from the Journey?

Honestly, this trip is not just about the destination; it’s about the journey itself. Don’t expect it to resemble Machu Picchu. While Lost City may not be as grandiose, the trek to reach it offers unique experiences. The city was rediscovered in 1972 and was once home to around 8,000 residents.

You’ll need to conquer 1,200 moss-covered steps to reach the summit. Although not many structures remain, the history and atmosphere here will make you feel as though you’re stepping back in time.

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