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Colombia's Lost City Trek with Raven Todd DaSilva
Dates
Feb 21–28, 2027
Group Size
8–22 Travelers
Duration
8 days, 7 nights
Activity Level
Strenuous
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileRaven Todd DaSilva
I'm an archaeologist, ancient historian and art conservator who's been into old things from a very young age. I love ancient history so much that I've spent a decade making it accessible and engaging for everyone with my YouTube channel, Dig it With Raven. An now, I want to take you with me on my adventures around the world!
Trip Activities
Santa Marta Orientation Walking Tour
Lost City Trek – Day 1 (Santa Marta – El Mamey – Camp 1)
Lost City Trek – Day 2 (Camp 1 – Mutanyi – Camp 3)
Lost City Visit – Day 3 (Teyuna Exploration)
Lost City Trek – Day 4 (Return to Santa Marta)
Cartagena Orientation Walking Tour
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3-star hotels and Rustic Mountain Camps (limited single rooms available)
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners
Not Included
Flights (except as noted)
Airport transfers
Visas and travel insurance
Food and Alcohol (except as noted)
Tips and Gratuity
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Day 1 - Cartagena | Welcome Dinner
dinner
Let's toast to the exciting journey ahead at your welcome dinner! A 15-minute walk will take you to a local restaurant. Your meal will typically be a three course set menu, including one non-alcoholic drink.
Osh Hotel
(or similar)
Overnight in Cartagena.
Cartagena to Santa Marta & Orientation Tour
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
Transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta
Take a private transfer to Santa Marta. Stops for restrooms will be made along the way as needed.
Santa Marta Orientation Walking Tour
Enjoy an orientation walking tour through Santa Marta’s bay area, historic center, and Parque de los Novios, designed to introduce the city’s highlights, local atmosphere, and key landmarks while getting familiar with your surroundings.
AC Marriott
(or similar)
Overnight in Santa Marta.
Santa Marta to Camp 1 – Lost City Trek Begins
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
Transport to Start of Hike
Additional luggage storage is offered in Santa Marta before embarking. After gathering your backpack with supplies for the 4-day trek, take a 4x4 vehicle transfer from Santa Marta to El Mamey, the starting point of the trek. You will be split into separate 4x4 vehicles with 6-8 people per vehicle.
lunch
Lunch in El Mamey is included before starting the hike. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Lost City Trek – Day 1 (Santa Marta – El Mamey – Camp 1)
Begin the Lost City trek with a hike through vibrant landscapes, crossing streams and mountain paths. Stop at the Three Crosses viewpoint to enjoy fresh fruit before continuing to Camp 1 (Adán or Alfredo). If weather permits, relax in nearby natural pools before settling in for the night. Distance: 7 miles / Elevation Gain: 1970 ft / Duration: 6 hours / Difficulty: Difficult
dinner
Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Campamento 1 (Adán o Alfredo)
(or similar)
Overnight stay at Camp 1 in a hammock or bed with mosquito net. The camp offers basic yet comfortable facilities including electricity, bathrooms, and showers, surrounded by jungle landscapes and close to natural pools (weather permitting). Please note, not all camps are fully enclosed.
Camp 1 to Camp 3 – Indigenous Villages & Sacred Mountains
breakfast
Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Lost City Trek – Day 2 (Camp 1 – Mutanyi – Camp 3)
Begin the day hiking to Camp 2, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing swim in the Buritaca River followed by lunch. Continue the trek through the Kogui indigenous village of Mutanyi, experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of the community, before climbing toward Camp 3, “Paraíso Teyuna,” nestled at the foot of the sacred mountain. Please note that no dedicated changing facilities are available for swimming. Wearing your swimsuit under your hiking attire is recommended. Distance: 11 miles / Elevation Gain: 2950 ft / Duration: 9 hours / Difficulty: Very Difficult
lunch
Lunch at Camp 2 is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
dinner
Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Campamento 3 – Paraíso Teyuna
(or similar)
Overnight at Camp 3 with shared accommodation in beds or hammocks with mosquito nets. Facilities include bathrooms, showers, and electricity powered by generator from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering comfort at the foot of the sacred mountain. Please note, not all camps are fully enclosed.
Lost City Exploration & Return to Camp 2
breakfast
Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Lost City Visit – Day 3 (Teyuna Exploration)
Begin before sunrise with a climb of 1,200 stone steps leading to Teyuna, the legendary Lost City. Explore ancient terraces, hidden pathways, and ceremonial structures during a guided archaeological tour that brings the site’s history and spiritual significance to life. After the visit, return to Camp 3 for lunch before continuing the hike down to Camp 2. Distance: 6.3 miles / Elevation Gain: 985 ft / Duration: 7 hours / Difficulty: Difficult
lunch
Lunch at Camp 3 after visiting the Lost City. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
dinner
Dinner at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Campamento 2
(or similar)
Overnight at Camp 2 with shared accommodation in beds or hammocks with mosquito nets. Facilities include limited electricity, bathrooms, and showers, providing essential comfort after a full day of trekking and exploration. Please note, not all camps are fully enclosed.
Return to El Mamey & Santa Marta
breakfast
Breakfast at camp is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Lost City Trek – Day 4 (Return to Santa Marta)
After breakfast, hike approximately two hours to Camp 1 for a short rest and fresh fruit. Continue descending for another four hours until reaching El Mamey, completing the trekking route. Enjoy a final lunch before boarding the vehicle back to Santa Marta, ending the journey with tired legs and unforgettable memories. Distance: 9.4 miles / Elevation Gain: 1640 ft / Duration: 7 hours / Difficulty: Difficult
lunch
Lunch in El Mamey is included. Your meal will typically be one main dish and a beverage (usually lemonade).
Return to El Mamey & Santa Marta
Take a private transfer from El Mamey to Santa Marta. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.
AC Marriott
(or similar)
Overnight in Santa Marta.
Santa Marta to Cartagena & Farewell Evening
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
Private transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena.
Take a private transfer to Cartagena. Stops for restrooms will be made along the way as needed.
Cartagena Orientation Walking Tour
Enjoy a guided orientation walking tour through Cartagena’s historic center and the walled city, discovering its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and key landmarks while getting reacquainted with the city’s lively atmosphere.
dinner
Farewell dinner included at a local restaurant. Your meal will typically be a three-course menu with beverages and wine.
Osh Hotel
(or similar)
Overnight in Cartagena.
Wave Goodbye to Your Newfound Friends!
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included. Hotel breakfasts typically offer continental, full/American, or buffet-style options. The specific breakfast menu will be determined by your confirmed hotel.
Airports
Recommended Arrival Airport:
Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG)
Recommended Departure Airport:
Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG)
Add-Ons
Private Accommodation
Pre-Trip Accommodation
Post-Trip Accommodation
Airport Transfer
Insurance Policy
Physical Activity Level:Strenuous
These trips require serious physical activity. You may need special certifications and experience to participate in these adrenaline-pumping challenges. If your idea of a good time is scaling mountains, multi-day hikes or deep-sea dives, these level 5 itineraries have your name all over them.
Essential Travel Information
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
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Accommodations
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