Teyuna Ciudad Perdida Trek
Trek through lush jungle to Teyuna, the ancient Tayrona 'Lost City,' predating Machu Picchu by centuries. An epic adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less rain, more comfortable trekking.
Teyuna Ciudad Perdida Trek
Best Time
Less rain, more comfortable trekking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trek through lush jungle to Teyuna, the ancient Tayrona 'Lost City,' predating Machu Picchu by centuries. An epic adventure.
"The Lost City Trek was just 🙌👌"
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring essentials: repellent, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp.
Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Water and snacks are provided, but carry extra. Enjoy delicious meals prepared by cooks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Terraces of Teyuna
Ciudad Perdida
Climb 1,200 stone steps to reach this 800 CE city, predating Machu Picchu. Explore 169 terraces and plazas.
Immersive Jungle Experience
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Trek through lush rainforest, crossing rivers and encountering diverse flora and fauna. A true adventure.
Indigenous Culture and Communities
Along the trek route
Learn from indigenous guides about the Tayrona civilization and contemporary Kogui and Wiwa communities.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging Trek
Book with a Reputable Agency
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring essentials: repellent, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp.
Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Water and snacks are provided, but carry extra. Enjoy delicious meals prepared by cooks.
Embrace the Challenge
The trek is tough but rewarding. Go at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
Learn from Your Guides
Guides share invaluable history and cultural insights. Ask questions!
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring essentials: repellent, quick-dry clothes, swimwear, sturdy shoes, and a headlamp.
Stay Hydrated & Fueled
Water and snacks are provided, but carry extra. Enjoy delicious meals prepared by cooks.
Embrace the Challenge
The trek is tough but rewarding. Go at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
Learn from Your Guides
Guides share invaluable history and cultural insights. Ask questions!
Digital Detox Recommended
Limited connectivity means a chance to disconnect and immerse yourself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ciudad Perdida trek is overwhelmingly praised for its incredible natural beauty, rich cultural immersion, and the profound sense of accomplishment it provides. While the hike is undeniably challenging due to heat and terrain, the well-organized tours, delicious food, and insightful guides make it a highly recommended adventure. Some find the accommodation basic, but this is a small price to pay for the unforgettable experience.
"Together with my girlfriend I went on the four days hike with Teyuna. The experience was incredible, we have been able to enjoy the nature of the jungle, indigenous culture and amazing food. Usually there is only a guide but now we also had a translator. Thank you Pipe and Sebastian.
The hiking is tough but the guides let you do it at your own pace. The views were amazing."
Gaabje
"Incredible experience with them.
Included:
Pick up from our hostel to teyuna tours office
Options for luggage drop off
Alot of snacks and food on they way, options for dietary restrictions
Constant guide telling us about the culture and history
Accomadation at the camps
Water
Fruit at the stops
Access to lost city.
Yeison our guide was incredible, he was freindly insightful and took great care of us
. Highly recommend them!"
Derek S
"Before we get in touch with Teyuna we did little bit of research about Lost City and companies which provide service to this place. The most important for us was to have a tour-guide who is friendly and passionate. After couple minutes of our hike we found out that our guides Nico and Yon are really well knowledgeable not just about topics of history Lost City but also about other parts of Colombia and Colombian history. Because of them this hike was absolutely fantastic, cannot imagine someone could provide more knowledge.
Organization of Teyuna company is also really good. They provide you with all necessary information from beginning and we can say they thought of every single detail of each day. You really don’t need much for those days apart from strong repellent, clothes to wear, water bottle, bit of money and good mood. ☺️"
Matyas Busek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most treks begin in Santa Marta, Colombia. Agencies typically arrange pick-up from your accommodation in Santa Marta to their office and then to the trek's starting point.
Santa Marta is accessible by plane from major Colombian cities like Bogotá and Medellín, or by bus.
It's advisable to book flights or long-distance bus tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better prices and availability.
No, Ciudad Perdida is only accessible by a multi-day trek through the jungle. No roads lead directly to the site.
Most tour operators offer luggage storage services at their offices in Santa Marta, allowing you to leave larger items behind.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Trek prices vary by agency but generally range from $200-$300 USD for a 4-day trek, including accommodation, food, guides, and permits.
The entrance fee to Ciudad Perdida is typically included in the overall trek package price arranged by your tour operator.
Packages usually cover transportation from Santa Marta, all meals, accommodation in jungle camps, water, snacks, and the services of a guide.
Some agencies may offer special promotions or discounts for group bookings. It's worth inquiring directly with the tour operator.
Tour agencies in Santa Marta operate during standard business hours. It's best to book your trek a few days in advance of your desired start date.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The trek typically lasts 4 to 5 days, covering approximately 44-50 km (27-31 miles) round trip.
It's considered a challenging trek due to heat, humidity, steep ascents/descents, and uneven terrain. Good physical condition is recommended.
Accommodation is in basic jungle camps with bunk beds and shared facilities. Mosquito nets are usually provided.
Wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and bring swimwear for river dips.
Connectivity is very limited to non-existent throughout most of the trek, offering a great opportunity for a digital detox.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning jungle landscapes, ancient stone structures, river crossings, and interactions with indigenous communities.
A durable camera or smartphone with good low-light capabilities is recommended. Consider a waterproof case for protection.
Be respectful when photographing indigenous people; always ask for permission first.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds at the main archaeological site.
Use dry bags or waterproof camera covers to protect your equipment from humidity, rain, and river splashes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Travelers
Guides are adept at fostering a sense of camaraderie within the group, and you'll likely form strong bonds with your fellow trekkers. It's a fantastic way to explore Colombia's interior and connect with its rich cultural heritage in a safe and organized manner. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Teyuna
The city was abandoned and lay hidden for centuries, rediscovered in the early 1970s. Its strategic location in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta provided natural defenses and access to vital resources.Today, Teyuna is a sacred site for the indigenous Kogui, Wiwa, Kogi, and Arhuaco peoples, who are descendants of the Tayrona. They have played a crucial role in protecting the site and preserving its cultural heritage.
+1 Trekking to Teyuna offers a unique opportunity to connect with this ancient history and understand its spiritual significance, guided by descendants of the original inhabitants. The journey itself is a pilgrimage, retracing ancient paths through a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. +1The trek is more than just a hike; it's an immersion into a living history. As you ascend, you'll pass through diverse ecosystems, from humid tropical forests to cloud forests, encountering a rich biodiversity. The final ascent involves climbing over 1,200 stone steps, a testament to the Tayrona's engineering prowess and a fitting challenge before reaching the awe-inspiring ruins.
+1 The experience is deeply spiritual, with many visitors reporting a profound sense of connection to nature and the ancient past. +1Navigating the Trek: What to Expect
+1 You'll be hiking through dense jungle, navigating muddy trails, crossing rivers (sometimes via makeshift bridges or wading), and enduring significant elevation changes. The heat and humidity are constant companions, making hydration and appropriate clothing paramount. Accommodation is in basic jungle camps, usually featuring bunk beds with mosquito nets. While not luxurious, these camps provide a welcome respite after a day of trekking. Meals are prepared by cooks and are generally hearty and delicious, with options for dietary restrictions often available.
While the trek is challenging, the rewards are immense. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the Lost City, combined with the breathtaking natural beauty and the cultural immersion, makes it an unforgettable experience.
It's a journey that tests your physical limits but also nourishes your spirit, offering a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and ancient history. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit