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One of the best hikes in the world is the
LOST CITY TREK
WARNING - Hikers still visit the Lost City in Colombia. But our advice is to hike elsewhere if you are worried about personal safety. (On the other hand, 2007 trip reports say it was safe, safe, safe.)
- a trekking group of 8 were kidnapped September 2003 by ELN guerrillas. All survived, the last hiker released after 102 q days.
- other foreigners visiting indigenous group in this mountain region have been killed
- drug lords, leftwing guerrillas, rightwing paramilitary, the police, & the army are all suspected of wrongdoing
UPDATE 2007 - A new tour operator called Sierra Tours, Cra 17#1-18, Taganga/Santa Marta, Tel: ++57-317 417 17 97, info@sierratours-trekking.com, now offers the hike to the Lost City also.
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WHY WE LIKE THIS HIKE
 COLOMBIA is a wonderful country
Teyuna is the indigenous name of the "Lost City" built by the Tayrona Indians in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta between the 11th and 14th centuries.
It's a magical, mystical place.
- the overgrown mountain city was rediscovered 1976
- a mysteriously remote location for a city of thousands
- graceful carved terraces & raised circular plazas stretch between 950-1350m
- in this remote high jungle, you feel like Indiana Jones
- some of the original houses have been rebuilt
- you visit indigenous villages en route
- beautiful fireflies & butterflies
- dramatic tropical flowers & trees
- you plunge into every stream to wash off the sweat
- unique bird life
- many travellers rate Colombia the best country in South America for tourists
- ... add a comment here
CONSIDERATIONS
US-sponsored drug crop aerial fumigations are not allowed in this, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park. Hence, it is popular with everyone wanting to avoid detection.
- independent hiking is not allowed
- you can hike here only in a guided group of 4-12 people
- treks go when enough hikers sign up. You may need to wait 2-3 days.
- the best months are December - early March though it can be done year round
- when we hiked many years ago every nationality was allowed to join a group except Americans. That is no longer the case. Americans are welcome.
- cultural awareness and sensitivity needed
- this trek is steep and challenging, especially if it rains
- mosquitos & biting insects are a nuisance
- muddy, steep trails
- bring footwear you don't mind getting wet
- you sleep in hammocks
- this is a drug producing region
- it can be very hot & humid trek
- bring light and cool clothing
- visit the Tayrona Museum in Santa Marta
- conversational Spanish very helpful
- ... add a comment here
ROUTES
- Turcol Travel Agency in Santa Marta guides a fixed route
- 6 days, 5 nights
- cost in 2006 is US$190 (440,000 Colombian Pesos) everything included, a good value
- budget for a substantial tip too, if you are happy with your tour
- the trip is 3 days up, 1 day at the top, 2 days down
- ... add a comment here
LOGISTICS
There are only two ways to get to the Lost City:
- expensive helicopter ride, ... or
- the six-day trek guided trek
The only company originally allowed to guide hikers to the Lost City is Turcol Travel Agency in Santa Marta.
- phone (Colombi) 5 - 4 21 22 56
- some English is spoken
- contact Maria del Rosario Vila Gerardino <turcol_24@hotmail.com>
In 2007 we heard good things about of a competitor also allowed to guide hikers to the Lost City - Sierra Tours.
- jumping off point is Santa Marta, Colombia, a lovely and popular seaside town
- the nearest airport is Barranquilla, a city to leave as quickly as possible. (Fly to charming Cartagena instead if you can.)
- get a travel guidebook for Colombia as early as possible for advance planning
- from Santa Marta a vehicle delivers you to the Buritica trailhead at El Mamey
- you hike in and out on that same track but the scenery is lovely
- another longer trail to the ruins is not used
- ... add a comment here
BEST TREKKING GUIDEBOOKS
BEST MAPS
No map is really needed as you will have a guide.
BEST WEB PAGES
After this site, the best links are:
BEST PHOTOS & TRIP REPORTS
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