The Lost City trek can only be booked through an authorized agency. In 2026, it costs per person 2.200.000 COP for 3 days, 1.860.000 COP for 4 days and 2.150.000 COP for 5 days: the price is regulated and identical at every agency. My Trip to Colombia puts you in touch with Adrian, a local agency in Santa Marta that works with Wiwa indigenous guides: you fill in the form below, you don’t pay more, and a 10% deposit confirms your booking. There are departures every day, except during the annual October closure (from 1 to 15 October in 2026).
Contact local indigenous guide for the Lost City Trek
English-speaking interpreter on request
Responsible Tourism
Booking the Lost City trek with a local indigenous agency means supporting the idea that, in a sacred territory (the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta), an indigenous guide is the most legitimate person to lead visitors to a sacred place (Ciudad Perdida). Be aware that the Lost City trek is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Colombia, so be prepared to share the trail with lots of people.
Booking the Lost City trek if you don’t speak Spanish
You don’t need to speak Spanish to book the Lost City trek through My Trip to Colombia. The form on this page is in English. Adrian, our partner in Santa Marta, replies in Spanish, by email or by WhatsApp: an automatic translator is enough to sort out the dates, the price and the deposit with him. On the trek itself, the guide speaks Spanish, but you can ask for an English-speaking interpreter in the form: the interpreter walks with the group and translates what the guide says. The interpreter is available on request, so mention it as soon as you send your request.
Frequently asked questions before booking the Lost City trek
Do you need to book the Lost City trek in advance, or can you book it once you are in Santa Marta?
There is almost always space on the Lost City trek: departures run every day, all year round except during the October closure, and an agency that is full passes its clients on to another one. Our partner in Santa Marta can’t recall anyone being turned away for lack of space. Capacity is around 90 hikers per day, which is the capacity of the last camp, and agencies have to reserve their clients’ nights in advance. So booking before you travel is mostly a way to choose your date and your agency.
How do you pay for the Lost City trek from abroad?
Booking the Lost City trek is confirmed with a 10% deposit. You then pay the balance by the method you prefer. To send the deposit from abroad, you can use an international transfer service such as Remitly, or a bank transfer, with your bank’s fees.
Can you cancel or postpone the Lost City trek?
As a rule, the 10% deposit is not refunded if you cancel the Lost City trek, including if you fall ill before departure. In most cases, agencies still make a goodwill gesture. Before booking, check that your travel insurance covers cancellation.
Where can you leave your luggage during the Lost City trek?
You can leave your luggage free of charge at the agency’s desk in Santa Marta for the whole duration of the Lost City trek. This applies if you leave from Santa Marta with the agency’s transport, which is included in the price. If you make your own way to El Mamey, the starting point of the trail, the price stays the same and there is no luggage storage.
What is the minimum age for the Lost City trek, and is there a child rate?
C’est rare, mais ça peut arriver, surtout en saison des pluies sur les rapides de classe 4. Si vous tombez à l’eau, votre gilet de flottaison vous maintient en surface. La consigne est de se mettre sur le dos, pieds en avant, et d’attendre que les guides ou les kayakistes de sécurité vous récupèrent. Cette procédure est expliquée en détail lors du briefing avant le départ. Les guides sont formés au sauvetage en eaux vives.
Can you hire a mule on the Lost City trek?
Yes, as an extra service, paid on the spot. On the Lost City trek, a mule can carry you on 5 sections of the trail, for 200.000 COP per section. A mule can also carry just your backpack, on day 2 and on the last day of the 4-day trek, for 40.000 to 50.000 COP per leg. This service can’t be booked in advance: you ask for it on the trail, with the guide’s help. Good to know: the insurance included in the trek does not cover a fall from a mule or a motorbike.
How many people are in a group, and can you do the Lost City trek privately?
The rule on the Lost City trek is 12 people per guide. Some agencies form groups of up to 20 people with two guides, and several groups set off every day. To walk in a small group or just among yourselves, you need to ask for a private trek: its price is on request, to be asked for in the form.
