Ciudad Perdida Trek

Ciudad Perdida Trek (Lost City Trek) is a multi-day hike in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta built around reaching the archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, known also as Teyuna.

The trek is rugged and long: the route is commonly run as a 4-day, 3-night itinerary covering about 37 miles, with roughly 3,600+ ft of elevation gain up to the ruins.

Most days are jungle travel with frequent changes in elevation plus river crossings. The approach is characterized by remote, humid conditions and sustained walking rather than technical climbing.

The centerpiece day involves the ascent to the site via a steep flight of ancient stone steps: access to Ciudad Perdida is only by climbing roughly 1,200 stone steps through dense jungle.

After the ruins visit, the hike retraces the route back toward camp and the trailhead, with the final day shifting to longer descents and an exit from the mountains back to the Santa Marta area.

Access is regulated: independent trekking to Ciudad Perdida is not allowed, and the route is run as a guided multi-day tour booked with an authorized local operator, where lodging and park entry are handled.

Timing centers on the dry season. January–March is described as the best window, with a second dry-season stretch in July–August, while November–December are typically rainier.

More information: Wikipedia, Lost City Trek In Colombia: Is It Worth It? (What To Expect), The Lost City Trek in Colombia: A First-Timers Guide