Colombia

Ciudad Perdida, know as the ‘Lost City’ is buried deep in Colombia’s jungle and is impossible to access by road due to several river crossings and steep climbs, finishing up with 1,200 stone steps that lead to the Lost City. Here, there are around 170 stone terraces carved into a mountain, with numerous small “plazas” and connecting “streets”. These are the remains of a city built in around 800AD, some 650 years before Peru’s Machu Picchu. The mountain in question is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range, just 42km from Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With peaks reaching 5,700m, it is the world’s highest coastal mountain range.

Ciudad Perdida was re-discovered in 1972, when treasure hunters found steps in the jungle leading to the city, naming it the “green hell”. Treasures from the site, including gold figures and ceramics, soon began to appear on the black market which alerted archaeologists to its presence and, on reaching the city in 1976, began a careful excavation and restoration that was completed six years later. However, local indigenous people, including the Koguis, Wiwas and Arhuaco, all descendants of the Tairona, say they had always known the city’s location and had visited it, but preferred to keep it secret.

It is believed the Lost City was once at the heart of several small villages inhabited by the Tayrona people, a pre-Colombian population whose habitation of the city dates back to 1AD. The city was likely their political centre, and may also have played an important role in trade and manufacturing, given its position on the Buritaca River. It is thought up to 8,000 people once lived in the Lost City but it was abandoned during the Spanish Conquest, its inhabitants probably fleeing further into the mountains.

The Tayrona / Tairona were advanced in construction, engineering and military operation, with a complex hierarchy of society, a religious and political elite, and organised as a federation of towns. It’s thought the Lost City was their capital and most sacred town, connecting and trading with other groups in people in Colombia.

By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16^th century, the Tayrona (at an estimated one million people) was suspected to be at the edge of becoming a major civilisation in the Americas. Sadly, at least 60% of them died from diseases brought over by the colonisers or died defending their land.

What little was found of the Lost City in the 20^th century was stolen and often sold on the black market and what was recovered is now in the gold museums in Santa Marta and Bogota.

Today, it remains a permanent archaeological area with archaeologists using the knowledge from the Kogui and Wiwa people, said to be direct descendants or at least related to the Tayrona, to fill the gaps in the story. Outsiders trek to Cuidad Perdida in search of them.

The Lost City sits at 1,200 metres (3,937 ft.) above sea level, and the city itself is the highest point of our trek. Technical equipment (eg. ropes and harnesses) are not required, but this is raw, uneven jungle territory with narrow pathways, uneven surfaces, loose rocks and dense foliage in parts.

The expedition plan is to trek over 5 days – many companies choose a 4 day route, but we have travelled far to be here and we simply wish to make the most of our adventure!

The total distance of the trek to and from the Lost City site (on the 5 day route) is about 55km, using the same jungle path. It is estimated that if you factor in the steep uphill and downhill climbs along this route, in both directions, the total distance is around one and a half times this, meaning you will rack up closer to 75-80km trekking here.

Along with our guides, we have a team of porters, and a mule that carries our food. Between this team, if needed, they can help carry some weight from the bags. This is of course a back up plan if there is any form of medical issue or injury, rather than a bag carrying service. After the 2-day Kennedy hike, if a trekker felt they needed a bit more help we can also arrange an extra porter or even a mule before the Lost City trek, at additional cost.

The National Park is closed every September for preservation and maintenance. At this time the indigenous communities perform ceremonies and offer payment so to restore the balance of energy in the park. They say this mountain is the ‘heart of the world’ for them and that if the balance of this place should break, the whole world will break along with.

360 works an amazing team and you will be accompanied by local, licensed, indigenous Wiwa trekking guides. We feel this is vital for your experience and a significant portion of your money for the trek is a contribution to these indigenous communities. This is their sacred land (alongside the Kogui community)

Not only is your expedition cost helping support these two communities, but it is also spread amongst the farmer communities, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park and the Colombian Institute of Archaeology.

The region has seen three economic booms.

The first two were tied to illegal substances: firstly marijuana farming, and then coca, the plant used to produce cocaine. (Coca leaf tea is legal in both Bolivia and Peru, although not in Colombia. Currently, there are some movements to legalise coca in the country.)

Through farming, these crops provided a means for communities to make money, though this type of industry also brought with it warring cartels and guerrilla groups. A solution to the violence and problems with the government arrived when Ciudad Perdida was uncovered, setting the stage for the third wave: tourism.

The trek itself is not too hard but the humidity can be tough at times. The highest altitude we will reach on the Lost City Trek is 1,200 metres, and though it is not a technical trek (ropes and harnesses are not required), we will be trekking through raw, uneven jungle territory with narrow pathways, uneven surfaces, loose rocks and dense foliage in parts. A good level of fitness will help with your enjoyment of the trek itself, and a positive spirit for trekking in jungle climes!

Camps are open, with bunk beds and hammocks, but with a roof over each section. You should have a choice of a bed or a hammocks when we reach camp, but at times the availability may be limited and so we may not always have the choice –  you should advise your guide ahead of time (or let the 360 office know in advance) if a hammock is absolutely not an option for you.

Yes, there are showers at all of the camps. They are cold water only, but incredibly refreshing, and much welcomed at the end of the trekking day!

Malaria is present in Colombia however, there have been no recent cases of malaria in the areas we visit on the trek.

We would advise you consult your doctor or a local travel clinic for the most up to date advice and decide if you wish to take prophylactics. We would advise you to bring mosquito spray and cream for bites.

Whilst on the trekking phases of your itinerary, your accommodation (whether beds, dorm bunks, or hammocks) will have a mosquito net. In the evenings and early mornings we advise you cover up with long sleeves and light trousers.

The food is typical Colombia fare – you should expect a buffet breakfast including eggs, tomatoes, onion, arepa (cornbread) and fruit, along with coffee.

Lunches are usually a chicken, fish, or vegetable dish, with salad and fruit juices, while dinner is often a pasta or rice dish, with vegetables, and local fruit juices.

The underlying aim is to provide balanced and nutritional meals with a good amount of carbohydrates to refuel hungry bodies and to replenish stores for the next day of activity!

We would also encourage you to bring along any of your favourite snacks from home if you want a little extra.

Absolutely, please inform the 360 office team of any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements and we will ensure that these are taken into account on the trek.

We will have access to purified drinking water throughout the trek.

You are able to refill your bottles at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will be plenty, so do refill when you need – it is important to stay well hydrated!

Snacks are always a great idea, especially on any of the longer trekking days to give you that additional boost. Nuts, trail mix or sweets are always good, or dried fruit or energy bars. We’d avoid chocolate, it is likely to melt!

There are regions in Colombia where we would advise against visiting, however, the along our itinerary are safe routes to travel. Of course, no expedition is without its risk and we would advise our 360 travellers to practice the same safety consciousness as travelling anywhere else. This means keeping your personal belongings close, not bringing expensive valuables with you, getting registered taxis at night if needed and, if you are exploring, enquiring of your guide as to the safe places to walk.

Please see the above FAQ on general safety in Colombia – we would, as with any travel destination, advise practicing basic safe travel procedures, but Santa Marta is a popular traveller’s destination.

FARC (The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army) was a guerilla group involved in the country’s conflicts in the late 90s. In June 2017, FARC ceased to be an armed group, disarming itself and handing over its weapons to the United Nations, and is now no longer officially in operation since the peace deal. There may be some FARC members in more remote sections of Colombia, but there have been no reports in the areas of the country we travel through.

As with the questions above, keeping your belongings close to yourself when out and about should always be a priority, wherever you are travelling. Though petty crime is common in some areas of Colombia, the rate of unprovoked theft in the Santa Marta area is low, and if you practice sensible safety precautions there should be no issue.

When you are on the coast, we would advise sticking to the tourist-visited towns and main centre of Cartagena. As stated above, if you wish to explore further afield at any point, we would recommend you check ahead of time with your guide on which areas are best.

We have may solo female travellers on our expeditions – and the same safety measures and advice apply as stated in the above FAQs when you are travelling in a group with 360. We would advise additional caution if you are planning on going out in the evenings, but the same recommendations on personal belongings and valuables apply.

The transfers on the bus are run by our brilliant local team, or on well-known local public routes. Our usual hold up is because of traffic! If you plan to take any other bus journeys in your free time, please do check with the guide. As always, we keep an eye on safety in Colombia, and if the situation changes we will advise the team accordingly.

The waterfalls are stunning and there are often large pools below. These provide a really excellent spot to swim, and it is also a great way to cool down and refresh, though do be aware there are no lifeguard services and any swimming is at your own risk.

No, but respectful clothing is preferable on the trek – shorts and t-shirt or a similar style of gym clothing will be fine. On the beaches, there is no dress code.

You always need to be aware of your surroundings, respect nature and what lies within. There could be snakes and spiders, but they won’t hurt you unless they feel at risk. Your guide will give the team a full safety briefing at the start of the trek.

No, there is no risk of altitude sickness on this trek.

All of our guides are trained in wilderness first aid, and carry emergency communication equipment in case of an incident. If an accident occurs, the guides are there to give first aid treatment, evacuate the trekker and liaise with insurance companies accordingly – and all of out trekkers are required to have travel insurance covering them for such incidences.

We advocate a little bit of self-help on the trek. For example, if you have a blister developing, then please stop, take off your boot and treat it, before it becomes a problem.

We would recommend your own first aid kit should contain: a basic blister kit, plasters, antiseptic, sun-protection, your own personal medication, basic pain relief, rehydration salts, antibiotic cream in case of infected bites, antihistamines, and, if you are prone to infections, a personal course of antibiotics. Foot powder in your socks every morning is great for preventing blisters, especially in such humid environments.

Generally, the best approach to packing your first aid kit is to include such basic medications as if you would on a family or personal holiday.

Your guide will also carry a comprehensive first aid kit which contains a wide range of supplies. They are fully trained to use whatever is needed for any emergency that may arise.

Malaria is present in Colombia, but there have been no recent cases of malaria in the areas we visit on the trek. We would advise you consult your doctor or a local travel clinic for the most up to date advice.

It is important you check with your GP or local travel clinic for the latest recommendations and to ensure you are up to date on necessary vaccinations.

For additional information, both the FOC and NHS offer guidance on entry requirements:

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia/health

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/south-america-antarctica/colombia

Yellow fever is present in some areas of Colombia and it is a recommendation to be vaccinated if you are a visitor to certain areas, including the Tayrona National Park (www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/en/ecotourism/caribbean-region/tayrona-national-natural-park). Please check with your doctor or a local travel clinic for the most up to date advice for your personal situation.

Do note also that a yellow fever certificate is required for any travellers arriving from or transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Currently, you do not need to have had the covid vaccine to travel to Colombia, but if you are unvaccinated against covid then you do need to show proof of a negative test prior to departure. Do be aware that the rules and regulations have been changing often and so it would be wise to be fully vaccinated, but of course this is a personal choice.

Though we will do our utmost to advise of any changes, is your responsibility to check the entry requirements before the trip.

www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia/entry-requirements 

Yes, you do currently need to present proof of a negative Covid-19 antigen test before you enter the Lost City. Our team will assist with the logistics of this, as the test needs to be taken at least 72 hours before the start of the trek.

Blankets and mosquito nets are provided, and sleeping bags are not necessary unless you really desire one. If you do, we would recommend a very light one, otherwise a sleeping bag liner, either cotton or silk, would work well.

Yes, you can leave your main bag / suitcase at the beginning of the trek and it will be securely stored, ready for the end of the trek. Please do note the bags are left at your own risk and so we would advise not leaving any valuables.

Yes, you will be able to leave your main bag in Minca.

We suggest breathable, quick-dry / wicking clothes. Gym-style / sports clothing, or lighter safari-style trekking clothes work best, and we would suggest lighter colours You will sweat a lot and don’t count on drying your clothes along the way. Chjeck out the kit list, and do ask us in the office if you have any questions, but essentially, pack light and pack smart, as you will carry your own bag throughout the trek. It can feel chilly in the evenings as the temperature drops so a light jumper or hoodie is a good idea too.

Yes – whether that is a waterproof jacket, or a light rain poncho. We will be in the jungle, and the weather can be unpredictable! Do bear in mind though that often everything will be wet at the end of the trekking day due to the humidity, and so a dry pair of clothes for the evening is always nice to change into.

Boots should be sturdy, waterproof and offer adequate ankle support – whether you prefer boots or hiking shoes is up to you.

We would definitely recommend that your boots are well worn in to prevent the formation of blisters. Check out Cotswold Outdoor for handy advice on boot fitting – and we’ll give you a discount code to use with them too when you book.

We would recommend a 40-45 litre backpack, large enough to carry enough light clothes for five days. Ideally, one that doesn’t rest directly on your spine is best, to reduce sweating.

There is no maximum weight but remember you will be carrying it for the duration of the trek.

While we have porters to assist the team, we do not have porters for carrying luggage unless they are specifically requested, but if you do feel you need additional help with carrying your luggage it is possible hire a porter, or even a mule, for additional help.

Please let 360 know in advance so we can organise this, and we can advise on the cost.

You will have access to your main bag when you return from trekking so you can leave anything for after the trek in here. We suggest normal lightweight travel clothes and sandals for the city and evenings in the Tayrona national park.

No – we will be sleeping in hammocks or bunkbeds under a cover. Both come with mosquito nets and blankets.

Both are fine, it is a personal choice – a silk liner is lighter, though usually a bit more costly.

We always recommend you take a large soft duffle bag as this is by far easier for our crew to move around in vehicles. Hard suitcases with wheels are simply less mouldable to spaces BUT if you only have a hard case then that’s “okay” as your bag isn’t traveling on mules.

• The dry season in Colombia usually lasts from mid November to March
• The rainy season normally occurs in April and May, and from September to November

While it is possible to do this trek year round, we suggest the best times are the end of January through to March, and then mid November to December. Later in December can become busy as holidays coincide with the optimal weather!

In the dry season it can get up to 33°C and rarely gets below 23°C. However, it can get chilly at night, to around 10°C, in the evenings.

The camps provide blankets and covers for sleeping, but if you wish you can bring a silk liner, or a light summer sleeping bag. We also suggest bringing a jumper or hoodie for the evening if it does get cooler.

The jungle is exciting but the humidity can be uncomfortable at times. If you come with the mindset that you will be sweaty a LOT of the time, appreciate that you will all be in the same (slightly stinky!) boat, and take advantage of the refreshing natural pools and waterfalls en route, we think you’ll have an amazing time!

If you want to arrive in Colombia a little earlier this is not a problem, we can arrange an additional airport transfer – just chat to the 360 office team, and make sure you let us know if we are booking your flights for you.

If you wanted to extend your trip then it would be worth exploring our 5 days extension, which includes in surfing, diving, and time in Cartagena, which has wonderful Afro-Colombian music and dance. You will also have time to explore the fishing village of La Boquilla and go kayaking in the mangroves. There will be an opportunity to take part in a drumming workshop, and enjoy an evening of rum tasting with chocolate pairing at the sublime restaurant and rum bar El Arsenal!

Yes, there is the opportunity for a single room for the nights top and tailing the trek, please do let the office know and they will advise on the costs.

When we are on the trek we are in communal dormitory-style camps, as one big family!

If a trekker needs to leave early, arrangements can of course be made, and your guide will assist throughout. Do note that any additional costs related to an early departure (transport, hotels flights etc.) will need to be covered by you, and we would advise travel insurance that also covers for such an eventuality.

You must carry individual travel insurance to take part in the expedition. We cannot take you on this trek without proof of insurance.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance for your intended trip to include, at a minimum, medical evacuation and coverage for relevant activities and up to the maximum altitude of this trip. Do remember that you may need an adventure add-on if you will be taking part in additional activities (ie. surfing or diving) after the trek

Your insurance details are requested on the booking form, however this can be arranged at a later date, though we would advise getting insurance to cover you for cancellation at the time of booking. 360 Expeditions will be requesting your full insurance details 8 weeks before your departure.

No, currently there are no visas required for UK citizens, though we would advise you check the entry requirements for your nationality.

Though the 360 team are on hand to assist, it is your own responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and meets the entry requirements, and that you have the correct paperwork and vaccinations to enter Colombia.

It is a tough trek due to the conditions, some say tougher that our main treks such a Kilimanjaro and Machu Picchu – therefore we suggest train hard, to enjoy all the more! We suggest if you are comfortable with the level of training at the end of month 4 on our training program (found at the end of the brochure – click ‘Discover More’ above) you should be in good shape for this expedition. We also recommend that, if you want to delve a little more into training, you head over to www.uphillathlete.com as they have some brilliant plans outlined.

It is also worth reading up on the area and the culture so you have a good understanding that you can build on with our knowledgeable guides.

360 asks for an initial deposit of £800, then the final balance is due 4 months before departure. There is also the option to set up a flexible payment plan, with the final balance then due 2 months prior to departure – chat to the 360 office team for more info!

The local currency is Colombia pesos (COP) and the current exchange rate is around 0.00020 COP to $1.

Outside of Santa Marta, you will need cash with you as cards are not widely accepted again until you reach Caragena. We suggest on arrival you withdraw around 500,000 COP for this expedition (250,000 COP will be dedicated for tips).

Unlike many other South American countries, you cannot pay directly with US Dollars in Colombia and can only pay using COP.

When you arrive in country you have a few options:

• Exchange money at the airport (this is expensive and is definitely not recommended)
• Exchange money using hotels, banks or bureaux de changes in Santa Marta
• Withdraw money from ATMs at the airport or in Santa Marta

The amount of money you will need depends on how many presents you wish to buy or if you are buying additional drinks and snacks throughout. As a basic rule of thumb, 500,000 COP should be more than adequate for any post expedition spending, plus money for tips (see below).

Colombia is a relatively cheap place and, when indulging in the local custom of haggling, sounvenirs can be very good value for money. Your guide will be happy to point out the relative bargains and the suitable prices plus where to get the best value for money.

Our local crew work extremely hard to ensure that your expedition runs well. Tipping is completely optional and there is no pressure in Colombia to tip in general, but if you feel you would like to show gratitude then tipping the guides, cooks, helpers and the native guides would of course be appreciated.

Bear in mind that you will be with a guiding team of around five people. We would suggest bringing an additional 250,000 COP to be split between the local crew. Your leader can do this!

Tipping the 360 guide is entirely at your discretion.

What’s included:

• Airport transfers
• All activities advertised
• All accommodation
• Food – all meals are included apart from those mentioned in the itinerary. Note: alcoholic drinks are not included.
• Drinking water throughout
• All transport listed in the itinerary
• Guiding on trekking and activity days

What’s not included:

• Tips
• Snacks on non-trekking days and some meals, please refer to the itinerary for details
• Travel insurance
• International flights

You will need an adaptor for UK plugs. In Colombia they use types A and B – plugs with either two flat parallel pins or  two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

Colombia operates on a 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.

There is no mobile phone reception, but you are able to access WiFi at some of the camps for a small fee.

You can buy a WiFi pass at the majority of camps, depending on availability, and it will cost a couple of dollars.

Yes at each camp you will have the opportunity to charge your electrical items, but do bear in mind that the charging points at the camps are communal and so availability is not always guaranteed. We would recommend a power bank – though remember the weight, as you will have to carry it. We use PowerTraveller for our power packs and solar chargers and would highly recommend them!

While we will do everything we can to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times. As with travel in any foreign country, you need to look after yourself and your possessions, and this is no different.

Before and after booking, the 360 office team is on hand to help. If you do have any queries, whether it’s about medical concerns, you’re unsure about certain things on the kit list, or you want to add a few days onto the expedition at the end to relax a bit, we encourage you to get in touch with us. This is a dream holiday, and we are there to make sure you are fully prepared and raring to go!