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 1,190 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 4 days to the Lost City, with 2 days before hand trekking in the Bunkuany corridor, which will add an extra indigenious element to the expedition.

The total distance of the trek to and from the Lost City site 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 guide, we have a team of porters, and a mule that carries our food. If needed, they can help carry some weight from the bags. After the 2-day Bunkuany trek, if you feel you need a bit more help with luggage carrying 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 work with 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 trek is 1,190 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!

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.

You will stay in 3-4* hotels either side of your 6 days trekking, in shared rooms. Selected for their location, hospitality and splendour we hope you enjoy these nights as much as we do.

You do have the option of a single sleeping arrangement for these nights if it’s your preference.

During the Bunkuany trek, you stay at La Playita farm and in a Kogi indigenous village. The accommodation will be basic with a small number of bedrooms and then overspill hammock space. There are bathrooms, and electricity. Spending the night with the Kogi is a privilege and is a place to learn about the life of the indigenous people.

During the Lost City Trek you will stay in basic accommodation which often compromises one large communal sleeping room, with shared bathrooms and limited electricity. Camps are open shared spaces, with bunk beds and hammocks under an open-sided roofed area. You should expect the accommodation for all nights to be busy and noisy as there are limited overnight spots on the trail.

Yes, rooms are organised according to sex and where possible age groups. If you have joined this expedition with a friend or partner then you will share rooms with them. If you have joined the team by yourself then it is highly likely that you will be sharing a room with a pre-assigned room buddy.

During the trekking phase of the expedition, rooms are large communal sleeping areas, we suggest you bring ear-plugs if you’re a light sleeper.

If you would rather sleep solo, that’s also possible to organise for some of the nights – please see the next FAQ.

If you’d prefer we can make the arrangements for you to sleep solo for all nights either side of your trek. This would be for the 5 nights in Santa Marta, Minca, Tayrona and Catagena.

This will cost an additional £390.

Each night when we reach camp you should have a choice of a bed or a hammock but, these are often treated as first come first serve. At times the trail will be busier and availability may be limited – sometimes we may not always have the choice. If a hammock is absolutely not an option for you, please let the 360 office know in advance of travel.

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!

All camps have electricity that runs between roughly 4pm & 10pm.

The food is a typical Colombia afare – 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

The waterfalls are stunning and there are often large pools below. These provide an excellent spot to swim, and are 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, during the trek you will need to carry your own kit. 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.

You will be sweating a lot and it’s likely to rain whilst on the trail so your clothes will be most likely be wet inside and out. It’s unlikely they’ll will dry out overnight / along the way so you should mentally prepare for your trekking clothes to stay wet.

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 to try and combat some of the suns heat!

Our suggestion would be to have one or two trekking outfits, and then one outfit you’re comfortable in for around camp / sleeping. It can feel chilly in the evenings as the temperature drops so a light jumper or hoodie is a good idea and you shouldn’t forget your swimwear!

Check out the kit list, and do ask us in the office if you have any questions, but essentially, remember you’ll be carrying your own bag so pack light and pack smart.

We would say yes, whether that is a waterproof jacket, or a light rain poncho. We will be in the jungle, and the weather can be unpredictable, it can also feel a little too hot to want to put a waterproof on so do bear in mind that often everything will be wet at the end of the trekking day due to the humidity (and maybe the rain). A dry pair of clothes for the evening is a must have.

Boots should be sturdy, waterproof, have good grip (trails can be very muddy!) 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 six 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 advise on the cost.

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

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 and dries faster, though usually it’s 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 day extension, which includes surfing, diving and more 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!

If you need 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.

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 Cartagena. 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 5/6 people who will be looking after you at various stages of your trip. We would suggest bringing an additional US$150-200 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 during the trek.

You are able to access Wi-Fi at some of the camps for a small fee.

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!