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Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek

Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek

From $ 5,230 AUD

Description

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia’s famed coffee region and learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation. Discover the laidback pace of Salento, explore the nightlife of Medellin, then trade the country’s lush interior for its coast. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena and Santa Marta, then hike to the ancient archaeological site of Teyuna, or the Lost City. Within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, this site can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. Meet local Indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site.

Trip Name
Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Hike to the Lost City to Tayrona (or Teyuna) – the most important archaeological site in Colombia. Explore this sacred place with our local guides and revel in the secrets of a site only reached my multi-day hiking.
  • Discover the new face of Medellin – an arts and culture haven that’s bursting with trendy cafes, epic views and the best nightlife in Colombia – salsa anyone?
  • Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in Colombia's coffee country.
  • Visit the Indigenous WIWA Community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles that local women and men have within the community.
  • Explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that combines Caribbean splendour with irresistible old-world charm.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Day 1 - Bogota
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota. Sitting at 2644 m above sea level, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic mix of old and new. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, there’s plenty to do and see here. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine.
Day 2 - Salento
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a free beer.
Day 3 - Coffee Estancia
Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.
Day 4 - Coffee Estancia
Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Day 5 - Medellin
Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader.
Day 6 - Medellin
Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).
Day 7 - Medellin
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips!
Day 8 - Cartagena
Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses, or head out of town for a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.
Day 9 - Cartagena
Today is a free day in Cartagena. Maybe explore the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting to meet the new travellers joining you on your next leg of the adventure. Then, head out for a walk with your leader to get a feel for the city better and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional dinner.
Day 10 - Santa Marta
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. Then, head out with your leader for a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and experience some of the vibrant local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, as your leader shares insights into the city's heritage. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and explore the local dining scene.
Day 11 - Lost City Trek
This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Mamey (or Machete Pelao), which sits at about 120 m above sea level. When you arrive, you’ll have lunch before heading out on your first scenic hike in the mountains – to the Lost City. Hikehrough humid, tropical forest with amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at Adam, your mountain camp for the night, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 470 m above sea level.
Day 12 - Lost City Trek
Your second day of hiking takes you to the WIWA Community Camp, where you’ll meet El Mamo – considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The Indigenous guide will share their way of living here and the role that both women and men have within the community. After, hike through the humid, tropical forest to Mutanyi – the small Indigenous village of the Kogi people, home to only 20 huts made of mud, wood and palm trees. Continue your hike along the Buritaca River until you reach Mumake campsite for a break. When you arrive, sit by the crystal-clear waters of the river, have lunch with the group and recharge. After, you’ll carry on through the mountains, soaking up the sounds of nature along the way. The day’s hike ends at Paraiso Teyuna campsite where you’ll spend the night. Maybe go for a swim in the natural pool and listen to stories and anecdotes from your local guides as the sun goes down.
Day 13 - Lost City Trek
Today is the hardest day of hiking, heading through the rainforest to the great Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna). To get to this ancient archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River with the help of your guides, then climb the 1200 stone steps to reach the first stone rings. When you arrive, take a tour with your local guides, feeling like you’ve travelled back in time in the middle of the jungle. Learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu, and take in your lush surroundings and the sounds of the forest. After exploring the Lost City, you’ll retrace your steps back to Paraiso Teyuna campsite for lunch. Rest and recharge, then continue your route back to Mumake campsite, where you’ll spend your last night in the mountains.
Day 14 - Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta
It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping at Adam campsite to recharge your batteries with a few snacks and maybe a dip in the natural pool. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you have a free evening to rest or head out to an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
Day 15 - Santa Marta
Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 5,230-
02-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 5,440-
01-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 5,230-
29-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 5,230-
13-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 5,440-
03-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 5,710-
31-01-202614-02-2026AUD $ 5,710-
21-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 5,710-
07-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 5,710-
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 5,490-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 5,490-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 5,490-
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 5,710-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 5,490-
31-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 5,490-
28-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 5,490-
12-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 5,710-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights),Coffee Estancia (2 nights),Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle,Plane,Local bus

Map