The Lost City
Lonely Planet’s top hiking route in South America, nestled deep within the lush Amazon rainforest of Santa Marta, Colombia 🇨🇴.
This was once the cultural heart of the ancient Tairona civilization, swallowed by the jungle for 1,200 years. Its ruins predate Machu Picchu by 600 years and were only rediscovered about a decade ago, making it one of Colombia’s most enigmatic and awe-inspiring destinations.
**[Experience]**
– Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sierra Nevada indigenous tribes, where ancient traditions, dialects, and customs still thrive today.
– Splash into adventure! Want to take the leap from a 5-meter-high cliff? The water below is crystal-clear and inviting.
– Venture deep into the tropical rainforest to encounter rare wildlife (we spotted a stunning hornbill!
) and marvel at extraordinary plant life (like banana trees that are absolutely colossal).
– Wander through the mystical ruins of the Lost City and uncover its secrets, steeped in centuries of mystery and history.
**[How to Get There]**
The nearest airport is in Santa Marta, a charming Caribbean coastal town renowned for its diving spots (more on that in our next post) and as the birthplace of literary legend Gabriel García Márquez. Most travel agencies depart from here, offering easy access to this hidden gem.
**[Itinerary]**
Here’s what you can expect from most agency-led tours:
– **Day 1:** Start with a scenic drive to the trailhead, followed by a 7km afternoon warm-up hike. Arrive at camp, sleep in hammocks under the stars, and cool off with a dip in the river.
– **Day 2:** Brace yourself for the toughest day—14km of challenging uphill trekking.
Along the way, you’ll pass through an indigenous village and enjoy refreshing swims in the river.
– **Day 3:** Climb the 1,200 stone steps crafted by the Tairona people, leading to breathtaking views of their massive, ancient “city.” Reach the Lost City itself and then head back 9.6km in the afternoon.
– **Day 4:** Conquer the final stretch—a 12.7km journey back to the starting point.
We highly recommend a local guide we met who studied Chinese at Zhejiang Normal University and speaks flawless Mandarin! He now works in Chinese international education locally, and if you’re interested in visiting, feel free to reach out—he adds an extra layer of connection for Asian travelers (though we joined an English-speaking group and were the only Asians on the trip, his fluency came as a delightful surprise). Of course, the European and American travelers were also fantastic company!
**[Precautions ⚠️]**
– Bring insect repellent; the rainforest is teeming with bugs.
– Pack your swimsuit🩱 and towel—you’ll have countless opportunities to swim in pristine rivers.
– Don’t forget long-sleeved clothing; despite being in the tropics, the altitude keeps nighttime temperatures around 14°C in March.
– Slippers, flashlight, and sunscreen are essential for comfort and safety.
Stay tuned for updates on bay diving, mining towns, and adventures in Medellín and Bogotá!
رحلة مذهلة! المشي لمسافات طويلة عبر الغابة المطيرة لا يُنسى، ورؤية آثار المدينة المفقودة هو تجربة روحية حقيقية. أتمنى أن أزور هذا المكان يومًا ما.