TREKKING IN COLOMBIA
Trekking in Colombia: Jungle, mountains and lost cities
From jungle trails and mountain paths to ancient ruins hidden deep in the rainforest, Colombia is made for travellers who like real adventure.
Why go trekking in Colombia?
Colombia is a brilliant destination for trekking because it packs an incredible variety of landscapes into one country. You can hike through lush jungle, misty cloud forests and rugged mountain terrain, often with the chance to escape the crowds and get properly off the beaten track. Colombia trekking is also about more than just the scenery. Trails can lead to ancient archaeological sites, remote communities and landscapes that have been shaped by generations of local and Indigenous people. Whether you're looking for a challenging multi-day trek or a shorter hike through spectacular scenery, hiking in Colombia gives you a different perspective on the country. And after a few days on the trail, there's always a colourful city, a Caribbean beach or a strong cup of Colombian coffee waiting at the other end.
Sunset over the rainforest in Colombia
Valle de Cocora
The city of Minca is known for beautiful sunrises
Traditional indigenous huts
Part of the Lost City in Colombia
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Lost City Trek: Colombia's ultimate jungle adventure
The Lost City Trek is the most iconic trek of Colombia. Also known as Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City lies deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, hidden among the rainforest in northern Colombia. Getting there means several days of hiking through hot, humid jungle, crossing rivers, climbing steep mountain paths and navigating muddy trails. In other words: it's not exactly a walk in the park.
The trek usually takes around four to six days, although itineraries can vary. You'll typically spend several hours walking each day and sleep in basic camps along the route. The conditions can be challenging, but you won't be doing it alone. Local guides lead the way and share the history of the region, including the story of the Tairona civilisation and the Indigenous communities who still live in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
After climbing hundreds of ancient stone steps, you'll reach the terraces of Ciudad Perdida, surrounded by thick jungle and mountains. The archaeological site is impressive, but the real magic of the trek is the journey itself: the rivers, the jungle, the wildlife, the people you meet and the feeling of gradually leaving the modern world behind.
The Lost City Trek is a proper adventure and requires a reasonable level of fitness. But if you're prepared to sweat, get muddy and put in the work, it's one of the most rewarding ways to experience Colombia.
The Lost City in the Colombian jungle
Frequently asked questions
Colombia can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on where you want to trek. December to March, as well as July and August, are generally among the drier periods in many parts of the country. Conditions vary significantly between regions, so it's worth checking up on the climate for the specific trek you want to do.
The Lost City Trek is the most famous multi-day trek in Colombia and one of the country's biggest adventure experiences. Other popular places for hiking in Colombia include the Cocora Valley, Tayrona National Park and the mountains around Minca and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The best trek for you depends on how much time you have and whether you're looking for a challenging multi-day adventure or a shorter hike.
Pack light. Comfortable, breathable clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle are all useful. Quick-drying clothes are particularly handy when trekking in the hot and humid jungle.
Yes. You don't need previous multi-day trekking experience to take on the Lost City Trek. However, it is a challenging hike, so you should be prepared for long days in hot and humid conditions. If you're reasonably fit and used to being active, you can take on the trek even if you've never done a multi-day hike before.
Most Lost City Trek itineraries take around four to six days, although the exact duration depends on the route and trekking programme. You can generally expect to spend several hours hiking each day and sleeping in basic camps along the way.
For most travellers, absolutely. The Lost City Trek combines a challenging hike through the Colombian jungle with ancient ruins, mountain scenery and the chance to learn more about the history and communities of the region. The ruins of Ciudad Perdida are the destination, but the jungle journey to get there is a huge part of the experience.
The Lost City Trek is physically challenging, but you don't need to be an experienced mountaineer. The main challenges are the heat, humidity, steep climbs, uneven terrain, muddy trails and the number of hours spent walking each day. A reasonable level of fitness will make the experience much more enjoyable.
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You should go trekking in Colombia if you...
...want to get off the beaten track
Swap crowded tourist attractions for jungle trails, remote landscapes and a proper sense of adventure.
...wish to combine history and hiking
Combine challenging hikes with ancient history, Indigenous culture and some seriously impressive scenery.
...don't mind earning the view
Trekking in Colombia means sweat, mud and sore limps - but trust us, it's well worth it.
