The trek to Lost City (Teyuna), one of the most important archaeological parks in Colombia, is considered by many travelers to be the best trek in South America. However, it is also one of the most demanding.
During the journey, tourists hike approximately 60 kilometers (round trip) over 4 days, crossing the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with long daily hikes, high humidity, frequent rain, and direct contact with nature.
The Lost City is an archaeological site of enormous historical and spiritual value. True to its name, it remains hidden among the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and can only be accessed by hiking along trails that follow the Buritaca River, a waterway that originates in the mountains and sustains the entire ecosystem of the region
Due to the terrain conditions, the tropical climate, and the length of the hike, knowing what to bring to the Lost City is essential to enjoy the experience safely and comfortably. Many travelers have questions about what to pack before starting the adventure.
How to Pack Your Bag for the Lost City Trek
The final destination is truly fascinating: an ancient city with unique architecture, built by the Tayrona civilization and nestled deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Reaching this impressive archaeological site is not easy, as the access culminates with the ascent of a staircase of more than 1,200 stone steps that leads to the ancient terraces where the Lost City once stood.
However, the true adventure lies along the entire journey, experiencing an authentic adventure in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Colombia.
For this reason, it is essential to properly prepare your luggage before starting the expedition. Below, we share a series of key recommendations you should keep in mind when organizing your bag for the Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days
We have prepared a complete guide with everything you need to bring for the Lost City trek, including practical tips that apply at any time of the year, so you can prepare properly and fully enjoy this unforgettable adventure in Colombia.
Medium or small backpack or briefcase
During the hike, each traveler carries their own luggage. The agency Expotur will only be responsible for transporting everything related to the logistics needed to ensure a comfortable stay at the camps, and for providing snacks and fresh fruit along the way to help you recover energy and keep you motivated throughout the adventure.
This is one of the most important recommendations to keep in mind, as carrying a light backpack to Ciudad Perdida will make all the difference during the long and demanding daily hikes you will have to undertake. Remember that carrying extra weight will slow you down, as you will tire more quickly.
Important
If you decide to do the Lost City excursion with Expotur, you do not need to worry about your extra luggage, as you will be able to store it in our office at no additional cost while you take the tour.
Closed-toe shoes or trekking boots
The best option for hiking will always be specialized boots for mountain trails or “trekking boots.” If you don’t have any, it’s best to wear a good pair of sneakers that don’t have flat soles, as you could slip and hurt yourself.
Simple sandals
After the day’s hikes, you will arrive at campsites where you can rest; this is when you will use your sandals, allowing your feet to recover.
Comfortable clothing
We recommend bringing quick-drying clothing, as it is lighter and, in case of rain or sweat, the humidity in Ciudad Perdida will not prevent you from wearing it the next day or storing it in your backpack without getting the rest of your clothes wet or dirty.
Remember that it is not necessary to bring too many clothes.
In addition to the clothes you will wear during the day, we recommend bringing long pants or leggings and a sweatshirt, as the nights tend to be cooler. We also suggest that you reserve these extra clothes for wearing at night.
4 pairs of socks
It is best to bring a pair of socks for each day of the tour. This will keep your feet free of fungus caused by moisture or sweat.
Towel
Although there are camps along the tour to Ciudad Perdida, they do not provide towels. Each tourist must bring their own. We recommend that you bring a quick-dry towel!
Swimwear
Expotur guides usually take tourists to safe areas of the Buritaca River where you can swim. However, in case of rain, the guide will not allow you to enter the river, as the current is very strong and could endanger your safety.
Personal hygiene kit
Just as you need to bring your towel, you should also bring your soap, shampoo, deodorant, and any other personal hygiene items you consider necessary or that you normally use.
¡No olvides que en Ciudad Perdida hay baños y duchas privadas para que estés tranquilo a la hora de hacer tus necesidades!
Personal medicines
If you have a health condition that requires you to take medication, you must bring it with you. The guides carry a first aid kit, but it only contains basic supplies.
Remember that your medications must be recommended by your personal doctor!
Environmentally friendly sunscreen
Even though the climate in Ciudad Perdida is more humid, this does not mean that the sun does not shine. There are areas along the trail that are not covered by trees, and the strong sun can damage your skin.
For added protection, you can also wear a cap or hat.
Environmentally friendly insect repellent
Remember that you will be in the jungle, so there will always be insects. It is best to protect yourself during daytime walks, but especially at night. It should be noted that all beds have mosquito nets; however, you will be out of bed during dinner and when socializing with your fellow tour members.
Important
We need to take care of the environment in the area we will be visiting, which is why it is essential that you bring eco-friendly products to reduce the impact on ecosystems.
Large water bottle for the first day
The camps have water filtration containers where you can refill your container. You can also buy bottled water there.
Camera
A picture is worth a thousand words, so there’s nothing better than a couple of photos to share your experience: the beautiful landscape, the flora and fauna, the indigenous communities that inhabit the area, and anything else you think is worth capturing.
Don’t worry, if you don’t have a professional camera, your cell phone camera will do just fine.
Some camps have generators that allow you to charge your devices, and currently some also offer WiFi. You only need to pay a small symbolic fee to the camp owners.
Cash
We always tell our tourists that it is important to bring extra money for three reasons:
1. Along the way, you will find shops and indigenous people selling handicrafts and souvenirs. If you have extra money, you can buy a souvenir for your loved ones.
2. At the camps, you will find small shops selling snacks, beer, water, cold soft drinks, and other products in case you want something extra.
3. If necessary, local communities offer mule services to transport you or your belongings.
Books or small board games
In the evenings, after dinner, you have free time to get to know your fellow travelers a little better. There’s nothing better than a game of UNO to have a laugh and relax your muscles.
On the other hand, we know that sometimes the day can be exhausting and you just want to lie down and read a little; in this case, your favorite book may be the best option.
At Expotur, our guides take some time after dinner to share interesting facts about Ciudad Perdida and talk a little about how they feel about their experience.
Flashlight
The camps have power generators; however, there is a set schedule for turning off the lights. If you need to go to the bathroom, you will need light so you don’t get lost or trip on the way. If you don’t have one, you can use your cell phone camera.
Waterproof backpack cover
This will help protect your backpack from rain, should it occur during the tour.
2 Bags made of durable, waterproof material
If your backpack does not have a rain cover, you can use one of these bags to protect it from the rain. The second bag can be used to store your dirty and/or wet clothes.
We hope this list will be useful in helping you pack the perfect suitcase for your next trip to Ciudad Perdida!
Documentation
To book the Lost City tour, you must present your identification document (passport, national ID, or citizenship card) at the Expotur offices. For the trek, it is enough to carry a copy of the original document during the journey, which helps avoid the risk of losing the original.
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