Trekking to the Lost City: Practical tips for an ancient expedition
Can you imagine walking through the mists of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, surrounded by virgin jungle, crossing crystal-clear rivers, and discovering the secrets of an ancient civilization that has been hidden among the mountains for more than 1,200 years?
This is the trek to Ciudad Perdida, one of the most transformative trips you can experience in Colombia. And if you’re thinking about doing it, prepare yourself not only for a demanding hike, but also for a spiritual experience that connects body, mind, and soul.
At Betoma Tours, we have accompanied thousands of travelers to this sacred site and we want to share with you the best practical tips to ensure your adventure is safe, unforgettable… and deeply revealing.
🌿 Why is Ciudad Perdida much more than a trek?
Because it’s not just about walking. It’s about reconnecting with our roots.
The Lost City (Teyuna) was built by the Tayrona civilization long before Machu Picchu. It’s a sacred site for the Arhuaco, Kogui, Wiwa, and Kankuamo indigenous peoples, and every step you take on its trails is a tribute to their ancestral wisdom.
When you take this trek with respect, guidance, and purpose, you’re not just exploring the jungle… you’re exploring yourself.
🥾 Are you ready to hike 60 km in 4 days?
The route is demanding. Steep climbs, slippery stretches, constant humidity, and nights without modern comforts. But don’t worry: you don’t need to be a professional athlete. You just need the will, good preparation, and a guide who inspires confidence.
✅ Here are our practical tips for a successful expedition:
1. Prepare yourself physically, but also mentally.
Trekking involves walking between 6 and 8 hours a day for 4 or 5 days. The best thing you can do is train by walking with weights and climbing stairs before the trip. But even more importantly: be prepared to let go of control, disconnect from your phone, and open your heart to nature.
2. Travel light, but with the essentials
Pack only what you need:
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing
- Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip
- Sandals for relaxing
- Repellent, sunscreen, and a hat
- Light towel and swimsuit
- Headlamp and power bank
- Basic first aid kit
Betoma’s Pro Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for your clothes and documents; the rain can surprise you!
3. Connect with your guide and the group
Traveling with a certified local guide is key. They not only guide you along the route, but are also guardians of ancestral knowledge. Listen to them, ask them questions, learn. At Betoma Tours, we work with indigenous and rural guides who know every corner of the mountain and bring human and cultural value to every step of the way.
4. Respect the sacred territory
Ciudad Perdida is not just a tourist attraction. It is a living, spiritual place. Respect the signs, don’t touch what you shouldn’t, and listen when the guides share the rules of the mamos (indigenous spiritual leaders). Your respect is part of the experience.
5. Listen to your body and enjoy the present
Don’t pressure yourself to finish first. This trek isn’t about speed, but about awareness. Pause, breathe deeply, admire the butterflies, listen to the birds, feel the energy of the mountain. At Betoma, we say: he who walks with respect always reaches the heart of Teyuna.
🌄 What transforms this experience?
- You learn to live with the bare minimum and value the essential.
- You break from routine and reconnect with yourself.
- You discover the grandeur of a culture that lives on.
- You feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
🙌 Your next great adventure is waiting for you
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is not for everyone. But if you’re looking for more than just an Instagram photo, if you want an experience that challenges you, teaches you, and transforms you… then this is your calling.
At Betoma Tours, we organize responsible expeditions with expert guides, small groups, and a deep understanding of the spiritual value of this place. We walk with you, step by step, so you can experience this adventure safely and meaningfully.
🎒 Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime?
👉 Reserve your spot today and start writing your own story at Ciudad Perdida:
www.betomatours.com
