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Trek Colombia’s Mountains and Lost City
5.0
| 22 reviews

Trek Colombia’s Mountains and Lost City

10 nights
Challenging

Journey through spectacularly diverse terrain, hiking amongst sacred jungles, ancient volcanoes and misty cloud forest

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

All accommodation

3 nights camping, 3 nights in an eco-hotel, 2 nights in a mountain lodge, 2 nights at rural farms

Meals

All breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners

Internal flights & transfers

Flight from Pereira Airport to Santa Marta; plus airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment & Permits

All camping equipment, plus National Park fees and permits

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

5.0
| 22 reviews
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
March 2024
Nadege W.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
A unique and unforgettable experience
February 2024
Kirsty M.
Absolutely brilliant
February 2024
Alexandra N.
Absolutely brilliant
February 2024
Alexandra N.
Absolutely brilliant
February 2024
Alexandra N.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent
February 2024
Nikki B.
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
January 2024
Kelley I.
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
January 2024
Kelley I.

Trek one of South America’s most mysterious routes to discover La Ciudad Perdida, a pre-Hispanic lost city hidden deep in the jungle

Hike through verdant coffee zones, past the otherworldly Valle de Cocora, along high-altitude páramos and to secluded Caribbean beaches

Explore the unique ecosystem of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a hushed cloud forest which harbours rare species and is home to the Tayrona people

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Colombia

Check into your hotel in Medellin and choose between relaxing or joining your guide on an optional short walk around the neighbourhood. Join the rest of your group for dinner at a local restaurant and sample some local Colombian cuisine as you get to know your fellow adventurers.

Day 2

Coffee Country

Get ready for a dramatic change of landscape as you travel to the colonial Andean town of Salento in the UNESCO-listed coffee zone, west of Bogotá. This road trip will take approximately seven hours by a comfortable public coach. As you pass through rolling hills and agricultural settlements, you’ll get a real insight into rural Colombia, before arriving at a beautiful country ranch where you’ll spend the night.

Day 3

Valle De Cocora

Trekking Los Nevados Colombia Kagumu

Hiking

5-6hrs · 10.6km · 1415m up · 300m down

Begin the day ascending into one of Colombia’s crown jewels - Los Nevados National Natural Park. Discover snow-dipped peaks, wax palms (the tallest palm trees in the world), elevated lagoons and towering volcanoes as you emerge from the wispy cloud forest below. Keep your eyes open for the alien-like frailejones that sprout from the paramo, as well as parrots and marmots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a spectacled bear. Arrive at your overnight destination at La Argentina Farm, grab a quick tinto or aromatica then settle in for the evening, taking in the stunning views of La Tolima volcano.

Day 4

Los Nevados

Trekking Los Nevados Colombia Kagumu

Hiking

3-4hrs · 6.7km · 530m up · 300m down

Continue trekking through the beautiful mountains of Los Nevados from La Argentina Farm to La Playa Farm. Be sure to look up during the day to see condors circling above the trail and at night for the blanket of stars above. Should conditions permit, then it may be possible to trek an alternative route today and tackle the summit of Paramillo Del Quindio (4750m summit, approx. 10 hrs, 18km, +1350m -1000m). Note that this summit was closed to trekkers in 2023 and remains closed until further notice in 2024.

Day 5

The Cloud Forest

Trek Colombia’s Mountains and Lost City

Hiking

6-8hrs · 22.6km · 600m up · 1900m down

Set off early through the humid Cocora Valley and into the misty and mysterious cloud forest. Descend into the vibrant green valley ahead before returning to the ranch by jeep along a bumpy dirt track.

Day 6

Heart of the World

Lost City Trek

After a traditional Colombian breakfast of arepas (cornbread) with cheese and fruit, you’ll head to Pereira Airport to fly up to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a richly biodiverse and unique ecosystem, home to several indigenous communities. Spend the night in Santa Marta.

Day 7

Into the Jungle

Trekking Lost City Colombia Kagumu

Hiking

6hrs · 7.6km · 500m up · 150m down

Begin your trek to the Lost City, once the heart of the ancient Tayrona civilisation. Follow the small and winding path that connects the farming region to the jungle and take a refreshing dip in the river to recharge your batteries. Arrive at your camp in the mid-afternoon and relax before a dinner served to the sound of a jungle chorus - your soundtrack for the next few nights.

Day 8

Ancient Civilisations

Trekking Lost City Colombia Kagumu

Hiking

10hrs · 14.7km · 550m up · 220m down

Trek through a humid jungle alive with native birds and wildlife, wading at times through waist-deep rivers. Wash under a waterfall and get a panoramic view over the coastal mountain range. Continue your journey towards the Lost City and learn about the sacred traditions, myths and legends of the local indigenous people and hear stories about the tomb raiders and grave robbers that once combed the land looking for gold and ancient artefacts.

Day 9

The Lost City

Trekking Lost City Colombia Kagumu

Hiking

6hrs · 9.6km · 400m up · 740m down

Enter a sacred land shrouded in mystery and ancient traditions. Led by your guides, you’ll ascend the gruelling 1200 steps to the lost city of Ciudad Perdida built 650 years before Machu Picchu. As well as having time to explore, the group will also take part in a ceremony to pay tribute to the natural environment. Keep your eyes peeled for snakes hanging from the vines that have taken over this once-thriving city.

Day 10

The Caribbean Coast

Palomino, Colombia

Hiking

6hrs · 12.7km · 20m up · 340m down

Hike to Machete, stopping to bathe under waterfalls and swim in rivers - a welcome relief after days of humidity. Head back to an eco-hotel located near Parque Tayrona and enjoy your final evening together. There’s nowhere on earth with higher mountains as close to the sea, and on a clear day you can swim in the Caribbean and see snow-capped mountains at the same time.

Day 11

Goodbye Colombia

Trekking Lost City Colombia Kagumu

Wake one last time in Colombia and then head back to the airport in time for your flight home. Remember if you are flying home from Medellin rather than directly from Santa Marta, you will need to book your own internal flight back to Medellin - see our getting there section for details.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Medellin Airport

Afternoon on Day 1

Ends

Santa Marta Airport

Anytime on Day 11

Transfers

Transfers are included if you arrive or depart on the start and end days of the trip only. If you would like your host to arrange transfers outside of these days, they can do for an extra charge. Please see Optional Extras. Note that hotel check in times are typically early afternoon - if you require access in the morning then you'll have to request this in advance with the host.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Medellin from major airports across the UK, Europe and US.

You may wish to arrive early and spend an extra day or two independently exploring the wonderful city of Medellin. Your host can assist with arranging additional nights and hotel stays - see Optional Extras.

Please note that the trip finishes at Santa Marta Airport, so if you are returning home from Medellin then you will need to book an internal flight from Santa Marta to Medellin. There are many flight options available and they usually cost around $75-$100. We recommend LATAM or Avianca: take a look at despegar.com for booking flights.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 – Day 4

Homestay · Mixed dorm

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7 – Day 9

Campsite · Hammock

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 11

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

You will get a true taste of Colombian cuisine through home-cooked meals, traditional mountain lunches and hearty breakfasts. For example for breakfast, you may be served soups, arepas (cornbread), rice and beans, fresh coffee and a variety of fruit. For lunch, there may be potatoes, rice, plantain, chicken and vegetables wrapped in a banana leaf. At dinner, typical dishes include wholesome vegetable soups, rice, salad and grilled meat.

Vegan, vegetarians and other dietary requirements can be catered for, just let your host know when booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Twin room at the Sites Hotel in Medellin, Colombia.
Medellin

You'll spend your first night in city of Medellín. You'll stay in twin rooms at the Sites Hotel in Poblado, a safe and vibrant part of town.

Terrazas de Salento in Salento, Colombia
Salento

In the small town of Salento, where you'll sleep on Day 2 and Day 5, you'll stay in traditional small hotel accommodation. Each departure can vary as to which specific accommodation is chosen by your host, however the typical locations used are Terrazas de Salento, Tia Emiss or Salento Real. This will be in either a twin- or triple-share room, depending on availability.

Los Nevados
Los Nevados (Finca La Argentina & Finca La Playa)

On Day 3 and Day 4, you'll experience the life of a traditional Colombian farmer by staying in their rustic and humble farm lodges, sharing home-cooked meals and getting to know the family, while hearing stories about the magical Andean mountains.

Nature Reserve Santa Marta

In Santa Marta, you’ll stay in an eco-hotel, located in the jungle close to the Caribbean Coast. You'll stay here on Day 6 and Day 10, and your host typically uses Villa Margarita or La Mar del Bien. Rooms are twin-share, with private bathrooms.

Trekking Lost City Colombia Kagumu
The Lost City

You’ll spend three nights in basic campsites during your trek to La Ciudad Perdida ('the Lost City'). There will usually be a choice of hammocks or beds, all of which come with mosquito nets. There are basic toilet facilities, but any washing can be done in waterfalls and streams en route.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private hotel room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price.

This is only available for the one night in Medellin, two nights in Salento and two nights in Santa Marta (subject to availability) – it's not available at the farm homestays or while camping on the way to the Lost City. Please request this at the time of booking.

This trip has been rated as Challenging

The trekking, while not technically difficult, requires that you be in good physical shape as the days are long and the conditions are challenging. You will reach some high altitudes in the Los Nevados portion of the trip, sleeping at an altitude of 3490m on Day 3 and 3720m on Day 4. The highest point reached whilst trekking is 4040m on Day 5.

Should you decide to return down the mountain from Los Nevados because of the trekking difficulty, then any extra accommodation bookings in Salento are at your own expense.

Medellín is known as 'La Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera', the city of eternal spring. The city has a comfortable climate that is consistent year-round, thanks to its location at a high elevation and near the equator.

Los Nevados has a dry season from December to March and July to August. During the dry season, the Andes enjoy sunny days with temperatures reaching up to 20°C. At night, temperatures drop drastically (as low as 0°C). While there is a lower chance of rain during the dry season, there will be days (in the evenings especially) with potentially heavy rain.

Santa Marta is usually warm during the day, with temperatures of around 40°C and cooler at night (around 20°C) with a fresh breeze. During the wet season (from June to November) short, sharp rain showers are not uncommon.

Nadege W.(March 2024)
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!
Colombian adventure and lost city trek!

What an amazing adventure! I got to learn and experience so much! Both hikes were beautiful. All the guides had such great positive energy and had so much knowledge! Especially the lost city trek, and everything that came with it, has been so unique and special: learning about, and meeting, the native tribes while hiking in the beautiful Colombian jungle. Memories for life.

Martin L.(February 2024)
Fantastic hiking adventure in this

Fantastic hiking adventure in this biodiverse area. Laura and the guides looked after us all really well and I would very much recommend a trip to Colombia. I would suggest definitely arrive a day or two early to explore Medellín.

Kirsty M.(February 2024)
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience
A unique and unforgettable experience

We had a true once in a lifetime experience in Colombia. It enabled us to see so much in a short space of time but in a way that never felt rushed. The hiking is intense, but very well paced, allowing time to enjoy nature and learn about the unique indigenous communities (directly from one of their members). The guides on both treks and Laura (who accompanied us throughout) were just incredible. So knowledgeable, passionate, patient and good fun. They absolutely made the trip.

Los Nevados is the most beautiful and interesting ecosystem I’ve ever experienced and the Tejuna (lost city) is fascinating. Be prepared to be sweaty but exhilarated! We would recommend extending your trip at either side of you can to adjust to the time zone/climate/altitude beforehand, rest a little afterwards, and have time to explore some of Colombia’s amazing cities too.

One tip is that you need to bring everything you’ll need for the humid, hot Tejuna (lost city) trek, but you can rent walking poles there and some of our list (waterproofs, walking poles etc) is available to borrow for the Los Nevados trek.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see these incredible landscapes and learn about Colombian culture from insiders.

Alexandra N.(February 2024)
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely brilliant

This was an amazing trip all round. Definitely challenging, with the contrast between the Andes and the jungle, but oh so worth it. Some of the most beautiful scenery I've seen, amazing people and places. The altitude and accommodation in the mountains, not going to lie, are a challenge, as are the heat and humidity in the jungle. But the group leader Dani was absolutely fantastic as were all the local guides, and I wouldn't have changed a single thing! The Lost City is truly magical and getting to learn about the indigenous culture was so special. If you're looking at this trip, honestly, just do it, you won't regret it!

Norman O.(February 2024)
A very memorable trip. Well

A very memorable trip. Well orgainsed and great to visit some of the more unusual parts of Colombia. All the guides were excellent, so knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Especially Dani, who looked after us from start to finish and encouraged me through some of the tougher parts.

Anthony C.(February 2024)
Trek Colombia's Mountains and Lost City

Fantastic trip. Superb Guides who were professional, friendly and their knowledge of the areas were excellent. Particular thanks to Dani who went out of his way to make the trip memorable and that nothing was too much trouble for him. The different regions visited were varied and very interesting. The trekking was challenging but well worth the effort and very rewarding with a sense of achievement. Colombia definitely worth visiting and will recommend to friends.

Nikki B.(February 2024)
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent

An excellent trip with the most amazing scenery throughout. Our host (guide) Dani was beyond amazing and solved any problems we encountered along the way, all he wanted was for us to have a great time as a group and we did. An extra day in Medellin before the trip and a few days after the lost city would be worth adding on to the trip is my personal opinion. The hiking was tough at times but manageable for all and correctly categorised. The accommodation in the Cocora valley was not the best but as there were no other options it did the job. Overall an amazing trip that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone. (I best add we had wall to wall sunshine for the duration of the trip which probably helped).

Kelley I.(January 2024)
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!
Excellent trip that introduces 2 very different parts of Columbia!

Fabulous trip that shows you 2 very different parts of this gorgeous country! Challenging hikes, great food and lots of interesting things to learn about the history & the people. I highly recommend this trip! It’s hard to pick a favorite part, but I would have to say seeing the lost city was a real thrill!

I’m glad I arrived in Medellin 2 days early as it gave me a chance to explore that city and its rich history before settling off to the 2nd day of the trip to a new location.

Adam(December 2023)
Had a fantastic experience on

Had a fantastic experience on this trip. Local guides were outstanding and seemed to really care about our experience. Overall coordination (with many moving parts) was all executed really well. The hikes were challenging, but not overly so. Enjoyed the contrast of the national park piece of the trip (high altitude & cold nights) vs. the Lost City trek (hot, humid jungle). Very interesting learning about the local tribes inhabiting the LC area and felt more culturally immersed in this trip vs. some of the other itineraries I've done. Overall was a great trip!

Christopher(December 2023)
Fantastic trip in almost all

Fantastic trip in almost all regards. Our guides Laura and Juan, as well as the individual trek guides were incredible thoughout. Both treking parts of the trip were challenging, but enjoyable - accomodation and food were basic but comfortable, the scenery and wildlife spectacular and the group had an amazing time exploring it all together.

The logistics of getting everyone around were well managed and almost everything went to plan - where it didn't the guides adapted quickly and sometimes we got some extra bonus adventures that we weren't expecting!

Overall, I would highly recommend this trip as an introduction to the beauty and fantastic people of Colombia - you won't regret it.

Nora(October 2023)

I would recommend this trip to anyone who is fit & resilient to enjoy the two challenging treks. The trip was absolutely incredible, with so many different environments and experiences. I want to go back to Colombia immediately!

Ray(July 2023)

Good trip

Marie A.(June 2023)

Fantastic trip

Natasha(March 2023)
A trip with everything! I loved this trip b...
A trip with everything! I loved this trip b...
A trip with everything! I loved this trip b...
A trip with everything! I loved this trip b...
A trip with everything! I loved this trip b...

A trip with everything! I loved this trip because the itinerary was so varied, cities, mountains, jungle, lost city, river swims and beaches. You really get a taste of everything Columbia has to offer. But don’t underestimate Los Navados, it’s beautiful but the challenge is on! As there is no time to acclimatise, it’s a short high hike for the 3 days. The local guides were great, Danny really is your best friend in Columbia and I felt in great hands from the moment we arrived. The lost city was incredible and we were so lucky to learn so much around the place and the indigenous tribes that live there. A real privilege.

Katherine(February 2022)
Simon and his team were fantastic and made...

Simon and his team were fantastic and made for an exceptional trip. From stunning sceneries to heritage and culture, I would absolutely go on this trip again. High recommend.

Julia(March 2020)

Colombia is a beautiful country with different landscapes, which this trek is united. Amazing experience. Great host. Simon and Laura were very supportive and helpful, were always there for us. Local guides on both treks helped to get the maximum of a great experience. It was a bit surprise for me, that Lost City trek was also very educatable, and not just a walk till the point. You can easily do it in 3 days, but 4 days trek was enjoyable, with breaks such as saving and refreshing swims in the river. Mountains trek was pretty challenging due to attitude and plenty of distance to cover, but it was great even with rain and mud. In the rain forest trekking was slightly easier.

Laura(March 2020)
Thank you to Simon, Laura and everyone at K...
Thank you to Simon, Laura and everyone at K...
Thank you to Simon, Laura and everyone at K...

Thank you to Simon, Laura and everyone at Kagumu for a brilliant trip. We were so well looked after from start to finish and packed in loads of walking and adventure. The local guides were excellent and taught us loads about the local cultures. Hosts took care of everything and I love their sustainable ethos. The two different treks showed off how beautiful and diverse Colombia is. I highly recommend this trip!

Matthew(March 2020)

A life-time experience. So good that my girlfriend and I got engaged whilst we were out there! Far from just a beautiful hike; a chance to explore and really delve deep into a gorgeously rich and diverse country through cities, peoples, ecosystems and history, culminating in the discovery of a magnificent ancient city and civilization as fascinating as the Incas and the Mayas. Your hosts and guides are extremely knowledgeable, some of them scientists and experts in their fields, and even a couple of indigenous guides no less! They are genuinely lovely and supportive as are the people we met on the trip. The whole trip is very well thought through and executed.

Mark(March 2020)

Two fantastic trekking tours and great experience of Colombian culture. A great organisation from start to finish.

Kristen(March 2020)
I loved every minute of this adventure! I v...
I loved every minute of this adventure! I v...

I loved every minute of this adventure! I very much appreciated the emphasis on responsible and sustainable travel and the inclusion of native guides from whom we had the chance to learn about the country’s history and culture. Every detail was handled, leaving us nothing to worry about, including plenty of vegan options at every meal. We packed so much into our time together...this is definitely a trip I’ll never forget!

Belinda(March 2020)
Brilliant trip. First half quite tough as g...
Brilliant trip. First half quite tough as g...
Brilliant trip. First half quite tough as g...

Brilliant trip. First half quite tough as getting to a high altitude quite quickly so you have to be fit but definitely worth doing. Columbia is amazing and never felt unsafe. Lost City trek the highlight. Highly recommend.

Hamish(March 2020)

Incredible from start to finish. Brilliantly organised, with very knowledgeable local guides. Trekking through amazing surroundings with stunning vistas while also learning about indigenous cultures as well as the local flora and fauna. Could not recommend this trip more highly - huge thanks to Simon and Laura for organising and looking after us all!

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

Bags

  • Main luggage (backpack or duffel bag)
  • Small daypack (25-30 litres)

Clothes

  • A light poncho-type of waterproof
  • Good quality, worn-in waterproof hiking boots (you could be hiking in shallow water, mud, grassy and rocky terrain)
  • Gaiters
  • Thermal under-clothing
  • Long-sleeved t-shirts or shirts
  • Warm fleece or similar
  • Waterproof jacket with Gore Tex or similar
  • Quick-dry trekking trousers
  • T-shirts
  • Thick walking socks
  • Comfortable quick-dry shorts
  • Thin walking socks
  • Swimwear
  • T-shirts or vests
  • Shorts
  • Sturdy waterproof sandals for river swimming
  • Gloves
  • Hat
  • Buff

Other

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun-protection hat
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Ear plugs
  • Head torch
  • Suncream
  • Lip balm
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Quick-drying towel
  • Personal wash kit including toothpaste, toothbrush and toilet paper
  • Personal medical kit including painkillers, blister treatment etc
  • Biodegradable bags for toilet paper waste
  • Biodegradable soap for washing in the jungle
  • Water purification tablets
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Camera (optional)
  • Walking poles (optional)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Double/Twin Room in Medellin from

Payable Before Departure

Double/Twin Room in Medellin from

Per Night

Single Room in Medellin from

Payable Before Departure

Single Room in Medellin from

Per Night

Double/Twin Room in Santa Marta

Payable Before Departure

Double/Twin Room in Santa Marta

Per Night

Single Room in Santa Marta

Payable Before Departure

Single Room in Santa Marta

Per Night

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Private Airport Transfer Medellin from

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer Medellin from

Per Person

Private Airport Transfer Santa Marta from

Payable Before Departure

Private Airport Transfer Santa Marta from

Per Person

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 413kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

In Los Nevados you will have a team of mules who will carry your overnight kit so you will just need a small day pack with essentials (extra layer, water, snacks etc). While trekking to the Lost City you will need to carry everything you need for the trek (2 days) - as it is very hot this will generally just mean a spare set of clothes. Water will be topped up as you go. You can store your main luggage with your host at the start of the trek.

Water in most major cities is safe to drink, however, in towns and villages in the Andes water shouldn’t be drunk from the tap. We advise bringing purification tablets. While trekking you will be provided with clean drinking water to top your bottles up with.

Modern-day Colombia is not 1980's Narcos. For decades the country was in the international press for all the wrong reasons – drugs, kidnappings and civil war. Now with a peace agreement in place between the FARC and the Colombian government, Colombia is much safer and tourism has bloomed.

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the following as a guideline per person:

$3-$5USD per person per day, however, if you would like to bring a gift from the UK as a thank you, this will also go a long way!

Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.

This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All our trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind we’re backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

November 2024

Saturday 23rd November 2024

to Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Days 3-5 will differ from the trip page itinerary on this departure date
Guaranteed to run
Last minute - Host approval required
Hurry, only 3 spaces left
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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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