February 8, 2017
Ciudad Perdida also known as the Lost City is a multi day out-and-back trek. The hike must be done withe a guide and there are several local operators with treks leaving daily. You have the option of doing it in 4, 5 or 6 days. I read a lot of mixed reviews online about the hikes difficultly and that 5 days was recommended. We ended up risking it and signed up for the 4 days – glad we did! Its totally manageable if you’re in decent shape (I say this after not working out for the 5 months prior and I was totally okay). There are a few big climbs but nothing that makes you want to quit. The days range from 10-15k and have a range of terrain of uphill, downhill and lots of mud depending on how much it had rained. The trek itself is more impressive that the lost city – the journey is definitely more than the destination in this case. There are also lost of swimming holes along the way making a very enjoyable end to the day. The Colombian jungle through Sierra de Santa Marta is breathtaking.
The hardest part for me was the sleeping accommodations. You have either a bed or a hammock but the mattresses on the bed are pretty much nonexistent. And the hammocks are cold to sleep in. The bedding is dirty and not washed everyday. In fact, I’d de surprised if it’s washed once a week and you can image how gross it gets with dirty hikers and damp weather.
Food is basic but decent. All food and supplies for each group is carried up by mules. Consequently, beer gets more expensive the farther in you get.
Since we were there during the high season, the cost was 850,000 CMP instead of 700,000. It’s the same price no matter how many days you take to do the trek. Only complaint is for that price, there should have at least been toilet paper. Again, the facilities are terrible!
