Visit the Lost City: How many days do I need? The Lost City, also known as Teyuna, is an archaeological treasure in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, built by the Tayrona people between 600 and 800 AD. You can take the Lost City Tour in 3, 4, 5 or 6 days with one of the authorized operators such as us, Magic Tour Colombia. There is no one-day tour to the Lost City. The Teyuna archaeological site is located deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and requires a multi-day hike.
Each route is designed to adapt to different types of travelers: those with little time looking for an intense experience, those who prefer a balanced itinerary, and those who want to take it slow, combining trekking with natural landscapes and waterfalls.Here we explain each option so you can choose the one that best fits your time and budget.
3-Day Tour: Ideal for the Most Adventurous
This tour is designed for travelers with limited time or those who want a more intense experience. It includes 3 full days of trekking with daily walks of 8–9 hours.
3-Day Lost City Tour Itinerary
✅ Day 1: Departure at 5:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Santa Marta. 3-hour 4×4 transfer to El Mamey, then motorcycle to Vista Hermosa. 2-hour hike passing by the indigenous community of Mutanzhi. Lunch at Mumake camp and continuation of a 5-hour hike to Camp 3 for overnight stay.
✅ Day 2: Early departure with a 1-hour climb to the stairs leading to the Lost City. 2-hour guided tour of the archaeological terraces with historical and ethnological explanation, plus free time to connect with the site. Return to Camp 2.
✅ Day 3: After breakfast, 7-hour hike back to El Mamey. Lunch upon arrival and 4×4 transfer back to Santa Marta.
When to choose the 3-Day Tour:
✅ If you have limited time.
✅ If you are in good physical condition and used to long hikes.
✅ If you have extra budget, since this option is private and slightly more expensive than the 4-day tour.
4-Day Tour: The Most Popular and Balanced Option
The 4-day tour is the classic and most requested route to the Lost City. It offers the perfect balance between adventure, comfort, and enough time to enjoy the site.
4-Day Lost City Tour Itinerary
✅ Day 1: 4×4 transfer to El Mamey, then a 4-hour hike to Camp 1.
✅ Day 2: 4-hour hike to Camp 2, lunch, and a further 3-hour hike to Paraíso Camp.
✅ Day 3: Climb 1,200 steps to reach the Lost City in the morning. Guided tour and 2 hours of free time to explore the ancient terraces. Return hike to Camp 2.
✅ Day 4: Final 7-hour hike back to El Mamey. Lunch and return by vehicle to Santa Marta or Taganga.
When to choose the 4-Day Tour:
✅ Moderate daily hikes (6–7 hours), well balanced between ascent and rest.
✅ Daily guaranteed departures.
✅ Ideal for meeting other travelers.
5-Day Tour: Waterfalls Route for a More Complete Experience
This option is perfect for travelers with more time, families with children, or those looking for a slower pace. The Waterfalls Route, offered by Magic Tour Colombia, adds an extra experience to combine trekking with natural scenery and moments of relaxation. Important: This tour is only available as a private service.
5-Day Lost City Tour Itinerary
✅ Days 1–3: Same trek as the 4-day tour, with transfers, camps, and visit to the Lost City.
✅ Day 4: Alternative hike to a camp near several stunning waterfalls. Time to swim in natural pools, enjoy the scenery, and relax in the jungle.
✅ Day 5: Softer 3-hour hike back to El Mamey, lunch, and 4×4 transfer to Santa Marta.
When to choose the 5-Day Tour:
✅ Added value with waterfalls and forests not included in the traditional route.
✅ Perfect balance of adventure, history, and relaxation in the jungle.
✅ Recommended for families traveling with children.
6-Day Lost City Tour: A Relaxed and Family-Friendly Experience
This tour is designed for those who want a deeper immersion in the nature and culture of the Sierra Nevada, enjoying each stretch at a slower pace. It’s the ideal option for families, children, or travelers who are not in top physical condition but still want to experience the magic of the Lost City calmly.
6-Day Lost City Tour Itinerary
✅ Day 1: 3-hour 4×4 transfer to El Mamey. Lunch and a 4-hour hike to the first camp. Dinner and overnight stay in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets.
✅ Day 2: 2-hour hike to the Mutanzi indigenous village and another 40 minutes to Mumake camp. Lunch, time to bathe in the river and interact with the community. Dinner and overnight stay.
✅ Day 3: 2-hour hike to Camp 3 (Paraíso Teyuna). Dinner and overnight in hammocks or beds with mosquito nets.
✅ Day 4: 1-hour climb to the Lost City. Guided tour through the archaeological terraces and return for lunch. 4-hour hike back to Mumake camp. Dinner and overnight stay.
✅ Day 5: 4-hour hike to the waterfalls camp. Lunch and free afternoon to enjoy the water and nature. Dinner and overnight stay.
✅ Day 6: 3-hour hike back to El Mamey. Lunch and 4×4 transfer back to Santa Marta.
When to choose the 6-Day Lost City Tour option?
✅ If you’re looking for a slower-paced experience with more time to rest.
✅ If you’re traveling with children, seniors, or travelers with lower physical fitness.
✅ If you want to combine the archaeological visit with nature, culture, and tranquility.
What’s included in all tours with Magic Tour Colombia?
Our packages cover everything essential for a safe and culturally respectful experience:
✅ Ground transportation from Santa Marta or Taganga to El Mamey.
✅ Experienced local guides and English translator.
✅ Accommodation in camps (hammocks or beds with mosquito nets).
✅ All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner), plus snacks and water.
✅ Medical assistance insurance and taxes supporting indigenous communities and ICANH.
✅ Entrance to the Lost City Archaeological Park.
Why take the 3, 4, 5 or 6-day Lost City Tour with Magic Tour Colombia?
✅ Excellent traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and Google.
✅ Authorized operator for this unique experience.
✅ Local guides with years of experience.
✅ Certified quality standards.
Tips before booking your Lost City Tour
✅ Assess your physical condition: the 3-day tour requires more effort.
✅ Check the season: the archaeological site closes in October.
✅ Inform us about allergies or dietary restrictions.
✅ Prepare your gear according to Magic Tour’s recommended packing list.
✅ Respect indigenous communities’ norms, especially regarding photos and waste management.
In short, Magic Tour Colombia offers three excellent options depending on your time and travel style: the 3-day tour, perfect for adventurous travelers; the 4-day tour, classic and well-balanced; and the 5 or 6-day tour, ideal for those who want to also enjoy waterfalls, nature, and a family-friendly pace.Need help choosing the best option? Contact us on WhatsApp.
Ready for the experience? Explore our Lost City Trek Colombia.