Join WaterAid for an unforgettable journey to Colombia’s Lost City all while supporting WaterAid’s important work to provide clean water and sanitation in the region.

ITINERARY:

On this trip, you will be hiking in Tayrona National Park to Teyuna, the archaeological site known as the Lost City. All meals, accommodations, and activities listed in the itinerary are included. Participants will be required to carry a small backpack with their clothes and water on the trek.

DAY 1: Saturday, May 16

Welcome to Colombia! Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel, located in the historic center of Bogotá. Meet the other travelers and kick off the journey at the Welcome Dinner. 

DAY 2: Sunday, May 17

Transfer to El Dorado Airport for a morning flight to Santa Marta, the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and gateway to Tayrona National Park. Explore the city and prepare for the trek ahead. 

DAY 3: Monday, May 18

Drive to the town of Machete Pelao (2-hour drive) from Santa Marta. Arrive at the starting point of the trek, El Mamey. From here, you will walk a few miles to the first camp, Adan’s Cabaña (alt.1,804ft). The camps are rustic, open-air cabins with hammocks and mattresses for sleeping. 

DAY 4: Tuesday, May 19

Start the day hiking along the beautiful Buritaca River on relatively flat terrain. Today will include multiple crossings of the river, so be prepared to get your feet wet!

Your first stop will be the the indigenous village of Mutinyi, after 3.7 miles of hiking. From here, continue along the river for another 5 miles, where you cross the river again and refresh with a cooling dip before the last stretch.

Begin your ascent to the second camp at Teyuna Paraiso (alt. 2,936ft). Here, your guide will give you context about the importance of Teyuna and the history & customs of the indigenous peoples of the region.

DAY 5: Wednesday, May 20

Today we have a sunrise start time to ascend the 1,200 steps to the Lost City, the high point (literally!) of our trek. Explore the site with your guides, view the “Rosetta Stone” of the Tayrona culture, and learn about the mystery surrounding the city’s end. Around midday, descend back to camp. After lunch, continue hiking for about 5 hours to reach the Wiwa Cabaña.

DAY 6: Thursday, May 21

Hike the trail back to El Mamey past lush jungle and waterfalls. After lunch, drive back to Santa Marta and on to Riohacha (about 4 hours). 

In Riohacha, you can freshen up (and stretch!) and then head out into the city for a special celebratory dinner.

DAY 7: Friday, May 22

Spend the day visiting WaterAid sites and communities. Witness the transformative work of your organization and meet real people whose lives have been forever changed by these projects. At dinner, the group will reflect on the beauty of the trek and the incredible impact of WaterAid’s work. 

DAY 8: Saturday, May 23

Enjoy a morning of site visits, and then board your flight to Bogotá to continue onto your next destination. We can arrange accommodations in the capital if your international flight departs the following day.

If desired, Elevate is happy to help extend your travels in Colombia or elsewhere in Central or South America. All extension travel supports our award-winning Buy a Trip, Give a Trip program.

PRICING

$2,920 for 8 day itinerary

Inclusions:
– Individual airport transfers and all transportation for trip activities.
– All domestic flights within Colombia as listed in the itinerary.
– All meals and post-trek celebration dinner, with water available at meals and in vehicles.
– All lodging as mentioned (shared bunks on trek and single rooms in hotels)
– Excellent bi-lingual guides
– Gratuities for guides, support guides, drivers, and hotel staff

Exclusions:

– All international flights
– Trip insurance
– Personal expenses such as laundry or alcohol
– Additional transport not mentioned in program