Caribbean Adventure: the Lost City trek & Medellín
12 days, Cartagena to Medellín
Please note that Tayrona NP is normally closed during the month of February and Minca will be visited instead. See day 9 in the full itinerary for more information.
You've seen it on TV and in the movies, and now's your chance to explore the real Colombia beyond the big screen. This 12-day tour is made for energetic travellers that know the best way to experience a destination is by getting closer to nature. And you'll get opportunities to do just that with a challenging hike through farmlands, jungles, and along steep inclines to the Lost City of Teyuna, where you're rewarded with an incredible view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. You'll get time before and after to explore Cartagena and Medellin for a multi-faceted tour that checks off all the boxes.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Rating: 4 - Demanding
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10
Age requirement: 18-39
Visa Requirements
12 days
Cartagena to Medellín
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
98
More from Caribbean Adventure: the Lost City trek & Medellín
Itinerary
Day 1Cartagena
Arrive at any time. Tonight, check out the local flavor of bustling Plaza Trinidad and head to a local bar to get to know your fellow travellers. Get to know the group over a few drinks and get excited for the adventure of a lifetime.
Day 2Cartagena
The day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Wander through the streets of historic old town, check out the San Felipe fortress, or get dirty with a mud bath and massage at Totuma Volcano.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cartagena/Santa Marta
Travel like a local by hopping on a public bus to the port town of Santa Marta. Take advantage of your free time with a visit to the Gold Museum, go shopping for any last minute necessities (You probably forgot something, right?) or chill out on the beach.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp
Wake up and hit the road to Machete Pelao where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all soak in – this is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5Ricardito Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 6 Wiwa Camp /Paso Lorenzo Camp
Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!) and start your trek to Paso Lorenzo Camp. Settle in at the campsite around noon and eat some lunch. If the weather is nice, take a dip in the Buritaca River. Learn about Wiwa customs in the afternoon and then kick back and relax in a hammock.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Paso Lorenzo Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Today is the day to discover the wonders of La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the different sacred sites of Lost City. Later, continue trekking through the deep jungle today on winding paths through banana trees and cacao plants as you make your way to Wiwa Camp.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8Ricardito Camp/Taganga
Take in your last views of the jungle this morning as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Tangaga where the rest for the day is yours to relax. (You've earned a few drinks after that trek!)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. Experience the incredible nature that surrounds you while learning more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Taganga/Medellín
Wheels up! Fly inland today to Medellín. A once infamous city, vibrant Medellín has transformed into one of Latin America's safest destinations. Get to know your surroundings with an orientation walk and an optional night out with the group.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Medellín
Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the community organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. After, free time to visit museums or take a historical tour.
Meals included:
LunchDay 12Medellín
Depart at any time.
What's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Berracas de la 13 Visit with Lunch, Medellín
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Trek to the Lost City with an Indigenous guide (5 days)
- Guided tour of the Lost City
- Internal flight
- Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Simple hotels (7 nts, some multi-share) , camping (4 nts in hammocks or rustic bunks).
Meals
9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners
Transportation
4x4, walking, plane, local bus.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Indigenous local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
My Own Room - From $1399.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).