Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)
A compressed 4-day trek to the Lost City of Teyuna in Colombia's Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Indigenous-guided, demanding trails, and one of South America's most rewarding archaeological walks.
Itinerary At a Glance
Santa Marta to Camp 1
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Long-Haul Trek to Paso Lorenzo
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Ciudad Perdida / Teyuna and Return to Cabaña Wiwa
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Return to Santa Marta
Click to see on mapSuitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
Detailed Itinerary
Santa Marta to Camp 1
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Transfer Santa Marta → El Mamey (4×4)
A van or jeep 4×4 takes us from Santa Marta's historic centre into the lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada, climbing toward the trailhead village of El Mamey. The road is rough in places, and the transition from coastal city to mountain forest happens quickly once we leave the highway.
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Lunch at El Mamey
A simple included lunch at El Mamey before the trek begins. Dietary requirements should be communicated in advance. -
El Mamey to First Camp Fast-Paced Trek (4-Day Route)
After lunch at El Mamey, the trek follows the Buritaca River valley for about 7.6 kilometres through campesino farmland and tropical forest on the lower Sierra Nevada slopes. The route reaches the first mountain camp at around 450 masl, with three to five hours of walking depending on fitness and conditions.
Long-Haul Trek to Paso Lorenzo
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Breakfast at the first community camp
An early included breakfast at the first camp before the longest walking day. Confirm the menu and dietary options locally. -
Sierra Nevada Long-Haul Day 2 Trek (4-Day Route)
The longest day of the compressed route covers about 14.7 kilometres and roughly ten hours from the first camp area toward Paso Lorenzo. The trail crosses rivers and passes near Kogui and Wiwa communities through forested Sierra Nevada terrain; the guide may share cultural context in the evening.
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Dinner at Paso Lorenzo
An included evening meal at Paso Lorenzo after the demanding trek from the first camp. Menu and service are subject to the camp's operating arrangements.
Ciudad Perdida / Teyuna and Return to Cabaña Wiwa
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Breakfast at Paso Lorenzo
An early included breakfast at Paso Lorenzo before the walk to Ciudad Perdida/Teyuna. Confirm the menu locally. -
Ciudad Perdida / Teyuna Compressed Full-Day Visit (4-Day Route)
From the camp near Paso Lorenzo, walk about one kilometre and climb approximately 1,200 stone steps into Ciudad Perdida/Teyuna. An Indigenous guide leads the archaeological visit among terraces and sacred sites before lunch and the approximately 9.6-kilometre return trek toward Cabaña Wiwa.
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Lunch at Paso Lorenzo
Return to Paso Lorenzo for the included midday meal after the archaeological visit, before continuing toward Cabaña Wiwa. -
Dinner at Cabaña Wiwa
An included evening meal at Cabaña Wiwa after the return trek from Paso Lorenzo.
Return to Santa Marta
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Breakfast at Cabaña Wiwa
An early included breakfast at Cabaña Wiwa before the final return trek to El Mamey. -
Camp 3 to El Mamey Final Return Trek (4-Day Route)
The final trek descends approximately 12.7 kilometres from Cabaña Wiwa to El Mamey through forest and rural mountain terrain, with possible river and photography stops subject to the guide. Lunch follows at El Mamey before the return transfer to Santa Marta.
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Lunch at El Mamey on Day 4
An included lunch at El Mamey after completing the final trek, before the return transfer to Santa Marta. -
Transfer El Mamey → Santa Marta (4×4)
The return 4×4 transfer from El Mamey to Santa Marta. The road unwinds through the lower Sierra Nevada slopes and back to the Caribbean coast. Arrival in Santa Marta around 4:30 PM closes the loop on four days of walking, climbing, and listening.
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 1 person: 1.195 EUR (299 EUR / day)
- Price for 2 people: 695 EUR (174 EUR / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 495 EUR (124 EUR / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 295 EUR (74 EUR / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 295 EUR (74 EUR / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 2, day 3 and Departure day, Lunch on Arrival day, day 2, day 3 and Departure day, Dinner on Arrival day, day 2 and day 3
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (119 EUR approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Second Participant Discount
- Travelling with a companion who isn't a photographer? Their per-person price is reduced by 250 EUR.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Where does your investment go?
A transparent look at how your bespoke itinerary is funded.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.