Frequently Asked Questions.

Doubts, questions, facts and much more.

A. Lost City Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida)

1. What is the Lost City (Teyuna)?

The Lost City, also known as Teyuna or Buritaca-200, is an ancient archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, near Santa Marta, Colombia. It was the ceremonial capital of the Tairona people and is considered one of Colombia’s most important cultural heritage destinations. It was rediscovered in the 1970s and restored by archaeologists between 1976 and 1982.

2. What names does the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada go by?

This sacred site is known by various names: Ciudad Perdida (Spanish), Lost City (English), Teyuna (ancestral Indigenous name), The Green Hell, and Buritaca-200 (archaeological code). All refer to the same historical and spiritual location, reflecting its cultural and international significance.

3. How long is the Lost City trek from Santa Marta?

The Lost City trek can be completed in 3, 4, 5, or 6 days depending on the desired experience. The 4-day trek is the most popular. The 3-day version is more intense and requires excellent physical condition, while the 6-day option is private and allows for a slower, more immersive journey.

4. What is included in the Lost City trek?

The tour includes 4×4 transportation from Santa Marta, a professional local guide, all meals, accommodation in camps (with hammocks or beds), and entrance to the archaeological park. Accident insurance and contributions to Indigenous and local communities are also included. Camps are equipped with water purification systems. The tour is designed to be safe, comfortable (given the environment), and culturally enriching.

5. What is not included in the Lost City trek?

Alcoholic beverages, tips, souvenirs, mule rental for luggage, and trekking gear rental are not included. These can be arranged separately, depending on availability.

6. What is the cost per person for a Lost City trek?

Prices vary depending on the tour length and season. In 2025, the 4-day trek starts at 1,860,000 COP, and the 5-day option starts at 2,150,000 COP. The 3- and 6-day treks are private and custom-priced, depending on group size and special requirements. You can reserve with a deposit and pay the balance on the tour start date.

The remaining balance can be paid in cash or via national bank transfer (Bancolombia and BBVA) with no extra fees. Card payments (debit or credit) carry a 4% surcharge.

Note: Reservations made directly with eConnection Colombia have no additional fees for debit/credit card payments.

7. Trek difficulty, climate, and maximum altitude on the Lost City trek?

The trek is moderately to highly challenging and takes place in tropical jungle conditions with high humidity. Daytime temperatures can reach 32°C (89°F), and drop to 16°C (60°F) at night. The trail ranges from 150 meters (El Mamey, Machete Pelao) to 1,200 meters above sea level (main terraces of the Lost City). Good physical condition is essential.

8. What should I bring for the Lost City trek?

It’s recommended to bring trekking shoes, quick-dry synthetic clothing, a sweatshirt or jacket for the night, eco-friendly insect repellent, a flashlight, a reusable water bottle, and a microfiber towel. A waterproof bag for personal belongings is useful. Colombian pesos in cash are also recommended for small expenses. You can find a full packing list here.

9. Can I rent mules or trekking poles?

Yes, mules for luggage and trekking gear (poles, backpacks) are available. Gear rentals must be arranged in advance with the operator. Mule services are managed directly by the local mule association on the Teyuna – Lost City trail. These services are paid in cash along the trail and are not managed by eConnection Colombia.

10. What are the camps like? Are there bathrooms and showers?

Accommodations are shared cabins with beds or hammocks, all equipped with mosquito nets. Basic showers and shared toilets are available. Electricity is limited to a few hours per day in most camps. Some camps offer satellite Wi-Fi for an additional small fee.

11. Is the experience safe?

While trekking in natural environments always involves some risk, the Lost City trail is considered safe. eConnection Colombia operates with contingency plans, trained staff, first-aid posts along the trail, and accident insurance. Safety is a top priority.

12. Can I store my luggage for the duration of the Lost City trek?

Yes, eConnection Colombia provides luggage storage at its Santa Marta office. You may also leave bags at the restaurant in El Mamey (Machete Pelao), where the trek begins and ends.

13. What is the cancellation policy?

• More than 48 hours before tour start: 100% refund of the total paid.
• Between 48 and 24 hours before: 10% cancellation fee.
• Less than 24 hours before or no-show: no refund.

14. What if eConnection cancels the Lost City trek?

In case of extreme weather or force majeure, eConnection may reschedule or cancel the tour. Full or partial refunds are offered depending on the situation. Traveler safety is always the priority.

15. How many people are in a group?

Groups usually consist of up to 14 people per guide. Larger groups are assigned additional guides to ensure a personalized and safe experience.

16. Why are prices for the Lost City trek similar across agencies?

All authorized operators must pay the same fees to ICANH, local associations, and communities. Prices are regulated by ICANH and local authorities. The difference lies in the quality of service and the travel experience.

17. What is regenerative tourism?

Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability: it seeks to restore, revitalize, and empower local communities. eConnection is committed to this model in Colombia. We work with local guides and Indigenous and farming communities, and we actively measure, limit, and compensate the impact of our operations.

18. Can I continue traveling to other destinations?

Yes. We offer support to help you explore other destinations in the region, such as Tayrona Park, Minca, Palomino, or Cartagena. If you’re looking to explore other regions in Colombia like the Pacific or the Amazon, we also offer a wide portfolio of unforgettable experiences: we are eConnexion Colombia.

19. Is the Lost City trek worth it?

Es una experiencia que te quedará para toda la vida: paisajes asombrosos, naturaleza, arqueología, comunidades indígenas y tradiciones ancestrales, la excelente calidad humana de las poblaciones de la región… todo esto y mucho más, te quedará en el corazón para siempre.

20. Why is eConnection Colombia different?

eConnection Colombia is a direct local operator of the Lost City trek.

We do not use platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or Civitatis that increase service costs and divert local income.

We are not resellers like many local and multinational travel agencies. Booking directly with us ensures that most of the revenue stays in the local territory and actually supports the communities; on the other hand, we will not ask you a 30% deposit for a shared Lost City Trek, nor apply shameful cancellation policies of 72 hours or so.

Moreover, eConnection Colombia is your connection to all of Colombia. We don’t just link you to the most beautiful corners of the Land of Beauty, we are pioneers of MICE tourism in Santa Marta. We proudly employ mainly women, single mothers, members of Indigenous, Afro-Colombian, farming communities, LGBTQ+ people, and internally displaced individuals and families—creating real, positive economic, social, and cultural impact.

We are deeply committed to sustainability, environmental respect, and regenerative tourism.