Much of the magic uncovered in a private journey to South America lies in its windows into the past. Some of the most awe-inspiring human civilizations reigned in South America from as early as Caral in the 26th – 20th century BC on the northern coast of Peru to the Incas, who forged their sweeping empire starting in the early 1400s until the Spanish conquest in 1532.

And although the Incas only made it as far as Ecuador, and just barely, other societies were flourishing on their own and much earlier. La Ciudad Perdida in Northern Colombia, or the Lost City in English, is one of these windows into a civilization built 650 years before the Incas created Machu Picchu.

Join us on our unfolding of the incredible history, mystery, and fascination tucked within the Lost City Colombia, and learn about how you can visit on your custom-designed trip.

The most frequently asked questions about Colombia’s Lost City 

When it comes to a “lost city” nestled into an imposing mountain range surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, it’s only natural for potential and intrigued visitors to have a couple of questions. If and when you do visit this unique corner of Colombia, you are in for an authentic experience, to be sure. And we want to answer all of your potential questions to get you there.

1. What is it?

Colombia’s Lost City’s other name is Teyuna, which is also its original name before its rediscovery in the 1970s. Archaeologists have concluded that the Tairona civilization built this impressive settlement around 800 CE and think that anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 people lived here. Exploring these terraces naturally ignites the imagination, especially with the right private guide.

Teyuna is comprised of around 250 terraces fashioned from mud and stone, which once served as the foundation for houses across a swath of 300,000 square meters. And the most incredible part? These terraces are tucked away and just barely visible, peaking through a thick web of jungle vegetation worthy of an Indiana Jones reboot.

2. Where in Colombia is La Ciudad Perdida?

The Lost City, Colombia, is located in the northeast corner of the country in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain range, a fascinating part of Colombia in its own right. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park covers 383,000 hectares and claims an extreme altitude range starting at 0 feet above sea level and soaring to over 18,900 feet above sea level.

3. Who lived there?

Against the backdrop of more renowned Central and South American civilizations like the Mayas, Aztecs, and Incas, you may be surprised to learn that the Tairona civilization was one of the fiercest and accomplished around. Local culture and communities still proudly refer to their ancestry tied to the Tairona and uphold a deep connection to their land and the natural world.

The Tairona staved off the Spanish conquest for an impressive 75 years, a longer period of time than any of the empires mentioned above could manage. And in addition to their superior war tactics, they were also known for their advanced agricultural techniques, metallurgy, pottery, and canal building and construction.

4. How to get to Colombia’s Lost City?

One of the reasons La Ciudad Perdida offers an immersive experience like no other is that you will need to take the “road less traveled,” so to speak. In other words, the only mode of transportation you have available to you is your own two feet.

You will follow a winding tropical and then mountain jungle path and finally climb just about 1,200 stone steps to reach Teyuna. The starting point for this worthwhile and wonderful experience can be found in the small town of Mamey on the northern stretch of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

What activities or tours can you do in the Lost City, Colombia?

You can still thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Lost City even if archaeology isn’t your passion. From the reconnection with nature on the 4–6-day trek to two breathtaking national parks in this area and visits with local communities along the way, this destination offers something for almost everyone, and especially for wildlife lovers!

The trek to the Lost City 

The trek to the Lost City is the main event for many travelers. It spans a total of 28 miles round trip through the unparalleled scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. And our travel experts can cater this trek to your travel party depending on your timeframe; however, you will need at least 4 days.

For those who want to savor this journey as much as possible, we can tack on a couple days of hiking and camping, which also allows you to go at a slower pace, and take in the spectacular scenery. The trail bobs and weaves through mountainous terrain and follows the Rio Buritaca (the Buritaca River). We honestly recommend five days minimum, so you can enjoy every step without feeling rushed.

Connect with the descendants of The Tairona civilization 

You have your choice of a private or small group guide before embarking on this adventure. However, either way, you will most likely have the privilege of being guided by a member of one of the local Wiwa communities and direct descendants from the great Tairona Civilization. You will also have the opportunity to meet a few local Wiwa communities on the road to Teyuna.

 Discover the magic of the Sierra Nevada Mountain

The Sierra Nevada Mountain just so happens to be the world’s highest coastal mountain, and the beauty and diversity of its unique ecosystem will blow you away! This is the perfect destination for eco-conscious travelers looking to minimize their impact and re-connect with nature.

The ethereal Howler monkey’s call and countless bird songs provide the soundtrack as you trek through the Sierra Nevada, as well as the bubbling serenity of the 29 main rivers flowing through this mountainous jungle terrain. For all of these reasons and more, UNESCO declared this area a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in 1979.

Bird watching

This incredible swath of Colombia between the Caribbean coast and the Sierra Nevada Mountain range also happens to be a bird watcher’s paradise! Some of the more notable species are the mountain parrot, the paujil, the condor, and the chicken hawk. In fact, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta claims a whopping 635 bird species total, with 36 of those species endemic to this area.

List of everything you have to know before going to the Lost City in Colombia

Before embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, we have a few final considerations to make sure you know what to expect and how best to prepare. When planning the journey to the Lost City, it’s essential you manage your expectations about the difficulty, know when to go, what to pack, and what vaccines you need.

The road to the Lost City is not for the faint of heart 

Almost everything you read about visiting the Lost City in Colombia will most certainly highlight the ultimate difficulty of the trek. But this caveat is usually followed by a version of: “it’s entirely worth it!”

Much of this struggle can be attributed to the intense uphill climbs in the hot humidity of the jungle. Therefore, we advise taking as many local hikes as you can where you live in the months leading up to your trip so that your ankles and tendons especially become stronger.

The best seasons to do this route and what to pack

Although you could technically embark on the road to the Lost City year-round, we highly recommend aiming for the dry season from December to March. Considering the already challenging nature of the trek itself, you won’t want to tack on added hardship with muddy loose trails and heavy rainfall.

Packing light is a must. You will have a mule carrying the weight of all camping supplies; however, you will be responsible for your daypack and all of your essentials. Make sure you bring a dependable bug spray, sunscreen, a lightweight brimmed hat, sturdy hiking boots, electrolyte or rehydration tablets, and a headlamp.

The Sierra Nevada jungle is the home of indigenous groups

Remember that the route to the Lost City of Colombia winds through ancestral lands of the local Wiwa communities. So, you will most likely have the chance to eat some of your meals in these communities and connect with some of the people there who know more about this place than anyone else. In this way, you take part in regenerative tourism and help communities reclaim autonomy over their heritage.

What vaccines do you need?

The only vaccine you will need to get before hiking to the Lost City is the Yellow Fever Vaccine, and make sure you get it at least ten days before your arrival. However, there is no malaria in this area, so you don’t need to worry about taking any preventative malaria medication.

Dengue Fever is also quite common in this area, and although there is still no vaccine nor medication to prevent it, you can take plenty of preventative measures while hiking. Always have your bug spray on hand, and no black! Mosquitos are primarily attracted to black, so loose/light-colored clothing is the way to go.

We hope you trust us when we say making the rewarding and challenging journey to Colombia’s Lost City will inevitably become the trip you relive with your loved ones for years to come! So, start making those wonderful memories soon, and contact us today to learn more about incorporating La Ciudad Perdida in your personalized travel experience to Colombia!

With things starting to open up and people starting to think of travel again, you may be planning for your next trip to include more remote destinations rather than large cities. In Argentina, some of the more well-known spots include the big city of Buenos Aires, as well as more popular areas such as Patagonia and Iguazu Falls. While these are incredible places to visit, you may find that they are also a bit more crowded than many may be comfortable with at the moment. Lesser-known areas such as Salta, Argentina are the perfect answer for those looking to avoid crowds, but who still want to explore the world as soon as possible. So where is Salta, and what is there to do there?

The Salta region of Argentina is located in the Northwest part of the country, right in the middle of South America. Its capital, also called Salta, is a beautiful, colonial city with incredible Spanish architecture and a slower pace of life. In the town itself, there is plenty to see and do, such as visit the Catedral Basílica de Salta, take in the Plaza 9 de Julio, try some of their famous empanadas (Salta claims to be their original home, after all), or wander one of their many fascinating museums. Suppose your aim is to get away from the city, however. In that case, Salta is surrounded by a wealth of natural landscapes, vineyards, mountains, and valleys, just begging to be explored.

Cafayate’s Wineries

When you think of wine in Argentina, Mendoza may come to mind, which is the country’s most famous wine region. The region of Salta has its own wine region as well, near the town of Cafayate. The wineries in this region produce the famously Argentine Malbec as well as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a wine made with the local Torrentés grape. These wineries have tours and tastings. For the more active and adventurous, there is a biking route to visit different wineries. The restaurants in Salta also feature local wines, so you can test different options before deciding which to see!

Salinas Grandes Salt Flats

Though Uyuni in Bolivia is the largest and most well-known salt flat, it is not the only option in South America. As a day trip from the city of Salta, you can visit the Salinas Grandes, which is what remains of an ancient salt lake. The salt found here is mined for use in the surrounding areas. These flats are at a high altitude, becoming visible after a long uphill drive through incredible mountain landscapes. While all salt flats are broad and extensive, this one is much less well known. Therefore, you will be even less likely to contact other people while exploring this surreal landscape.

Cerro San Bernadino

For an incredible panoramic view above the city, you can’t beat the Cerro San Bernadino or San Bernadino Hill. You can either take the stairs – approximately 1,000 stairs up, or ride the teleférico (cable car) to the top. Once you get there, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic view by day or take in one of the most impressive sunsets you’ll ever see before heading back down.

These are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy in the Salta region of Argentina. If you’re looking to travel soon, but are looking to avoid large amounts of people, the lesser-known destinations, like Salta, are the way to go. For now, enjoy visiting the countryside destinations, and then visiting the city destinations down the road!

Traveling with children has always had its unique set of challenges – will the kids find the activities interesting? Will they like the food? Will they get along with each other when they have nobody else to play with for a week, or will there be war? The new normal that we are seeing as the world starts to open adds another layer of worries – how do I keep my children safe and healthy? What happens if they get sick while we are far away from home? These are very valid concerns. If you do decide to travel with your family, however, there are actions you can take to ensure everyone’s safety as much as possible.

Double-up on Hygiene and Wellness

We all teach our kids to wash their hands before they eat and how important it is to stay healthy. While traveling, you’ll want to take personal hygiene to the next level. Not only will they need to wash their hands well and often, as well as keep their masks on correctly, but you’ll want to take other precautions as well. You’ll want to wipe down airline seats with disinfectant wipes or spray, as well as put down a blanket that you can wash if you can to put another barrier between your children and any germs that may be hiding out on the seat. You’ll also want to make sure they stay well hydrated and eat good, healthy food. Hydrated, well-nourished bodies fight off infection much more easily. And you’ll want to do all of these things in a stress-free manner. While worrying about catching something can be stressful, that stress itself can diminish your immune system, as well as that of your child. So your best bet is to put these things into practice, but as preventative measures to keep you safe rather than something you need to worry too much about.

Use a Travel Advisor

The internet is full of great information, and friends who have traveled to the places you are looking to go and provide invaluable advice; however, this may not be enough when looking to travel in this time that the world is waking back up. Local travel advisors have always had unique insights into the destinations they specialize in, often giving on-the-ground knowledge of interesting places to visit, the best restaurants to eat in, which museums are worth the time to walk through. This knowledge is especially valuable now, as travel advisors have local information regarding the current Covid-19 situation, any government regulations, which hotels and restaurants are following sanitation protocols, up-to-date rules with regards to archaeological sites, as well as where the best medical facilities are, just in case it’s needed. So even if your personal risk tolerance is relatively high, the best way to watch out for your family is to work with a travel advisor when planning your trip and during your travels.

Get Travel Insurance!

While you can take all the precautions in the world, life is still unpredictable. In the best of times, you could still lose a suitcase, have a flight canceled, or trip and fall, requiring a trip to the clinic. Travel insurance has always been a prudent purchase, as you never know what could happen. It’s even more critical now, with the threat of Covid-19 present, which could require quarantine measures, medical services, or possibly the loss of the trip should you or one of your children come down with the illness soon before your trip is scheduled to start. Because of this, you will want to budget good (cancel for any reason) insurance when planning your trip, so you can be prepared, no matter what happens.

When traveling with children, you want to make sure they have the best experience possible. While this means keeping them entertained, it also means keeping them as healthy and safe as possible. By upping your hygiene game and working with a local travel advisor, you can be sure that you are doing everything possible to keep them as safe as you can, and adding the right insurance will make sure that you and your family are taken care of in case something does happen. In this way, rather than worry about what might happen, you and your family can fully enjoy your trip once you are ready to travel!

Ecuador has opened its borders to travelers, and though there are some things you need to know if you plan to take advantage. As of August 6th, 2020, the US State Department has Ecuador from a Level 4: Do Not Travel to a Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to the global COVID-19 situation. If you are healthy, have a high-risk tolerance, and feel ready to get back on a plane, travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos may be an option. Here is what you need to know if you’re thinking of taking that trip (this information is updated as of August 28th, 2020. Check the US Embassy in Ecuador website for the most current information available.):

Arrival to Ecuador

As of June 1st, international flights have been arriving in Ecuador. In order to be allowed to enter the country, you do need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR (molecular diagnostic) test within 10 days of arriving in Quito or Guayaquil. As long as you aren’t showing any COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive, you’ll be free to move around continental Ecuador, no problem. If you show any COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be required to take the RT-PCR test at the airport at your expense, and quarantine in an authorized hotel until your test results come back.

If you show up at the airport without having a negative PCR test result, you’ll be required to take a test upon arrival, at the airport, at your own expense. You’ll then be required to quarantine in an authorized hotel until the test results come back. If the test is negative, you’ll be free to go on your merry way. If the test comes back positive, you’ll have to stay in quarantine at the hotel, and any health care you may need will be provided.

Also, you must have proof of insurance covering COVID-19 related costs. When you look for insurance, make sure to choose the ‘cancel for any reason’ option, and read the fine print to ensure COVID-19 is specifically covered. Some insurance companies get sneaky with the fine print.

If You Want to Visit the Galapagos Islands

As the Galapagos Islands are very isolated, anyone wishing to travel there has some special, additional requirements to follow. First, you must arrive in Ecuador with the negative PCR test, just as if you were traveling only into Ecuador. Then, once you arrive, you’ll need to take a second PCR test at the airport, and then quarantine at a local, authorized hotel while waiting for the test results. If you are traveling within continental Ecuador before heading to the Galapagos, you’ll need to be sure to have a PCR test within 96 hours or 4 days of travel to the archipelago. In all, you will need two negative PCR tests in order to be allowed to travel to the Galapagos – one before your arrival to Ecuador, and one before heading out to the islands.

You will also need to have an itinerary and reservations for the Galapagos in hand – this can be a cruise or island-hopping option. The Ministry of Tourism just wants to be sure everyone traveling to the Galapagos can be accounted for.

As with traveling anywhere in the world right now, including the store down the street from your house, you will want to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of disease – wear your mask when you’re around other people, stay distant from other people whenever you can, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands often. When you return home, you will want to follow the CDC recommendations, and be extra careful when around others, especially anyone who is at higher risk. This includes staying home as often as possible for 14 days after you get back, and you may want to take one more PCR test, just in case.

If you are ready and rearing to travel now, some places are ready and rearing to welcome you. By taking the proper precautions, and respecting everyone you come across during your travels, a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos may be in the cards sooner rather than later. Hopefully, the rest of the world can follow suit, allowing us to carefully, thoughtfully, and respectfully explore our world again!

With everything going on in the world, visiting country versus city destinations may be just what the doctor ordered. With fewer people, plenty of fresh, clean air, and incredible vistas, the countryside around Cusco. Here are just a few ways to enjoy your visit to the campo when you are able to make your way to Peru!

On the Trail

There are few places more remote than on a trail in the middle of the Andes. Many of these trails – from the famous Inca Trail to the smaller footpaths through the mountains – were created in the time of the Incas as part of the greater network of roads known as the Qhapaq Ñan, connecting all four corners of the Inca Empire. There are many options to choose from, from multi-day hikes such as the canyon road to Choquequirao or the high-altitude Salkantay Trek to one of many day hikes, including the Sacred Valley hikes through the Patacancha valley or from Chinchero to Urquillos, or the more distant visit to the colored mountains of Palccoyo. No matter which option you choose, these trails will take you through breathtaking scenery along ancient roads… and away from the crowds.

Adventure Activities

Another option to get away from people while having a great experience would be one of the many adventure activities available. You can mountain bike in the Sacred Valley out far away from anyone, enjoying some of the best scenery Peru has to offer. Or you can get your heart pumping in the rushing waters of the Sacred or South Valley rivers. You could also explore the Sacred Valley leisurely on horseback or with a rush of adrenaline on an ATV. With so many options, it’s hard to choose! Why not try them all?

Farm to Table Experience

One of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy a delicious and safer culinary experience is with a private farm-to-table lunch. You can walk through the organic chakras, or gardens/fields, to see what is growing while enjoying views of the majestic mountains surrounding you. You can then sit down to a meal prepared just for you, made with ingredients from the very chakras you just explored. With every care taken to provide you this healthy, fresh meal, you can enjoy a delicious lunch made with love for you, in the embrace of the Andes mountains.

Visit Less Well Known Sites

When coming to Peru, almost everyone visits Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley sites, with good reason. Machu Picchu is, after all, one of the Wonders of the World. Many other incredible sites are dotting the countryside, a large number of which are not as well known, and therefore not as crowded. You can find some of these sites close to Cusco – one great tour is the South Valley tour, which visits the pre-Inca (Huari) site of Pikillacta and the amazing feat of water engineering that is Tipon, whose irrigation system is still in use today by the residents below! If you’re looking for a multi-day hike that takes you to one of these lesser-visited sites, Choquequirao checks both of these boxes. This 5-day hike takes you to the remote site of Machu Picchu’s little sister, also known as the ‘Cradle of Gold.’ It is a challenging hike, as it takes two days to get to the site, one full day to explore (it’s actually bigger than Machu Picchu!), and then two days for the return hike. It is well worth the effort, though, and because of its remoteness, you will share the experience with very few people.

These are just a few ideas of activities that you can experience in the campo near Cusco, which will get you out of the crowded city and into the peace of the country. While there will be times that you will be in busier areas such as Machu Picchu and Cusco (all with proper measures taken, of course), adding a few of these activities to your trip to your itinerary will not only give you incredible memories to take home with you, but also some peace of mind.

As people start to consider travel again, how to stay safe and healthy is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Hotels especially will need to remain vigilant with its hygiene and sanitation protocols. Many of the larger hotel chains have released the details about their new procedures, including Marriott International, Hyatt, and Hilton.

Hilton now has partnerships with the makers of Lysol as well as the Mayo Clinic, and have developed new procedures that include disinfecting things like door handles, light switches, remotes, and other high-touch areas. Also, amenities like paper and pens will be removed and public areas such as lobbies and fitness areas will be cleaned more often. Touchless check-in will also be available from the Hilton app, along with the ability to choose your room and access the room using your mobile device.

Marriott International has announced new higher-tech sanitation measures such as hospital grade disinfectant and electrostatic sprayers. They are also trying out UV technology to sanitize shared devices, hotel keys, and others items.

Other large hotel chains have released their sanitation and hygiene protocols, which you can largely find on their websites. Here are some examples:

Belmond

Marriott International

Casa Andina

Along with these larger chains, smaller, individual hotels are also putting out their own hygiene and sanitation protocols, which we will be able to share with you if requested.