Hiking to La Ciudad Perdida or The Lost City in Columbia should be on your list while planning your visit to the city. It is a brilliant idea due to the views of the final destination and cultural and historical context. Besides this, the landscape and scenery along the trail are pleasing to the eyes and more beautiful than pictures. Hearing the praises, everyone wants to trek, but keep in mind that it is not an easy path. It will take days to cover different terrain to reach the final location, but the hardship is worth the view. If you are planning for a trek to the Lost City of Columbia, then take a look at this article to chalk it perfectly, avoiding any last-minute things and information about difficulty on trails.
La Ciudad Perdida, or The Lost City in Columbia, is an ancient archaeological site in northern Colombia from 800 AD. Covered by nature for centuries, now discovered with the help of archaeologists and local indigenous people, around 10% is uncovered and open for visitors. It is nearly 5,778m above sea level, and trekking there will lead you to the Caribbean coastline, isolated jungle basin, and the highest coastal mountain in the world.
Start Early
Trekking to the Lost City of Columbia is not a single-day journey. It will take around 4 to 5 days. It is better to start your trek early, around 5:00 am. Have a local guide with you to know the historical and cultural history of the place. Start trekking for the day in the morning when it is cool and light. So that a part gets completed before the rains of the mid-late afternoon.
Trek Map
Always have a trekking map before starting trekking to the Lost City of Columbia. Your Guide will provide you with different options for campsites and sections. You can choose the map according to the days you want to trek. Mostly it takes 4 to 5 days for the trek. You will cover mountains, cooling waters, valleys, local farms, tropical jungles, and a 1200-stone stair.
Hiking conditions and difficulty
Trekking to The Lost City of Columbia lies in a medium-high difficulty range. It means no special training is required to hike the Lost City Colombia trail, but the person should be physically active and in good shape. You should be ready for day-long treks on different terrains and heights in heat and humidity. As it is a medium-high difficulty trek, there is no need to carry special equipment.
A walking stick is necessary. For crossing rivers, have water shoes or carry your shoes-socks in hand. Be slow on the uphill as it is steep in many places. The weather is a combination of heat and humidity. Downpours are frequent, but it is not a problem as the heat allows you to enjoy cool rains. As it rains frequently, keep your electronic gear and valuables well-protected and dry wrapped in plastic or zip lock bags in your backpack. Cover your backpack too from outside for double protection. Have a bug repellent as there are many mosquitoes and bugs. If you are more sensitive to bugs, carry a sleep sack to add an extra layer while sleeping.
Best Time to Trek
The Nevada Mountains of northern Colombia is a rainforest. So there is a rainy and dry season there. Although it rains all year, the heat and humidity are always there. In general, December to March is considered the dry season, and May to September is the rainy season for the region. Both are suitable for trekking, but the dry season aka December to March, is often considered the best time to trek. During the rainy season, downpours are more frequent, resulting in higher river crossings. It does not mean you cannot have a pleasant trekking experience this season. Also, remember that the trail is closed in September for maintenance and other services.
Trek Campsites
Tour companies use different campsites along the way. They are comfortable and have the correct services. Each trekking group is assigned a cook who cooks three proper full meals for you. Apart from that, there are fruit stops for extra nutrition and hydration on the trail. If you have any food restrictions, inform the trekking company and guide. There is an option of sleeping in a hammock or mattress provided. Apart from that, every campsite has cold water showers and flush toilets.
Essential gear and things to pack
Leave your big bags at the tour operator’s office or hotel. In your backpack have all essential items like a refillable water bottle, walking stick, toiletries, appropriate clothes, health kit, and batteries. Apart from these, carry sanitizer, bug repellant, a waterproof bagpack cover, and a quick-dry travel towel as you have to cover a rainforest and also need protection from bugs. Pack shoes and clothes accordingly.
End Thoughts
Trekking to the Lost City of Columbia is a pleasant trip. You can plan this trek with your partner to enjoy the best moments of life in the lap of nature. The only thing necessary is for you to be physically active and healthy.