top of page

Sustainable Lost City Trek: Travel with Positive Impact in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia

  • Ciudad Perdida Colombia
  • Dec 4, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: May 18

In a world crying out for more conscious travel, the Lost City Trek in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia, offers a unique opportunity not just for adventure, but to practice truly sustainable and ecological tourism. My own journey through this magical place, guided by The Lost City Expedition, revealed how an expedition can transform the traveler and, at the same time, leave a positive footprint. More than just a tour, it was a living lesson on the importance of traveling responsibly, minimizing our environmental impact, and maximizing support for the communities that are guardians of this ancestral treasure.


Our Commitment at The Lost City Expedition: More Than a Tour, a Sustainable Mission


From the very first moment, at The Lost City Expedition, we understand that sustainability isn't an add-on, but the core of our operation in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.


  • Strategic Alliances: We have cultivated relationships of trust and collaboration with the local indigenous (Kogi, Wiwa) and peasant communities. We don't just pass through their territories; we work with them.


  • Direct and Transparent Benefits: A percentage of each fee from our Lost City Treks (for 3 days, 4 days, and 5 days options) is directly invested in projects managed by and for the communities.


  • Active Conservation: We participate in and support reforestation initiatives with native species and watershed protection programs in the Sierra Nevada.


Ecotourism in Action: Our Practices on the Trail to Ciudad Perdida


We believe that adventure and conservation can and must go hand in hand. During your Lost City Trek with us, you'll see these practices in action:


  • "Leave No Trace" Principles: Our guides are environmental educators. They will instruct you on how to minimize your impact:


    • Waste Management: Everything that comes in with you, goes out with you or is deposited at designated points for proper treatment and recycling. We minimize the use of single-use plastics as much as possible.

    • Authorized Trails: We strictly stay on established paths to protect flora and fauna.

    • Responsible Campfires: Only made in designated areas using low-impact techniques (if made at all).

    • Respect for Wildlife: We observe animals from a distance, without feeding them or disturbing their habitat.


  • Protection of Water Sources: We care for rivers and streams, using biodegradable products and avoiding any contamination.


  • Conscious Food Choices: We prioritize, whenever possible, locally sourced and seasonal foods to support regional producers and reduce the carbon footprint of food transportation.


Ancestral Wisdom: Learning from the Guardians of the Sierra Nevada


Ecological tourism in Ciudad Perdida, Colombia, is greatly enriched by the knowledge of the indigenous communities. For centuries, the Tayrona and their descendants have lived in harmony with this environment, applying profound wisdom about the sustainable use of resources.


  • Worldview and Respect: Our guides, many of whom belong to these communities, share this worldview, explaining how modern sustainable practices often reflect ancient knowledge.


  • Respectful Cultural Exchange: We foster an exchange where you learn about their traditions, their relationship with nature, and the sacred importance of Teyuna (the Lost City site itself). Your visit contributes to the valuation and preservation of their culture.


Your Role as a Responsible Trekker on the Lost City Trek


Your commitment is vital. Here are some practical tips for a sustainable journey to Ciudad Perdida:


  1. Inform Yourself Before Traveling: Read about the Tayrona culture and current indigenous communities. Understand the fragility of the ecosystem. (Internal link to: Travel Tips for The Lost City Trek).

  2. Minimize Your Waste: Carry a reusable bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and pack out everything you bring in.

  3. Respect Local Culture: Ask for permission before taking photos of people, dress modestly when visiting communities, and show genuine interest in their customs.

  4. Support the Local Economy: Buy handicrafts directly from local producers fairly (if the opportunity arises and is managed ethically).

  5. Follow Your Guide's Instructions: They are experts on the terrain and the rules of the community and the park.


Why Choose a Sustainable Tour to Ciudad Perdida with Us?


Opting for a 3 days, 4 days, or 5 days Lost City Trek with The Lost City Expedition means choosing an adventure that goes beyond the personal.


  • You contribute directly to the conservation of one of Colombia's most important natural and archaeological treasures at the site of Ciudad Perdida Colombia.


  • You support the well-being and self-determination of indigenous and peasant communities.


  • You enjoy a more authentic and enriching experience, deeply connecting with the environment and its people.


  • You travel with the peace of mind knowing your adventure has a positive impact.


Sustainable tourism is not just a trend; it's the only way to ensure that the magic of Ciudad Perdida, Colombia, endures for future generations. The efforts we make at The Lost City Expedition are a daily commitment, and by joining our treks, you become an active part of this movement.


Ready to take the next step? Explore the detailed itineraries:





Still have questions? Contact us today!



 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page