The Lost City Trek: 3, 4, or 5 Days? How to Choose Your Perfect Expedition

Ciudad Perdida Colombia
May 12
3 min read

Updated: Jun 14

Here at The Lost City Expedition, we know that every traveller is different. There isn't one "best" option, only the option that’s best for you. The duration of your trek doesn't just determine your time on the trail; it shapes your pace, your experience, and the depth of your connection with the environment and the local culture. Let's break down our tour options to help you decide which journey is calling your name.

The Lost City 3 Days Express Trek: A Fast-Paced Ascent

The Lost City Trek 3 Days option is designed for those who are short on time but high on energy and determination. It follows the same core route but at a significantly faster pace.

Who is it Best For? Travellers on a tight schedule who are confident in their high level of physical fitness and hiking experience, and who want to reach the destination efficiently.
The Experience & Pace: Expect longer, more demanding hiking days with fewer, shorter breaks. It's a physically challenging, rewarding sprint that focuses primarily on reaching The Lost City and returning. While you will experience the magic, there is less downtime at the camps to relax, swim, and soak in the atmosphere compared to the longer tours.

Consider: Are you prepared for a demanding physical challenge with less time to acclimatise or linger?

In Short: Maximum challenge, minimum time.

The 4 Days Classic Trek: The Balanced Adventure (Most Popular)

This is, for many, the "sweet spot". The Lost City Trek 4 Days is our most popular option, offering a fantastic balance between adventure, challenge, and time to appreciate the journey.

Who is it Best For? Most travellers. Those who want the full, immersive experience at a challenging, but more manageable, pace. It suits people with good-to-average fitness who want to enjoy both the hike and the destination.

The Experience & Pace: The pace, while still challenging (it's an adventure, after all!), allows for more time at the campsites, opportunities to swim in the rivers, and more time to interact with your indigenous guides and fellow travellers. Crucially, it gives you ample time to explore the Teyuna archaeological site itself without feeling overly rushed. This is a great option for experiencing the full majesty of The Lost City Trek.

Consider: This provides a more sustainable pace for most people, allowing the body to recover better each day, enhancing enjoyment.

In Short: The classic, balanced, and most popular journey.

The 5 Days Sacred Waterfalls Trek: The Deepest Connection

For those who want to savour the journey, immerse themselves more deeply, and travel at a more relaxed pace, our 5 Days Trek is ideal. It allows for the richest connection to the nature and culture of the Sierra Nevada.

Who is it Best For? Travellers who prioritise a deeper, less-rushed immersion. Those particularly interested in the natural environment, indigenous culture, photography, or anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed hiking pace and more downtime.

The Experience & Pace: This trek spreads the hiking over more days, resulting in shorter hiking times per day compared to the 3 and 4 days options. This allows for a much more contemplative pace. It includes all the highlights of The Lost City Trek, but crucially, this option provides time to visit and enjoy unique, sacred waterfalls that are not included on the shorter itineraries. It gives you the greatest opportunity to absorb the wisdom of your guides and truly connect with this sacred environment.

Consider: This journey maximises your time to experience the details – the flora and fauna, the stories from your guides, and the tranquility of the mountains.

In Short: Most immersive, relaxed pace, with exclusive access to sacred waterfalls.

Which Journey Will You Choose?

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your available time, your fitness level, and what you most want to gain from the experience.

Choose the 3 Days Trek if you are very fit, experienced, and short on time.
Choose the 4 Days Trek for a classic, well-paced, and fully rewarding adventure.
Choose the 5 Days Trek for the deepest, most relaxed immersion, with bonus time to enjoy the nature and sacred waterfalls.

No matter which duration you select, when you travel with The Lost City Expedition, you are choosing an adventure that genuinely respects and supports our local, indigenous, and peasant community partners. It's a journey designed to be transformative, respectful, and sustainable. We are here to help you reach The Lost City in a way that feels right for you.

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