Embarking on the Lost City Trek (also known as the Ciudad Perdida Trek) in Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a dream for many adventurers. You’ll spend four to six days traversing lush jungle, crossing rivers, and climbing ancient stone steps to reach the mist-shrouded ruins of an indigenous city built around 800 CE. But before you lace up your boots, it’s only natural to wonder: Is the Lost City Trek safe?
In this in-depth, 1,200–1,500-word guide, I’ll walk you through the safety considerations, share my own experience, and offer practical tips to ensure your journey is as secure as it is unforgettable.
1. Historical Security Context
Colombia has come a long way since the days when guerrilla and paramilitary groups operated deep in the Sierra Nevada. In fact, there was an armed presence around Ciudad Perdida as recently as the early 2000s, with a temporary closure of the ruins between 2003 and 2008 following a high-profile kidnapping incident. Thankfully, there have been no recorded armed incursions at the site in over a decade; today, the trek is conducted entirely under the watchful eye of local guides and park authorities El País.
2. Guided Tours: Your First Line of Defense
One of the biggest safety factors on the Lost City Trek is choosing the right tour operator. By regulation—and out of respect for indigenous land rights—all treks must be conducted with a licensed guide. Tour companies work in close collaboration with the Kogi and Wiwa communities, ensuring not only cultural respect but also up-to-date knowledge of trail conditions, river levels, and wildlife activity Broken Boots Travel.
Key benefits of booking a guided trek:
- Experienced leadership on remote trails
- Reliable communication protocols (guides carry emergency radios or satellite phones)
- Local insight on when river crossings are safe and which campsites to avoid during heavy rain
3. Health and Wilderness Hazards
While security from human threats has vastly improved, the jungle itself presents its own challenges:
- Rivers and Bridges: You’ll cross dozens of river tributaries—some on simple suspension bridges, others by wading through. During the rainy season, currents can be deceptively strong.
- Steep Terrain: The trail involves over 1,200 stone steps at certain points. Slips and sprains are common injuries; the most frequent risk is twisting an ankle, so sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential The World Travel Guy.
- Insects & Wildlife: Mosquitoes (malaria and dengue risk) and biting midges are plentiful. Use a DEET-based repellent and consider lightweight long sleeves and pants.
- Heat & Humidity: Even if you start early, midday temperatures can soar into the high 20s °C (mid-80s °F) with heavy humidity. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
4. My Personal Safety Experience
“By day three, I had learned to trust my guide implicitly. He knew exactly when to pause by a fast-flowing stream and choose an alternate crossing upstream. We never felt rushed, and every decision—from campsite selection to when to push on—was made with safety first.”
On my trek, our group of eight faced one sudden downpour that turned muddy trails into slip-and-slide fun—but thanks to rubber-soled boots and walking poles, not a single person was hurt. We also witnessed how our guide deftly led us across a swollen creek by choosing a series of sturdy fallen logs, avoiding the weaker suspension bridge downstream. Those local instincts, paired with good gear, turned a potential hazard into just another story to laugh about over campfire potatoes.
5. Choosing the Right Season
Timing matters. The trek is open year-round except October, when indigenous communities close the trail for “pagamentos” rituals My trip to Colombia. Rainy months (May–June and September–November) bring heavier storms and swollen rivers, while the dry season (December–March) offers firmer ground and clearer skies.
My recommendation: Aim for late January to March, when rainfall is lighter, humidity is still high but manageable, and river crossings pose less risk.
6. Essential Safety Gear Checklist
Packing wisely can make all the difference. Here’s what kept me safe and comfortable:
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
- Lightweight trekking poles for river crossings and slippery descents
- Headlamp (we returned to camp after dark one evening due to rain delays)
- Personal first-aid kit: blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers
- DEET repellent & long-sleeve shirts to ward off insects
- Dry bag or ziplock sacks for electronics (phones, battery packs)
- 2–3 liters of water plus purification tablets
7. Emergency Protocols
Even in remote jungles, reputable operators have emergency plans:
- Satellite or radio communication to base camp
- Pre-arranged evacuation procedures (some companies station a backup team near the trailhead)
- On-route check-ins at each camp to confirm everyone is accounted for
Before departure, ask your operator to walk you through their emergency plan. Knowing a helicopter medevac is possible (though rare) adds peace of mind.
8. Staying Safe with the Group
- Stick together. Solo hiking is not permitted—and for good reason.
- Communicate your limits. If you need extra rest, your guide will accommodate you.
- Share gear. On my trek, lighter hikers carried communal first-aid kits and shared snacks, ensuring no one lagged too far behind.
9. Respecting Indigenous Rules
The trek crosses sacred Tayrona territory. Guides will instruct you on where photos are allowed, when to stay silent, and how to behave at ceremonial sites. Respecting these guidelines is not only culturally vital but also keeps you in good standing with local communities—an intangible layer of safety.
10. Navigating River Crossings
River crossings are often the most anxiety-inducing moments:
- Assess before crossing. Look for shallow, calm sections rather than rushing into turbulent rapids.
- Use hand-over-hand lines or guide-set ropes where available.
- Wear quick-dry clothing and sandals that stay snug on your feet—getting boots soaked can lead to blisters.
In my trip, our guide always tested the depth with a sturdy stick and led us one at a time, holding hands for stability.
11. Weather-Related Concerns
Flash floods can occur. If you hear thunder or rain suddenly intensify:
- Seek higher ground—never linger in river valleys.
- Alert your guide immediately.
- Secure your camp: tarps over the sleeping area and gear stored off the ground.
12. Is It Worth the Risk?
Absolutely. With proper planning, a trustworthy operator, and respect for the jungle and its people, the Lost City Trek is as safe as any multi-day trek in Peru or Nepal. The exhilaration of stepping into a misty clearing to see the stone terraces of the Lost City eclipses any momentary discomfort.
13. Final Safety Tips
- Book early to ensure a spot with a reputable company (groups are capped at around 12–16 people).
- Review travel insurance—confirm it covers jungle trekking and helicopter evacuation.
- Stay healthy: get up-to-date on routine vaccines, and discuss malaria prophylaxis with your doctor.
In Summary
The Lost City Trek is generally safe—the greatest risks are natural (terrain, rivers, insects) rather than security threats. By trekking with an experienced, indigenous-approved guide, packing smart, and choosing the right season, you’ll transform potential hazards into part of the adventure.
So, lace up your boots, load your dry bags, and prepare for one of Colombia’s most rewarding journeys. The ancient terraces of Ciudad Perdida await—and they’re well worth every careful, secure step.
