COLOMBIAN AMAZONAS, CARIBBEAN
BEACHES &
THE LOST CITY ADVENTURE
14-DAY AMAZONAS, CARIBBEAN COAST & LOST CITY TREK IN COLOMBIA
Imagine all your senses coming alive: the exotic landscapes, vibrant homes, new flavors and scents, wild vehicles, and the thrilling surprises that make a journey truly exciting. This adventure starts in the Colombian Amazon, where the borders of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil intersect (“a triple-country check!”). Beyond the wild beauty of the Amazon, the jungle town of Leticia and the small village of Puerto Nariño are places where time doesn’t just stand still – it seems to move in reverse.
On the opposite side of the country, in the tropical mountain jungle by the Caribbean Sea, we’ll embark on a daring expedition – a trek to the “Lost City” of the Tayrona indigenous tribes. Before setting off on this legendary hike, we’ll visit Santa Marta and explore the Minca coffee plantations. The hike itself is one of the most iconic routes in Colombia and all of Latin America. The dense jungle transitions to stunning natural views, we wade through refreshing rivers, and we rest under simple palm-thatched roofs. The ancient Ciudad Perdida, hidden in the rainforest and awaiting our arrival, was discovered in 1972 and is 650 years older than the renowned Machu Picchu.
We’ll wrap up the trip in the charming beach town of Palomino, where the lush Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. Palomino invites you to unwind on its pristine beaches, float lazily down the river on a tubing adventure, and savor the tranquil vibe of this hidden gem, untouched by large hotels and resorts. It’s the perfect place to relax in a hammock and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had.
DAY 1
Arrival in Bogota, orientation and welcome dinner.
DAY 2
On the second day of the trip, we will arrive in Leticia, a vibrant jungle town located at the confluence of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru in the heart of the Amazon. As we fly into this entirely different environment, the view from the airplane window reveals a vast and endless forest, emphasizing how remote and detached from the “earthly” world we are. Leticia, nestled on the banks of the Amazon River, is a lively and colorful town that embodies the spirited essence of Colombia.
Leticia is seamlessly connected to Tabatinga in neighboring Brazil. With no real border separating these two towns, we can easily exchange our Colombian pesos for Brazilian reais and explore the unique attractions of Tabatinga in the evening. Despite their physical proximity, crossing the border instantly reveals a change in atmosphere – from the language spoken to the music drifting from bars and restaurants, it’s clear that we’ve stepped into a different country.
DAY 3-6
Next, we will venture deeper into the Amazon, journeying upstream along the expansive Amazon River to remote places unreachable by road. Our destination is Puerto Nariño, a small Colombian river village. Here, time takes on a different dimension – a day in this tranquil village, isolated from the rest of the world and moving to its own serene rhythm, feels like weeks. We will stay in a simple yet cozy local guesthouse surrounded by nature.
We will connect with our local friends, hike through the surrounding jungle, and observe the pink dolphins of the Amazon River. Our local guide, Miguel, will teach us essential jungle survival skills – what to eat and drink, where to step and sit, and what to avoid. With Miguel’s guidance, we will also visit Lake Tarapoto and meet the Ticuna tribe.
One evening, we will visit a revered shaman. To reach him, we will trek through the jungle to his stilted maloka, where an ayahuasca ceremony will take place. This powerful journey, used by indigenous Amazonian people for thousands of years, cleanses the body and mind, prevents and treats illnesses, and aids in making important life decisions. Participation in this ritual is, of course optional, and you can decide on the spot after meeting the shaman, acclimating to the Amazon, and feeling comfortable and safe.
We will spend the final evening of our jungle trip at the riverfront gathering place in Puerto Nariño, where Colombian rhythms blend with Brazilian ones, and locals sip chuchuguaza – an Amazonian brew made from various healing plants and herbs, said to cure everything from flu to cancer. Another delicacy you must try in the Amazon is mojojoy, but let its nature remain a mystery for now.
DAY 7-8
On day 7, we travel from Leticia to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast, passing through Bogotá and crossing all of Colombia. Stepping off the plane, the first thing that strikes you is that the temperature remains as high as it was in the Amazon—but the air feels more dry. However, the lifestyle, people, streets, and surroundings are completely different from those in the Amazon. It feels like embarking on a new adventure!
Santa Marta holds the distinction of being the first city established by the Spanish in Colombia and is among the oldest cities in the Americas. We wander through Santa Marta’s historic and well-preserved old town, meander along the cobblestone streets, and savor the sunset on the beach promenade. For those interested, after nightfall, we might visit some of Javier’s friends’ and acquaintances’ unique and peculiar bars—essentially, bar-hopping Santa Marta-style. The evening and nightlife are integral to the local culture, and the residents of Santa Marta enjoy their lively social scene.
On day 8, we will visit one of Colombia’s oldest coffee plantations in Minca, which is only about a 40-minute drive away from Santa Marta. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Minca is a tranquil village known for its stunning natural beauty and lush landscapes. As we explore the coffee plantation, we will learn about the rich history and traditional methods of coffee production in Colombia. Minca offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, and the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding forest. This visit will provide a deeper appreciation for Colombia’s coffee culture and the enchanting charm of Minca.
DAY 9-10-11-12
Our adventure to the Lost City, Ciudad Perdida, begins! This ancient city was built 650 years before Peru’s renowned Machu Picchu. For many centuries, only the local Kogi tribe knew of its existence, and it wasn’t until 1972 that Colombian treasure hunters discovered it. The sole way to reach it is by trekking through rugged mountainous jungle terrain. Local guides will accompany us on this expedition, managing most of the trekking gear and food, allowing us to enjoy the natural surroundings and scenic views, and making the steep jungle climbs more manageable. Each day, we will cover approximately 18 kilometers, with a mix of ascents and descents (mostly ascents). The climate is tropically warm, with refreshing breaks for swims in mountain rivers.
If the trek becomes too strenuous (or if for any reason it becomes too difficult), you can ease your journey using horses or mules organized by the locals.
We will spend our nights at campsites with simple yet cozy beds. The trek itself is just as valuable and beautiful as the destination. Once we arrive, we will discover a city enveloped by the jungle, featuring stone terraces, long staircases, breathtaking views, and an atmosphere untouched by mass tourism. Here, there is ample time and space to explore quietly. Only then can you truly grasp the uniqueness of this place and envision the life that once thrived among these moss-covered stones.
On the fourth day of the trek, we will arrive in the beach town of Palomino—a much-deserved rest awaits us!
DAY 12-13
Our final destination is Palomino, where we will spend the last days of our tour unwinding and soaking in the serene atmosphere. This charming beach town is renowned for its cool surf spots and laid-back vibe. Relax on its pristine beaches, and enjoy the cozy beachfront cafes and restaurants that offer a perfect blend of local cuisine and stunning ocean views.
Palomino is more than just a beach town; it’s a place where the mountains meet the sea, creating breathtaking landscapes that inspire peace and relaxation. The rhythmic sound of the waves, combined with the vibrant sunsets, makes it an ideal spot to reflect on our journey and find inner tranquility.
For those seeking a unique cultural experience, Palomino offers the opportunity to participate in a Temazcal ceremony. This traditional indigenous sweatlodge provides a spiritual and physical cleansing, allowing participants to connect deeply with the local culture and their own inner selves.
These final days in Palomino will be a perfect conclusion to our adventure, offering both relaxation and inspiration as we soak in the beauty and culture of this extraordinary place.
The Accommodations
Throughout the trip, you will be accommodated in a variety of hotels, resorts, and lodges. The package includes stays in private rooms, cabanas, or shared rooms (with a maximum of 2 people per room, shared by the same gender). In some destinations, such as the Amazon and The Lost City, accommodation options are very limited, so it may be necessary to share a room in those places. All of our accommodations have been carefully selected to maximize comfort, and we’ve included a few very luxurious options to enhance your overall experience.
*Accommodation might change depending on availability of the resorts
in the area. The change won’t affect the quality of the lodging.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- All transportation throughout the trip starting from Bogota, including domestic flights (please note that international flight tickets are not included!).
- 13 nights, 14 days accommodation
- all guided tours in the Amazonas, Minca and The Lost City.
- 4 days, 3 nights Lost City Trek (all meals included during the trek)
- Breakfasts are included throughout the trip
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
- Flashlight
- Rain poncho
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat/cap
- Sun glasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Binoculars
Camera or smartphone for photos
Small backpack to carry essentials
Flip-flops, hiking shoes
Sweater or light jacket (sometimes it can get cold at night)
Long pants for walking in the jungle.