Hiking the Ciudad Perdida Trek in Colombia
Last Updated on November 18, 2019
Hiking has always been an adventurous and joyful outdoor activity. It refers to exploring new places by walking a long distance. It refreshes your mind as well as has many health benefits. If you are bored with your monotonous life routine and need a break, plan for hiking.
Nothing can give more refreshment than enjoying the fresh air and stunning nature views with your friends or family members. Such activities can last for one or more days, depending on the area of the place.
Ciudad Perdida, the ‘Lost City’ in Colombia
Ciudad Perdida locates in an ancient place in Colombia, which is very popular for hiking. It is called ‘Lost city’ because it was hidden for almost 350 years and finally discovered by some treasure looters in 1972! With eye-catching waterfalls, native villages, river crossings, and amazing views of the jungle, it may seem the paradise to the hike-loving people.
It is a challenging task to hike there, as you have to deal with some river crossings, scorching heat, heavy rain, and steep paths to ascent and descent. So it requires up to one week with four/five hours walking per day to complete the hike, even if you travel these days in a row. In this article, we will provide a guide to hiking this place. So let,s get started!
Best time to go to Ciudad Perdida
Always prefer dry months to travel there because you won’t love walking in muds. You will face difficulties in camp as well as can catch a cold, fever. Besides, passing the river crossings can be very problematic in the Rainy season. The rainy season stays from April to November.
The temperature and amount of rain are less in the dry season comparing to others. So, visit there anytime between December to early March. But hikers go there any time of the year. The river water flows faster and rises higher in other seasons too. But the skilled guides will help you to cross it by using ropes and other gears.
Tour services
Contact with an authorized tour service because you can not hike there on your own. They will provide many facilities, including storing your belongings while you are walking, arranging meals, managing accommodation, skilled and experienced tour guides, and so on. You will find their services, charges, and contact them on their official websites.
Complete checklist for Ciudad Perdida hike
1. Hiking essentials
- Waterproof bags and backpacks
- Hiking shoes
- Hiking clothes
- plastic dry bags for carrying electronics
- headtorch for night view
- Gloves
- hiking stick
- Navigation items: compass, maps, GPS. Watch, binoculars, etc.
- Water and food
2. Camping and sleeping essentials
- Tent, hammocks for protecting yourself from bad weather or rest
- Sleeping bag and liner, sleeping pads
- Cooking essentials:
- Backpacking stove
- Waterproof matches, lighter
- Lightweight cookware and dinnerware
- Dishwashing kits
- Hotpot, coffeemaker, etc.
3. Safety essentials
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses for protecting your skin from the harmful radiation of sunbeam
- Insect repellant
- Water purifying peels
- Rain gears: raincoat, umbrella, rain jacket, etc
- First aid kit
- Cash, credit cards, identity cards
- Passport, permits
- Regular clothes, nightclothes, swimsuit
- Warm clothes, socks
- Quick-dry towels
- Toiletries –toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, body wash, shampoo
- Camera, guitar, book
- Prescribed medicines
- Phone, charger, power bank
Hiking
In Ciudad Perdida, you need to cover more than 40 kilometers on your feet. You have to reach an elevation of 3550 feet as your final destination. You will need less time to return from the last location as you have to descent a lot. Start in the morning.
It can be tiresome as the place is mostly uphill. So a hiking pole can be your best friend there. Try to avoid walking more than five hours a day; otherwise, you may get sever leg-ache and pain all over your body.
But if you are experienced hiker and physically fit, you can walk for an extended period. Be careful to cross chest-deep rivers during the rainy season. You have to secure your bag and other items in a dry bag or balance the bag on the head.
Camping
Take some breaks and rest a few times throughout the journey. The tour authorities will reserve your accommodation. But you have to camp if you feel tired, get injured or face unexpected weather changes like heavy rain. There is so cold at night, so check whether the tour authorities provide blankets or not in the campsites. The campsites have all facilities to rest, sleep, eat, and take showers.
Final Words
If you have planned to go on a tour in Ciudad Perdida, be prepared for a memorable experience. Each year, some visitors travel to Colombia only to hike there. Once you get there, you will realize that it is going to be one of the best hikes in your entire life. The enchanting beauty of this lost city and the experience of your breathtaking adventure will not leave your mind even after leaving the place.
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Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.