7-Day Colombia Tour Packages
Colombia's Lost City of Teyuna sits hidden in jungle near Kogi territory, and it takes four days of trekking to reach these ruins. Are you ready for it? If not, there’s still plenty to see. Head to Bogota, the capital city, check out the Andean coffee valleys where arabica grows at elevation, and chill out in Tayrona National Park and its stunning beaches.
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Colombia tour itineraries
Compiled by
SteffColombia travel expert at TourRadar
7 Days in Colombia, incl. Santa Marta and Lost City Trek
Ancient pathways lead through 44km from Santa Marta via El Mamey to Ciudad Perdida. Daily 4-6 hour treks pass Kogi villages to camps like Teyuna Paraiso, culminating at the Lost City's ruins beyond 1,200 historic steps.
- Day 1
Santa Marta
Arrive in Santa Marta and get your bearings. Take time to buy any supplies you still need. Insect repellent is essential - as one traveler points out: "Nothing dries in the jungle...you don't need more than two outfits. One to sleep in and another to hike in, wash, and wear again the next day." The area near Parque de Los Novios is ideal for finding gear shops.
- Day 2
Santa Marta to Ricardito Camp
Start with a 2.5-hour 4x4 ride to El Mamey village where your trek begins. The first day includes a 4-hour hike through farmland and jungle. Pack light since you'll carry your own gear unless you opt for a mule ($40-50/day). The path takes you through Kogi indigenous communities before reaching the first basecamp.
- Day 3
Ricardito Camp to Teyuna Paraiso Camp
This is one of the toughest days with steep climbs. The intense humidity (35-45°C) makes everything more difficult. A traveler's tip: "Bring a swimming outfit - the river stops at camp are a welcome relief from the heat." You'll reach camp in the afternoon with time to cool off by the river.
- Day 4
Lost City Exploration
Start before sunrise to climb the 1,200 ancient steps to Ciudad Perdida. You get about 3 hours to explore the sacred sites at 1,200m elevation. "The experience of hiking in the Lost City fully delivers," one reviewer shared. Afterward walk 5 more hours through banana and cacao plantations to Mumake Camp.
- Day 5
Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp
Begin early for another full day of hiking. In rainy season (April-November) river crossings can be waist-deep. Bring dry bags for your daypack. The camp offers basic facilities with power only from 5-9pm. You can refill treated water at all camps.
- Day 6
Return to Santa Marta
Your final morning of jungle trekking takes you back to Machete Pelao before a 4x4 returns you to Santa Marta. One experienced trekker advises: "Light long hiking pants are a must on the last day to avoid ticks!" The afternoon is free for rest.
- Day 7
Departure
The tour ends after breakfast. If time allows visit the free Gold Museum or Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino (23,000 COP entry) to learn about local history.
Lost City Trekking in Colombia (including Ciudad Perdida)
Trek through Colombia's finest from Cartagena's UNESCO sites to Santa Marta's historic center and Teyuna ruins. Four days of 4-6 hour daily hikes between Adam camp (470m) and Paraiso Teyuna, with mixed accommodation in hotels and mountain camps.
- Day 1
Bogotá Arrival & Acclimatization
Bogotá sits at 8,660 feet above sea level so take it easy on your first day. Even walking up stairs might leave you breathless initially. "The altitude hit me harder than expected. Spend your first afternoon just walking slowly around La Candelaria neighborhood and drinking lots of water," one traveler shared.
- Day 2
Guatavita Lake Day Trip
Visit the mystical Guatavita Lake about 90 minutes from Bogotá. Get there early to avoid crowds and afternoon rain. The site opens at 9 AM. You'll walk a moderate 1.5-mile circular trail around the crater lake with some uphill sections. Bring a light jacket for unpredictable mountain weather. This sacred site inspired the El Dorado legends.
- Day 3
Journey to Caño Cristales
Important: There are no ATMs in La Macarena so bring enough cash. Flights have strict luggage limits of 10-15kg. You need a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel. The trip includes a charter flight plus a 15-minute boat ride and 40-minute 4x4 drive to your lodge. You'll see Colombia's diverse landscapes along the way.
- Day 4
Caño Cristales Exploration
Visit the "River of Five Colors" between July and November when aquatic plants create stunning red, yellow and green colors. Plan for about 7 hours of hiking with swimming breaks. One recent visitor advised: "Bring good water shoes – the rocks are slippery. And remember no sunscreen is allowed to protect the ecosystem."
- Day 5
Transfer to Medellín
Fly to Medellín in the morning. The airport transfer takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Spend your afternoon in El Poblado neighborhood exploring its restaurants and coffee shops. The metro system makes getting around easy and safe.
- Day 6
Río Claro Nature Reserve
Take a trip to this marble canyon 3 hours from Medellín. Bring swimwear for the crystal-clear river. You can try zip-lining and caving for an extra cost. Pack spare clothes since you'll probably get wet. The facilities are basic but the local guides know the area well.
- Day 7
Departure from Medellín
Try to book afternoon flights to avoid morning rush hour traffic. The airport drive can take up to 90 minutes during busy times. Consider an airport hotel if you have an early flight.
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What people love about 7-day Colombia tours
- Colombia - Lost City Trekking
The lost city is a beautiful place and an absolute must for people when in Colombia, it is quite challenging so need to be healthy. There was another tour that was identical to ours using the same company but offered much cheaper (some 300 dollars) than G Adventures, so would recommend looking into using Wiwa tours and skipping out the middle man
- 7 Days Rainbow Waters & City Lights - Colombia’s Wonders
This is an amazing trip and it was more than my expectation. Full mark for Nicky Lodge for their organisation
- Private Service I Best-Selling Journey: One Week in Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena — Domestic Flights Included
Every thing was ? Loved ? the hotels choices and the restaurants