If you’re wondering “Is the Lost City trek in Colombia safe?” you’re not alone. Safety is one of the top concerns for travelers considering this multi-day hike to Ciudad Perdida, and I had the same question before going.
The Short Answer: Yes, It’s Safe
The Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) is generally considered safe for tourists. The trail is operated and patrolled by authorized tour companies and local guides, and incidents are extremely rare. The biggest risks on the trek are minor injuries like sprained ankles, slips, or heat exhaustion.
I completed the hike myself recently and had an amazing time it was physically demanding but very rewarding.
Concerns About Colombia's Safety
Colombia’s reputation still carries some concerns due to its history of guerilla conflict, but the Sierra Nevada region near Santa Marta, where the trek is located, is now a secure and heavily monitored area.
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Only registered tour operators are allowed to take visitors
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Military presence and local indigenous groups help maintain peace and protect the route
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You cannot do this hike solo, which helps ensure organized and guided safety
Final Thought:
If you're in reasonably good shape and follow the guide’s instructions, the Ciudad Perdida trek is safe and unforgettable a true highlight of any Colombia itinerary.
Lost City Trek Safety: What You Need to Know in 2025
When planning your Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida) in Colombia, one of the most common concerns is safety in the jungle especially given the country's past security issues. Here’s what travelers should know:
Historical Context: ELN Kidnapping Incident
In 2003, eight foreign tourists were kidnapped at gunpoint by the ELN guerilla group on the Lost City trail. The group claimed they were protesting human rights violations by paramilitaries.
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The hostages were held for 101 days before being released
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The trail was shut down for 2 years after the incident
Current Safety Status (2025)
Since the trail reopened in 2005, there have been no major safety incidents reported. In fact, the trek has maintained a solid safety record for over 20 years.
Today, the region is secured by:
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Colombian military checkpoints along the trail
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Local indigenous communities who work closely with tour operators
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Strict control by licensed trekking agencies solo hiking is not permitted
What It’s Like Today
The Lost City hike is now one of Colombia’s top adventure tourism routes, providing jobs and income for local communities. Disrupting tourism would hurt everyone involved, which makes the area much safer than it once was.
As for me, once I was deep in the jungle, I honestly stopped thinking about danger, I felt secure the entire time.
Theft & Trail Conditions on the Lost City Trek
When planning for the Ciudad Perdida trek, it’s important to be aware of theft risks and trail hazards, even though serious issues are rare.
Theft at Campsites: What to Know
The Lost City campsites are generally safe, and theft is very uncommon, but you'll be sleeping in shared dorm style accommodations with 20–50 other hikers each night.
Safety tips for valuables:
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Keep your phone, cash, and passport in a small bag under your pillow or mattress
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Bring a small travel lock if you have one
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Don’t leave valuables unattended, and always double check before leaving camp
Tour operators are not responsible for lost or stolen items, so staying alert is key.
Trail Conditions & Injury Risks
The Lost City trail is rugged, muddy, and often slippery, especially during the rainy season. You’ll hike for 4–6 hours each day over rocky paths, rivers, and jungle terrain, which increases the chance of minor accidents.
Common trail risks:
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Twisting an ankle (very common, according to local guides)
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Slipping on muddy hills or crossing rivers barefoot
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Rare but serious injuries, like fractures or unsafe diving into shallow water
Pro tips:
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Wear proper grip hiking shoes or boots
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Use trekking poles for extra stability
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Follow your guide’s instructions, especially near waterfalls or river crossings
Is the Lost City Trek Dangerous? What You Can Expect on the Trail
The Lost City Trek in Colombia may be physically challenging, but it’s not dangerous if you stay alert and watch your step.
During my experience, no one in our group got injured, and the same was true for other tour groups we met along the way. Most hikers finish the trail without any issues.
What You Should Know:
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The trail is not exposed or extreme you won’t be doing any rock climbing, rappelling, or narrow ledge walking
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While there are some muddy, rocky, and uneven sections, the terrain is not steep enough to pose major danger
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There are a few cliffside paths, but they are clearly visible and easily avoided with caution
If you're reasonably fit, wear good hiking shoes, and listen to your guide, you'll find the Lost City hike to be safe, scenic, and manageable even for intermediate hikers.
Food & Water Safety on the Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)
If you're wondering “Is the food safe on the Lost City trek?” the short answer is: mostly, yes but caution is still smart.
Food safety on the Ciudad Perdida trek in Colombia has improved significantly in recent years. Camp staff work hard to prepare clean, cooked meals, even in challenging jungle conditions. However, it’s still possible to get sick from food or water.
Risk of Illness
While we didn’t experience any sickness in our group, we spoke with another hiker whose group had three people fall ill with diarrhea and vomiting, and they had to be evacuated by mule. It’s rare, but it does happen.
Water Safety Tips
Each jungle campsite offers filtered drinking water, but if you want to be extra cautious:
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Bring bottled water from Santa Marta or along the trail
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Use water purification tablets or a portable water filter (this is the kind I used)
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Avoid drinking from rivers or unfiltered taps
Food on the Trail
Despite the concerns, the meals were delicious and well prepared throughout the trek. Dishes included rice, grilled chicken, eggs, plantains, and fresh fruit. Portions were generous, and vegetarian options were available too.
Final Tip:
If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to traveler’s diarrhea, it’s a good idea to pack Imodium or activated charcoal just in case.
Wildlife on the Lost City Trek: What to Expect & Safety Tips
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are home to a rich variety of Colombian jungle wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, toucans, howler monkeys, and more. While sightings of exotic animals on the Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida) are rare, the rainforest is teeming with life.
What Animals Might You See?
Most trekkers report occasional birdwatching and monkey calls, but larger animals like jaguars or tapirs are elusive. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see much it’s still their territory, just well-camouflaged.
Are There Snakes or Spiders?
Yes, venomous snakes and spiders do exist in the region, but encounters are very rare. Still, it’s smart to take basic jungle precautions:
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Watch your step, especially when walking off-trail or near camp at night
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Shake out your boots and clothes each morning before wearing them
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Wear closed-toe shoes and use a flashlight at night
Tour guides are experienced in jungle safety, and they’ll brief you on what to do if you do encounter any wildlife.
Bugs & Mosquitoes on the Lost City Trek (Ciudad Perdida)
Because the Lost City trek in Colombia takes you deep into the Sierra Nevada jungle, you’ll definitely encounter some bugs especially mosquitoes. However, they weren’t overwhelming in my experience.
Yellow Fever Risk: Do You Need the Vaccine?
There’s a small risk of mosquito borne diseases like Yellow Fever in this region, though actual cases are extremely rare. Most travelers don’t get the vaccine, and I’m not aware of any tourists contracting Yellow Fever on this trek.
Still, some Lost City trekking companies recommend it, and it gave me peace of mind to have the shot.
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The Yellow Fever vaccine is optional but takes 10 days to become effective
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You can get vaccinated in Colombia sometimes for free at Bogotá airport
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Proof of vaccination is not required for this hike
Bug Spray & Protection Tips
Bug spray is a must. Bring a high DEET insect repellent and use it daily, especially:
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When sitting down to rest
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During early morning or dusk hikes
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At the Lost City ruins mosquitoes were worst here
At night, all jungle camps provide mosquito nets over the beds, so you’re well-protected while sleeping.
Thanks for reading, I hope these essential safety tips for the Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida) help you plan a safe and unforgettable jungle adventure in Colombia.
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