Set in tropical jungle on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) is believed to have been built by the Tayrona civilisation in 800 A.D. before being abandoned at the time of the Spanish conquest in the 1600s. From that point until the early 1970s it was only visited by local tribesmen, who also managed to keep its existence secret from the world.

Fast forward to current day and the Lost City is open to the wider public, but only accessible on foot. There are no roads, no cars and the dirt hiking paths wind through lush green jungle, crossing streams and rivers before arriving at the Lost City itself.

The standard Lost City trek takes 4 days and starts after a two hour transfer from Santa Marta and a hearty lunch in Mamay. The trail is split into 3 hour hiking blocks, each set containing at least one steep uphill climb and one downhill, with a few additional ups and downs along the way. Always hot and humid, when it rains a basic downhill can turn into a mudslide for added challenge (or entertainment!). At times like this a walking pole comes in handy and a good level of fitness is essential. Fortunately the 5am starts mean that most of the day’s hiking is finished before the rain begins. 

And the scenery? It is spectacular. This hike is as much about the journey as the destination. You will feel like an intrepid explorer as you wind your way through fabulous tropical jungle surroundings, walking through the hills, with the sea in the distance and the river running by. At times it could be the set of the Hunger Games, with it’s lush greenery and the eerie whistle of some unknown bird. There are raging rivers to be crossed by clinging to the guide rope to prevent being swept away. Or you may find yourself swimming in clear waters, passing indigenous villages and, if you’re very lucky, getting to meet the local shaman. And all of that’s before hitting the 1,000 steps to reach your final goal, the Lost City itself. 

The Lost City comprises a series of stone terraces set into the hillside. The site has several sections before you reach the most famous section, where the terraces rise up and give magnificent views across the jungle. Each building in the city is brought to life by the stories and explanations from your local guide until there’s a real sense of what life would have been like. The morning visit gives time to see it all, rest and take photos before starting the journey back to the next night’s camp.

Off peak there can be just a handful of people at the Lost City, contributing to the feeling that you’re part of something special. Even at its peak visitor numbers are in the hundreds not the thousands, limited by accommodation and group sizes. There are signs that more accommodation is being built for further visitors and it’s only a matter of time before this hike increases its popularity.

So, if you’re looking for a challenge and getting off the beaten track, head to Colombia’s Lost City. This trek is an undiscovered gem, one of the best in South America and a must see for every adventurous traveller.,

A few practicalities:

• The Lost City can only be reached as part of an authorised guided group. It is not allowed to hike independently. All tours use local guides to ensure that money spent goes back into the community. 
• Lost City trekking is cancelled for the month of September when the indigenous tribes take the time to cleanse the site.
• Sleep is in designated camps. There are rows of bunk beds in an open bunkhouse and cold showers. If it’s busy, and the group you’re with arrives late, there are sleeping hammocks in the communal areas. 
• It is hot and humid all the time – it is a tropical jungle you’re hiking through. Stay hydrated throughout the hikes; water can be topped up at every camp and additional drinks can normally be bought along the way. The humidity also means that nothing dries and that clothing will rub more than normal.
• Bring plenty of good insect repellent – repellent bought locally is the most effective – and a long sleeve top for the day you reach the Lost City. There are lots of mosquitoes and good protection will make life much more comfortable.

Everest Base Camp Trek Overview

Distance: 130km roundtrip

Duration: Around 12 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Highest point: 5545 meters

Trekking to the Everest Base Camp will take you on an exciting and wild adventure through the Himalayan Region. It’s a mountain lover’s dream. The route will take you through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the national park where you’ll also find Mount Everest.

Beginning in Lukla, you’ll spend around 12 days with a guide trekking an average of 15km a day with one or two rest days for acclimatisation. The trek involves rocky terrain and snow with a gradual ascent and high-altitude gains, requiring a good deal of physical fitness and overall good health.

There are many highlights of the Everest Base Camp Trek from the scenery and the traditional Sherpa villages to the people you meet. You’ll see the majestic viewpoint of Kalapatthar, the highest point of the trek, which offers panoramic views of the world’s highest mountains. You’ll also see Nepal’s biggest and longest glaciers, Khumbu and Ngozumpa. Finally, of course, arriving at the Everest Base Camp is quite the accomplishment. You’ll encounter those who are about to summit and hear stories from those who already have. You can finally bask in the accomplishment of making it to the base and getting that classic celebratory shot.

Takeaway Points of the Everest Base Camp Trek:

You’ll reach higher altitudes and see more mountain views on the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s a linear route so the scenery on the way out will be the same as the way back – albeit from a different angle. It’s also a more expensive, but shorter trek than the Annapurna Circuit.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Distance: 260km (if walking the entire route)

Duration: Around 16-18 days

Difficulty: Difficult

Highest point: 5416 meters

This exciting Nepalese trek begins in Bhulbhule and takes you on an adventure through various terrains such as lush green hills, lowland villages, and icy glaciers. You’ll witness incredible views of the surrounding mountains as you make your way through the roughly 260km trek over 16-18 days.

Though still a more difficult trek compared to others around the world, the ascents and altitude gains are gentler and its highest point, Thorung La Pass, reaches 5416m, which is slightly less than the trek to the Everest Base Camp.

There are many highlights during the Annapurna Circuit such as exploring Nepal’s cultural Gurung villages and meandering through bamboo and oak to the forests of rhododendron, breathing splashes of colour into the trek. There’s even several hot springs where you can relax your muscles and take a breather. Another major accomplishment and exciting moment is arriving to the Annapurna Base Camp with its incredible views of Mount Annapurna. It’s certainly an achievement to boast about.

Take Away Points of the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is slightly easier than the Everest Base Camp Trek because of its more gradual gains and lower altitudes. It is, however, a longer journey but cheaper journey in the end. The Annapurna Circuit offers a unique cultural experience as you encounter several villages along the route.

Inca Trail Overview

Distance: 45 km or 26 miles

Duration: 4-5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest point: 4215 m

Availability: Government requires every trekker gets a tourist permits in advance (capped at 200 a day) and it’s required to go with a guide.

The Inca Trail is known as one of the best hikes in South America and the and the well-known route to Machu Picchu. You’ll follow the ancient road system built by the Incas as you navigate through dramatic mountain passes, ruins, and misty forests as you dive into the Peruvian countryside. After 4-5 days of moderate hiking you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Highlights

Following the Inca Trail, you’ll stumble upon ancient ruins as you trek through the Andes Mountains. The dramatic mountain passes and misty forests will be your backdrop through must of the trek.

At the end of your first day you’ll pass the ruins of Wayllabamba, which translates to “grassy plain” and it’s an excellent spot to catch the sunset.

The second day will involve trekking through the gorgeous and green Valley of Llulluchapampa. Throughout the rest of the journey you’ll see other ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca (The City Above the Clouds).

One of the best parts, of course, is the final morning as you trek to see the sunrise at the Sun Gate before finally entering Machu Picchu.

Difficulty

Regular fitness is recommended for any extending hiking, so the same applies when hiking through the Andes to Machu Picchu. The general difficultly of the Inca Trail is moderate, but you are hiking 45 kilometres over typically 4 days. This means you’ll spend roughly 6-9 hours walking each day.

Facilities

As the Inca Trail is the more popular and touristic option, it offers better facilities to trekkers. Toilets are showers are available throughout the trail and are generally well-maintained.

There are campsites throughout the route, and they are designed by the government, so more groups will be sleeping at once place. There are also options for a more “glamping” experience with better bedding and tents.

Pros and Cons for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is full of history, which is why most people would choose it. It’s also less strenuous than the Salkantay Trek and takes slightly less time. On the downside, it’s more expensive as you have to go with a guide and Inca Trail tours are typically more expensive than tours on the Salkantay Trek. Of course, it’s a busier trail, so it’ll be slightly more crowded, and you won’t be able to see as much wildlife.

Salkantay Trek Overview

Distance: 60 km or 37 miles

Duration: 5 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Highest point: 4600 m

Availability: No tourist permit restrictions, typically around 50 hikers per day.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the classic route to Machu Picchu. This route offers new views and an exciting trek through the Andes. You’ll pass by the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon and witness the jaw-dropping vista views that the Salkantay Pass offers. The hike will end, of course, once you reach the prize: Machu Picchu. You’ll be able to tour and wander the World Heritage site at your own pace.

Highlights

Following the Salkantay Trek you’ll witness sweeping, mountain landscapes and tropical jungles

as you navigate through the Andes Mountains.

On the first day you’ll trek to the marvelous turquoise-coloured Humantay Lagoon, which is one of the top highlights. On the second day, you’ll make it to the treks highest point: the Salkantay Pass, which offers stunning vistas of the valley below.

Other highlights include seeing the Mount Salkantay, one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region as well as waterfalls, natural wildlife, and the cloud forest.

Finally, you’ll hike along the Apu Salkantay and reap the reward of finally arriving at Machu Picchu.

Difficulty

Given the additional kilometres of this hike, it’s more strenuous than the Inca Trail and requires good physical fitness. You’ll trek through rougher, deeper, and higher terrain over the course of 5 days. You’ll trek around 6-7 hours each day and a 3 hour stretch the last day from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Facilities

There are toilets available throughout the treks. They aren’t glamorous but they do exist as well as cold and hot showers. As for the campsites, you can stay in tents and some private tour operators have their own private campsites with more comfortable tents and bedding and plus privacy with toilets and showers. If you’re looking for a finer glamping experience, there are also upscale lodges available.

Pros and Cons for the Salkantay Trail

The Salkantay Trail is more strenuous and takes slightly longer than the Inca Trail. However, since it’s not as common, you’ll feel more secluded and gives you a better chance at checking out Peruvian wildlife. On the downside, there’s less history to this trail, which turns some trekkers away.

Here are our top tips for planning a multi-day hike.

1. Guided vs Self-guided Hiking

The first decision is whether to take a guided trip, where everything is organised for you, or organising it yourself. Guided hikes can be great if you don’t want to spend your time organising or reading the map or you’d like to meet more people. Guided trips range from hiking weekends, where one of the participants leads the hike, to a full trek with professional local guides. If there’s a few of you, you can arrange a more tailored guided experience, although this does come at a higher cost.

2. Accommodation and luggage

Once you’ve decided on the style, you need to determine what you’re doing with your luggage. The main options are: carrying everything including camping equipment; carrying your luggage for the week but using pre-established camps / bed and breakfast accommodation; or carrying a day pack and using porters or luggage transport services. 

Make sure you’re clear on the style of hike you’re doing as this will make a big difference to what you bring, how you train and how you feel on the trip. 

3. Ensure you’re fit enough

Part of the fun of multi-day hikes is that they are a challenge but you won’t enjoy it if you’re struggling. Some training up front will reap huge rewards while you’re away. Try to get out for longer hikes as well as your regular workout, and practice on hills can make all the difference if your trek is going to be mountainous.

4. Break in your walking boots

It might sound obvious, but ensure you have good walking boots and they are well broken in across all terrains. If you’ve only broken them in on flat terrain but your hike is hilly you will get blisters or worse.

5. Pack light – but for all weathers

Packing light, but taking into account weather fluctuations, is probably the hardest challenge. Bring layers of quick dry clothing, don’t expect to have clean clothes every day and make sure that you’ve got enough to keep you warm and dry in the evenings. Once you’ve decided on what to pack take a look at everything you plan to bring and then take as much out as possible. But don’t forget the blister plasters!

6. Invest in a good backpack

A good backpack is comfortable, fits well and doesn’t rub while you’re walking. Get a the smallest rucksack possible for your hike. Invest in a pack with good padding on the shoulders and waist strap and with plenty of pockets.

7. Bring walking poles

Walking poles can make all the difference on a long hike. They spread the effort across your body, not just in your legs, reducing the strain on your ankles, knees and hips. They are also great for helping with balance both on the up- and downhill meaning that you’re less likely to slip. And they pack up and tie easily onto the outside of your backpack when you’re not using them .

8. Bring plenty of water

Have a good waterbottle (or two) and make sure that you fill it regularly when you’re hiking. Staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do to keep healthy while you walk.

9. Stay safe

If you’re hiking independently make sure you have someone to check in with, who will raise the alarm if they haven’t heard from you at the agreed time. Download an app like What3Words which can pinpoint your location to a 3sq metre area in case you do get into trouble. Keep an eye on upcoming weather conditions or potential obstacles and have a contingency plan on place where possible.

So there you have it, a few planning tips to help you get the most out of your multi-day hike. Enjoy!