Colombia’s Lost City Trek sums up everything travel should be about; adventure, education and history, all amounting to one epic journey. The key to an enjoyable trek comes not from your fitness level (though that certainly helps!) but from how you prepare.
Deciding what to pack for the Lost City (La Ciudad Perdida) trek can be daunting. Variable weather conditions, coupled with carrying everything you need on your back, mean that organising your bag requires a bit of thought. Worry not! Our recommended Lost City packing list will take the guesswork out of packing, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead!
What Do We Know? 🤔
Four out of five members of the South America Backpacker team have braved Colombia’s Lost City Trek, each tackling it with various companies and at different times of the year. Through trial, error, and plenty of blisters, we’ve compiled this ultimate Lost City packing list. It’s a collaborative effort, born from our pain but designed to be your gain—you’ll find all the essentials here, plus the items we wished we had along the way!
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Contents
What to Pack for the Lost City Trek in Colombia: A Complete Guide 🥾
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Best Backpack for the Lost City Trek, Colombia 🎒
Good to Know! 💡
All hikers must trek to the Lost City alongside a licensed guide. These companies offer free luggage storage of your main bag at their tour office. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, you will need to carry everything you want to take with you to each camp. Trust us, this challenging hike will be nearly impossible with six months of backpacking swag on your back! Secondly, there is not enough room for everyone to store a big bag at the camps.
A small daypack is all that is needed for the Lost City Trek. We recommend somewhere in the region of 20-30 litres. This will need to hold everything that you need for the trek, including clothes, toiletries, electronics and most importantly, drinking water.
While it can be tempting to skimp on a daypack, it is well worth spending a little bit more to make sure that your bag fits your frame well and is comfortable to wear. It will go through a lot on this rugged trek so it needs to be a bit hardy! Poor-fitting backpacks can lead to shoulder and back pain, something you definitely want to avoid!
If you’re someone who usually prefers to travel with a wheelie suitcase, you’ll need to adapt. It is not possible to do the Lost City Trek with a bag on wheels. Now please repeat it for the people at the back.
Recommended Reading: 👉 Best Daypacks for Travel
Clothing Recommendations for La Ciudad Perdida Hike 🧦
Hiking shoes/boots
Hardy footwear that can withstand the rugged trail conditions is an absolute must. The terrain can be steep and slippery after rain, so you’ll want something that offers you plenty of grip. Closed-toe shoes are essential for hiking, not only due to the muddy conditions but also because of insects and other animals that can bite.
While boots are recommended by most, it is possible to do the trek in hiking shoes, especially during the dry season. However, if you’re attempting the trek during Colombia’s wettest months, you’ll likely be grateful for the extra ankle support and cushioning.
Waterproof shoes can be a good choice but only if they are actually waterproof, the humidity means that wet shoes can take days to properly dry out.
“When I did the Lost City Trek, I wore my barefoot trail runners. They were made for traversing rugged terrain so performed absolutely fine for the trail but I think I’d want something a little more substantial if I was visiting in the height of the rainy season!”
Tim, Writer at South America Backpacker
Sandals/flip-flops
Some comfy footwear to slip into after you’ve finished hiking for the day is definitely a good idea. This will allow your feet to breathe and relieve any potential blisters acquired during the day’s hike. Flip flops are most convenient because if you decide to do any waterfall swimming, you can wear them in the water to avoid cutting your feet on sharp rocks.
Also Read: 👉 Best Hiking Sandals for Travel
Quick dry t-shirt(s)/leggings/shorts
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is long and extremely humid. You will sweat a lot! Quick dry hiking gear is ideal for pounding the trail as it will help to keep you cool and wick your sweat away, keeping you as dry as possible. (Note that I didn’t say totally dry…)
As the environment is so humid, you need to be prepared to put on damp clothes day after day. Sometimes, even quick-drying clothes don’t fully dry out when strung up overnight! If this is too horrifying to comprehend, you may want to pack a spare hiking outfit.
How Many Changes of Clothes Should I Take? 👖
It is really important to remember that all of the clothes you take with you, you need to either carry or wear. I would urge you not to worry about how you will smell after a few days. Everybody who tackles the trail will smell! I recommend taking one hiking outfit and one relaxing outfit for the evenings. This is the lightest way to travel. If this thought repels you too much, budget for two hiking outfits and one relaxing outfit.
Comfortable long pants and long-sleeved top
Once you’ve reached camp, you’ll need something to wear in the evenings. The mosquitoes can be pretty bad in this part of Colombia so it is well worth bringing something that will cover you. Linen pants and sun hoodies are good options which will expose less of your tasty flesh to hungry mosquitoes. In the evenings, it can be a little cool (especially at higher altitudes), so long trousers and tops will also protect you from the chill.
If you want to be economical with your packing, you can double up your evening clothes and use them to sleep in. If not, a light pair of shorts plus a top will do overnight.
Hiking socks
Aside from your shoes, socks are an essential part of your Lost City packing list. They should be designed for hiking, so they provide more protection for commonly rubbed areas. One pair for every day of your hike, plus an emergency pair is recommended. Wet socks are the most common cause of blisters (trust me!) so a fresh dry pair each day is vital for your foot health, hygiene and overall comfort during the hike.
Underwear
I’m not your Mum so I shouldn’t really have to tell you to change your pants every day. Opt for quick-drying pants if possible––bamboo and merino wool are ideal as they have temperature-regulating properties. Sports bras, for those who need them, are also recommended.
Sleepwear
If you’re not planning to sleep in your evening attire, a comfy t-shirt and pair of shorts will suffice.
Swimsuit/trunks
There are some beautiful wild swimming holes along the route to the Lost City. A refreshing dip is a great way to cool off after a long and dusty hike. To make the most of the opportunity, don’t forget your swimwear!
Packable rain jacket
No matter what time of year you do the Lost City Trek, it can rain. Prepare with a packable hiking jacket. They are lightweight and wind resistant, not to mention they pack away super small, making them ideal for smaller daypacks.
Headband/buff
If you’re someone who sweats a lot, you’ll appreciate something to soak it all up!
Essential Gear for the Lost City Trek 🧼
Hand sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is an absolute must for the Lost City Trek. Although all the camps have toilets, sinks and showers, soap is in very short supply, if it makes an appearance at all. Hand sanitiser allows you to keep your hands clean, an important factor in staying healthy on the trail.
“When I did the Lost City Trek there was no soap at any of the camps. My hand sanitiser was a lifesaver. I had heard rumours about people getting sick on the trail and I wondered whether this was due to poor hygiene, rather than anything to do with the food or drinking water.”
Sheree, Editor at South America Backpacker
Soap
A bar of soap is a good idea for the reasons listed above. You’ll also need it if you choose to brave a cold water shower at camp.
Portable charger
Electricity is present at all of the camps (unless there is a power cut) but it cuts out overnight. It is best to bring a portable charger so that you can keep your devices charged.
Sun cream
The sun can be fierce along the trail and it is easy to get burnt while hiking. Make sure you bring adequate sunscreen (factor 50 is best) to avoid a tight-feeling tomato face!
Insect repellent
Remember to pack insect repellent and wear it. You should be particularly careful in the evenings when the mosquitoes come out in full force. A strong repellent with DEET (at least 20% concentration) offers the best protection. Picaridin or Icaridin is also very effective.
Camera/phone
While you’ll likely not be using your phone much (there is no mobile signal en route and the WiFi at the camps is patchy at best), you’ll still want to take photos. The scenery along the route is stunning!
Headtorch
Head torches are a must-have on any trek. They will help you find your way to the toilet in the middle of the night and help you organise your belongings in the morning when it is still dark.
Waterproof cover for your bag (or bin liner)
Downpours can happen at any time on the Lost City Trek due to the humid cloud forest environment. To keep your belongings safe and dry, invest in a waterproof cover for your daypack or grab a bin liner to fashion a budget-friendly alternative.
Water filter
While the camps do provide drinking water, some people prefer to filter their own to be on the safe side. Chances are if you meet anyone on your travels who has already done the trek, they’ll tell you someone got sick from drinking camp water. Sometimes, it is better to be safe than sorry! Read our recommendations for the best water filters here.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Just because you’re on a multi-day hike, the usual standards still apply. Make sure to brush your teeth and use filtered water.
Deodorant
You’ll stink anyway but this softens offence to your fellow hikers.
Travel towel
Microfibre towels are ideal because they are lightweight and quick drying. You’ll need a towel if you shower or head off for a spot of al fresco swimming!
First aid kit with tick remover
A general first-aid kit will allow you to treat any bumps or scrapes and lessen the chances of infection.
Ticks are present in the Colombian jungle and more than a few people return from the trek with a new friend. These pesky blood suckers can carry Lyme disease so it’s important to get them off as soon as you find them. A tick remover will help you safely remove the whole tick from your body.
Hiking poles (optional)
Much of the terrain is steep so you may find that hiking poles are a worthy addition to your Lost City gear list. If you haven’t got any (and they can be quite difficult to buy in Colombia), ask your guide to find you a stick which you can use for the same purpose. This helps to relieve pressure on your knees and also enables you to keep your balance during those pesky river crossings!
Blister plasters
Hopefully, you won’t need them but on the off-chance you do, you’ll be grateful you packed them. We had to learn this the hard way!
Refillable water bottle
Around 1.5 litres will get you through each stage of the hike before you get the opportunity to refill. Hydration bladders are also an option if you prefer. Check out these collapsible water bottles for recommendations.
Toilet roll
Camps will generally provide this but it often runs out. You don’t want to be caught short!
Any personal medication
All the usual meds apply. Anything you forget won’t be accessible from the jungle!
Plastic bags and ziplocks (see below)
5 Packing Tips for Ciudad Perdida Trek 😎
1. Bring plastic bags: You should carry at least two plastic bags on your trek, to separate your wet clothes from your dry ones.
2. Put your electronics in ziplock bags: Ziplock bags are essential for hikers. Keep all of your electronics in ziplocks to avoid them getting water damaged in a downpour.
3. Don’t worry about smelling bad: Everyone will smell bad! Bring deodorant but don’t worry about packing loads of different outfits. Even if you had clean attire for every day, it would still stink a couple of hours into the hike!
4. Opt for clothes that won’t chafe: If you’re prone to a little bit of thigh rubbing, talcum powder is a godsend.
5. Pack light: Even the lightest bags can feel heavy after hours of trekking. Don’t take what you don’t need!
What was the most important item you packed on your Lost City Trek?
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
