The sun is strong in Colombia, so sun screen is essential if you don't want a sunburn (or a farmer's tan).

You'll need waterproof running shoes or hiking boots with great grip. Trails are very rocky, and they get muddy and slippery when it rains, so grip is essential. Ideally, wear shoes you've already broken in.

You'll want to wear clothing that is breathable and light. We recommend bringing a layer or two that can protect you from the sun if needed, and a clean change of comfortable clothes for dinner and bedtime.

We recommend bringing your favorite snacks and protein bars if you're prone to hunger between meals. Small shops along the way to the Lost City and at some other destinations often have limited selection and should be relied on only for water.

We recommend a 40-50 liter backpack with comfortable shoulder straps and a hip belt. You don't need it to be larger than 50L as it's only for a few days, and you don't need to carry a tent or food (aside from snacks).

Bring a comfortable, lightweight daypack for things like your bug spray and sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks, and water bottle. For day trips or for exploring the Lost City (when you can leave your big backpack at camp), you won't need a larger pack.

We recommend natural deet-free, Citronella-based bug sprays like this and this.

This will come in handy to protect you both from the sun and the rain.

The multi-day hike is strenuous, and many trekkers bring a good hiking stick or two to help with balance and take the pressure off their knees.

You'll want water-proof shoes you can wear around camp once you've taken your boots off for the day, to-and-from the rivers/waterfalls, and in the showers.

Trust us, you'll want to take photos! While you can take photos of our villages and landscapes, we ask that you always ask permission to take photos of our Indigenous community members directly. Please avoid taking photos of children and infants.

While you won't have much service or wifi and we do recommend unplugging as much as you can on this trip, for those of you who want to bring your phone, you'll be able to charge up and connect to wifi at your lodging each night.

The local tap water is non-potable, so tourists need to either bring a water filter or buy bottled water along the way. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle that fits in your pack that you can refill to minimize plastic when possible.

Trash left behind by tourists creates a huge burden on the ecosystems we'll pass through, so we recommend that you bring a garbage bag you can keep in your pack to carry your trash back out when you finish your trip with us.

They'll likely be stained with dirt by the end of each day, so you'll want fresh pairs to change into for bed and each morning.

One of the most beautiful highlights of this trip is the river and waterfalls you'll pass on your way up or down. Many trekkers jump in the river before every lunch and dinner as a reward and break from the heat.

While some trekkers choose to just embrace the rain and let it soak them while they hike, others prefer to wear a rain jacket to protect them from rain and wind.

Rain is frequent on the Lost City Trek, so you'll likely need to protect your backpack from getting wet. A rain cover is recommended, though packing your things in plastic bags and/or tying a large plastic bag over your pack if it rains also works.

We recommend bringing only biodegradable soaps and shampoos in order to protect the delicate ecosystem you'll be a guest in.

Most bathrooms will not carry toilet paper. While guides and other trekkers will often share, it's not a bad idea to carry your own! Local shops will also sell individual rolls along the way.