The Ciudad Perdida Trek
Day 1
Following a two-to-three-hour drive, we arrived at the start of the trek. After a light
lunch, our small party headed up the misty mountains. The intriguing part was it
happened in the company of tribal people and their mules carting shopping,
including a flat-screen TV and a satellite dish! I kid you not! No sooner had we
started, than we got to the first swim spot. The water was crystal clear, and no one
wasted any time diving in. From there, the trail continued up a muddy and slippery
path, past indigenous villages and to the top of our first climb. After that, the way
down became a slip-sliding affair along a muddy track until we reached our first
camp.
Accommodation was in comfortable mosquito-netted hammocks. Once we settled
in, we drank cold beers while watching our guides cook on an open fire.
Day 2
I woke early due to forest sounds and thought it surprising how noisy the forest
was. Following breakfast, our guide let us further up the mountain. The muddy
route continued through a dense and picturesque forest. River crossings were
effortless as we were still in the dry season (even though it rained virtually every
evening). These places further made good swimming spots that were welcomed in
the heat and humidity of the forest.
Four hours of trekking later, our second camp came into view and consisted of
mosquito-netted beds. Still early, practically all sat playing cards while our guides
prepared supper. Once the sun had set, the mosquitoes were out in full force, and I
was happy I had brought two bottles of mosquito repellent. Not only bugs were out
but also fireflies, which seemed larger and brighter than elsewhere.