Day 2 – Day 1 of the Trek to the Lost City
We woke early to grab breakfast before getting picked up. Even after lots of encouragement to come to breakfast with Xander and me, Nathan decided to sleep in a little longer. So, although he had placed an order for eggs, he didn’t get them before our tour picked us up.
As expected, we were taken to the main office where we met other adventurers from England, Scotland, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany.
We took off from Santa Marta a bit after 9 and hit the entrance for the trek around 11. It was the turn-off from the main road to these narrow, bumpy uphill roads. Apparently, they’re working on paving the first 4 km of this route. As we cruised up this winding path, we spotted the workers crafting the road by hand, using bags of concrete and this super long hose stretched way up the mountain.
When we arrived at our base camp, El Mamey, around noon, we had lunch and then eased into our trek with a~5 mile hike. At the top of every climb we had some fruit: pineapple, watermelon, oranges. This was so welcome by all as not only was it high 80s/low 90s, it was really humid.
Our group was great. All young energetic and happy people/adventurers.
During our hike we learned about the 3 periods of recent economic history of the area. This first region we had entered was “managed” by farmers. Their first crops were marijuana. They had cleared large areas of jungle to grow it. This gave way to the more profitable coca crop. This resulted in drug wars, lots of violence. But now it seems that only the indigenous can legally grow coca, and the non indigenous are focused on the development of the tourism industry.
After a hot and sweaty day, our final stop was camp Adan. The camp was right next to a river where we jumped in, swam, and washed clothes.
After the refreshing swim, we showered in cold camp showers, ate dinner, and played cards.
Most were in bed by 8. I went to bed at 9 for Wake at 5.
The beds were nice and mosquito nets tight. I was lulled to sleep by croaking frogs and crickets.
This is great. I don't think this is my kind of trip at my advancing years……. but so happy you can go and tell me all about it! Love how adventurous you all are! A warm shower and washing machine await you in Southborough…….