Does it matter what time I arrive or depart?

• If you arrive/depart at any time on the scheduled start/end dates of your trip, OneSeed will arrange for airport transfers. Pickup will be arranged to efficiently transfer clients with flight times in close proximity (generally within one hour of each other). If you plan to arrive before the scheduled start date or stay past the end date of your trip, you will need to coordinate your own airport transfer and additional hotel nights.

DO I NEED A VISA? WHAT ABOUT PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS?

• Visas are not required for US citizens for tourist visits less than 90 days. Please keep your passport with you at all times during your expedition. 
• Visit the State Department website for Colombia entry/exit requirements.
• Your passport must be valid for six months after your country departure date. It should also have at least one blank page for any necessary stamps.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TRIP IS ALTERED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES?

Per the Assumption of Risk and Liability Waiver Agreement, if your expedition must be altered at any point, you are responsible for any additional costs.Canceled flights and transportation strikes happen. We do our best to ensure that your experience is unaltered by handling the situation efficiently and smoothly. For complete terms and conditions, see here. We recommend reviewing optional trip cancellation and interruption insurance to cover expenses in these instances. Some instances that have come up are:

• A twisted ankle one week before a trip
• Power outages in the Atlanta airport leaving travelers stranded
• Burst appendix!
• Earthquakes or floods cutting a trip short

DO I NEED TO TIP MY GUIDE?

Tips are always appreciated. We have developed this chart to act as a guide. Averages below are based on per person recommendations. https://www.oneseedexpeditions.com/blog/tipping

WHAT IS THE ELEVATION? IS ALTITUDE A CONCERN?

The highest elevation you will reach on your trek is 3,800 feet. Trekking and traveling at high elevation is generally not a concern below 10,000 feet.

DOES SOMEONE CARRY MY PACK?

You are responsible for carrying your backpack during the entirety of your trip. The climate during the trek will be warm and humid. As such, you won't have to pack many layers and your bag can be kept fairly light.

CAN I LEAVE SOME OF MY LUGGAGE IN THE HOTEL DURING THE TREK?

Before hitting the trail, you will have the opportunity to drop any extra luggage off at the hotel in Santa Marta where you will be staying for one night after the trek. Leaving extra bags at the hotel during your trek is free of charge.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY

• Please refer to our Terms & Conditions here: www.oneseedexpeditions.com/terms-of-service

DO I NEED ANY IMMUNIZATIONS OR MEDICINE?

Talk to your physician and follow recommended CDC Guidelines for Colombia: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia

WILL WE NEED TO FILTER WATER?

It should be fine to brush your teeth with the water in Bogota but stick to bottled water for drinking whenever you're in the city. While on the trail, there is always a giant bucket of purified water at each camp. To avoid getting sick, do not drink the river water or water from faucets at the camp.

WHAT FOOD SHOULD I EXPECT TO EAT ON THE TREK?

• Food on the trail is rich in carbohydrates and protein since you'll be burning calories like a champ. Breakfast on the trail may include toast, eggs, bacon or sausage, fresh fruit, and coffee. Lunch is always a sit-down meal that may include fried chicken or fish, fried plantains with beans and rice, or slaw salad. Dinner may include meals like fried chicken or fish, fried plantains with beans and rice, pasta and red sauce, slaw salad, and fresh fruit.
• OneSeed is able to accommodate most allergies and dietary preferences. If you didn't include this information on your registration form, please email info@oneseedexpeditions.com. We recommend any vegan travelers bring extra protein bars.

WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE ON THE TRAIL?

On the trail, you will be sleeping in an open-air basic shelter with shared dorm-style bunk beds and nearby bathroom facilities. Mosquito nets are provided as are sleeping pads. A comfortable sleeping bag and earplugs are highly recommended! These overnight stops are a great place to meet other travelers, take a refreshing shower, or have a beer after a long day of hiking. Just don't forget to bring a little extra cash for beer and snacks.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

The weather in the Sierra Nevada is generally hot and humid. Be prepared to be a bit sweaty, but take comfort in the many opportunities to dip in cool rivers and streams throughout the trek. We recommend a light fleece to have for the slightly cooler evenings. Visit the terrain page to see average temperatures and weather forecasts for the area.

HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR MY TREK?

This expedition requires an average level of fitness and the ability to hike over variable terrain. Daily mileage will average 5-9 miles and 4-8 hours duration on a typical day. No technical skills are required, and first-time trekkers are welcome. We always recommend that travelers break in their hiking boots before the expedition. Taking training hikes that mimic the mileage and amount of time you will be trekking in Colombia is recommended.

BE SAFE, BE RESPONSIBLE, & BE RESPECTFUL

• We always ask that you stay safe on the trail by drinking plenty of water, eating well, and communicating openly with your guide about any issues that arise. Be sure to take care of your belongings, be respectful of your travel companions, practice your Spanish with people you meet along the way, and respect the natural landscape that you're exploring.
• The Lost City of Colombia is nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. The area is home to indigenous communities including the Wiwa, Kogi, Arhuaco (or Ika), and Kankuamo - all of whom are descendants of the Tairona, the ancient civilization that built the Lost City to which you are trekking. You will be hiking past a handful of indigenous villages on your way and we ask that all travelers be respectful of the local people and their land, and not take photos of people without prior consent.