Ciudad Perdida: The Lost City in the Jungle of Colombia

Lost City, the Lost City

What is Ciudad Perdida in Colombia on the Caribbean Coast? The Ciudad Perdida is better known as The “Lost City”. It is one of the largest pre-Columbian villages that were discovered in the “Americas.” Over 1,000 years ago, this village was built by the Tairona Indigenous community and nowadays, the ruins ca be visited with a multi-day trek from Santa Marta. The ruins are located between 900 and 1200 high in an area of about 2 km2 in the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. During the trek, you will cover about 45 km and climb the final 1,200 steps to the entrance.

History of the Lost City

According to the history, the “Lost City” is called Teyuna by the indigenous communities. According to them, the city was the center of a whole network of villages of their ancestors, the Tairona. During the Spanish conquest, the Tairona left the Lost City and went deep into the Sierra Nevada. The Wiwa, Kogi, Kankuamo and Arhuacos are the direct descendants of the Tairona.

Treasure Hunters
In 1972, Ciudad Perdida was rediscovered by treasure hunters. Indigenous communities knew of the existence of the Lost City but did not talk about it for fear of many visitors. After the Lost City was opened to tourists, the hike closed in late 2003 through 2004. It became unsafe during the drug conflict. In 2005, the hike was reopened and the Colombian military began patrolling the area, which has been safe ever since.

Archaeological excavations
The “Teyuna Archaeological Park” is managed by ICANH, the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History. According to archaeologists, only 10% of the city has been excavated and this remains the case. In fact, it was decided by the indigenous community that no more excavation would take place. The Gold Museum in Santa Marta and Bogotá, display some of the archaeological excavations, such as pottery, gold and necklaces.

Ciudad Perdida trekking

The Ciudad Perdida trek, one of Colombia’s great adventures
As with many adventures, the way there is the biggest adventure. During a trekking of 4/5 days, you will swim under waterfalls, spot birds and wildlife and enjoy the sounds of the jungle. You will meet people from the Indigenous communities and can see how they live in the primitive villages. During the hike, you will have to cross the Buritaca River several times, with or without the help of ropes. The guide shares his insider knowledge with you, which makes the whole experience extra special.

From Santa Marta (40 km), you can go to Ciudad Perdida with an official tour operator. You cannot do the trek on your own; it must be done with a certified guide. Only guides who hold the OPT certificate (Operación de Programas Turísticos) are allowed to take guests to Ciudad Perdida. Check out the different tours you can do to the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada.

From Santa Marta, a 4WD will take you to the park entrance in an hour. From there it continues on an unpaved road to the village of Mamey (also called Machete Pelao), where the hiking trail begins. Accommodation is in hammocks or beds.

The Colombian government has set a fixed price of COP2,150,000/$38 for the trip of 4 or 5 days (2024). You can also do a 3-day trip COP2,700,000/$675, 5 days 2,500,000/$625 or 6 days 2,750,000/$688. This includes all food, lodging and guide. Most touroperators also include a travel insurance. Check the tour description for this before booking your adventure. 

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Climate
It is hot and humid in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The maximum temperature is 40 degrees. At night it cools down and the minimum temperature is 16 degrees. The dry season is from December to March.

Best time to travel
You can do the trek to Ciudad Perdida all year round, except for the month of September. The trail is closed for a month each year so that the Indigenous communities can hold ceremonies and nature can recover. The hike is best done in the dry season from December through March, when the trails are not muddy and the water in the river is lower. This makes it easier to cross the river.

If you are used to long hikes, you can do the 4-day trip. If you want to take it a little easier and hike fewer hours a day, then you can do the 5-day trip. The price is the same no matter how many days you choose.

Santa Marta