Ciudad Perdida: The Lost City in the Jungle of Colombia

Lost City, the Lost City

What is Ciudad Perdida? The “Lost City” is one of the largest pre-Columbian villages discovered in the “Americas.” Over 1,000 years ago, the village was built by the Tairona Indians. The ruins are located between 900 and 1200 high on an area of about 2 km2 in the dense jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You can only get there with a multi-day trek, covering about 45 km and climbing 1,200 steps to the entrance.

History Ciudad Perdida

According to the history of Ciudad Perdida, the “Lost City” is called Teyuna by the Native American 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. Native American 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 from closed in late 2003 through 2004. It became unsafe there 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 Native American community that no more excavation would take place. In the Gold Museum in Santa Marta and Bogotá, displays 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 at waterfalls, spot birds and other animals and enjoy the sounds of the jungle. You will meet people from the Indian communities and can see how they live primitively in the 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/€538 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 . Bij de meeste touroperators is ook een reisverzekering inbegrepen. Check dit even voor je boekt.

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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 go
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 Indian community 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