Discovering the Enigmatic Ciudad Perdida

Embark on an unforgettable trek to the ancient Ciudad Perdida, an archaeological marvel hidden in Colombia's Sierra Nevada, rich in history and natural beauty.

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Ciudad Perdida

Deep in the dense jungles of Colombia's Sierra Nevada lies Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City. This ancient archaeological site, believed to be founded around 800 CE, predates Machu Picchu by several centuries. The Lost City was once a bustling hub for the indigenous Tayrona people, and today it offers a glimpse into their rich culture and history. The journey to Ciudad Perdida is not for the faint-hearted. It involves a multi-day trek through rugged terrain, crossing rivers and climbing steep paths. However, the breathtaking views and encounters with the local indigenous communities make the effort worthwhile. As you approach the site, the first sight of the stone terraces emerging from the jungle is truly awe-inspiring. Exploring Ciudad Perdida is a step back in time. The site consists of over 170 terraces carved into the mountainside, connected by a network of stone paths and staircases. Each terrace once supported homes and ceremonial structures, and the site is shrouded in mystery and legends. Guides, often from indigenous communities, provide deep insights into the history and significance of the Lost City, enhancing the experience of this extraordinary destination.

Local tips in Ciudad Perdida

Ensure you are in good physical condition; the trek to Ciudad Perdida is demanding and requires stamina.
Hire a local guide; they are knowledgeable about the history and provide safe navigation through the challenging terrain.
Pack light but bring essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
Visit during the dry season (December to March) to avoid heavy rains and ensure safer trekking conditions.
Respect the local indigenous communities and their customs; this is their ancestral land.

Archivo:Lost City Ruins.jpg - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Archivo:Amanecer en la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta - Colombia.jpg - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

File:Turistas en Ciudad Perdida.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

When is the best time to go to Ciudad Perdida?

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino

Explore the enchanting Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, a historical and botanical haven in Santa Marta, rich with art and Colombian heritage.

Museo del Oro Tairona - Casa de la Aduana

Explore the ancient treasures of the Tairona civilization at Museo del Oro Tairona, a captivating museum in Santa Marta showcasing extraordinary gold artifacts.

Pozo Azul

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Pozo Azul, a hidden gem in Santa Marta, where crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes await your exploration.

Expotur - Operador autorizado a Ciudad Perdida

Discover the Lost City with Expotur, the authorized operator for unforgettable treks through Colombia's stunning jungles and rich history.

Cascada Perdida

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cascada Perdida, a hidden waterfall gem in Cienaga-Minca, Santa Marta, where nature's tranquility awaits.

Ciudad Perdida Teyuna - Lost City Trek

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Tour guides and scouts, the Tour Operator to Lost City

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Entrada Ciudad Perdida

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Ciudad Perdida Magdalena

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Tour Ciudad Perdida

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Lost City Trek Colombia

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Unmissable attractions to see

Playa Bello Horizonte

Experience the stunning beauty and vibrant culture of Playa Bello Horizonte, Santa Marta's premier beach destination for relaxation and adventure.

Cerro Ziruma

Experience the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere of Cerro Ziruma, a must-visit natural wonder in Santa Marta, Colombia.

Playa Salguero

Explore the pristine shores of Playa Salguero, a vibrant beach destination in Santa Marta, Colombia, perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Parque San Miguel

Experience the beauty and cultural richness of Parque San Miguel, a serene park in Santa Marta perfect for relaxation and local exploration.

El Mono ROjo

Discover the lively El Mono Rojo in Santa Marta, a disco club and bar where vibrant music and unforgettable nightlife come together.

Bolivariano Museum of Contemporary Art

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Colombian art and history at the Bolivariano Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Marta.

Neguanje

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tayrona National Natural Park, where lush jungles meet pristine beaches and cultural heritage awaits.

Cascada Perdida

Discover the enchanting beauty of Cascada Perdida, a breathtaking waterfall nestled in the serene landscapes of Cienaga-Minca, Santa Marta, Colombia.

Mirador Sunsets Viewpoint. Minca

Experience breathtaking sunsets at Mirador Sunsets Viewpoint in Minca, a must-see destination for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

El Dorado Nature Reserve

Discover the breathtaking beauty of El Dorado Nature Reserve, a serene sanctuary in the Andes of Colombia, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Reserva Natural Amazilia

Experience the tranquility and breathtaking beauty of Reserva Natural Amazilia, a perfect campground for nature lovers in Minca, Colombia.

Free Walking Tour

Explore Minca's breathtaking hiking trails and vibrant culture on a free walking tour through Colombia's stunning Sierra Nevada mountains.

San Fernando’s Fort

Discover the rich history and stunning views at San Fernando's Fort in Santa Marta, a must-visit historical landmark in Colombia.

Mirador del Parque Tayrona

Experience the breathtaking views at Mirador del Parque Tayrona, a stunning viewpoint in Colombia's Tayrona National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.

El Mirador De Santa Marta

Discover El Mirador De Santa Marta: a breathtaking viewpoint offering stunning views of the Caribbean coastline and a taste of Colombia's vibrant culture.

Essential places to dine

Crepes & Waffles Zazué

Experience the best of Colombian cuisine at Crepes & Waffles Zazué, where every bite is a celebration of flavor and freshness.

Porthos Steakhouse & Pub

Experience exceptional steaks and vibrant ambiance at Porthos Steakhouse & Pub in Santa Marta – A culinary delight on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Guasimo

Discover Guasimo: An exquisite restaurant in Santa Marta offering a unique blend of traditional Colombian cuisine with modern flair.

The Lazy Cat

Discover delightful flavors at The Lazy Cat in Minca – where American cuisine meets local charm amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Domino's Pizza Rodadero

Experience the best pizza in Santa Marta at Domino's Pizza Rodadero - where flavor meets convenience.

La Muzzería

Experience authentic Colombian flavors at La Muzzería, a top-rated restaurant in Santa Marta's vibrant cultural district.

Nader Delicias Árabes

Experience authentic Lebanese cuisine at Nader Delicias Árabes in Santa Marta - where every dish tells a story.

Donde Amalia

Discover delightful Colombian cuisine at Donde Amalia in Pozos Colorados - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and affordability.

Babaganoush Restaurante-Bar

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Reserva Natural Ciudad Perdida de Falan

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Restaurante Doña Ana

Experience authentic Colombian cuisine surrounded by nature at Restaurante Doña Ana in Minca - A must-visit for food lovers!

El Corral Zazue

Experience gourmet hamburgers and vibrant dining at El Corral Zazue in Santa Marta – where flavor meets fun!

Duni Cafe

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Arabesca

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BURURAKE

Experience authentic Colombian flavors amidst stunning views at Bururake in Minca - a must-visit culinary destination.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Tienda Ara Concepción

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El Yucal

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Ciudad Perdida

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El Campano

Discover the flavors of Santa Marta at El Campano, your go-to grocery store for local produce and authentic Colombian snacks.

Desayunos Sorpresa Santa Marta

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Arturo Calle

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Anchetas, Desayunos y Detalles Sorpresas Santa Marta

Experience the essence of Santa Marta at Anchetas, your go-to destination for delightful gift baskets filled with local treasures.

San Pedro de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

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Tienda Hacaritama

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Ciudad Perdida Magdalena

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SEVEN/SEVEN BUENAVISTA SANTA MARTA

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Tiendas Picardias

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Gef Punto Blanco

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Quiksilver Santa Marta

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Detalles En Santa Marta - Regalos Personalizados By: Exprésate

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

La Puerta

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Crab's Bar

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BeerTown

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La Azotea Disco Bar Santa Marta

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Charlie's Bar

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Marley Bar Reggae Rock 80's

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BEAT BEACH

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Shotsy By Féstival Shots

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Mood Cocktail

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Divijuca Restaurante Bar

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La Luna Rock Bar

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La Samaria Bar Lounge

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Aurelia Pub ° Hosting

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BAR SAN AGATON

Dive into the vibrant nightlife of Santa Marta at Bar San Agaton, where local flavors and lively ambiance create unforgettable evenings.

KYOSKOBAR

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Santa Marta at KYOSKOBAR, where delicious cocktails and a lively atmosphere await.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Ciudad Perdida

Discover Ciudad Perdida with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases about Ciudad Perdida

- HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOHSS]
- YesSí
  [SEE]
- NoNo
  [NOH]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-VOR/deh NAH-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahss]
- Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-DOHN/loh SYEHN-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAHS?]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [BYEHN. ee too?]
- Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [AH-blahs een-GLEHS?]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NOH ehn-TYEHN-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah behr ehl MEH-noo, por fah-VOR]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NOH KOH-moh KAHR-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
- I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-SYE-rah pah-GAHR, por fah-VOR]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [VEH-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah]
- Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [YAH-mah ah oon MEH-dee-koh]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-TOY pehr-DEE-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-TOY ehn-FEHR-moh]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kohm-PRAR]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SO-loh ehs-TOY meeh-RAHN-doh]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?]
- That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [EH-soh ehs deh-mah-SYA-doh KAH-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-dehs BAH-hahr ehl PREH-syoh?]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh OH-rah ehs?]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah OO-nah]
- Half past (10)La mitad (de diez)
  [lah mee-TAHD (deh d'yehss)]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [NOH-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YEHR]
- TodayHoy
  [HOY]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
- 2Dos
  [DOHS]
- 3Tres
  [TREHS]
- 4Cuatro
  [KWAH-troh]
- 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
- 6Seis
  [SAYSS]
- 7Siete
  [SYEH-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [NWEE-veh]
- 10Diez
  [d'yehss]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [DOHN-deh ehs-TAH?]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAHL ehs lah dee-rehk-SYOHN?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [PWEH-dehs mohs-TRAHR-meh (ehn ehl MAH-pah)?]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [KWAHN-doh ehs ehl PROH-ksee-moh (ow-toh-BOOS)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-LEH-toh (ah ...)]

History of Ciudad Perdida

In 1972, Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) was uncovered by treasure looters searching for ancient gold and artifacts. The site, also known as Teyuna, was hidden in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and remained unknown to the wider world until the official rediscovery by archaeologists in 1976.
Ciudad Perdida was believed to be founded around 800 CE, making it approximately 650 years older than Machu Picchu in Peru. The city was built by the Tayrona people, who are thought to have been influenced by the earlier cultures of the Sierra Nevada region. The city features an intricate network of stone terraces, plazas, and over 170 stone staircases, showcasing advanced engineering and architectural skills.
For the Tayrona civilization, Ciudad Perdida served as an important political and economic hub. The Tayrona were known for their advanced agricultural techniques, including terracing and irrigation, which supported a large population. The city was also a spiritual center, with numerous ceremonial sites and structures dedicated to their religious practices.
Ciudad Perdida was abandoned in the 16th century, likely due to the Spanish conquest and the resulting disruption to the Tayrona society. For centuries, the city lay hidden beneath the dense jungle, until its modern rediscovery in the 1970s. The site has since become a symbol of Colombia's rich pre-Columbian heritage and a popular destination for adventurous travelers.
The rediscovery of Ciudad Perdida has provided valuable insights into the Tayrona civilization and their way of life. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and tools, which have helped researchers understand the social, economic, and cultural aspects of the Tayrona people. The city's advanced infrastructure and urban planning continue to be subjects of academic interest.
Today, Ciudad Perdida is a protected archaeological site managed by Colombia's Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH). Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the structural integrity of the terraces and staircases, as well as protecting the site from looting and environmental damage. The involvement of local indigenous communities, such as the Kogi, Wiwa, and Arhuaco, is crucial in these efforts, as they hold ancestral knowledge and cultural ties to the region.

Ciudad Perdida Essentials

Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City, is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in Colombia. The nearest major city is Santa Marta, which has an airport (Simón Bolívar International Airport) with flights from major Colombian cities like Bogotá and Medellín. From Santa Marta, you can take a taxi or bus to the village of Mamey, the starting point for the trek to Ciudad Perdida. The trek itself is a multi-day hike that requires a guide and takes about 4 to 6 days, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.
Transportation to Ciudad Perdida involves a combination of road travel and hiking. From Santa Marta, you can take a bus or taxi to the village of Mamey. The trek to the Lost City then begins from Mamey, and you will need to hire a licensed guide. The trail is rugged and includes crossing rivers, climbing steep paths, and navigating dense jungle. Mules are available for hire to carry heavy gear, but the trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness.
The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially when traveling to remote areas like Ciudad Perdida. ATMs are available in Santa Marta, but there are no banking facilities along the trekking route. Make sure to withdraw sufficient cash before starting your trek. Payments for the trek, including guide fees and mule hire, are generally made in cash.
While Ciudad Perdida itself is generally safe, there are some precautions to keep in mind. The area is patrolled by the Colombian military, but it's essential to stay with your guide at all times and avoid wandering off the trail. Be cautious in Santa Marta and other urban areas; avoid displaying valuables and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places. Areas like the historical center of Santa Marta and the bus terminal can have higher instances of petty crime.
In case of emergency during your trek to Ciudad Perdida, inform your guide immediately. They are trained to handle most situations and can contact emergency services if needed. The nearest medical facilities are in Santa Marta, so it's crucial to carry a basic first aid kit. For serious emergencies, a helicopter evacuation may be necessary. In urban areas, dial 123 for police, fire, and medical emergencies. It's also advisable to have travel insurance that covers trekking and medical evacuation.
Fashion: Do wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing suitable for hiking, and always carry a rain jacket. Avoid wearing flashy or expensive items. Religion: Do respect the indigenous Kogi and Wiwa communities you may encounter during your trek. Always ask for permission before taking photographs. Public Transport: Do use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps in urban areas. Avoid unmarked taxis. Greetings: Do greet people with a simple 'Hola' and smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods, but avoid drinking tap water. Stick to bottled water and ensure food is freshly cooked.
To experience Ciudad Perdida like a local, engage with your guide and the indigenous communities along the way. Learn about their customs and traditions. Visit the local markets in Santa Marta before your trek to buy fresh fruits and local snacks. Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Respect the natural environment by not leaving any trash behind.

Discovering the Enigmatic Ciudad Perdida

Local tips in Ciudad Perdida