Ciudad Perdida

Overview

Ciudad Perdida, or Teyuna, is an ancient city built by the Tayrona civilisation around AD 800, roughly 600 years before Machu Picchu. The site lies deep in the rainforest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and can only be reached on a three to five day trek. When it was found in 1972 it was still overgrown, and excavation has revealed hundreds of stone terraces and circular plazas that delight adventurous trekkers.

History

The city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and was rediscovered in 1972 when looters following the trail of grave robbers came across it. Archaeologists from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History cleared and studied the site, and it was named a National Monument in 2006. The trek is now regulated, with only licensed operators permitted to run it.

Highlights

• •The circular plazas and stone stairways
• •Tayrona culture
• •Trekking through rainforest

Practical tips

• •Access is only with a licensed guide
• •The trek requires good fitness

Practical information

Best time

December to March

Tickets

About USD 350 including guide, food and lodging

Opening hours

Entry only with a licensed guide

Local food

Caribbean seafood, coconut rice and grilled fish

Getting around

Santa Marta is the gateway, and Tayrona park is reached by boat or on an organised tour

Visa

A tourist visa is required; holders of a valid US or Schengen visa may enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, subject to official Colombian announcements.

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