Ciudad Perdida in Colombia, the ancient city hidden in the jungle

Have you ever heard of the Lost City ? It is an ancient city hidden in the Colombian jungle, also known as Teyuna. Having remained under the radar for centuries, it was rediscovered almost by accident in the 70s, after being swallowed up by the forest. Only since 2005 has it been possible to visit it safely, and today it is one of the most fascinating and historically rich places in all of Colombia.

Curiosities about the Lost City of Colombia

Have you always been told that Machu Picchu is the pinnacle of ancient Andean cities? Well, the Lost City is about 650 years older. As early as 700 AD, the Tayrona were building temples, roads, and terraces on top of the mountains. And the best part is that about 40% of the site is still unexplored. Who knows what secrets are still hidden beneath the jungle!

You should know that “Ciudad Perdida” is the name that modern archaeologists have given it, but for the indigenous communities, Kogui, Arhuaco, Wiwa and Kankuamo , it was never lost. They have always called it Teyuna , the spiritual heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . They still go there today for ceremonies and sacred rituals. And no, they don’t want it to become a selfie attraction.

Forget Indiana Jones : the first to find Teyuna were local looters, who stumbled upon a hidden staircase in the greenery and followed the path to the ruins. The result? They stole jewels, statues and precious artifacts, selling them on the black market. Only after word got around did the Colombian government decide to intervene and declare the site an archaeological heritage site.

Unlike other places “colonized” by mass tourism, the trip to Ciudad Perdida is organized by local operators and indigenous guides. The proceeds go directly to the communities in the area, which are thus able to preserve culture, environment and traditions. In short, go trekking and do good.

Where is Ciudad Perdida and how to get there

Protected by the dense vegetation of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta , Ciudad Perdita is one of the most evocative and historically rich places in Colombia . It cannot be reached in any way other than through a challenging trek lasting several days and approximately 50 kilometers.

The official starting point is the small village of El Mamey (also called Machete Pelao), about 2-3 hours off-road from Santa Marta. From there the real trek begins, about 45 kilometers long (one way). You sleep in rustic base camps, eat local food prepared on the spot, and every day you cross rivers, mountains, indigenous villages and breathtaking landscapes.

The Lost City was only discovered in 1975, after centuries of oblivion, and it is certainly not an easily accessible site. To get there you will have to earn it: four or five days of trekking, between steep climbs, sudden rains, rickety bridges and muddy paths. A tough experience, yes, but also deeply moving.

Rainforests, indigenous villages, refreshing waterfalls and a deafening silence await you, forcing you to slow down, breathe and observe. And finally, when you think you can't take it anymore, there it is: the Lost City, suspended between heaven and earth, wrapped in a mystical aura that will make you forget all your fatigue.