The Lost City Trek
This ancient ruined city hidden deep in the Colombian jungle, lies inland from the Caribbean coast in the self-contained mountain range of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. In 1972 a group of treasure hunters stumbled across a series of mysterious stone steps running up a mountainside and disappearing into the undergrowth – who could resist! Soon gold figurines and ceramic urns began to be discovered. By 1976 a proper archaeological excavation had begun. What it unearthed is the Ciudad Perdida – the Lost City – of the Tairona culture, known as Teyuna. Founded around 800AD, before the rise of the Vikings in Europe, and centuries before Machu Picchu was constructed, it is a network of roads, small circular plazas and terraces with over 1000 stone steps leading up to the entrance. The forest around the ruins in dotted with indigenous villages and higher up in the Sierra Nevada there are several settlements whose inhabitants have had no contact with the outside world whatsoever.
The only way to get to the Lost City is by helicopter or on your own two feet. The Lost City Trek can be 4 or 5 days hiking, with a local indigenous guide. Along the way you’ll sleep in hammocks or bunk beds in camps, swim in cool rivers and hike through spectacular forest. Then, after climbing up the ancient worn steps overhung with moss and vegetation, you’ll emerge amongst the treetops into the plazas of the Lost City.
Start planning your personalised Lost City Trek
For more information and a suggested itinerary, you can check out the The Undiscovered Colombia Adventure, which includes Bogota, Santa Marta, Cartagena de Indias, the Amazon Rainforest and a 5-day trek to the mystical Lost City. Or if you prefer, start creating your ideal, tailor-made tour to the Lost City by completing and sending this form. Our Colombian partner will be in touch shortly:
