Ciudad Perdida: A journey through time in the heart of the Colombian jungle

Lost in the heart of the Colombian jungle, the Ciudad Perdida, or “Lost City”, is an archaeological treasure trove that evokes the mysteries of ancient civilisations. Built around 700 AD, long before Machu Picchu, this city was the main urban centre of the Tayrona civilisation. Today, it is considered one of Colombia’s most important archaeological sites.

Nestling in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Ciudad Perdida is a maze of stone terraces, staircases and canals, once the foundations of houses made of straw and cob (bahareque). It covers an area of around 13 hectares, hidden by the dense vegetation of the Sierra Nevada and its natural park.

Indigenous Kogi during a ceremony in front of the Donama stone (D.R.)

The complexity of its architecture is astounding. The Tayronas designed a system of canals to carry rainwater through the city and terraces to preserve the fertility of the soil. Rock paintings and petroglyphs (drawings carved in stone) add to the cultural richness of the site, the Donama stone being particularly remarkable for the multiple interpretations of its engravings.

La Ciudad Perdida is more than just an archaeological site. It is a journey through time, a journey through the history of the Tayronas. The direct descendants of this civilisation, the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo peoples, regularly visit the site, which they call Teyuna. They kept silent about its existence until it was rediscovered in 1976.

A visit to Ciudad Perdida is an adventure in itself. The site can only be reached after a 3 or 4 day trek through the jungle, an experience that offers travellers a deep immersion in the wild beauty of Colombia. A guide is compulsory for this trek, and very often these guides are members of the indigenous communities, so along the way they teach how to prepare remedies with the plants encountered along the trail, and tell the history and ancestral legends of their people. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with nature and history, to walk in the footsteps of the Tayronas and to feel the energy of this ancient civilisation.

The Ciudad Perdida is a poignant reminder of Colombia‘s rich culture and history. It’s a place that stirs the imagination, invites reflection on the past and offers a truly unique travel experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or simply a traveller in search of adventure, the Ciudad Perdida is a destination not to be missed.