Natural Feature
Río Buritaca
The Ciudad Perdida lies on the right bank of the Río Buritaca. The river accompanies the last part of the trek.
Colombia
Ciudad Perdida
Point of Interest
Ciudad Perdida, called Teyuna by the indigenous peoples, is a Tayrona settlement in the Sierra Nevada rainforest, accessible only via a multi-day trek from Santa Marta.
by Felix Gillen
Ciudad Perdida, called Teyuna by the indigenous peoples, is a Tayrona settlement in the Sierra Nevada rainforest, accessible only via a multi-day trek from Santa Marta. You come for the terraced structures at 900 to 1,300 meters and the journey through forests and river valleys. The city originated around the 8th century and was explored by archaeologists in 1976.
Sights in Ciudad Perdida
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Historic Landmark
Stairway of the Lost City
The settlement features numerous stone terraces on the slope above the Río Buritaca, where houses once stood. It lies at an altitude of 900 to 1,300 meters.
Point of Interest
Pueblo Mutanyi
Kogui settlement on the trek to Ciudad Perdida, which many groups pass on the second day. The Kogui have lived for centuries in these valleys of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The spelling varies depending on the source (Mutanyi, Mutanshi).
Restaurants in Ciudad Perdida
Food & Drink on the Way to Ciudad Perdida
On the multi-day trek there are no restaurants; meals are cooked by the tour operator teams in the camps. The food is simple, satisfying, and rich in carbohydrates.
Rice, Beans, and Meat
For lunch and dinner, there's usually chicken, meat or fish with rice, beans and a little salad. With most providers, meals are included in the price; check this before booking.
Fresh Fruit
En route, guides provide tropical fruit, often large pieces of watermelon. They're offered at viewpoints and during breaks.
Coffees and Hot Chocolates
For breakfast, there are eggs, juice, fresh fruit, and coffee or hot chocolate. At simple stands along the path, you can buy cold drinks and chocolate.
Teyuna and the Tayrona
The Tayrona established the settlement around the 8th century and abandoned it around 1650. Grave robbers discovered the site in the 1970s; an expedition led by Gilberto Cadavid and Luisa Fernanda Herrera explored it starting in 1976.For the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo, Teyuna is a sacred place. The site lies within the Resguardo Kogui-Malayo-Arhuaco and is managed by the state institute ICANH as an archaeological park.
Trek and Rules
Agency Only: Access solely through ICANH-authorized agencies from Santa Marta. Hiking independently is not permitted; a certified guide is included in the price.Duration: 4, 5, or 6 days on the same route; the 4-day trek covers approximately 14 kilometers per day with steep ascents and descents.Included in Price: Transfer from Santa Marta, meals, camps with beds or hammocks, and park entrance fee.Ascent: You reach the terraces via approximately 1,200 stone steps.Closure: The park closes annually by decision of the indigenous authorities. ICANH sets the dates each year by resolution; ask your agency for the current schedule.On-site Opening Hours: 7 AM to 3 PM.Best Time: The dry season from December to March.
Accommodations in Ciudad Perdida
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