Ciudad Perdida Trek
★★★ Ciudad Perdida — The Lost City
The Ciudad Perdida Trek is Colombia's ultimate adventure and one of South America's great trekking experiences. Four to five days through the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, wading through rivers, hiking on narrow paths, sleeping in hammocks — and at the end, climbing the 1,200 steps to the lost city.
Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna in the language of the Tairona) was built around 800 AD — making it 650 years older than Machu Picchu. The city was likely inhabited by 2,000–8,000 people before it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. It was rediscovered by grave robbers (Guaqueros) in 1972 and officially opened in 1976.
The ruins span 169 terraces on various levels, connected by stone staircases and paths. In the rainy season, when the mist drifts through the jungle, the place has an almost mystical atmosphere.
Practical Information
- Duration: 4 days (sporty) or 5 days (more comfortable). The round trip is identical.
- Difficulty: Medium to hard. 44 km total distance, steep ascents and descents, river crossings, high humidity. Basic fitness required.
- Cost: 1,200,000–1,800,000 COP (280–420€) all-inclusive (guide, meals, hammock, entrance). Only bookable through licensed agencies (Expotur, Wiwa Tours, Magic Tour Colombia).
- What's included: All meals (surprisingly good!), sleeping place in hammocks/cots, indigenous guides (often Kogi or Wiwa).
- Bring: Light backpack, hiking shoes with grip, rain gear, mosquito repellent (DEET!), sunscreen, swimwear for river crossings.
- Season: Possible year-round, but more pleasant in the dry season (Dec–Mar). Slippery and muddy in the rainy season — but more atmospheric.
💡 Tipp
Book with an agency that collaborates with the indigenous Kogi or Wiwa communities (Wiwa Tours is operated by the Wiwa themselves). This way, the descendants of the Tairona directly benefit — and the stories of the guides are priceless.
