Ciudad Perdida

Ciudad Perdida is a mythical archeological site of the Kogi Indians. It was only rediscovered in 1975 by grave robbers working high in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It is nested in the world’s highest coastal mountain range.

La Ciudad Perdida is one of Colombia’s most famous destinations as it is seen as representative of remoteness and mystery. Ciudad Perdida is reached via a trek which commences in Santa Marta.

This destination is only available to clients booking an extended tour with The Colombian Way that already passes via Santa Marta, Parque Tayrona or Taganga. We are unable to offer La Ciudad Perdida as a standalone destination.

The adventurous trek takes up to 5 days along the Río Buritaca, the mid-point of which one discovers the remains of this ancient Tairona Indian city. The city consists mainly of the remains of circular Kogi buildings which are still built to this day in the same manner which can be seen along the trek.

Your guide will be able to give you a thorough explanation of the history and archaeological findings of Ciudad Perdida and its importance on the Caribbean Tayrona coast.

Not only is the Ciudad Perdida an unforgettable experience but the trek itself takes you deeper and deeper through lush green slopes into the most remote parts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will also be able to see authentic Kogi shacks in the village of Mutanyi.

Overnight you will sleep in hammocks or simple huts with beds. The tour takes between 3 and 5 nights and you must be in good physical shape to undertake it, not to mention have a stout pair of comfortable walking boots and light layered clothing for the hot days and cooler nights.

Important

• It is important to remember that to undertake the trek, a yellow fever vaccination is absolutely mandatory.
• For cultural reasons and to rest the route, La Ciudad Perdida is not normally available during the month of September.

Programme

The tour starts in the small village of Mamey, also known as Machete Pelao, two hours from Santa Marta. You travel to Mamey in a 4×4 vehicle to commence the trek.

On the first day the trek is relatively easy, you will sleep in Donde Adán the first finca on the route.

The second day is somewhat more strenuous as you begin to ascend the sierra, you then descend towards a beautiful river where you can swim and relax. Continuing, you pass the Kogi village Mutanyi and shortly afterwards you will stop for the night.

On the third day after crossing the Río Buritaca several times you reach Ciudad Perdida. In the morning of the third day you will reach the camp where you will spend the night, in the afternoon you then undertake the last section which leads to La Ciudad Perdida via a steep stone steps. You will have a couple of hours to view the remains.

The fourth day is strenuous as you walk a distance equal to days 2 and 3, to complete everything necessary on day 4 you have a very early morning departure to give you a chance to eat something back at Donde Adán in the afternoon. Once again you spend your final night at Donde Adán.

Day 5 the final day, you will walk back to Mamey where transport to take you back to Santa Marta will be waiting for you.

You can start the tour from any of our accommodation options in Taganga, Santa Marta city or coastal accommodation close to Parque Tayrona or Palomino. We will pick you up there, return you there afterwards, and organise for the accommodation to keep your luggage safely.

Contact us for detailed 3, 4 and 5 night itineraries.