WE FOUND THE LOST CITY...4 day hiking adventure to Ciudad Perdida in the Colombian jungle

We found the lost city and O.M.G what an adventure!

Starting off in Santa Marta, Colombia we traveled a couple hours through Tayrona national park to arrive in a small town called El Mamey. This was the beginning of a 4 day hiking trek through a humid Colombian jungle to find Ciudad Perdida...

Santa Maria
 
Santa Maria, Colombia is the capital of the Magdalena department and the 4th largest urban city of the Caribbean region of the country. Founded by a Spanish conqueror in 1525, it was the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and the second oldest surviving city in South America. Today, Santa Marta's economy is boosted by its tourism, trade, port activities, and fishing and agriculture. The beaches and mountains are popular for both foreigners and nationals alike.
 
Tayrona National Natural Park
 
Tayrona National Natural Park is 150 square kilometers of protected area located roughly 34 kilometers north of Santa Marta and is one of the most visited national parks in Colombia. Due to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, this park presents a bio diverse environment and features a variety of climates. Tayrona is home to over 108 species of animals, 300 species of birds, and more than 770 species of plants.
 
Expotur
 
We booked the 4-day Lost City tour with Expotur, however 5 and 6 day options are available. Expotur is a local run tour operator that works closely with the indigenous and rural communities through sustainable community tourism while respecting the environment and customs of the locals. Groups are led by tour guides and translators and are provided with campsites and meals for each day. Each campsite is furnished with bunks and hammocks with mosquito nets, and bathrooms. This tour consisted of hiking for about 7 hours each day through heat and/or rain.  Due to the humid climate, be prepared to sweat through everything and anything that you own. If you have any dietary restrictions, allergies, or are vegan and vegetarian, the chefs are amazing at accommodating your needs! Not only will you get to explore the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Nevada, you'll swim in the natural pools and rivers, learn about the ways and customs of the indigenous tribes, and of course ascend to the Lost City.
 
Tribes
 
The Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is home to many tribes including the Wiwas, the Arhuaco, and the Koguis.  
 
History of the Lost City
 
The Lost City is the archeological site of the ancient city found in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. It is believed to have been founded during 800 CE, which predates Machu Pichu by 650 years or so. The local tribes call it by Teyuna however it was renamed to Ciudad Perdida after it was "discovered" in 1972 when local treasure looters found a series of stone steps that led them to an abandoned city. Word spread like wildfire, and soon after, other guaqueros (grave robbers) came to Ciudad Perdida and fighting broke out among rival gangs. In 1976, the Colombian government sent in troops and archeologists to protect and learn about the area but sporadic looting and fighting continued for years after that. Today, the site is protected by the army and is safe to visit. Ciudad Perdida consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a network of tiled roads, and several small circular plazas. However, you must climb up 1200 stone steps through the dense jungle to even access the area.

#ciudadperdida #lostcitycolombia #santamarta #tayronanationalpark

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