photo by Katie Bordner (via Flickr)
A trek to Ciudad Perdida is a Colombian adventure not to miss. Southeast of coastal Santa Marta, high in the mountains and deep in the jungle, lie the ancient ruins of the lost city of Teyuna; the cultural and spiritual center of the ancient Tairona people. The indigenous tribes of this region today - the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuacos, and Kankuamo (direct descendants of the ancient Tairona) - will tell you the city was never lost to them, and their shamans have made many treks to the ruins to perform spiritual ceremonies. Rather, these indigenous people will tell you that the Ciudad Perdida, or “Lost City” in Spanish, was simply rediscovered in 1972.
photo by Katie Bordner (via Flickr)
photo by McKay Savage (via Flickr)
Lost in the sands of time
For reasons we will never know, the Tairona civilization abandoned the city sometime in the 16th century. The prevailing theory is that the Tairona would rather abandon the city than have it discovered by Spanish explorers. Soon, the jungle reclaimed the citadel, shrouding the ancient ruins for hundreds of years, and letting its history and treasures pass from common knowledge. That all changed when it was "discovered" by the outside world, namely a few treasure hunters who stumbled upon a staircase, leading them to the ruins. Before long, these thieves had stolen what little gold and valuable artifacts remained. As the artifacts began to surface on black markets, archeologists moved in to preserve the site.
More ancient than Machu Picchu
Archaeologists' best guess is that Teyuna was built sometime between the 8th and 14th centuries. Estimates place the construction of this ancient city approximately 650+ years before the construction of the famous Machu Picchu in Peru, indicating the Tairona were a very advanced civilization. As the social, political, and economic hub for their civilization, Cuidad Perdida was the heart of their empire, encompassing more than 80 acres, including multiple terraces, and 250 buildings crafted from rammed earth, and other forms of intricate masonry.
photo by William Neuheisel (via Flickr)
photo by McKay Savage (via Flickr)
Preserving the past
Untended and exposed for centuries, the ancient city has fallen prey to erosion and decay. Experts from around the globe have taken measures to preserve the past of Teyuna, and tourists are encouraged to leave no trace as they travel to the site. Those who are brave enough to make the strenuous journey are rewarded with unparalleled views and amazing natural elements, like fern trees, streams, and cascading waterfalls. The ruins stretch out much farther than can be seen from above, and visitors can catch a brief glimpse of this ancient way of life. There are still some grinding stones, paved "roads," shrines, and precisely molded terraces and staircases. This peek into Colombia's past is the real treasure for these modern adventurers, and one they will always cherish.
Uncharted Colombia can help you arrange a trek to Ciudad Perdida and take you on other adventures in the area such as diving in Tayrona National Park and exploring the Guajira desert.