Hidden deep in the dense jungle of Colombia's Tayrona National Park lies one of South America's most recent discoveries - The impressive ruins of 'Ciudad Perdida'.
Constructed as early as 700AD, the city then known as Teyuna, was home to a community of around 3,500 Tayrona Indians living off the land and following a unique, traditional lifestyle, apparent through the layout of their city.
Around the time of Colonization, and with the spread of new disease, the Tayrona people were hit with illnesses they lacked the antibodies to fight brought up to their city through mountain to coast trade routes. The entire civilization was literally wiped out by diseases such as smallpox and syphilis.
As the centuries passed and the city lay uninhabited, it became engulfed by the surrounding jungle and forgotten until in 1972, when a group of guaqueros (looters) came across one of the terraces and the city was finally rediscovered.
Huge restoration projects have taken place, recovering the famous 1200 steps from the Buritaca river to the city itself, the distinctive stone circles which acted as a base for their typical wooden huts and the maze of paved pathways between the terraces. Many of the recovered treasures and ceremonial items can be seen in the gold museum in Bogota.
A real highlight of the site is the ceremonial terraces which form the centre of the lost city, as is the original map of the city and it's surrounding area. Few understand this complex plan and fewer will translate for fear of further guaquero raids. There are also significant figures such as la piedra del sapo, a stone symbol representing the Tayrona Indian's animal Gods and la silla del Mamo, the cheif's thinking chair.
Visiting the site allows a real insight into the lives, cultures and techniques of the Tayrona people. By just walking amongst the ruins you develop a real appreciation for the sophisticated design of their city, working together with nature in adopting drainage methods to combat erosion on their mountainside city.
The complete remoteness of Ciudad Perdida is perhaps its most attractive feature, perched on the mountainside deep within the jungle of the National Park, the seclusion of the site along with it's fascinating history make a night here a truly magical experience.
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is nothing short of breathtaking - a 6 day return journey taking you up and down mountains, into deep jungle, through waterfalls and across rivers. The trek can be a tough grind however and prepare yourself for 5 nights in hammocks and living in basic conditions. Your guide and porter (along with trusty mule), will transport all food and provisions so you need only take the basics.
Although a strenuous hike, a trip to Ciudad Perdida is not one to be missed. As one of the country's most recently discovered historical sites amidst the most beautiful natural scenery, this is truly a once in a lifetime trip!
Carrera 1C No 20-15
Tel: 5 421 2256
Calle 17 # 1-18, Taganga
Calle 22 # 18, Santa Marta
Tel: 5 421 9401
J D Mar
Taganga
Calle 10 C No. 1C-59
Santa Marta
Tel: 5 431 9667
Calle 17 # 1-18
Tel: 5 421 9493
