Plizio Visual Lab
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Ciudad Perdida, also known as Teyuna, is an archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia. It is believed to have been founded around 800 AD by the Tayrona people, approximately 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu. The site consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a network of tiled roads, and several small circular plazas. Ciudad Perdida served as the region's political and economic center and was linked to other Tayrona settlements via a complex system of paths. Following the Spanish conquest, the city was abandoned and remained forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery by treasure hunters in 1972. Today, it is regarded as one of South America's most significant pre-Columbian monuments, accessible only via a multi-day trek through dense jungle. The site continues to be revered as a sacred place by local indigenous groups, including the Kogi, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo.
- Location: Colombia
- Top sights: Suspension bridge · Ciudad Perdida
- Nearby: Minca (22 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 3 | 11 | 34 | 109 | 78 | 63 | 84 | 110 | 170 | 97 | 29 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Ciudad Perdida is an archaeological site in the jungle that can only be visited with a guided trek. Access is controlled by local tour operators; self-driving is not permitted.
Typical hours
Guided treks usually start early in the morning and last several days. Exact departure times vary by operator, so advance booking is essential.
Photography
Photography of the ruins and surrounding landscape is generally allowed during the trek. Drones are strictly prohibited to protect the archaeological site and wildlife.
Time needed
The standard trek to Ciudad Perdida typically takes 4 to 5 days. Shorter versions are possible but less recommended for a full experience of the site.
Combine with
The Santa Marta region also has Tayrona National Park and the beaches of Palomino. Combine the trek with a visit to the colonial city of Santa Marta.
Getting there
The starting point for the trek is usually a meeting point in Santa Marta, from where operators arrange transport to the trailhead. Flights to Santa Marta are available from Bogotá and Medellín.
Insider tip
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking boots and a waterproof flashlight. Bring enough cash as there are no ATMs along the route.
Geography
Facts
- Founded around 800 AD, approximately 650 years before Machu Picchu.
- Comprises 169 artificially constructed stone terraces.
- Rediscovered by treasure hunters in 1972.
- Situated at an altitude between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level.
- Referred to as 'Teyuna' by the indigenous Kogi people.
- Accessible only on foot; the trek typically takes 4 to 5 days.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long does the hike to Ciudad Perdida take?
The guided hike typically takes 4 to 5 days through dense jungle and steep terrain.
Can I visit Ciudad Perdida without a guide?
No, access is only permitted through licensed tour operators with authorized guides.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from December to March is well-suited, as trails are less muddy and river crossings are safer.
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is considered difficult due to high humidity, heat, and steep climbs.
Are there toilets or accommodations there?
Along the trail, there are simple camps with bunk beds or hammocks and basic sanitary facilities.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City): where is it located?
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) is located in Colombia.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City): what is there to see?
Highlights include Suspension bridge, Ciudad Perdida.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Ciudad Perdida (Lost City): why is it worth visiting?
Ciudad Perdida, also known as Teyuna, is an archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Colombia →
Nearby cities
Santa Marta
One of the oldest existing cities in South America.
Minca
A lush mountain village in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, famous for coffee farms and waterfalls.
Tayrona
Tayrona National Park enchants with palm-fringed Caribbean beaches that merge directly into the dense jungle.
Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back coastal town where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.
Valledupar
The musical heart of Vallenato music.
Nature
More places
Pueblito Chairama
Ruins of an ancient Tairona village in Tayrona National Park, showcasing the stone architecture of the indigenous culture.
Tayrona National Natural Park
A protected area where dense tropical forest directly meets breathtaking Caribbean beaches.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the highest coastal mountain range in the world, geologically isolated from the Andes.
Pico Cristóbal Colón
The highest mountain in Colombia, located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta near the Caribbean coast.
Pico Simón Bolívar
The twin peak of Pico Cristóbal Colón in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
A 17th-century hacienda where South American liberator Simón Bolívar spent his last days in 1830.
Tayrona Free Trade Zone
A major industrial park in Santa Marta, serving companies in logistics and export.
Port of Santa Marta
A natural deep-water port, especially known for the export of agricultural products like bananas and coal.