The Lost City, a Sacred Heritage
Discovering the Lost City Trek, a hidden treasure of the Sierra Nevada
12 Aug 2026
Deep in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, in northern Colombia, lies one of the country's greatest archaeological and cultural treasures: Teyuna, the Lost City, an ancient indigenous city that has slept for centuries.
Today, this site has become one of Colombia's most popular treks, drawing travelers from all over the world, both for its fascinating history and for the extraordinary adventure it offers through the jungle.
Lost City Trek Colombia
A 4-day immersive expedition to the legendary Ciudad Perdida, the largest pre-Colombian city discovered in all the Americas
View tripBetween History, Cultural Richness, and Mystery
The Lost City was discovered in the 1970s by treasure hunters specializing in looting indigenous tombs, known as "guaqueros." They stumbled upon one of Colombia's oldest archaeological sites, believed to have been founded around 650 AD by the Tayrona civilization roughly 600 years before Machu Picchu.
Before this rediscovery, Teyuna was known only to the indigenous peoples living in the region. To them, it was a place steeped in mysticism, and it remains a sacred site to this day.
“ "Teyuna Ciudad Perdida is sacred, inalienable, the guardian of their culture and of the world's balance," notes Marie-Laure Guilland, a specialist in Colombian heritage. ”
For many years following its discovery, the Lost City was marked by the armed conflict between the FARC, the ELN, and paramilitary groups, and was therefore closed to the public. Today, the army ensures the protection of this archaeological site, which has become a secure location and remains one of the most important in Colombia.
An Encounter with Indigenous Communities
The Lost City was built by the Tayrona civilization. Today, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region is home to four indigenous communities descended from the Tayronas: the Koguis, the Arhuacos, the Wiwas, and the Kankuamos. These peoples continue to protect this territory as well as the Sierra Nevada's unique ecosystem.
During your trek, you'll have the chance to meet some of these communities, particularly the Koguis and the Wiwas. They share their culture, traditions, and worldview with travelers. It is therefore essential to follow your guide's instructions and to respect both the environment and the communities around you.
While the Lost City is a site steeped in history and culture, discovering it today is, above all, about the experience of the trek itself. And it is in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta that the real adventure begins.
The Ascent to the Lost City
To complete your trek, you'll need to count on 4 to 5 days of walking access to the Lost City is something you truly have to earn! Along the way, you'll cross several rivers, including the Rio Buritaca, and you'll come across numerous natural pools and waterfalls deep within the jungle.
On the final day, one last challenge awaits: climbing the 1,200 steps that lead to the summit of the Lost City.
Panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada from the hiking trail
These efforts will be richly rewarded with:
- A breathtaking view over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- A rich and well-preserved indigenous culture
- A unique biodiversity at the heart of this ecosystem.
More than just a hike, this trek is a true immersion into a land where nature, history, and culture come together.
These efforts will be richly rewarded with:
- A breathtaking view over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- A rich and well-preserved indigenous culture
- A unique biodiversity at the heart of this ecosystem.
More than just a hike, this trek is a true immersion into a land where nature, history, and culture come together.
Lost City Trek Colombia
A 4-day immersive expedition to the legendary Ciudad Perdida, the largest pre-Colombian city discovered in all the Americas
View tripPreparing for Your Adventure to Teyuna
Before you set off, a bit of preparation will help you make the most of your climb.
How do you get to the Lost City?
The Lost City is only accessible on foot. To preserve this exceptional site, access is only permitted with an authorized agency or local guide. It's advisable to book in advance, as the number of visitors is limited.
The site is overseen by the ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History) as well as by the Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo indigenous authorities, who consider Teyuna a sacred place.
What's the best time to go?
The Lost City trek can be done year-round, with the exception of October, when the park closes to allow indigenous communities to carry out their cultural and spiritual activities.
To make the most of the experience, it's best to avoid the rainy season, which generally peaks between September and November, when the trails can become harder to navigate. That said, you should expect some rain and humidity no matter what time of year you go!
What are the recommendations?
- Yellow fever vaccination is recommended
- Proper trekking shoes suited for hiking
- A waterproof jacket-
Respect for nature and indigenous communities
- Good physical condition
- Proper trekking shoes suited for hiking
- A waterproof jacket-
Respect for nature and indigenous communities
- Good physical condition
Key Information
- Total distance: 55 km round trip
- Highest point: Ciudad Perdida
- Duration: 4 or 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary
- Climate: tropical, humid
- Terrain conditions: jungle, river crossings
- Difficulty level: moderate to difficult
- Highest point: Ciudad Perdida
- Duration: 4 or 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary
- Climate: tropical, humid
- Terrain conditions: jungle, river crossings
- Difficulty level: moderate to difficult