- Book in advance
- Avoid peak season
- Stay hydrated during the tour
- Bring back the trash you carry
- Use biodegradable materials
- Do not leave the trails
- Always follow the guide's instructions
Lost City in Colombia: Adventure and Culture in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta
The Lost City, also known as Teyuna, is an ancient indigenous settlement located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a sacred site for the descendants of the Tayronas. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1979, this place offers a fascinating journey to the heart of Colombian history and nature.
Reasons to visit the Lost City
Connection with Indigenous Communities
The Sierra Nevada hosts four indigenous communities descended from the Tayrona, who preserve their language, culture, and traditions. The indigenous people consider the Lost City a sacred place and call it Teyuna.
Biosphere Reserve
The natural wealth of the Sierra Nevada is incomparable. Its biodiversity and landscapes have earned recognition from UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. Visiting the Lost City is like entering a unique ecosystem in the world.
Sustainable Community Tourism
Tourism in the Lost City directly benefits local communities. Guides, porters, and support staff are from indigenous communities and nearby rural areas, ensuring responsible and authentic tourism.
How to Get to the Lost City?
Access is exclusively through authorized tours. It is essential to book in advance, as the number of visitors is limited to protect the environment. The tours depart from Santa Marta and last between 4 and 5 days, depending on the route.
Fauna and Flora in the Lost City
Thousands of species inhabit the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, including unique endemic birds from our region.
History of the Lost City
The origins of the Lost City date back to approximately 650 A.D., according to recent research. This archaeological site is considered one of the most important in Colombia and offers a window into the past of the Tayrona culture.
Experiences to the Lost City
The Lost City tour is a unique experience, the adventure lasts 4 or 5 days, departing from Santa Marta and traversing a lush tropical rainforest. Along the way, you will enter magical trails surrounded by nature and pure air.
During the journey, you will have the opportunity to meet local indigenous communities, cross the Buritaca River several times, and spot a great diversity of birds, many of them endemic. This destination is ideal for bird watching enthusiasts and those seeking a deep connection with nature.
Without a doubt, visiting the Lost City in Colombia is one of the most memorable experiences you can live in the world. Considered one of the most spectacular hikes, this journey will transform your love for nature and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Top Reviews to the Lost City
We are the pioneers in the route since its inception, more than 30 years ago, we have received over 20,000 travelers since we started in this destination working with local people and navitas from the Sierra Nevada region of Santa Marta.
We couldn't have made a better choice, we went to Ciudad Perdida and it really is an impeccable organization, all the staff very friendly, both in the offices and during the activity. Our guide Jorge, and his assistants Kevin and Samuel were very attentive and of course my total admiration for our chef Sandra, not only for her delicacies but for her physical condition hehehe. Thank you very much!!
Maria Fernanda
Google Reviews
Excellent, very good planning of the trip and a warm welcome, a unique experience and that I hope will repeat itself, that is, they will end up tired of the legs for a few days
Astrid Rios
Google Reviews
Great experience I had on the Lost City tour. The tour exceeded my expectations due to the guide Carlos's knowledge of the area, and it's clear he enjoys what he does.
Oscar Rojas
Google Reviews
Some Tips for Going to the Lost City
The trek is moderately demanding, it is recommended to be in good physical condition and be a lover of trekking and nature, the tour to Ciudad Perdida is a unique experience worth living
More Information
- General Information about the Lost City
- Frequently asked questions
- What to bring to the Lost City
- How to get to the Lost City
- History of the Lost City Colombia
- History of the Tairona
- Construction of the Lost City Town
- Sectors of the Lost City
- Discovery of the Lost City
- Architecture of the Lost City
- Legend of the Lost City
What makes the Lost City unique?
The Lost City, or Teyuna, was built around 650 AD — some 650 years before Machu Picchu. It was the political, spiritual, and commercial center of the Tayrona people, and today it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. Unlike other archaeological destinations on the continent, the Lost City can only be visited through a guided tour with certified agencies — independent trekking is not permitted, which guarantees the preservation of the environment and an authentic experience.
The final ascent to the archaeological site includes 1,200 stone steps carved by the Tayrona themselves into the mountainside. The archaeological complex extends over 35 hectares at 1,100 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta — the highest coastal mountain in the world.
650
years before Machu Picchu
1.200
Tayrona stone steps
35 ha
archaeological site area
1.100m
above sea level
How difficult is the Lost City trek?
The Lost City trek is rated moderate to challenging. No mountaineering experience is required, but good physical fitness is essential. On the 4-day tour, you cover an average of 14 km per day through humid tropical jungle trails, crossing the Buritaca River several times and tackling steep slopes. The 6-day tour covers the same route in shorter stages (7 km per day), ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
Heat and humidity are the main factors to consider. It is recommended to bring lightweight quick-drying clothing, trekking poles, biodegradable insect repellent, and waterproof trekking shoes. Camp cabins include hammocks or bunk beds, showers, and bathrooms — no sleeping bag is needed.
Price and best time to visit the Lost City
The Lost City tour price includes a certified guide, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks), round-trip transport from Santa Marta, accommodation in camps, and entrance to the archaeological park. The 4-day tour starts from $543 USD per person, the 5-day from $600 USD, and the 6-day from $766 USD. All prices are final — no hidden charges.
The best time to visit the Lost City is between December and March (dry season), when rainfall is scarce and the trails are in better condition. June to August is also a good window. The archaeological site closes in September each year, at the request of indigenous communities. Although the sierra can receive rain in any month of the year, the tour operates 12 months (except September) and the cabins are comfortable even in the rainy season.
Pioneers of the Lost City tour since 1993
Baquianos Travel is the pioneering company in the Lost City tour with more than 33 years operating the route. We have accompanied more than 20,000 travelers from more than 80 countries, and we hold authorization from ICANH (Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History) to operate within the Teyuna Archaeological Park. Our RNT 16506 guarantees that you are traveling with a legally established and responsible agency.
All our guides are natives of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, they know every trail, every community, and every story of the territory. We work directly with Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco, and Kankuamo indigenous communities, ensuring that your visit has a positive impact on the people who protect this heritage. We are not intermediaries or resellers — when you book with us, you are booking with the people who opened the path.
Certifications & recognitions
+33
years of experience
+20.000
satisfied travelers
+80
countries of origin
ICANH · RNT 16506