Frequently asked questions - Ciudad Perdida

Yes, all the cabins have showers and toilets, we recommend you to bring your personal care items such as soap, toothbrush, towel and toilet paper.

Cabins are fitted with bed bunks or hammocks with nets. You will usually sleep in bed bunks (depending on availability).

No, cabins are equipped with the necessary the idea is to walk as comfortable and lights as possible.

Some cabins do have electricity supply from solar panels where you could charge your mobile phone or other electronic devices.

No, it is not possible. In Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida lives the Mamo (indigenous leader) with his family and there is also a military base.

It depends on how many days you are going to do the tour however, we recommend you to pack comfortable clothes for walking, socks, long sleeve shirt and long trousers for cold nights and for mosquito protection. You have to take into account that it is very humid up there so clothes will no dry up at night.

We recommend you to bring comfortable walking shoes and, in rainy season trekking shoes. Also do not forget to pack sandals to use them in the rivers and for resting in the camps.

No, it is not possible. If you wish to experience what is like to live with indigenous communities we suggest you to contact the agency.

Yes, all the Ciudad Perdida tour agencies must make a contribution to local communities, peasants of the region and to the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) which is the body in charge of the protection of the Archaeological Park since 1976.

Leaving to Ciudad Perdida from Machete Pelao is possible to see Kogui and Wiwa communities but in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta there are also Arhuaco and Arsario communities.

There are only 5 authorized operating agencies for this trekking. All of them carry out humanitarian work and contributions to indigenous and peasant communities as well as to the Colombian Institute of Archaeology and History (ICANH) the body in charge of the conservation of this area. Most of the guides are locals from the region who contribute to the well-being and support of more than 3,000 families. Each agency has something that makes it one of a kind for example Guias and Baquianos is the pioneer in this route with more than 30 years of experience.

Fewer guides are bilingual, in the majority of the cases and according to the demand an interpreter goes with the groups.

No, for your safety you have to go through some authorized company.

The route is the same, the only difference is that the lesser the days the greater the physical requirement. In the 4 days tour you walk an average of 14 kilometres per day whereas in the 6 days tour the average is of 7 kilometres. First day is exactly the same for all tours but the second day in the 4 days tour you will walk from the first camp until the last one “Cabaña Romualdo” or “Paraíso Teyuna” while in the 6 days tour you will stay in the second camp “Mumake”.

There have been no recorded cases of malaria or yellow fever so far however, we recommend you to have vaccination against it. Furthermore, is advisable to bring a good repellent with you because in winter there are more mosquitoes and ticks in this area.

Taking into account that we are in a rainforest surrounded by vegetation and fauna you will come along many animals but they do not attack people rather than that they are intimidated by the human presence. We recommend you not to walk outside the campsites area at night in order to avoid any incidents and, if you want to do it we suggest doing this accompanied by a guide.

No, with the increase of tourism in the area illegal businesses and armed conflicts have disappeared. Currently more than four villages benefit from this tour.

Rainy season usually starts in May until June and from September until December. However as a result of the effects of “El Niño” there are less and fewer rains and there are very dry months. In September Ciudad Perdida is usually close so that the communities can perform cleaning rituals hence it is highly recommended that you do not plan your visit for that month. Beginning of January, Easter and Christmas are considered high season so it is recommended to choose another dates for your trekking.

The maximum high in Ciudad Perdida is 1200 metres above sea level.

As we get deeper into the forest temperature drops, in the last camp “Paraíso Teyuna” also known as “Cabaña de Romualdo” is where it gets colder at night however, beds/hammocks have blankets and mosquito nets.

The Teyuna – Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park is located 1100 metres above sea level, its climate is warm, humid and very rainy with cold nights ranging from 18° to 22°.