"Tumble in the Jungle: La Ciudad Perdida" Ciudad Perdida by richiecdisc

Ciudad Perdida Travel Guide: 51 reviews and 203 photos

lush jungle scenery en route is the real highlight

La Ciudad Perdida has not only a rich and lengthy history but a storied recent past as well. Though settlement in the vicinity dates back perhaps a far as the 7th century and the actual structures' construction to between the 11th and 14th, the “Lost City” was just that until the early 1970s when local grave-robbers happened upon the jungle-strewn ruins of the indigenous Tayrona people. The terraced structures that remain incredibly well-preserved even today were mere platforms on which the wooden thatched homes of the Tayrona were built.

after its discovery

the stone steps to La Ciudad Perdida

Even after its “discovery,” the area was far from settled and remained in a state of turmoil first with grave-robber gangs fighting over the spoils and then with cocaine cartels using the perfect growing conditions and inaccessibility to their best advantage. This was in great conflict with its tourist development and in the early years of this, a few intrepid travelers were taken hostage, thus propelling La Ciudad Perdida to backpacker mythic proportions. In a world where Machu Picchu was now all too easy to visit, this was a more esoteric jewel in the crown for those drawn to tramping on less trodden if dangerous grounds. As with all things to do with Colombia, information about such danger lagged far behind the steady progress away from it. La Ciudad has been host to many organized trekking groups since the millennium and now appears to be as safe a trek as any in South America. Of course, such organization takes from its illusive allure but it still has a few years before it is overrun like similar treks in Peru so enjoy it while it lasts.

must be done with trekking company

sometimes getting there is more than half the fun

You must do the tour with a group and thankfully there is now some competition amongst the ranks after many years of it being monopolized by Colombia's national tourist company, TURCOL. It can be done in as little as five days but the more typical trek is six days and five nights. This can be arranged in Santa Marta or Taganga and definitely cheaper than doing it in Bogota.

Last visit to Ciudad Perdida: Feb 2010
Intro Updated Nov 29, 2010
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (25)

Two great treks down, one great wife What to Pack (1)

Camping gear is provided at each camp and set up for you but you need a day pack to carry your clothes and basic gear... more travel advice

mossy steps can be slippery when wet - Ciudad Perdida

Eating your thoughts is easier than your... Favorites (4)

Over the next days, we found a pace that suited us and did not rush to keep up with the fastest in the pack. Though we... more travel advice

taking it slow was not so bad anyway - Ciudad Perdida

facing the facts of age Favorites (4)

So, we set out dressed in the same “desert whites” we had done El Cocuy in. On that trek, we wore long sleeved shirts... more travel advice

a little bird told don't open your mouth too soon - Ciudad Perdida

backpackers love to BS Favorites (4)

It's always interesting when you meet up with a group you're about to spend the next week with, especially when you'll... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
See All the stone steps
Restaurants (1)
a fair amount of decent food was the...
Hotels (3)
See All one big mattress on the floor on night 3
Been to Ciudad Perdida?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (8)

Reply
- Report abuse
toonsarah Feb 10, 2011 at 3:22 AM

Wow, so green and lush everywhere - beautiful! Interesting to read about the Kogi people too. I'm sorry about D's nasty fall though - I have a habit of falling over myself (as you know!) so can sympathise!
Reply
- Report abuse
euzkadi Dec 12, 2010 at 9:58 PM

Wow, i´ve have heard of it, but never seen it. Thanks.
Reply
- Report abuse
Yaqui Nov 30, 2010 at 3:30 PM

I enjoy your stories and the wonderful adventures you two take. LOL, I really like where I live. Yet, thank you for sharing your photo's so people like me can see beautiful places across the world.
Reply
- Report abuse
DoreenDe Nov 28, 2010 at 7:10 AM

I'm glad we did it but I DID get some mosquito bites along with that huge black & blue bump that took forever to go away!
Reply
- Report abuse
willy_wonka Nov 24, 2010 at 4:50 PM

a truly wonderful adventure! your photos have outdone themselves this time, just stunning! i dream of colombia now, i'd love to do this trek, and visit the beaches and colonial towns. so much to offer!
Reply
- Report abuse
mircaskirca Nov 24, 2010 at 1:54 PM

Very beautiful pictures of jungle scenery and the stone steps look amazing too! I can imagine how refreshing came swimming after the trek. Also interesting to learn about Kogi people that we know so little about. Now I see what all I missed :)
Reply
- Report abuse
Gili_S Nov 24, 2010 at 5:48 AM

Looks like great adventure. I often notice that mosquito & other horrors are usually way above the reality, better to go and see it for yourself. Don't they have king size double hammocks for couples ;-)
Reply
- Report abuse
Trekki Nov 23, 2010 at 11:14 AM

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO, what an intro photo!!!!! Marvellous landscape indeed! JUst for that I would love to hike up there. Haha, the other backpackers - big heros with the mouth, but no water sandals... Love the car..