The Lost City of Colombia, also known as Teyuna, is one of the most important archaeological and natural destinations in South America. Many people planning to travel to this continent wonder exactly where the Lost City is and how they can visit it.
This ancient settlement of the Tayrona indigenous civilization is hidden in the jungles of Santa Marta and can only be visited through a multi-day hike. That’s why getting there is quite an adventure.
In this article, we’ll explain where the Lost City in Colombia is located, how to get to this destination, and what you should know before doing the famous trek.
The Lost City is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a massive mountain range situated in Colombia’s Caribbean region.
This archaeological site is found in the middle of the tropical rainforest, surrounded by rivers, mountains, and indigenous communities that have inhabited the area for centuries.
The city was built by the Tayrona civilization around the 8th century, which means it is even older than Machu Picchu in Peru.
Currently, the site is protected as an Archaeological Park under the administration and supervision of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), the entity in charge of the research, conservation, and management of Colombia’s archaeological heritage. Due to its high historical and cultural value, access to this place is regulated and it can only be visited through authorized guided routes, which allows for controlling the flow of visitors and guaranteeing the protection of the heritage and the surrounding natural environment.
The Lost City is located in the department of Magdalena, in northern Colombia.
The most common starting point to visit it is the city of Santa Marta, one of the oldest cities in the Americas and the region’s main tourist destination.
Most expeditions to the jungle where the Lost City is located depart from Santa Marta. For this reason, many people often think that the Lost City is within Santa Marta, but it is actually several kilometers inside the Sierra Nevada, in a mountainous and jungle area.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is considered one of the highest coastal mountains in the world, with peaks exceeding 5,700 meters in height.
This territory is sacred to several indigenous communities such as the:
During the journey to the Lost City, it is common to encounter indigenous communities that inhabit the region and maintain a strong spiritual connection with nature.
The only way to reach the Lost City is through a trek through the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
There are no roads or direct transport to the archaeological site.
Most travelers start the expedition from Santa Marta, where tours are organized with authorized agencies. This is because access is regulated to protect both the archaeological site and the indigenous territory.
The trek to the Lost City is considered one of the most famous hikes in Latin America.
During the journey, travelers cross through:
The path also includes more than 1,200 stone steps that lead to the archaeological terraces where the ancient city is located.
The trek normally lasts between:
During the journey, travelers sleep in eco-camps located in the jungle that segment the tour.
Each day involves walking between 5 and 8 hours, depending on the group’s pace and weather conditions.
If you’re thinking about doing the Lost City trek, it’s important to prepare well.
Some useful tips include:
The climate in the jungle can be humid and hot, so good preparation will make the experience much more enjoyable.
