Santa Marta is a city that has it all. And by saying this, it is not an exaggeration: you can find paradisiacal beaches, picturesque and lively streets, good culinary culture, and more. But, although many do not know, this Colombian region hides an important archaeological secret.
In the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is the Lost City, also known as Teyuna or Buritaca-200.
It is an archaeological ruin of an ancient city built by the Tayrona indigenous people. It was declared a National Monument by the Colombian Government and for some time has become a tourist destination that cannot be missing from the travel plans of foreigners in Colombia. Thus becoming one of the most recognized hikes in South America.
A bit of history
The Lost City was built approximately in the year 700 AD (Anno Domini). This means it was constructed 650 years before Machu Picchu, in Peru. The city was abandoned in 1650.
It was not until 1976 when Gilberto Cadavid and Luisa Fernanda Herrera discovered this settlement. Since then, this city—with circular plazas, paths, stairs, and stone channels—became one of the most important archaeological sites in South America and the world.
It is estimated that the Lost City covers around 13 hectares.
History and magic in the same place
The Lost City of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta is, currently, archaeological ruins of an ancient civilization sacred to indigenous peoples. This makes it feel like a special and almost mystical energy when in the place.
Visitors say they leave with their souls purified and recharged with energy.
Every year, this place is visited by thousands of national and international tourists. All are amazed by the architecture of the Lost City and the ingenious construction carried out at that time.
The complex architecture of the Lost City included a system of channels that transported rainwater throughout the population and to the terraces, in order to maintain soil fertility and stability.
The site also features cave paintings and petroglyphs (carved drawings on stone). The Donama Stone stands out here because its carvings can be interpreted in multiple ways.
How to get to the Lost City?
Getting to the Lost City is not easy. In fact, it can be said that its access is commendable. It is only possible to visit it if you undertake a long trek on foot, which can extend over 4 days. And that’s not all, to complete the journey, you must climb 1200 steps.
The route, which covers about 50 kilometers in total, is recommended for active people and hikers. Not only is it long, but those who undertake it must also face the weather, muddy trails, hanging bridges, and more.
But this arduous journey has its reward. In the Lost City, you will find an incredible view of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, learn about the city’s functioning, with its 169 terraces, and learn about indigenous culture, customs, and traditions.
A prestigious location
The Lost City is located at more than 1,300 meters above sea level, on the foothills of Cerro Corea, situated in the northern part of the Sierra Nevada Santa Marta. At that height, you find cobbled roads, stairs, walls interconnected by terraces, houses, and food storage sites.
Today, this place—UNESCO World Heritage Site—is managed by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) and is a National Archaeological Park.
If you want to visit the Lost City, this is your chance. It is a trip you will remember for a lifetime. Remember, of course, that to undertake this journey you must be physically prepared, as it is a truly demanding trek on foot.
Discover our Trek to the Lost City with Wiwa and Kogui communities