Into the Sierra Nevada – The Adventure Begins
Before sunrise, a group of travelers left the vibrant coastal city of Santa Marta, the Caribbean air thick with excitement and mystery. They piled into rugged jeeps, bouncing along winding mountain roads toward El Mamey, a small village and the gateway to the Lost City trek. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta loomed ahead, its peaks shrouded in mist and legend, hiding secrets older than Machu Picchu.
After a hearty breakfast, the group set off on foot, packs loaded and spirits high. The first stretch of the trail led them through lush jungle paths, past banana trees, and coffee farms. The humidity wrapped around them like a blanket, and the earthy scent of the forest filled the air. By the afternoon, they arrived at their first camp, nestled beside a sparkling river. A cool swim washed away the day’s fatigue, and as night fell, fireflies flickered above their hammocks, setting the scene for stories and laughter under the stars.
Deeper into the Jungle – Culture and Challenge
The next day, the trek grew more challenging and more challenging. The jungle thickened, alive with the calls of toucans and distant howler monkeys. Along the way, the travelers passed through a Kogai village, where children watched with wide, curious eyes. Their guide, a member of the Wiwa community, shared stories of the Tayrona people who built the lost city Colombia.
centuries ago and explained the spiritual importance the Sierra Nevada still holds for its indigenous descendants.
After hours of hiking, the group reached their next camp, perched high above the Buriticas River. The mountains seemed to breathe around them, their slopes blanketed in emerald, green. That night, they listened to tales of the city’s rediscovery by treasure hunters in the nineteen seventies of gold artifacts now preserved in distant museums, and of the sacred rituals that continue at Teyona to this day.
The Climb to Ciudad Perdida – Stepping Back in Time 
At dawn, the group faced the hardest challenge yet: a steep ascent up ancient stone steps, slick with moss and morning mist. Each step felt like a journey through history. Suddenly, the dense jungle parted, and there it was—Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City. Circular terraces carved into the mountainside, ceremonial plazas, and mysterious stairways spiraled into the clouds.
Standing atop the main terrace, the travelers felt the weight of centuries. The city, built by the Tayrona between the seventh and ninth centuries, once housed thousands of people. Its stonework blended seamlessly with the landscape, a testament to Tayrona’s engineering skills and spiritual connection to nature. Their guide shared stories of the city’s fall—how disease and Spanish conquest forced its abandonment, leaving it to be reclaimed by the forest for centuries.
They wandered around the site, marveling at its scale and serenity. Some met Mamo, a spiritual leader, who spoke of Teyuna as the “Heart of the World,” a place of balance between people and nature. The experience was humbling—a reminder that Ciudad Perdida is not just a destination, but a living, sacred site.
The Long Road Home – Reflections and Farewell
The final day was a long trek back through the jungle, legs weary but spirits high. The return journey offered time to reflect. Many thoughts of the indigenous communities who still protect these mountains and the privilege of walking in their footsteps.
As they reached El Mamey and the waiting jeeps, it became clear that the Lost City trek is more than a physical challenge. It is a cultural immersion, a history lesson, and a spiritual awakening. The landscapes—crystal rivers, misty peaks, and tangled jungle—are unforgettable, but it’s the connection to Colombia’s ancient heart that lingers long after the mud is washed away.
Tips for Future Trekkers
Travelers are encouraged to book with reputable tour operators—indigenous guides offer unique insights and help preserve the site.
Preparation for heat, humidity, and rain is essential—good boots and a sense of adventure are a must.
Respect for the land and its people is paramount—Ciudad Perdida is sacred, and every journey helps support local communities.
Ciudad Perdida isn’t just a lost city—it’s a living story, waiting for those willing to seek it out. For anyone craving adventure, culture, and a brush with the ancient, this trek belongs on their bucket list.
