- Address: Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia
- Region: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
- Phone: +57 316 7458947
- Website: ciudadperdida.co
In the wild jungle in northern Colombia is hidden from the views of people an ancient abandoned city, whose history dates back to 800 AD. It was created by the Tayron Indians, who at one time were one of the few who ventured to rebuff the conquerors of Spain. The lost city in Colombia was re-opened only in 1976, and then it became a popular place among foreign tourists.
Teyuna
The name Ciudad Perdida (just such a translation has "Lost City") was given to this place already in our time. Tayrona culture bearers called it Teyuna.
Apparently, it was a large public and religious center. On its terraces and platforms there were several ceremonial centers. They were interconnected by a complex system of stone staircases and cobbled roads. The total area of the city was about 20 hectares, and its height above sea level - from 900 to 1200 m. It was supposedly inhabited from 2 to 8 thousand people. In addition, the researchers found 169 agricultural terraces, which indicates the complete isolation and self-sufficiency of the ancient settlement.
Attack of the conquistadors
Enter the city could only be overcome a high staircase in 1200 steps. This is what saved the city from the colonists who arrived on horseback and with heavy armor. Wanting to conquer Tayun and enslave the rebellious Indians, the Spanish conquistadors attacked the city over and over again and received a rebuff over and over again. Forced to descend from the mountains, Tyrone began to contract European diseases, to which they did not have immunity.
The population left the city between 1500 and 1600 years. The reason for this is not known for certain. Scientists offer several possible explanations, allegedly Tyrone:
- gradually died of disease;
- Having accused of the troubles of his city, left him and went into the jungle;
- mixed with the inhabitants of the surrounding villages.
How was the Lost City in Colombia?
Discovered this place so-called "black diggers" from the nearby villages, which at the end of the XX century were selling stolen valuables. They completely plundered the ancient city, taking out from there everything that was of great interest to historians, including many gold artifacts. When the authorities learned about this, these same people - the only ones who saw how the Lost City really looked - were forced to restore it, and then work here as guides.
How to get to the Lost City?
Ciudad Perdida is located 80 km from the popular resort of Santa Marta . Despite a short distance, you can get here only 3 days of the way, and not easy. The tour starts from the village of Machete and requires good physical preparation. You have to literally wade through the jungle, cross several rough mountain rivers, and then climb high into the mountains. It is these adventures that attract many fans of extreme Indiana Jones style here.
To book a sightseeing tour to the Lost City in Colombia follows through the hotel (hostel). It is advisable to come to trekking in the dry season, because during the rainy the hike will not only take more time, but will bring much less pleasure. At this time in the jungle, after a shower every day, there is a downpour, and tourists are forced to walk knee-deep (or even more) in the water.
Security
A visit to the city itself is now considered safe (it is patrolled by the Colombian army), whereas in 2005 there were riots in the area, and excursions were stopped. The only danger for tourists is the jungle, more precisely, insects and reptiles, with which they are full. Before the trip you should definitely get a yellow fever vaccination .