Lost City

The lost city of Teyuna, nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia, has captivated the imagination of adventurers and historians alike. Predating the renowned Machu Picchu, this ancient archaeological site showcases the architectural brilliance of the Tayrona civilization, inviting visitors to unravel the mysteries of their bygone era. Though the trek to reach Teyuna is no easy feat, those who dare to undertake the journey are rewarded with a glimpse into a world that has long remained hidden from the modern eye. What secrets does this lost city hold, and what can it reveal about the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s indigenous peoples?

Key Points

• The Lost City, also known as Teyuna, is an ancient archaeological site of the Tayrona indigenous people in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, Colombia.
• Teyuna dates back to around 800 AD, predating the famous Machu Picchu, and showcases the architectural prowess of the Tayrona civilization.
• The trek to the Lost City involves a challenging hike of up to 6 hours daily, covering 1,200 stone steps through lush jungle terrain.
• The four-day trekking experience allows visitors to explore the site’s captivating network of tiled paths, terraces, and circular plazas, immersing them in the rich cultural heritage.
• The tour package includes transportation, meals, lodging, and an English-speaking guide, but it is not suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or individuals over 95 years of age.

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Overview and Pricing

The Lost City Trek activity typically costs from $629.55 per person and lasts for 4 days.

The trek offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, without any upfront payment.

The trek takes adventurers through the archaeological territory of the Tayrona indigenous people, exploring the ancient ruins of Teyuna, which predate Machu Picchu.

The challenging hike requires physical fitness, as it involves navigating up to 1,200 stone steps through the jungle over 6 hours of hiking per day.

However, the trek’s stunning scenery and cultural significance make it a remarkable experience.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Lost City Trek takes adventurers through the archaeological territory of the Tayrona indigenous people, known as Teyuna. This ancient site, attributed to 800 AD, predates the renowned Machu Picchu.

Nestled in the stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, the Lost City offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Carved into the mountainside, the site features a network of tiled paths, terraces, and small circular plazas, providing a unique insight into the architectural prowess of the Tayrona people.

This archaeological gem stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the indigenous communities who once inhabited this remarkable landscape.

Trekking Experience

Access to the Lost City is gained via 1,200 stone steps winding through the lush jungle. Trekkers must have a good level of physical fitness, as they will hike up to 6 hours daily. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Tayrona paradise. Carved terraces, a network of tiled paths, and small circular plazas provide a glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Tayrona people.

Terrain	Highlights
Jungle trails	Carved terraces
Steep inclines	Tiled paths
Rocky outcrops	Circular plazas

The trekking experience offers an immersive journey through a captivating historical site, showcasing the ingenuity of the Tayrona civilization.

Itinerary Details

The 4-day Lost City trek begins with a 4-hour hike from Santa Marta to Camp 1, where trekkers will spend the night in either hammocks or beds and enjoy a hearty dinner.

The next day, hikers will trek for 1 hour to Camp 2 and then 4 hours to Camp 3, spending the night there.

On day three, they’ll embark on a 4-hour tour of the archaeological zone of the Lost City, before returning to Camp 3 for lunch, dinner, and another night’s stay.

The final day involves a 3-hour return journey by 4×4 vehicle from Camp 2 back to Santa Marta.

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What’s Included

The Lost City trek package includes round-trip transportation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), lodging (either beds or hammocks), an English-speaking tour guide, travel insurance, contributions to the indigenous and peasant community, and the entrance fee to the archaeological park.

However, the trek isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or individuals over 95 years of age.

Trekkers should bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, food and drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a daypack, a charged smartphone, a waterproof bag, and appropriate trekking gear.

Who Should Avoid

According to the overview, certain individuals should avoid the Lost City trek.

The trek isn’t suitable for:

1. Pregnant women
2. People with back problems
3. Individuals over 95 years

These groups may struggle with the strenuous hiking, steep terrain, and challenging conditions of the trek.

The overview recommends that those with physical limitations or health concerns reconsider undertaking the Lost City trek.

Participants must be physically fit and able to hike for up to 6 hours daily through the jungle, up 1,200 stone steps, to reach the archaeological site.

What to Bring

Participants will need to pack carefully for the challenging Lost City trek. Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes are a must, as well as a change of clothes, food and drinks, and sunscreen and insect repellent.

A sleeping bag, flashlight, and daypack will come in handy. Waterproof bags are recommended to protect belongings. Trekking poles can provide extra support on the steep, uneven terrain.

Charged smartphones or cameras allow hikers to capture the stunning views and archaeological wonders along the way. With the right gear, adventurers will be well-equipped to fully enjoy the beauty and history of the Lost City.

Recap

Lost City, a remarkable archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Colombia’s indigenous heritage. Despite the challenging trek, the site’s ancient stone terraces, plazas, and pathways provide a testament to the ingenuity of the Tayrona civilization, predating even the iconic Machu Picchu. Exploring this hidden gem allows travelers to enjoy the rich cultural legacy of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: