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Cité Perdue

Cité Perdue (Colombia)

Practical information on Cité Perdue

  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Archaeological Site
4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
A five-day round trip on foot from El Mamey
When to go
From December to March
Minimum stay
3 to 5 days

Reviews of Cité Perdue

Rose Nicolini Seasoned Traveller
29 written opinions

The Lost City or Cuidad Perdida is a pre-Columbian archaeological site nestled in Santa Marta's Sierra Nevada. If you're feeling adventurous, you can get there by joining a guided hike through the jungle.

My suggestion:
Avoid going during the rainy season (October/November and March/April), otherwise you'll have a very soggy 5-day walk ahead of you. Don't forget your swimwear, so you can cool down by having a dip in the streams.
My review

The hike to the 'Ciudad Perdida' is one of my best memories of Colombia. The walk through the jungle is an adventure in itself. Even though the heat, humdity and climb are a bit daunting, each stage is short making the hike easier. The overnight camps are basic but well protected from the rain and insects. We were a small group of 10 plus a guide, so there was less hanging around at each stage.

I particularly enjoyed crossing the swollen river by rope/pulley - an adrenaline rush if ever there was. And the icing on the cake? Arriving at the Cuidad Perdida. This archaeological site is even more impressive after a three-day trek. That said, the midges were annoying and unaffected by insect repellent. The solution - do as our guide did and swat the air with a leafy branch as you walk.

Cuidad Perdida
Caroline Gourmaud Seasoned Traveller
221 written opinions

The Lost City is an archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range and constructed between 700 and 800 AD. Jesus Christ by the Tairona Indians.

My suggestion:
It's possible to adjust the number of days taken to do the trek to match your own physical capabilities and fitness level. Very fit, sporty individuals tend to do it in five days and Sunday hikers in six. But there's no shame in taking longer: the important thing is getting there!
My review

Ciudad Perdida ("Lost City" in English) is the site of an ancient pre-Colombian city consisting mainly of terraces and various series of steps. Today it's possible to reach this archaeological site by going on a four to six-day trek from the town of El Mamey.

The ruins of this Lost City are definitely worth exploring! After five days of walking through the Colombian jungle in stifling humidity, and suffering the unwelcome attacks of mosquitoes, we finally arrived at the site of this pre-Colombian city. Before our very eyes were hundreds of terraces extending over an area located deep at the heart of some of the lush, verdant valleys of the Colombian jungle. Ciudad Perdida can't really compete with Macchu Picchu and will no doubt be a disappointment to some, but what a wonderful feeling it is when you climb up the steps to reach the highest point in this ancient city! 

If you enjoy the opportunity to meet local people when travelling, you'll be pleased to know that it is actually possible to stay with the indigenous Kogi people here. If you choose to do this, the tribal chief will explain the secrets of the sacred mountains to you and the women will definitely not want to miss the opportunity to show you all their handmade bags. This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Colombia.

Ciudad Perdida