The site is spread over an area of about 2 sq km. It is believed up to 4000 people lived there. During the conquest, the Spaniards wiped out the Tayronas, and their settlements disappeared without a trace under lush tropical vegetation. The city was discovered again by local grave robbers in the early 1970s. It lies on steep slopes at an altitude of between 950m and 1300m. There are around 170 terraces, most of which once served as foundations for the various houses. The largest terraces are set on the central ridge and were used for ritual ceremonies. Today the city is quite overgrown, which gives it a somewhat mysterious air. Archaeological digs have uncovered many Tayrona objects, which are on display in the Gold Museum in Santa Marta and Bogotá.
Prices for the 4 nights/5 days trek start from £525 per person, which includes transportation (from Santa Marta or Tayrona), all meals, excursions, hammocks with mosquito nets, porters, permits and non-English speaking guides (supplement applies for bilingual guide). The trip takes 2 ½ days uphill to Ciudad Perdida, with a half-day at the site on the third day, then two days back downhill. The round trip covers approximately 25 miles (this differs slightly between the dry and rainy seasons). It involves scrambling alongside river banks (often waist-deep in water), clutching onto vines and caking your boots in mud! Along the way you will pass villages of Kogi Indians. The dry season is from late December to early March. Tours are in groups of 4 to 12 people and operate year-round. We use experienced and reputable local operators.
