05 March 2024 , 11:45
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An ancient city hidden in the heart of the Colombian jungle is six centuries older than the famed Machu Picchu in nearby Peru.
Ciudad Perdida was built by the Tayrona people around 800 AD and was a treasure that was long forgotten until its rediscovery in the 1970s. Machu Picchu, on the other hand, was built around 1450AD. But unlike the popular tourist destination which attracts huge numbers of visitors from across the world each year, only about 10% of the Lost City of Ciudad Perdida has been uncovered and opened up to travellers since its rediscovery.
The indigenous people living among the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains knew about Ciudad Perdida, or Teyuna as they call it, long before it was found again, reports the Express.
In its prime, Ciudad Perdida boasted more than 250 buildings and served as a political, economic and social hub for the Tayrona, according to Global Heritage Fund. In 2019, the Fund mapped eighty acres of the site, identifying dwellings, terraces, stone paths, staircases, canals and grand plazas.
Ciudad Perdida is buried deep in the Colombian jungle ((Image: Getty))The incredible site came to the wider world's attention in 1972 when Los Sepúlvedas, a group of local treasure looters, stumbled across it during a turkey hunt. While retrieving a shot bird, the group noticed it had fallen on a series of stone steps rising up the mountainside. They climbed up the stone steps and discovered an abandoned city, which they named "Green Hell" or "Wide Set".
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Not long after a number of artefacts including gold figures and ceramic urns began appearing on the local black market. Visiting Ciudad Perdida today is far trickier than getting to Machu Picchu, which requires a 90 minute walk after either a bus or train ride from the nearest big city, Cusco.
"Reaching these epic ruins is no simple feat. River crossings, steep hills, and tropical heat make the four day hike here a gruelling one. Despite being accessible to tourists for the past 10 years, the Lost City is still surprisingly under-visited. One thing is for certain, those who make it here are left in awe," writes Thrifty Nomads.
By all accounts, the trip is well worth it if you can take it on. Lonely Planet describes the journey to Ciudad Perdida as one of Colombia's "most exciting and breathtaking hikes". As per talesofabackpacker.com, various tour companies offer treks but the prices are fixed among them.
One company, Lost City Trek Colombia, has three trips you can pick from, including a four-day "adventurous" trek, a five-day "knowing nature" trip, and a six-day "trek slow" journey. If you want to fly from London to Colombia, the cheapest ticket is about £700. Skyscanner says November is the best month to find cheap flights.
The flight from the UK to Colombia usually takes nearly 11 hours. Airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways, Avianca, and Copa will take you there from London Gatwick. And if you're wondering when's the best time to go to Colombia, Lonely Planet suggests between December and February.
The Foreign Office does advise against travel to parts of Colombia - always check the latest travel advice before booking or planning a trip.
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