Ciudad Perdida, Archaeological site in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia
The complex features 169 stone terraces carved into the mountainside, connected by an intricate network of paths and circular gathering spaces.
The site, established around 800 CE by the Tairona civilization, remained hidden until 1972 when local treasure hunters found it while searching for a turkey.
The Kogi people, descendants of the Tairona civilization, maintain their connection to Ciudad Perdida by referring to it as Teyuna and considering it sacred.
Reaching the archaeological complex requires a challenging trek through dense forest, climbing 1,200 stone steps, and hiking 47 kilometers round trip.
The structures stand at 975 meters above sea level, predating Machu Picchu by several centuries and housing between 2,000 to 8,000 inhabitants during its peak.
Location: Magdalena Department
Elevation above the sea: 975 m
GPS coordinates: 11.03800,-73.92519
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:13
Colombia offers mountains, deserts, waterfalls and colonial towns. These destinations show the natural contrasts from Caribbean to Andes, from Ciudad Perdida to Tatacoa Desert, from thermal springs to coral reefs.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
35.5 km
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
34.9 km
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park
29.7 km
Cathedral of Santa Marta
38.7 km
Estadio Eduardo Santos
37.1 km
Laureano Gómez bridge
91.5 km
Museo de Oro Tairona
39 km
Rodadero Sea Aquarium and Museum
39.5 km
Cabo de la Aguja
42.9 km
Costeño beach
27.5 km
Biblioteca Pública Departamental Meira Delmar
94.1 km
Biblioteca Piloto del Caribe
93.7 km
Tayrona National Natural Park
39.3 km
Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta
57 km
Plaza de Soledad
92.6 km
Parque de Taminaca
37.6 km
Puerto Drummond
32.4 km
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Church
93.4 km
Saint-Roch Church
93.4 km
Salamanca Island Road Park
58.5 km
Parque Cultural del Caribe
77.1 km
Museo del Atlántico
93.6 km
Teatro Santa Marta
38.6 km
Teatro Rex
93.6 km
Plaza de san Nicolás
93.3 km
Cerro Ziruma
38.7 km
Casa del Telegrafista
57.4 km
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