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 presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural formations include the Tatacoa Desert with its red sandstone canyons, the seasonal colors of Caño Cristales river, and the coastal dunes at Punta Gallinas marking South America's northernmost point. Coffee-growing regions such as Jardín preserve traditional Antioquian architecture, while islands like Providencia and Gorgona protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems in both Caribbean and Pacific waters. From the arid landscapes of La Guajira Desert inhabited by Wayuu communities to the neo-Gothic architecture of Las Lajas Sanctuary bridging a river canyon, these locations demonstrate the country's contrasts. Visitors can explore mountain trails, observe astronomical phenomena in clear desert skies, discover colonial goldsmithing traditions, and witness humpback whale migrations. Each destination contributes to understanding Colombia's environmental and cultural range, offering experiences that vary from remote wilderness areas to well-preserved historical settlements across different elevations and climates.
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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