Ciudad Perdida
Also known as: Lost City / Teyuna
Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna) - a pre-Columbian city in the Sierra Nevada jungle, older than Machu Picchu
The route
The line through Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Waypoints
- 1Machete PelaoTrailhead
Jungle start
- 2Camp 1 (Adán)Camp
River-side camp
- 3Camp 2/3Camp
Mid-route camps
- 4Ciudad Perdida (Teyuna)Summit
1,200 steps to the ruins
Season & conditions
Dec-Mar and Jul-Aug (drier)
Tropical heat, humidity and rain; river levels rise fast
Walkable most of the year (closed briefly in Sep for indigenous maintenance); wet and muddy. Confirm.
On the trail
Humid jungle trail with river crossings and the 1,200 stone steps to the ruins
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics
A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season
4-day vs 5-day pacing (same route); the ~1,200 steps to the site
Getting there & staying
Machete Pelao trailhead, from Santa Marta
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Operator-run camps with hammocks/bunks and meals (included)
Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote
Services in Santa Marta; limited or none on the trail
Mandatory licensed guide (fixed set of operators)
Permits & safety
GUIDED-ONLY BY LAW through a handful of licensed operators; this is indigenous territory - respect the local communities. Confirm.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Heat, river crossings, mud, mosquitoes; remote jungle
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.