Ciudad Perdida, the "Lost City", is an ancient pre-Columbian archaeological site in Colombia, set in the Sierra Nevada mountains of South America. It is a heritage site that rewards visitors who are prepared for effort: there is no simple road to it, and it can only be reached on foot.
What the visit involves
The site is accessible only by a challenging multi-day trek through dense jungle. Walkers should expect steep paths, heat, humidity and long days on the trail, so the journey is as much part of the experience as the ruins at its end. The trek suits people who enjoy hiking and are comfortable with physical exertion over several days.
Planning your trip
- Allow several days for the round trip, since the route runs through remote country.
- Pack for wet and humid conditions, with sturdy footwear and light, quick-drying clothes.
- Carry water, sun protection and insect repellent, as the jungle is dense and the climate demanding.
- Check the current conditions and arrangements before setting out, as the route is remote.
Around the site
Ciudad Perdida lies in the Sierra Nevada, a striking mountain region of Colombia whose landscapes of forest and high country make the surrounding area as memorable as the ruins themselves. For visitors who come for the archaeology, the sense of distance from ordinary travel is a large part of the appeal: this is a place to experience slowly, one step of the trail at a time.