Exploring the Mysterious Lost City of Colombia: Ciudad Perdida

 Colombia is a country that boasts a diverse and rich history. One such historical marvel that has intrigued the world for its mysterious origins is Ciudad Perdida, also known as The Lost City. Hidden deep within the jungles of Colombia, this ancient city was discovered in 1972 and is believed to have been built by the Tairona civilization over 1,000 years ago. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history and culture of Ciudad Perdida.

The Discovery of Ciudad Perdida

In 1972, a group of treasure hunters stumbled upon what appeared to be a series of terraced stone steps leading into dense jungle vegetation in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated mountain range on the northern coast of Colombia. For decades, local indigenous tribes knew about its existence but kept it hidden. It wasn’t until archaeologists came to investigate that they realized what they were looking at – the ruins of an ancient city.

The Tairona Civilization

The Tairona civilization existed between 200 AD and 1600 AD in present-day northern Colombia. They were skilled farmers who cultivated crops such as corn, beans, yucca and cotton. They also created intricate gold ornaments and ceremonial objects that were traded throughout South America.

The Tairona people built their cities high up in the mountains to protect themselves from rival tribes and potential invasions by conquistadors from Europe. The Lost City was one such settlement that was abandoned after being attacked by Spanish explorers in the late 16th century.

The Structure of Ciudad Perdida

The city spans over an area of nearly three square miles with more than 250 terraces carved into steep mountainsides. Although much of it has been reclaimed by nature, visitors can still see remnants of circular plazas, houses made of stone, and ceremonial sites.

The terraces were built to prevent soil erosion and to enable efficient farming practices. The Tairona people also constructed an intricate system of aqueducts, canals, and drainage systems to ensure a steady water supply throughout the city.

Exploring Ciudad Perdida

To explore Ciudad Perdida, visitors are required to join a guided trek that lasts for six days. The trek is challenging as it involves hiking through dense jungle terrain in hot and humid conditions. However, the reward at the end is well worth it – reaching the ancient ruins of the Lost City.

The trek starts at Machete Pelao, a small village where hikers meet their guides and porters. From there, it’s a four-hour hike to the first campsite at Adán, where trekkers spend their first night. The next day is spent hiking up steep paths until reaching the final destination: Ciudad Perdida.

Once at Ciudad Perdida, visitors can explore the ruins with a local guide who will explain its history and significance. There is also a chance to interact with indigenous tribes who still live in the area today and learn about their traditions.

Preserving Ciudad Perdida

Due to its remote location and difficult access, Ciudad Perdida has remained relatively untouched by tourism. However, as more people discover this hidden gem, there is concern about protecting its fragile ecosystem and preserving its cultural heritage.

In recent years, efforts have been made by Colombian authorities and local communities to promote sustainable tourism practices that respect both nature and culture. Visitors are asked to follow strict guidelines such as avoiding littering or disturbing wildlife during their trek.

Conclusion

Ciudad Perdida remains one of Colombia’s most fascinating treasures – an ancient city shrouded in mystery that continues to amaze archaeologists and adventurers alike. Its remote location only adds to its allure but it’s important that we preserve its cultural and environmental significance for generations to come. A trek to Ciudad Perdida is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave visitors in awe of the Tairona people’s ingenuity and resilience.