Ciudad Perdida Travel Guide

Tayrona National Park is just east of the old town of Santa Marta and can be visited from there. The park has great beaches, is wonderful for bird enthusiasts and has one of the most unexpected treasures of Colombia: the Ciudad Perdida, the Machu Picchu of the Tayrona people.

Different ruins within the park can be reached up a steep path of loose rocks.

The paths were designed so the Tayrona Indians could hear visitors approaching (this journey takes a full day and is quite difficult—you must crawl through hand-carved tunnels and over large boulders). Robberies have occurred along the trails so ask at the gate for the latest security information. To visit the actual city, the Ciudad Perdida, you either need to go on a five day trek, or hire a heli. It will be an experience you will never forget.