Overview:

Ciudad Perdida (lost city) is an ancient city located in Santa Marta in Colombia. It is believed to have been the site of a Tayrona civilization dating back to 800 CE and was rediscovered in 1975 by a group of looters. The site consists of terraces and circular plazas connected by stone paths, which had been carved into the mountainside centuries ago. Recently, the site has become a tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to explore the ruins and learn about the Tayrona culture and history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Colombia
Prominent Features:

1. Founded by the Tayrona people: Ciudad Perdida was founded by the ancient Tayrona people around the 9th century AD, making it one of the earliest and most significant prehistoric sites in Colombia. 2. Located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range: The ruins of Ciudad Perdida are situated at an elevation of around 1,200 metres above sea level in the steep and rugged Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. 3. An arrangement of 169 terraces: The sprawling site consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside by the Tayrona people. 4. Monumental stone structures: Ciudad Perdida also includes monumental stone structures, such as a circular plaza and narrow pathways that connect the terraces. 5. Large network of over 500 stone steps: Visitors to the site can explore the ancient city by journeying along the large network of over 500 stone steps that were built by the Tayrona people. 6. Remains of hundreds of houses and ladders: Remains of hundreds of houses and ladders, as well as several tombs, can still be seen at the site today. 7. Ancient cave paintings: Ciudad Perdida also contains ancient cave paintings that depict religious symbolism and scenes of everyday life. This national monument of Colombia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Ciudad Perdida, also known as the Lost City, is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains of northern Colombia. It was temporarily occupied during the pre-Columbian era, between 800 and 1,400 AD by the indigenous Tairona people. The city consists of a network of terraces scattered across the mountain range, with the main city located at the highest point. The city was first discovered in 1972 by a team of local archaeologists, who were looking for evidence of a Tairona culture outside of the main coastal area. The site was initially known as Buritaca-200 due to its location at an elevation of around 200 meters above the Buritaca River. The city covers an area of about four hectares, with numerous terraces and pathways. At the lower end of the city are a number of circular terraces, while the upper end of the site appears to have been dedicated to religious uses. The site is largely intact and much of the stone terraces are still standing, although some of the structures have collapsed due to erosion and landslides. There are also several stone statues throughout the city, which is believed to represent the gods and goddesses of the Tairona people. The Ciudad Perdida is a sacred site for the indigenous people and there has been some recent efforts to preserve the site and its ruins. The Colombian government declared the area an archaeological park in 2009 in an effort to protect the site and it is now open to tourists. You must visit one of these historical places in Colombia on your Colombia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Ciudad Perdida, or “Lost City”, is believed to be more than 650 years old, making it one of the oldest yet-to-be-discovered cities in the Americas. It was founded around 800 AD by the Tayrona, Indigenous people, who are the ancestors of present-day Colombia’s Wayuu people. 2. The ruins are believed to have been part of a vast empire, stretching across large parts of Colombia. The Tayrona people ruled most of Northern Colombia and ran a powerful trading network, exchanging goods with both the neighboring tribes and distant regions. 3. Ciudad Perdida was 'rediscovered' in 1972, though the ruins had been known to the local Embera Indians, who called the site Teyuna, for centuries prior. 4. The site consists of 173 terraces on the side of a mountain known as Cerro Tres Estrellas. There is a sophisticated network of roads and more than 200 stone structures. It is estimated that the city was home to some 6,000 people at its peak. 5. In addition to its incredible stone terraces, Ciudad Perdida is home to a sophisticated drainage system and a complex network of dwellings, and by some accounts, an astronomical observatory. 6. Unfortunately, Ciudad Perdida was the target of looting when Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century; many of the archaeological artifacts have since been stolen. 7. A five-day trek is needed to reach the city, which is protected by the Colombian government, so special permits are required to visit. Visit one of the famous monuments of Colombia with your friends and family.