Frequently Asked Questions Lost City
What is the maximum height?
The maximum height in Ciudad Perdida is 1200 meters above sea level.
Do the tour guides speak English?
Most guides are not bilingual; however, an interpreter accompanies groups upon request.
Are there bathrooms and showers in the camps?
Yes, all cabins have showers and bathrooms. We recommend bringing your personal care items such as soap, toothbrush, towel, and toilet paper.
Do I need to get the yellow fever vaccine?
No cases of malaria or yellow fever have been recorded so far; however, we recommend you get vaccinated against it. Additionally, it is advisable to bring a good repellent as there are more mosquitoes and ticks in this area during the rainy season.
What is the temperature in Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida?
As we get deeper into the forest, the temperature drops. In the last camp, "Paraíso Teyuna" or "Cabaña de Romualdo", it gets colder at night. Beds/hammocks have blankets and mosquito nets.
The Teyuna - Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park is located 1100 meters above sea level. Its climate is warm, humid, and very rainy, with cold nights ranging from 18° to 22°.
What is the difference between the 4, 5, and 6-day tours?
The route is the same; the only difference is that the fewer days, the greater the physical requirement. In the 4-day tour, you walk an average of 14 kilometers per day, while in the 6-day tour, the average is 7 kilometers. The first day is exactly the same for all tours, but on the second day of the 4-day tour, you walk from the first camp to the last, "Cabaña Romualdo" or "Paraíso Teyuna", while in the 6-day tour, you stay at the second camp, "Mumake".
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No, the cabins are equipped with the necessary items; the idea is to walk as comfortably and lightly as possible.
Are there bathrooms and showers in the camps?
Yes, all cabins have showers and bathrooms. We recommend bringing your personal care items such as soap, toothbrush, towel, and toilet paper.
Where will I sleep?
The cabins are equipped with bunk beds or hammocks with nets. You will usually sleep in bunk beds (depending on availability).
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
No, the cabins are equipped with the necessary items; the idea is to walk as comfortably and lightly as possible.
Do the cabins have electricity?
Some cabins have electricity from solar panels, where you can charge your phone or other electronic devices.
Is it possible to spend the night in the archaeological park on my own?
No, it is not possible. In Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida, the Mamo (indigenous leader) lives with his family, and there is also a military base.
What kind of clothing is appropriate for the tour?
It depends on how many days you're going to do the tour; however, we recommend bringing comfortable walking clothes, socks, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants for the cold nights and to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Keep in mind that it's very humid, so your clothes won't dry at night.
What shoes should I wear?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and, during the rainy season, hiking boots. Don't forget to pack sandals to use in the rivers and to relax in the camps.
Is it possible to stay with the indigenous communities?
No, it is not possible. If you want to experience living with the indigenous communities, we suggest contacting the agency.
Is a contribution to the local communities living in the area included in the price?
Yes, all Ciudad Perdida tour agencies must make a contribution to the local communities, regional farmers, and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), which is the entity in charge of protecting the Archaeological Park since 1976.
Which indigenous communities live in the area?
On the way to Ciudad Perdida from Machete Pelao, you can see Kogui and Wiwa communities, but in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta there are also Arhuaco and Arsario communities.
Which agency is the best to organize my tour?
There are only 5 authorized agencies operating this trek. All of them perform humanitarian work and contributions to indigenous and peasant communities, as well as to the Colombian Institute of Archaeology and History (ICANH), the entity in charge of conserving this area. Most guides are local to the region and contribute to the well-being and support of over 3000 families. Each agency has something that makes it unique; for example, Guias y Baquianos is the pioneer in this route with over 30 years of experience.
Do the tour guides speak English?
Most guides are not bilingual; however, an interpreter accompanies groups upon request.
Can I go to Ciudad Perdida on my own?
No, for your safety, you must go through an authorized company.
What is the difference between the 4, 5, and 6-day tours?
The route is the same; the only difference is that the fewer days, the greater the physical requirement. In the 4-day tour, you walk an average of 14 kilometers per day, while in the 6-day tour, the average is 7 kilometers. The first day is exactly the same for all tours, but on the second day of the 4-day tour, you walk from the first camp to the last, "Cabaña Romualdo" or "Paraíso Teyuna", while in the 6-day tour, you stay at the second camp, "Mumake".
Do I need to get the yellow fever vaccine?
No cases of malaria or yellow fever have been recorded so far; however, we recommend you get vaccinated against it. Additionally, it is advisable to bring a good repellent as there are more mosquitoes and ticks in this area during the rainy season.
Are there dangerous animals?
Considering that we are in a rainforest surrounded by vegetation and fauna, you will encounter many animals, but they do not attack people; rather, they are intimidated by human presence. We recommend not walking outside the campsite areas at night to avoid any incidents, and if you want to do so, we suggest being accompanied by a guide.
Are there public order issues or armed conflict in the area?
No, with the increase in tourism in the area, illegal businesses and armed conflicts have disappeared. Currently, more than four villages benefit from this tour.
When is the best time to do the Ciudad Perdida hike?
The rainy season usually starts in May and lasts until June, and from September until December. However, due to the effects of "El Niño", there are fewer and fewer rains, and there are very dry months. In September, Ciudad Perdida is usually closed so that the communities can perform cleaning rituals; hence, it is highly recommended not to plan your visit for that month. The beginning of January, Easter, and Christmas are considered high season, so it is recommended to choose other dates for your trekking.
What is the maximum height?
The maximum height in Ciudad Perdida is 1200 meters above sea level.
What is the temperature in Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida?
As we get deeper into the forest, the temperature drops. In the last camp, "Paraíso Teyuna" or "Cabaña de Romualdo", it gets colder at night. Beds/hammocks have blankets and mosquito nets.
The Teyuna - Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park is located 1100 meters above sea level. Its climate is warm, humid, and very rainy, with cold nights ranging from 18° to 22°.