Frequently Asked Questions - Ciudad Perdida

Yes, all cabins have showers and toilets. We recommend bringing your personal care items such as soap, toothbrush, towel, and toilet paper.

The cabins are fitted with bunk beds or hammocks with nets. You will usually sleep in bunk beds (depending on availability).

No, the cabins are equipped with the necessary items; the idea is to walk as comfortably and lightly as possible.

Some cabins have electricity supplied by solar panels where you can charge your mobile phone or other electronic devices.

No, it is not possible. The Mamo (indigenous leader) and his family live in Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida, and there is also a military base.

It depends on how many days you will be doing the tour; however, we recommend packing comfortable clothes for walking, socks, long sleeve shirts, and long trousers for cold nights and mosquito protection. Keep in mind that it is very humid, so clothes will not dry overnight.

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and, in the rainy season, trekking shoes. Also, don't forget to pack sandals to use in the rivers and for resting in the camps.

No, it is not possible. If you wish to experience what it is like to live with indigenous communities, we suggest contacting the agency.

Yes, all Ciudad Perdida tour agencies must make a contribution to local communities, peasants of the region, and to the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), which has been responsible for protecting the Archaeological Park since 1976.

On the way to Ciudad Perdida from Machete Pelao, it is possible to see Kogui and Wiwa communities, but in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, there are also Arhuaco and Arsario communities.

There are only 5 authorized operating agencies for this trekking. All of them carry out humanitarian work and contributions to indigenous and peasant communities, as well as to the Colombian Institute of Archaeology and History (ICANH), the body in charge of the conservation of this area. Most guides are locals from the region who contribute to the well-being and support of more than 3000 families. Each agency has something that makes it unique; for example, Guias y Baquianos is the pioneer on this route with more than 30 years of experience.

Most guides are not bilingual; however, depending on demand, an interpreter accompanies the groups.

No, for your safety, you must go through an authorized company.

The route is the same; the only difference is that the fewer the days, the greater the physical requirement. In the 4-day tour, you walk an average of 14 kilometers per day, whereas 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 one, "Cabaña Romualdo" or "Paraíso Teyuna", while on the 6-day tour, you stay at the second camp, "Mumake".

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.

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.

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.

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.

The maximum height in Ciudad Perdida is 1200 meters above sea level.

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°.