The Lost City

The Lost City

The Lost City is a mysterious and intriguing archaeological site located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia. This ancient city was discovered by an American adventurer and archaeologist named Hiram Bingham in 1911. The Lost City, also known as Ciudad Perdida, is believed to have been built by the Tayrona indigenous people around 800 AD.

The Lost City is hidden deep in the jungle, and it takes a strenuous five-day trek to reach the site. The journey is not for the faint-hearted, as hikers must navigate through thick jungle, cross rivers, and climb steep mountains. However, the effort is well worth it, as the Lost City is a fascinating and unique archaeological site.

The city is made up of a series of terraces carved into the mountainside, connected by stone paths and staircases. The terraces were used for farming, and the city was home to hundreds of people. The Tayrona people were skilled in agriculture, and they grew crops such as maize, beans, and coca.

One of the most impressive features of the Lost City is the series of circular stone platforms, known as the “sacred circles.” These platforms were used for religious ceremonies and were believed to represent the sun, moon, and stars. The Tayrona people had a complex religious system, and the Lost City was the center of their spiritual life.

Unfortunately, the Tayrona people abandoned the Lost City around 1600 AD, and the site was lost to history until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in the early 20th century. Today, the Lost City is a popular destination for adventurous travelers who are interested in history and archaeology.

Visitors to the Lost City can take guided tours of the site, led by experienced local guides who are knowledgeable about the history and culture of the Tayrona people. The trek to the Lost City is challenging, but it is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into an ancient and fascinating culture.

In recent years, the Colombian government has made efforts to preserve and protect the Lost City from damage caused by tourism. The site is now only accessible to a limited number of visitors each day, and strict rules are in place to ensure that the site is not damaged by human activity.

The Lost City is a unique and fascinating archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of an ancient people. Although it is not an easy journey to reach the site, the effort is well worth it for those who are interested in history and adventure.