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Visit the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia: tickets, prices, times

South America is full of archaeological treasures of missing civilizations. History lovers, direction Colombia to visit the Lost City Tayrona!

The Lost City evokes in its name the promises of a mystical place! And for those who will take the trouble of visiting the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia, the show and magic will take the step on the dream. This once sacred place is like the Machu Picchu : a city preserved from time! Although less well preserved than its neighbour, the places remained protected from total destruction thanks to its geographic isolation.

If you are about to book your plane ticket to come to Colombia, a stop is required by the Caribbean coast. Visiting the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia does not just seem to visit the ruins of a missing city today. Much more than that, it is a jump in a lost world. Located on the edge of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the places were previously unstable because of paramilitary activities, until the last few years. ALors let yourself be tempted by adventure and come to visit the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia!

History of the Lost City Tayrona

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / chrisontour84

Founded around 640 of our era, the capital of the Tairona people (who gave its name to the famous park), is less than fifty kilometers from Santa Marta. It is estimated that its population consisted of nearly four thousand individuals before the arrival of the Spanish settlers who had the result of decimating its population. The city was abandoned between 1550 and 1660.

Today it remains one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in South America! Unfortunately, the building people did not survive the Spanish crown. Only a few individuals were able to take refuge in the heights of Sierra Nevada. Today there are four descendant communities of this people, and one of them, Kogis People still the territory of the Lost City. They have always known the existence of the ruins and have kept themselves from revealing them to the rest of the world. This in the interests of preservation and tradition; the place being indeed sacred to this people.

The ruins were discovered in the early 1970s by grave looters. Only a few years later, in 1976, the archaeological excavations took place, marking the official discovery of the site.

What to do and see at the Lost City Tayrona?

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Joerg Steber

The beauty of such a site is not only in the archaeological remains, but also in the effort to get there. Indeed, when you are decided to visit the Lost City Tayrona, you will have to embark in a trek several days to reach your reward. And what a reward! Perched at a thousand three hundred meters altitude, you will be seduced by the thousands of circular terraces which marks the place. Although most are still buried, it does not remove the magic of the place. You can then admire the network of roads and stairs that this building people has set up.

But before that, we must show perseverance. Indeed, access to the site can only be done by land! A trek 40 kilometres Wait for you. Don't be afraid! This walk through Sierra Nevada is worth a visit alone when you come to visit the Lost City of Tayrona in Colombia.

It is also often possible to meet members of the community Kogi during the trek. These people populate the region and they often follow the same path as tourists. Be sure to be respectful of this people who do not see the influence of the outside world from a good eye. Don’t forget that you’re walking to the remnants of the city of their ancestors. This site has become a set of ruins from the destructive presence of European settlers.

How to go to the Lost City Tayrona?

In order to get to this sacred site, you will first have to go to Santa Marta. To do this, we strongly advise you to use the air route to avoid long bus hours. You can visit the site Ulysses to find your best flight option.

Once on site, you will need to use an organization to organize your visit. Only five of them are officially authorized to organize visits to the Lost City. We therefore advise you to get closer to these in order to avoid intermediaries and therefore additional costs.

The departure taking place in Santa Marta, it will be easy for you to find a suitable accommodation. The city has become a very touristic place due to Tayrona Park, located a few kilometres away, the options are legit as the accommodation at home. More and more popular in Colombia, Airbnb is the most popular option to perfect your experience when you come to visit the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia.

Schedules & Rates of the Lost City Tayrona

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Joerg Steber

One of the advantages when you decide to visit the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia is to not having to worry about time . Indeed, you have no choice but to use a specialized agency to visit the site.

To visit La Cité Perdue Tayrona in Colombia, you will need to plan a little time. Indeed, the proposed formulas vary between four and six days . They depend on your level of physical form and your will.

However, all this at a cost! You will have to plan a budget between $250 and $350 (from 220 to 320 euros), depending on the chosen option. The rate includes accommodation and food throughout the trek. Certainly this represents a budget but the investment is worth it! Few travellers have had the opportunity to visit the Lost City Tayrona in Colombia! So, will you be gone?

Good to know.

  • The dryest period to achieve the trek is between December and May.
  • Trek in the natural environment is very demanding. A good one physical condition is necessary.
  • Plan rainfall. You will evolve in the tropical environment and you must be ready to face it.
  • The trek takes you through five times streams. Plan to take adequate shoes.
  • Plan a bottle of water for the first day, as well as tablets to purify water.
  • Take one little money for a few snacks along the way.
  • ... And don’t forget to take some anti-moustic products ! These are legit to these latitudes!
Benjamin Foster

Benjamin Foster

I'm Benjamin Foster, an avid explorer forever enchanted by the world's wonders. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, filled with vibrant moments, from scaling mountain peaks to immersing myself in diverse cultures. Each destination holds a unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Join me on this thrilling voyage, as we unveil the world's hidden treasures and create lasting memories that define our shared journey.

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