It is one of the most fascinating destinations in Colombia that combines adventure, nature and pre-Columbian history. It is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and is home to the descendants of the Tayronas: Koguis, Wiwas, Kankhuamos and Arhuacos.
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Tayrona Civilization
It was built by the Tayrona (also spelled Tairona) civilization more than a thousand years ago and was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. The remains were rediscovered in 1975 by a group of treasure hunters and it has since become a popular tourist destination. Visitors must complete a challenging four to six day trek through dense jungle and steep mountains to reach the ruins. To visit Teyuna, it is necessary to take a multi-day hike through the jungle and mountains, which in itself is a unique experience. Once in the lost city, there are several things you can visit and explore.
The lost City
Teyuna is just one of the cities that the Tayronas developed. In this area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, hundreds of stories about treasures were woven, and so in the 70s hundreds of looters (or treasure hunters as we called them at the beginning of the article) operated in the area. Once you arrive at the Lost City, you will be able to see the ruins of ancient structures and learn about the history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of the region. It is believed that the Lost City had about 3,000 inhabitants at its peak, a figure that increases to 8,000 if the communities in the adjacent valleys are included. It was built from the 9th century onwards (although some houses date back to 650 AD) and lasted until the end of the 16th century. In the architecture of the site, the use of open terraces, without walled divisions, as well as the predominance of round structures, is striking.
Walking in the rainforest
The starting point is the city of Santa Marta, which we will tell you in passing is the first city founded by the Spanish in America in 1535. The archaeological remains of Teyuna emerge in the middle of the Colombian jungle within the Sierra Nevada National Park.
Santa Marta is about 40 km from Teyuna, and to get the lost city you will have to hike for several days through the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The hike is moderately demanding and it is recommended to go with an experienced tour guide. An important fact is that you cannot do the walk alone and you have to trust a tourism agency.
The agencies that operate the tour have to be authorized by the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History because this is an archaeological reserve preserved by the national authority and the current indigenous peoples residing in these lands,
It is a unique experience with a certain difficulty due to the altitude and weather conditions (humidity is always very high). During the journey it is necessary to cross the Buritaca River and some of its tributaries several times.
The stairs
Teyuna has a series of stone stairs that extend throughout the city. These stairs are very steep and difficult to climb, but they will take you to some of the most interesting places and with the most impressive views of the lost city.
The terraces and structures
Teyuna has a series of terraces and platforms that were used by the Tayrona civilization for ceremonies and rituals. These structures have been maintained over the centuries and provide a fascinating insight into the life of the Tayrona
The temple
In the center of the city, there is a temple where it is believed that the Tayrona performed their most important ceremonies and rituals. Residential areas spread across the hillsides; a complex network of paths intertwined all spaces. Archaeological studies showed that microcosm resisted the Spanish conquest and only succumbed to the impact of epidemics.
Nature
Teyuna was declared by UNESCO as a Biosphere Natural Reserve and is one of the sites with the greatest ecological diversity on the planet. Here you will find a magical and incomparable landscape.
A multitude of birds are always present during the tour. The variety of butterflies flutter constantly, reptiles appear lining the bridle paths. Off the road, the masters are the deer, the tapirs and the so-called butterfly tiger.
The condor, the curassow, the mountain parrot, and the paramo deer are no longer as abundant as in the past, but they still enjoy this quiet and green place. The variety of thermal floors experienced during the tour have an affinity with the Andes, as well as with the biodiversity below 2000 meters. In the Sierra there are cacti, mestre, caracoli, ceiba, camajaru, wax palm, among others.
This is a great opportunity to observe the diversity of birds, fauna and flora that this sacred place in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta has. The challenge for the visitor will be to care for, conserve and respect this place.
The panoramic views
Teyuna is located in the mountains, so it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
FAQ
Where is Teyuna located?
It is located on the north face of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Specifically, in the upper part of the Buritaca River basin, about 1200 meters above sea level.
Teyuna is one of the main archaeological sites in Colombia and at the same time a sanctuary of nature and pre-Columbian cultures that must be protected and preserved.
