The Lost City tour was on our list of must-do's for land-based activities in Colombia. After a week+ of getting acclimated, we decided to join our friends on Nomads for the 5-day hike. First, we checked with the tour company to be sure an 8-year old could go . . . they had no problem with that, and I knew Kaylee would be the least of the three of us who they would have to worry about getting through it from a physical perspective.
The Lost City was not truly lost as is true with most of the indigenous ruins around Central and South America, just abandoned and overgrown. The local indigenous populations were still well aware of its existence. The city was built around 800 by the Tayrona and abandoned in the 1500's when the population was decimated by conflict and disease after interaction with early European settlers. Today, there are four groups of indigenous populations, descended from the Tayrona, who inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Here is the wikipedia link for a little more history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Perdida
The only way to reach La Ciudad Perdida is by foot (or mule) with one of the four sanctioned tour companies. It is a challenging hike, but made very comfortable by great guides, all food provided, beds with full mosquito netting and the ability to refill water along the way. Now, that isn't to say we weren't completely eaten up by bugs anyway and many in our group experienced stomach issues the last couple days as well.
We loved the group we were matched with; 4 Dutch, 2 English, 1 Aussie, 2 Colombian, 2 Czech, 2 Canadian and 2 other Americans. All but the Czech and Colombians spoke English and almost everyone had passable Spanish, so we managed communication quite well. Kaylee was a social butterfly who bopped around throughout the days, partnering up with whoever happened to be in the front of the pack. She was always waiting for us at the next stop. The group mascot, everyone was really sweet with her. She did an awesome job, we were very proud of her, covering the 30+ miles with a small pack and great attitude. The guides kept asking, 'she's really only 8?'
The Lost City was not truly lost as is true with most of the indigenous ruins around Central and South America, just abandoned and overgrown. The local indigenous populations were still well aware of its existence. The city was built around 800 by the Tayrona and abandoned in the 1500's when the population was decimated by conflict and disease after interaction with early European settlers. Today, there are four groups of indigenous populations, descended from the Tayrona, who inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Here is the wikipedia link for a little more history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Perdida
The only way to reach La Ciudad Perdida is by foot (or mule) with one of the four sanctioned tour companies. It is a challenging hike, but made very comfortable by great guides, all food provided, beds with full mosquito netting and the ability to refill water along the way. Now, that isn't to say we weren't completely eaten up by bugs anyway and many in our group experienced stomach issues the last couple days as well.
We loved the group we were matched with; 4 Dutch, 2 English, 1 Aussie, 2 Colombian, 2 Czech, 2 Canadian and 2 other Americans. All but the Czech and Colombians spoke English and almost everyone had passable Spanish, so we managed communication quite well. Kaylee was a social butterfly who bopped around throughout the days, partnering up with whoever happened to be in the front of the pack. She was always waiting for us at the next stop. The group mascot, everyone was really sweet with her. She did an awesome job, we were very proud of her, covering the 30+ miles with a small pack and great attitude. The guides kept asking, 'she's really only 8?'
Here we go!
After lunch, getting ready to start first day (only a half day) of hiking.
The mules are supposed to be for supplies, but aren't used until the second day. The guide (Nicolas) felt sorry for Kaylee so she was able to snag a ride for a bit.
View of Camp #1 after about 5 miles of hiking.
A little swimming/showering. We thought the water was cold, little did we know how cold it would get as we climbed in elevation over the next two days. Kaylee was so hot she jumped right into the pool off the 15' ledge.
Everyone feeling good and enjoying a beverage after a relatively easy first day
Early start the next morning
Things got a little tougher the second day. Here we are going up an hour long hill, part of the 12 miles total for the day.
First indigenous village we passed
Lunch break! We were all happy for the respite after a morning of climbing and an afternoon of descending still to come.
Even enough time for a quick dip. Water getting colder!
Can you find the toucan?
Continuing the descent to our second night's camp.
Skipping ahead here to day three after we crossed the river (thigh high) and climbed the 1,200 stairs to The Lost City. Here our guides (Nicholas and Abraham) show us one of three maps carved in stone hundreds and possibly over a 1,000 years ago.
Path and stairs within the City
We made it
Indigenous household within La Ciudad Perdida occupied by the Mamo (spiritual leader) and his family.
The Mamo tying a bracelet on Kate (S/V Nomads)
Third night camp
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