Cuidad Perdida (
Wikipedia link) is the remains of an ancient city built on terraces by the Tairona in mountainous terrain in the north east of Columbia. The hike to Cuidad Perdida which takes 4-6 days is considered a must for travelers to this region and around 40-50 hikers a day visit the city. The hikes are guided and cost around 600,000 pesos whether you do it in 4 or 6 days. We took 6 days which pretty well means one hill a day and an afternoon just to let the experience settle which is great - for others it is "free" lodging. Accommodation is dormitory style in hammocks or cots and all food and non-alcoholic drinks are included as well as a guide (generally without English, so having a smattering of Spanish helps). You carry your personal clothes/thongs, toiletries etc and towel but do not need linen.
Its not an easy hike. The terrain of mountains and valleys is cartoon like - you are either going up or going down and for every up there is a down, regardless of your direction.
Sue and Andy from Spruce and I (Paul just thought we were barking mad) booked with Magic tours but the night before we left Sue came down with a tummy bug so just Andy and I headed off the next morning. The hike was strenuous and the humidity debilitating at points because the air was so still. On the first morning I developed blisters on my ankles from sweat and tender skin that doesn't see shoes. I walked the entire hike in my crocs carrying and cursing my heavy leather boots.
I had had some misgivings about taking this hike with its reputation for being a challenging course with mosquitos, humidity, and what many consider to be only a moderately interesting site at the end. But it was worth every mosquito bite (legs covered) and the litres of sweat. Cuidad Perdida is impressive and evokes the living city that was abandoned so hastily with the Spanish conquest. Our guide explained the customs of the local Koguis tribes and their early distinction between male and female roles (eg. young girls carry string bags and boys slingshots). Our guides and helpers in the cabanas were hardworking and friendly, the hike itself rewarding, and our group of 13 hikers a lot of fun to walk with. Getting home to warm showers and a good bed topped off the experience.
LINK TO PHOTOS