Lost City Trek

Lost City Trek, Colombia

Overlooking the upper chambers of Teyuna (The Lost City), Colombia -- at 1300m (4265 ft) on a mountain ridge in the Sierra Nevada range. It's believed that this capital of the Tayrona civilization was built in 800A.D., pre-dating Machu Picchu by 600 years. It's estimated that the visible excavated portions of the site, including 169 stone terraces, might only account for 10% of what's actually underneath. Buried history. via Instagram http://ift.tt/1KNvh10

In the hills of the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) Trek

Day's end, before the first rain. At the lower end of the Lost City trail, locals run working farms, including ones with fairy tale views like this. All supplies along the trail come on the backs of mules. This one seems to be catching a breath. #Colombia via Instagram http://ift.tt/1f5NevC

Audrey with our Wiwa Guide, Lost City Trek - Colombia

Audrey with our Wiwa guide, Celso, after the rains, Lost City Trek. colombia.

Kogi Tribesmen on the Steps of the Lost City (Teyuna) - Colombia

Kogi tribespeople return from the upper chambers of the Lost City. The atmosphere of the site in early morning, especially when all is quiet under the canopy, is something truly exceptional. For brief inexplicable moments, you connect with why this place has held special meaning for the Tayrona people and their descendants for over 1200 years. via Instagram http://ift.tt/1BaImzn

Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) - Colombia

Our Wiwa guide's name was Celso, meaning "to bring order from disorder." Under his watch, we made our way to the Lost City. When we arrived at the site, he gathered us around to tell the story. He let his hair down, uncut hair that represents the wisdom that flows from the sacred snow-covered peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains through rivers to the coast. Before a moment of silence, he offered this as the place to let go of our impurities, our negative thoughts and emotions. May we all find that place from time to time.

Making it to the Lost City! Colombia

Making it ot the Lost City, Teyuna, after a long trek. Colombia

Swimming Hole Along Lost City Trek - Colombia

A very welcome swimming hole along the Lost City Trek in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia.

After a demanding 14 miles up, the last hurdle you must clear on the way to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) comes in the form of 1200 stone steps leading to the site itself. The site yielded only gold coins and limited tools upon excavation. Our Wiwa guide told us legend has it that the stairs were formed by a series of lightning strikes. via Instagram http://ift.tt/1Sb1Bx9

Lost City Trek, Swimming Hole - Sierra Nevada, Colombia

Misty and kind of magical, the rainforest watering hole. The trek to the Lost City is nothing if it isn’t hot and humid. You sweat until you imagine you’ve none left to expel. Respite comes a couple times of day, as you meet the Rio Buritaca and various creeks that splinter off. Calm, protected pockets serve as natural swimming pools (or "piscinas"). The water — fresh from the mountaintops as the local indigenous will tell you, startles then refreshes. This is #relief. This is Colombia. via Instagram http://ift.tt/1HvDvtG

Our Wiwa Guide with his Poporo - Lost City Trek, Colombia

Our Wiwa guide with his poporo and coca leaf bag, Lost City Trek. Colombia.

Climbing Up to the Lost City, Colombia

Climbing through tropical forest to the Lost City, Colombia.

Lost City trail along Rio Buritaca, Colombia

Lost City Trek, along the Rio Buritaca. Colombia

Taking a Rest, Lost City Trek (Day 1)

Taking a rest along Lost City Trek (Day 1)

Following our Wiwa Guide, Lost City Trek

Following our Wiwa guide, day 1 of Lost City Trek

Looking Up at Upper Terraces of Teyuna, Lost City

Upper chambers of Teyuna, Lost City

Kogi Village, Lost City Trek - Colombia

Kofi village along the Lost City Trek, Colombia

Dan Across the High River - Lost City Trek, Colombia

When the river is high, you cross with a cage-like contraption. Lost River Trek, Colombia.

Our Wiwa Guide Explaining History of Teyuna - Lost City Trek, Colombia

Celso, our Wiwa guide, explaining the history of Teyuna, the Lost City Trek.

Bridge Crossing, Lost City Trek

Bridge crossing, Lost City Trek

Teyuna, Lost City - Colombia

Reaching Teyuna, the Lost City. Colombia

Lost City Trek, trail through tropical forest - Colombia.

Lost city trek, through the tropical forest. Colombia.

Dan on Lost City Trek, Colombia

Dan along the Lost City Trek, Colombia.

Views from the Lost City Trek, Day 1

Views from the Lost City Trek, Day 1 - Colombia

Day 1, Walking Through White Sand - Lost City Trek

Lost City Trek, day 1 walking through white sand. Colombia.

Our Group Makes it to the Lost City - Colombia

Lost City Trek - group photo. Colombia.