The Tairona Civilization of 800AD
A Forgotten History Rediscovered In 1978
The Tairona civilization built a city high in the jungles of Colombia, the location was called the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) Located 21 miles (34 kilometres) from the tropical beaches of Santa Marta in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. This city was founded in the year 800 AD but was not discovered until 1976. At 4000 feet (1200 meters) above sea level on the banks of the Buritaca river in the middle of the jungle it was a great and important archaeological discovery. This culture was one of the most powerful indigineous empires of the time with more than 250 groups distributed in the Sierra Nevada, Guajira and Valledupar. They had a well organized, economy based on - agriculture
- fishing
- jewellery
- pottery
with excellent craftsmen and gold artisans adorning very sophisticated jewels. The climate throughout their empire from the mountains to the sea compromised all of the various climate zones found throughout the tropics due to the steep elevation change from sea level to close to 19,000 feet in 21 miles. They fought against the Spanish burning the city of Santa Marta many times in their struggle finally being reduced to a small number of inhabitants. Today this culture and location as a National Archaeological Park is considered The Fifth Marvel Of Colombia. Tours
To learn more about the Tairona, a trip to this inspiring world will take you back hundreds of years in time, stone houses and thatched roofs, aqueducts, roads, it was a highly developed civilization built on 720 stairs. A town in the middle of forests with trees 50 meters (150 feet) tall, exotic plants and animals,reptiles, amphibians and colourful birds. To Get There
First you need special authorization by CNT or (National Tourism Corporation)
This is a guided tour only, you will not get authorization to do this trail alone. Vaccinations Clothing
- Rain gear (make it light)
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants.
- Dress for a temperature ranging from 18˚to 32˚C or 64˚ to 90˚ F
- Boots to protect agains poisonous insects and snakes
The Challenge
You have to cross - suspension bridges
- rivers
- waterfalls
- 3 days walking uphill
There are three types of tours.
The first part is by vehicle to get you started, then walk over 2000 stone steps and cross rivers with strong currents over a period of 3 days all uphill but it is still the easiest and shortest route.
The second way, you get to climb from Minca, a bit more difficult and longer but an ideal route for adventurers.
The third way is an 8 day hike, knowledge and experience in the mountains is necessary, it takes you to different sites and indigenous settlements with elevations of 12,000 feet (4,000 meters) and higher. This tour requires specialized guides as there may be paramilitaries and guerrilla groups in areas but no so much these days. You will need a official mountain guide, medicine, maps, dried food, hammocks, tents. This tour is a great adventure for those with good physical conditioning and stamina.
Return From Tairona to Geography
Return From Tairona to Santa Marta Travel Guide
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