The Lost City. The biggest settlement built by the indigenous Tayrona people, who lived in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta long before the Spanish conquistadors arrived. Its roots long back to the 7^th century, the main part of the city is believed to be built between the 11^th and 14^th century, when up to 4000 people lived there. The Tayronas were wiped out by the Spaniards and the city disappeared very quickly under the tropical vegetation and was first rediscovered by grave robbers in the 1970s. Nowadays one can see the huge amount of terraces that have been the foundations for the houses.

Ciudad Perdida can only be reached by a five day trek through the rain forest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The astonishing beauty of this landscape is far beyond any description. Intense green vegetation wherever you look. Trees in any size and form. Uncountable bromeliads on every tree. Palms in-between. Rivulets, creeks, rivers, waterfalls (Yeah! I am definitely a water lover!).

Hiking through all this beauty was a pure bliss. Got sweaty (which you basically get by just standing around)? Jump into a creek and take a refreshing swim. Back on the trail? Enjoy the wild nature! So beautiful! Once I was surrounded by hundreds of butterflies. Like Alice in Wonderland.

Aside from the trip itself, I have been lucky with the group and the agency too. Expotur did a great job in organizing this trip and we got two great great guys: Our guide Antonio and Carlos, the translator for us non Spanish speaking guys. They both gave their best the whole time: Explaining everything we wanted to know, carrying a lot of food that we got served once we arrived at the camp for the day, snacks and fruits every now and then. And they did all of this with a smile on their face. Muchas muchas gracias Antonio y Carlos! You have been awesome!

Thus, it was not too difficult for the rest of us to enjoy the trip as well. That’s at least the impression I got. However, especially compared to other groups we met, I am more than glad that I had the pleasure to travel with Melanie, Chelsy, Scott, Martin, JP, Sean, James, Patrick, and Claudia. Who have all been just great! Thanks to you guys for your great company!

The change that this region underwent in the last 20 years is impressive. Back then, it was controlled by paramilitary groups and cocaine farmers. Now, it is safe to travel there, enjoy the beautiful nature and the people living here are now earning their money with sustainable farming or ecotourism. A far less violent way. More important: They like this change!

I have enjoyed these five days sooo much! Came back happy and relaxed. That’s it with the words. Greets to all people I have met, my friends, my family and especially to the One!
Michael