Ciudad Perdida

Tayrona National Park, La Ciudad Perdida, 21-26 Dec. 2007

Starting on the 21th of December, 6 days in the jungle of the Colombian Sierra Nevada. A hike to the lost city. Crossing rivers, mountains, and then finally entering the city that has only been rediscovered 30 years ago.

The first day, meeting the group, Christy from New Sealand, Keiron from Australia and Brad and Dan from the US. a trip in the Chiva, over a mud road, through the mountains brought us to the start point. Ready for the first day hike, up the mountain, getting wet feet after five minutes, slippery, mud, rocks, rivers. An amazing hike, ending up at a river, with a swimming pool. That implies a waterfall, jumping off 5 meters from a rock to get in... Simply brilliant.

The second day we got up early, being treated with a great view (pic1), followed by a visit to ´the factory´... A small place where an old man makes cocaine and shows the process of doing so to the tourists (pic2). Afterwards we started todays hike, uphill, some slippery parts, again some river crossings. The views, well, one you can see in the third pic. Later on we walked through some indian villages (pic6) before arriving to the camp, preparing for the third day, arriving to the city.

After another night of playing domino´s, we turned into bed early. Leaving for the final stage to the lost city. First along some slippery rocks, being carefull, next crossing a river in which I was in up to my waist. Then a long walk crossing rivers, enjoying waterfalls, ending up at the start of 1200 stairs (where also the waterfall of pic 5 was), leading to the first platform. It was hard, but good! The city is pure, between trees (top picture) and while arriving I shot some pictures, keeping the best for the next day.

At night it rained, a lot, even the next morning, my camera was a bit moist, though the view from the bed was amazing (pic 4). We walked around the rainy city, keeping my camera in my bag, segure. The hike bag was amazing and challenging... Crossing rivers using ropes, one using a little cart/wagon with loose planks, hanging high (20 meters) above the river, ending up at a big rock, no security, slippery. A kick, but also a bit scary to cross. (mom, you´d have freaked out)

The last two days we walked back, took our time, enjoyed the amazing views and sunshine. During X-mas it was a 4 hour walk, though we did not really celebrate it. Looking back it were an amazing six days, wicked moments, a great group of people, poor food (my stomach has been better).. The Ciudad Perdida, a brilliant hike!

Hope you guys had an amazing X-mas and already all the best for 2008!!!