La Ciudad Perdida - The lost city, rediscovered

La Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) is an ancient city located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Colombia, dating back to the 8th century, Built by the indigenous Tayrona Indians, it's believed the city was abandoned when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. It was rediscovered by looters and archaeologist in the early 70s and is now protected as an archeological park.

La Ciudad Perdida has inspired my imagination for 20 years. I had images of swinging from vines Tarzan-style through the jungle. Whilst we did hike through some spectacular jungle, rather than a loincloth and a glamorous leopardskin bikini, Victor and I spent four days covered in mud and so many mosquito bites they almost connected into what looked like a nasty swollen sunburn.

Whilst no longer "lost", access is still only available to limited numbers as part of a tour group. Food, drinks, beds (and even nice clean sheets) are all provided as part of the trip.So, besides a few t-shirts and socks, all you need is a love of nature, a reasonable fitness level, and no aversions to swimming...in mud!

We set off as a group of 15 wildly divergent individuals with differing fitness levels, ages, nationalities and motivations. As the only two Australians on the trip, we were quite chuffed the group chose to be named "Los Cangurus".

The hike itself is two days up, two days down. Or better said, two days in and two days out, with lots of ups and downs along the way, and in every way.

We battled scorching hot sun, torrential rain, knee-deep mud, countless steps and vicious mosquitos.

But this was perfectly balanced with strolls through indigenous villages, swims in beautiful clear streams and river crossings on hand-pulled swings. Always surrounded by the wild, untamed jungle.

The days were long and action-packed. Up between 5am and 6am every day, we ate a quick breakfast before starting the day's hike just after sunrise. We generally walked for about 8 hours a day, mixed with breaks lunch, snacks, swims….or simply to recuperate. The goal was to arrive at camp before the rain started and the track became more slippery, and to have some time to relax before lights out at 9pm. At that point we'd all squeeze into our very tightly packed bunk beds. It was a little like school camp except everyone was so exhausted they were happy to hit the sack at 9pm and all was quiet (except for a little snoring) till the morning bell.

What made our trip extra special was the Colombian couple who'd decided to tie the knot on the hike - accompanied by their pastor, their witness and their wedding attire! Their rationale was if that could meet this challenge, it was a great start to a marriage and life together. Spoiler alert…they survived the challenge superbly. And we were able to share the moment, and a group "cangaru" dance…before racing back down the stairs to get to camp before the next downpour.

La Ciudad Perdida is a highlight of any Colombian itinerary if you have a love of nature and a sense of adventure. And you'll never enjoy a shower more than when you return to "civilisation" at the end of the trip!