Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta by Alessandra Fuccillo, courtesy of Environomica OnlusGlobal Heritage Fund
Where is La Ciudad Perdida?
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is an UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. This mountainous region is one of the most ecologically diverse coastal mountain ranges in the world, with an enormous array of flora and fauna — including nearly 630 bird species.
Ciudad Perdida by Plinio BarrazaGlobal Heritage Fund
Historic City Origins
Within this dense jungle maze lie the remains of the Tayrona civilization's crown jewel: La Ciudad Perdida. This once-vibrant settlement lost its inhabitants after the 16th century, and was slowly overtaken by the jungle before disappearing entirely.
Ciudad Perdida by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Modern Rediscovery
400 years later, a group of looters stumbled upon the city’s remains in 1975. The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH) quickly assumed control of the site, collaborating with Indigenous groups and global organizations to care for it ever since.
Explore in 360°
Ciudad Perdida by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Protecting Irreplaceable History
After the site's discovery, its protection required community engagement to enact emergency stabilization, repair and restoration, and documentation of architectural elements and conservation interventions.
Ciudad Perdida by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Supporting Archaeological Research
Nonprofit Global Heritage Fund supported LiDAR mapping with georeferenced points for the archaeological sites, providing an invaluable reference for management of the basin and future research.
Ciudad Perdida Community by Santiago GiraldoGlobal Heritage Fund
Boosting Community Health
In consultation with Indigenous groups, Global Heritage Fund also supported the construction of a health center in the nearby village of Mutianzhi, along with first aid training to benefit local community members and visitors.
Ciudad Perdida by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Protecting the Past, Benefiting the Present
La Ciudad Perdida continues to draw travelers to its stunning archaeological remains. The site has received up to 25,000 visitors annually. Tourist spending benefits the local communities by supporting local guides, lodges, drivers and workers.
Ciudad Perdida Community by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Developing Local Community Opportunities
Over the past decade, Indigenous men and women have teamed up with organizations like Global Heritage Fund to develop visitor facilities. All the guides, cooks, and porters are local or based in nearby Santa Marta, and campsites are locally owned.
River Near Ciudad Perdida by Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Promoting Visitor Safety
Rainfall, rivers, and thick jungle brush on the 17-mile trek to La Ciudad Perdida challenge even experienced hikers. To improve visitor safety, the community opted to build a suspension bridge over one of the most dangerous river crossings along the trail.
Escuela Ableizhi by Santiago Giraldo/Global Heritage FundGlobal Heritage Fund
Local Heritage Education
Lasting protection for La Ciudad Perdida also requires youth engagement and education. At school such as Escuela Ableizhi, students benefit from a cultural heritage curriculum, teacher training, and establishment of an environmental club.
Conservation and Rural Development by Alessandra Fuccillo, courtesy of Environomica OnlusGlobal Heritage Fund
Conservation of Forest Ecosystems
To build capacity on integrated agroforestry, 27 local farms have been engaged and a new working tree nursery established. The nursery now provides up to 20,000 saplings per year.
Conservation and Rural Development by Alessandra Fuccillo, courtesy of Environomica OnlusGlobal Heritage Fund
Sustainable Rural Development
The agricultural output of 40 households has been diversified and increased. Deforestation around La Ciudad Perdida has decreased thanks to significant reductions in pasture used for grazing.
Ciudad Perdida by Plinio BarrazaGlobal Heritage Fund
A New Phase for Heritage Protection
In 2023, Global Heritage Fund joined World Monuments Fund (WMF) in a strategic affiliation. WMF added Ciudad Perdida to its project portfolio and began preparing for a new phase of work, building on GHF’s legacy.
Discover More
Explore updates from Ciudad Perdida and learn how World Monument Fund (WMF) is building on the legacy of Global Heritage Fund (GHF): World Monuments Fund and Global Heritage Fund Join Forces in a New Strategic Affiliation
About World Monuments Fund
World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the world’s most treasured places to enrich people’s lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities. The organization is headquartered in New York City with offices and affiliates in Cambodia, France, India, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Since 1965, our global team of experts has preserved the world's diverse cultural heritage using the highest international standards at more than 700 sites in 112 countries. Partnering with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF draws on heritage to address some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change, underrepresentation, imbalanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery. With a commitment to the people who bring places to life, WMF embraces the potential of the past to create a more resilient and inclusive society. Learn more at wmf.org.
Partners
Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH)
USAID-Fondo Patrimonio Natural Conservation Landscapes Program
Tayrona Foundation for Archaeological and Environmental Research-FIAAT
CitiFoundation
Tamarin Fund
Fundación Bolivar-Davivienda
Global Heritage Fund | In Affiliation With World Monuments Fund
