Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
A “Lost City” of Unique Architectural Form
Ciudad Perdida is in need of a comprehensive Site Management Plan for its future protection.
The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History and GHF are focusing on the development of a Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida Management Plan, including a tourism plan and carrying capacity assessment aimed at decreasing visitor impact upon the site. Planning efforts will also include biological and environment assessments of the Buritaca Valley and community development needs assessment for the indigenous and local communities. The project will generate a comprehensive site management and preservation plan anchored around Teyuna - Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park and the 26 known surrounding archaeological sites located within 7km of the park. ICANH and the Colombian National Parks Unit have begun discussions with the indigenous authorities aimed at incorporating indigenous views within the management plan.
An updated Digital Elevation Model of the Upper Buritaca Basin and updating Ciudad Perdida’s cartography was developed to the point that activities that include detailed topographic and architectural surveys of Ciudad Perdida and adjacent sites can commence. Satellite imagery acquired by GHF and aerial photography secured by the project director are now available for project use and will be crucial for all planning activities. A number of factors contributing to site deterioration, including tree-fall and tree-root damage were also identified, mapped, and assessed. In addition to these activities, the team mapped the entire trail, all lodges, rest spots, and snack stores to produce an accurate map detailing all trail information.
