The temporary closure of Lost City (Teyuna Archaeological Park) takes place every year as part of the cultural and spiritual activities of the Indigenous communities that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. During this period, traditional authorities carry out rituals and practices based on their worldview, aimed at maintaining the spiritual balance of the territory.
This closure also allows conservation activities to be carried out in the park and provides a temporary rest for the ecosystem and the trails used during the trek. For this reason, visitor access is suspended for several weeks while Indigenous communities perform their ceremonies and the responsible authorities carry out protection and maintenance work at the archaeological site.
The measure has two main purposes: to allow the performance of traditional rituals and to contribute to the environmental recovery of the territory, as well as to facilitate conservation work within the park.
Scheduled Annual Temporary closure of Lost City Colombia
The Temporary closure of the Lost City is a measure implemented every year. Until 2024, the park was traditionally closed during the month of September.
Starting in 2025, the closure dates began to be scheduled mainly in October. For 2026, the closure is also expected to take place during this same month, although the exact dates may vary depending on decisions made by the Indigenous authorities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the entities responsible for managing the park.
During this time, access to the park is restricted to the public, and only Indigenous authorities, officials from the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History (ICANH), and authorized personnel are allowed to enter.
Once the closure period ends, the Teyuna Archaeological Park reopens its trails and the Lost City Trek Colombia 4 Days
expeditions from Santa Marta resume.
Worldview of the Native Indigenous Peoples
For the Indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, including the Kogui, Arhuacos, Wiwa, and Kankuamos, the territory holds a profound spiritual meaning. From their worldview, the relationship between communities and nature is based on balance and respect for the land.
Among these practices is the “pagamento,” a traditional ritual through which symbolic offerings are made to give thanks to nature and maintain the spiritual balance of the territory.
During the closure period, the Mamos (Indigenous spiritual authorities) carry out ceremonies and spiritual cleansing activities within the Teyuna Archaeological Park. These practices are part of the traditional knowledge of the Indigenous communities that inhabit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Sustainability and Ecosystem Conservation
temporary closure of the Lost City also helps reduce tourist pressure on the park’s trails and archaeological structures.
The Lost City receives visitors for most of the year, which causes natural wear on the trails, camps, and archaeological terraces. For this reason, the visitor-free period allows maintenance work, environmental recovery, and monitoring of the site’s condition to be carried out.
This break for the ecosystem helps preserve both the archaeological heritage and the natural environments of the Sierra Nevada.
Before starting this adventure in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, we invite you to learn all the practical information in our blog: How to Get to Lost City Colombia
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