Did you know that there’s an archaeological site in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, nicknamed Bunkuany, which now offers an alternative to the Lost City trek?
Bunkuany is a 3-day trek that offers a great way to immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Sierra Nevada, and has nothing to envy the trek to Ciudad Perdida!
Less crowded, easier and more economical than the Lost City, the 3-day trek around Bunkuany presented in this post is sure to interest many of you!
We haven’t tried it out yet, but we’ve had lots of good feedback… so here’s all the info if this plan appeals to you.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Bunkuany, the second Ciudad Perdida
Alternative Trek to the Lost City
Bunkuany is an archaeological site located in the SIerra Nevada de Santa Marta. These are ancient stone terraces, in the same spirit as those found on the Ciudad Perdida trek.
According to our friend Adrian (a native Arhuaco), who offers this experience with his local agency, Bunkuany is a name recently given by the Mamo (spiritual leader) of the Kogui community in the area near the archaeological site.
In the Kogui language, Bunkuany means “the place where the stones speak”.
But historically, this archaeological site is part of the construction network of ancient civilizations dating from the same period as the remains of the Lost City, around 600 CE.
The Bunkuany site is linked to the Pueblito Chairama site further down in Tayrona Park, and to other sites further up the mountain, all also connected by stone paths to the Lost City.
We know from the work of researchers around the Lost City that the entire Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is dotted with stone communication networks and various archaeological remains, now totally hidden under vegetation and forest.
The Bunkany site consists of a series of large terraces that served as foundations for the earth and palm houses that were (and still are) the original habitat of the peoples who inhabited the Sierra Nevada mountains.
In fact, there are dozens of Bunkuany, but few if any are currently accessible. Bunkuany is the exception, which is why it was quickly dubbed the “second Lost City”.
The alternative to the Lost City
3-day trek to Bunkuany
Let’s be clear: there’s no question here of comparing the two archaeological sites or their symbolic significance.
The trek to Ciudad Perdida, for all its faults and the crowds it attracts, is a truly physical experience (mystical for some) that brings a whole new aspect to the final discovery of the sacred site of Teyuna. The Lost City is an archaeological site of a size and importance that has no comparison with Bunkuany.
But if we present Bunkuany today as an alternative to the Lost City, it’s because it offers an immersive, multi-day experience in the Sierra Nevada that will be of real interest to anyone put off by the conditions of the Ciudad Perdida trek.
An easier trek
The trek to Ciudad Perdida is physically demanding. To reach the Lost City, you have to walk for 3 days through jungle and mountains. We’re talking about a mountain trek of 50 km over 4 days, in intense heat and humidity, with big climbs.
The Bunkuany trek is a more physically accessible alternative. The 3-day trek requires a minimum of physical fitness, but is easier and shorter. The topography of the 30 km hike over 3 days is less demanding than that of the Ciudad Perdida trek.
A more authentic experience
The success of the Ciudad Perdida trek has its downside. It’s an experience enjoyed by large groups (up to 18 people per group), with several groups departing daily from Santa Marta. Although access is limited in terms of the number of people who can hike each day (60 per day maximum), there is only one trail and the bivouacs are the same for all. So you’ll find yourself with lots of fellow hikers.
The 3-day trek to Bunkuany has the advantage of being (for the moment) much less popular. Groups are much smaller (10 people maximum) and the trail much less crowded. Accommodation is with local people, and the final experience gives a real sense of authenticity and privilege.
Cheaper option
Every year, the price of trekking to the Lost City increases. We’re not going to get into that debate, but the fact is that in 2025, with a price of 1.860.000 COP per person, it will be a real budget to afford this experience.
The Bunkuany trek is still accessible to all budgets. Obviously, if you want to do it “privately”, the price will be high, but if you agree to join a group already formed (maximum 10 people), the rates are really more affordable than the Lost City.
Ciudad Perdida alternative trek program
3-day trek to Bunkuany
As a reminder, it is possible to visit Bunkuany by the day with a local guide, but from our point of view, the site is not interesting enough on its own to reserve a day for it.
On the other hand, we recommend including Bunkuany in a trek of several days in the Sierra, combining walking in the forest, meetings with indigenous Koguis communities and local farmers, discovery of sacred petroglyphs, bathing in rivers and spectacular viewpoints… then we say 3 times yes!
Long story short, here’s what the 3-day trek to Bunkuany is like, a real alternative to the Ciudad Perdida trek.
Day 1 – Distance covered 13 km
- Meet in Santa Marta
- 4×4 drive to trailhead
- Discover the Piedras de Donama, a series of petroglyphs
- Swimming in natural pools
- Sunset over the Sierra
- Overnight stay and cultural exchange on a local peasant farm
Day 2 – Distance covered 18 km
- Departure at 7:30 a.m.
- Discover the site of Bunkuany, the second lost city
- Swimming in the rivers
- Opportunity to see wild flora and fauna
- Overnight stay and cultural exchange with an indigenous Kogui family
Day 3 – Distance covered 2 km
- Discover the indigenous Kogui culture
- Lunch at a communitary restaurant
- Return to Calabazo around 2 pm.
- End of the experience in Santa Marta at 3:30 p.m.
