El Congo, la Ciudad Antigua

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is considered the highest Caribbean facing mountain in the world; this is the home of the original indigenous peoples who steward this invaluable ecosystem and is one of the most famous spaces in Colombia.

El Congo or "Ciudad Antigua" (Ancient City) makes up part of one of the most important places for the Tayronas (the indigenous group that lived in the Colombian departments of Magdalena, Guajira and Cesar, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta). This city was "Rediscovered" during an operation for eradication of illicit crops in 1983, and found in the middle of a micro-basin called El Congo.

Being surrounded by lush nature, this site is very attractive energetically, though that same creation of beauty and greenery is slowly devouring a large part of this "Ancient City". It is estimated that the city used to house approximately 5,000 people with some 800 terraces but now what is visible is less than 15 terraces with very few paths.

El Congo is a land that continues to be investigated; the Archeology Laboratory of the University of Magdalena is carrying out the most important archaeological survey in this region and is supported by high level researchers from international universities to discover all of the secrets that El Congo hides.

This investigation has managed to detect 140 archaeological sites that patent the existence of this city since the year 400 A.D., – existing there with the presence of the indigenous ancestors who had the ability to create a city in the midst of nature and live there with harmony and respect.

Aerial view of El Congo "Ciudad Antigua"

To start we have to find our way to the Municipality of Ciénaga, Magdalena, which is around 30 km from El Congo. Once there we pass through the Corregimiento de Siberia located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, and then travel an unpaved road with numerous obstacles, until we reach about 1200 masl. It is a adventure that we are sure will be worth it.

This area has a climate of up to 20C with fertile land that has the power to guarantee productive coffee crops of the highest quality. These beautiful landscapes alone are worth a visit, but when you take in the sunset surrounded by wonderful sounds of nature, and experience the antiquity of the ruins; then it is for sure an experience that everyone should have the opportunity to have.

Bringing a travel kit with only the necessary sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses and a canteen with water to stay hydrated should be one of the items that you should take into account to take with you to this unique and ancestral experience.

In the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta there are many archaeological zones that you can visit, El Congo is one of these, which is why here we offer you a second option so that you can live the complete experience.