El Pueblito

Location:
Colombia

Ruin Types:
Ruins

By Lorraine Caputo

The Tayrona nation lived up in heights, escaping the harsh environment of the beaches. They nestled their cities in the cool, lush forests of the mountains. Within this park are the wonderfully preserved ruins of Chairama, popularly known as El Pueblito. The paved path from Cabo San Juan del Guía echoes with the footfall of those approaching this once-great burg, a mechanism that alerted its residents of imminent visitors. Throughout these still-standing stones you can witness the drainage canals and other engineering techniques of these people. If you can’t make it to Ciudad Perdida, this will give you a good idea of the Tayrona’s impressive civilization.

Getting There
From Cañaveral or Arrecifes, walk along the beach to Cabo San Juan del Guía; from there follow the sign up the mountainside. It takes 1.5 hours to climb the well-paved path through the forest.

Travel Tips: Pack all your trash out.

Price Description: Included in the park entry fee.

Relative price: Budget

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Take water, snacks, insect repellent, sun block, hat, swim gear (to take a dip on the way back).

To See and Do: Hiking the trails at Nueve Piedras at Cañaveral, and from Calabozo to Cañaveral. Visiting Museo Chairama. Snorkeling at La Piscina; swimming at Playa Nudista beyond Cabo San Juan del Guía and at Bahía Concha and Bahía Neguanje. Special scuba and fishing excursions from Taganga or Santa Marta.