Miami to Buenos Aires

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the small triangle near the top of the map, is a 12,000km² range separated from the Andes by semi-arid plains.

The highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada are disguised by cloud.

The dense forests at lower altitudes of the Sierra Nevada.

The Sierra Nevada is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protecting the many unique species that live here.

Clouds engulf the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

The triangular-shaped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range.

Different altitudes support different ecosystems, that are shown as visible bands on the mountainside.

The drier lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada are covered in cacti.

Higher up the Sierra Nevada the terrain changes to dense rainforest.

Cacti on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada overlooking the town of Santa Marta.

The montane forests in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Cloud forests prevail at the higher altitudes of the Sierra Nevada.

Tairona markings in the rocks near the Lost City are at least 500 years old.

Teyuna is so high up the mountainside that the surrounding trees penetrate the clouds.

Teyuna is thought to have been the hub of around 250 indigenous villages high in the Sierra Nevada.

The complexed stone-work that makes up the buildings of Teyuna is thought to be more than 1,300 years old.

1,200 steep and slippery steps lead the way into Teyuna.

Even within the Lost City, steps link the 156 terraces carved out of the mountainside.

Gold Tairona statues, like this one, drew the Spanish to Teyuna who pushed the Tairona out.

The treacherous climb into the Lost City.

Regular rainfall in the jungles of the Sierra Nevada make the journey into Teyuna all the more treacherous.

Teyuna was once the spiritual, political and commercial centre of the Sierra Nevada.

During the three day trek to reach Teyuna, it is necessary to cross the Buritaca River eight times.

Up to 50 Colombian soldiers patrol Teyuna, protecting the tourists who visit the site.

Teyuna is made up of a series of terraces carved out of the mountain.

An indigenous village high in the Sierra Nevada.

The Kogi live in conical huts high in the mountains, built the traditional Tairona way.

Living in the dense forest allows the Kogi to remain isolated from the outside world, though they still feel the effects of climate change.

A traditional palm-thatched hut in the Sierra Nevada.

A Kogi hut on the outskirts of Teyuna.

A Kogi child watches as tourists visit her village.

The Kogi have built their home on the ruins of one of the old Tairona villages.

A Kogi hut blends in with the surrounding forest, reflecting the relationship the Kogi have with nature.

Kogi children in their traditional hut home.

A pig hut in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada.

A family of Kogi blend in with their surroundings.

Tourists to the Lost City often meet the Kogi children.

The Kogi believe they are the guardians, or Elder Brothers, of the world.