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In this day trip from Bogota, we will visit Lake Guatavita and Sesquile, two places of great spiritual meaning for native Colombians. First, we will explore Lake Guatavita, natural paradise and one of the most important Muisca sacred sites from pre-Columbian times; then, we will visit an actual Muisca community centre in the nearby town of Sesquile.
At Lake Guatavita you will learn about the rituals performed by the ancient Muiscas that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado, while you immerse in the lake's mystic atmosphere amid breath-taking surroundings. At the Sesquile settlement, you will see how today's Muiscas are trying to maintain their old traditions alive, in contrast with modern life.You will also travel through the splendid landscapes of the Bogota savannah, stopping at the beautiful colonial towns of Guatavita and Sesquile.
Duration: 8 hrs Departure time: 9 am
Detailed Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel and begin our trip to Guatavita, which is located about 50km northeast of Bogota. It will take us approximately 2.5 hours to reach Guatavita.
On the way to Guatavita:
On our way to Guatavita, you will be able to take in the beautiful and incredible landscapes of Bogota's countryside as well as catch the spectacular view of Bogota from the surrounding mountains.
In Guatavita:
Before heading to Lake Guatavita, we will take a walk around the picturesque village of «New Guatavita,» where you will have the chance to buy some traditional handicrafts, take some pictures, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the town.
After some time in «New Guatavita,» we will visit Lake Guatavita where we will learn about the Muiscas and the Legend of El Dorado. It is said that the chief of the Muisca tribe, known as the «Zipa», covered his body in gold and was taken by boat to the centre of the lake from which he dove into the water as part of a ceremony to honour the Muiscan gods.
You will hear a full description of the aforementioned ceremony during our visit to Lake Guatavita as well as learn how the legend of El Dorado began. During our time at the lake, we will walk around the rim of the crater from where you can see the lake in its entirety and take in the incredible view of the sprawling countryside of the Savannah of Bogota. The atmosphere of the lake is undeniably mystical and peaceful; it is no wonder the Muiscas considered it a sacred place.
When we finish touring Lake Guatavita, we will enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch.
In Sesquile:
After a delicious lunch, we will head to the town of Sesquile. During pre-Colombian times, Sesquile was an important religious and commercial centre due to its proximity to Lake Guatavita. After arriving to Sesquile, we will make our way to the settlement created by the Muisca's descendants as a way to preserve their traditions and ancestral way of life. In visiting the settlement, we will learn more about their unique and ancient traditions and culture.
On the way back to Bogota:
On our way back to Bogota, and as an end to our journey, we will make a stop at the local market in La Calera to have a very traditional Colombian snack: Arepas (corn pastries). The arepas of La Calera are famous for their special flavour that is the result of slowly grilling them on a hot stone stove heated by wood and charcoal.
