Guatavita Lagoon and Zipaquira.

Departure from the Calera where you will get a spectacular view of Bogota. Going through Sopo we will reach Guatavita sacred lake, one of the most famous pre-Columbian culture, which staged the legendary Rite of El Dorado. After the Ecological walk around the pond, we will proceed with an excursion to the town of Zipaquirá. Later on, after a typical lunch, visit the underground cathedral built in a salt mine, Colombian engineering work. Inside the temple stands the abstract images, through which you will feel the sacredness of the place. Then return to Bogota.

Guatavita Lagoon is located in the municipality of Sesquilé, north of the county seat of Guatavita at a distance of 63 km north of Bogota. Its elevation above sea level is 3,000 feet, an average temperature of 11 C, 1.5 kilometers in diameter and 5 kilometers from circumference.
The native people who kept this sacred site were killed possibly by a meteor. However, there is no evidence, of a meteoric or volcanic origin.
The lagoon was one of the sacred lakes of the Muisca which held a ceremony in which the Zipa (Cacique) bathed in the waters covered with gold dust. This is one of the origins of the legend of El Dorado. The famous Muisca Raft on display in the Gold Museum is evidence that this type of ritual was held in the lakes of the region.
There were several attempts to drain the lake to find its hidden treasures, among which the most important were the Captain Lazaro Fonte who could extract several pieces of gold, and that of Antonio de Sepúlveda in the sixteenth century, who also managed to get emeralds and ceramics.


Meeting/pick-up point: Departure from the hotel.
Duration: Eight hours.
Start/opening time: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am
Languages: Spanish, English and Portuguese.
Includes: Transport in private service, professional bilingual tour guide and entrance.

Meal

Transport

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

Guatavita Lagoon and Zipaquira.

Appropriate age for child ticket from 3 to 11 years