Guatavita Lagoon.

Delve deep into the myths and legends that surround Lake Guatavita and explore the lush Colombian countryside. Admire stunning scenery, visit picturesque villages and take in the views from a dam during this six-hour tour from Bogota. This fascinating excursion offers an intriguing insight into what the area was like before the Spanish conquest.

Enjoy a dramatic start to this pilgrimage to the sacred lakes of pre-colonial Colombia, with breathtaking views of Bogota from the La Calera. Arrive at Sopo and hike to Lake Guatavita, where so much gold was said to be thrown in as offerings to the gods that it gave rise to the legend of El Dorado. Local chiefs would paint themselves in gold dust, sail out on to the lake and dive in. The waters would wash away the gold and then throw in trinkets to satisfy the serpent gods of the deep. Conquistadors and speculators made many attempts to drain the lake, most of which were fruitless and lethal.

The lake is about 1.5km wide and its almost perfect circular shape suggests that it could be of meteoric or volcanic origin though no evidence has been found to support such theories, adding further the myths and legends of Lake Guatavita.

Continue to the village of Guatavita and explore its pretty, cobblestone alleys of whitewashed houses. Visit the Tomine dam and admire the views over the surrounding countryside. Take a break from the sightseeing and feast on a delicious lunch in the town before returning to Bogota.

Meeting/pick-up point: Collection from hotel.
Duration: Six hours.
Start/opening time: Tuesday to Sunday at 9am.
Languages: Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Meal

Drinks

Transport

Assistance or guided tour

Guatavita Lagoon.

Appropriate age for child ticket from 3 to 11 years