Lake Guatavita on Postcard

"Laguna de Guatavita This lake set amid lofty mountains is a mystical, peaceful spot with a fascinating history of indigenous princesses, gold-covered chieftains, and treasure-gouging conquistadors—purportedly the site where the El Dorado legend began (indeed, gold artifacts have turned up on the shores). Colombian guides can explain the local history, recount famous tales, and identify the highland vegetation you pass as you wind up a trail to the stunning lagoon. Its perfectly circular shape once fueled speculation that it is a volcanic crater or the result of a meteorite impact, but it’s been found to have been formed from a sinkhole. The lake’s located about two hours outside Bogotá; the drive to get there crosses some beautiful country. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Bogotá

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@afar

"Laguna de Guatavita This lake set amid lofty mountains is a mystical, peaceful spot with a fascinating history of indigenous princesses, gold-covered chieftains, and treasure-gouging conquistadors—purportedly the site where the El Dorado legend began (indeed, gold artifacts have turned up on the shores). Colombian guides can explain the local history, recount famous tales, and identify the highland vegetation you pass as you wind up a trail to the stunning lagoon. Its perfectly circular shape once fueled speculation that it is a volcanic crater or the result of a meteorite impact, but it’s been found to have been formed from a sinkhole. The lake’s located about two hours outside Bogotá; the drive to get there crosses some beautiful country. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Colombia

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Stelios Fellahidis

Google

One of the most beautiful lakes in Colombia. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It is worth visiting with your eyes closed. The climb to reach the top is about 20'-30' minutes. The view you see as you climb up is fantastic!!!

Daniel Clemence

Google

I enjoyed having a look here, but it is a bit overrated. The main problem is that it is compulsory to have a guide (in Spanish only!). You cannot walk alone. And to make things more annoying, after the tour finishes, you are not permitted to walk back from where you came. You have to do a longer route and pay extra to take a bus back to the main entry point.

Jose Pablo Bermúdez

Google

Awesome view, the guides as very good and knowledgeable, the place is great, the hiking is really not that bad, very easy to do.

Henry Parkinson

Google

A wonderful wonderful visit with an amazing tour guide! The tour was insightful in both culture and geology and history! I loved this place and would recommend it to anyone visiting Bogota!!! Thank you for a wonderful trip

Alice AbiRaad

Google

What a wonderful lac to visit and discover the history behind! First plastic water battle are forbidden so bring you own refill botte. Toilet paper are not free ao bring some handkerchiefs with you! There’s a trail up to approximately 3100 meters to do so be prepared for going up. Arriving there there’s also restaurants where you can have a bite. If you don’t want to walk I think you can drive up there.

CK Cheong

Google

Interesting history about the Spanish's and British's involvement in attempting to drain the lake in search of gold. Good job done by the local authorities to conserve and preserve the ecosystem around the lake. Uphill walk (slightly strenuous) to the lake. Unique vegetation in the park

R K

Google

Beautiful view. A gentle hike through a lot of greenery and bio diversity. A lot of history and legend /Ancestors.

Yolanda Roa

Google

Amazing place if you love nature and don’t mind the steps. I will recommend hiking shoes, but is not a must. The temperature is great throughout the year, 60 to 75 degrees. Most of the hike is exposed to sun, so bring a good hat. The guides are very knowledgeable and protective of the area. Non-reusable bottles are not allowed but you can buy water and water-bottles by the entrance. The grupos are fairly small, but if you stay behind you might miss a few things. Once you reach the top you can see the lake and they offer professional pictures as well. The view is stunning. Once you complete the hike there are a few gift shops and restaurants and a bus will take you back to your car or you can walk about 2 miles. The parking was about $2 to $4 and the entrance $3 to $5. I don’t remember the exact amount.

Stelios Fellahidis

Google

One of the most beautiful lakes in Colombia. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It is worth visiting with your eyes closed. The climb to reach the top is about 20'-30' minutes. The view you see as you climb up is fantastic!!!

Daniel Clemence

Google

I enjoyed having a look here, but it is a bit overrated. The main problem is that it is compulsory to have a guide (in Spanish only!). You cannot walk alone. And to make things more annoying, after the tour finishes, you are not permitted to walk back from where you came. You have to do a longer route and pay extra to take a bus back to the main entry point.

Jose Pablo Bermúdez

Google

Awesome view, the guides as very good and knowledgeable, the place is great, the hiking is really not that bad, very easy to do.

Henry Parkinson

Google

A wonderful wonderful visit with an amazing tour guide! The tour was insightful in both culture and geology and history! I loved this place and would recommend it to anyone visiting Bogota!!! Thank you for a wonderful trip

Alice AbiRaad

Google

What a wonderful lac to visit and discover the history behind! First plastic water battle are forbidden so bring you own refill botte. Toilet paper are not free ao bring some handkerchiefs with you! There’s a trail up to approximately 3100 meters to do so be prepared for going up. Arriving there there’s also restaurants where you can have a bite. If you don’t want to walk I think you can drive up there.

CK Cheong

Google

Interesting history about the Spanish's and British's involvement in attempting to drain the lake in search of gold. Good job done by the local authorities to conserve and preserve the ecosystem around the lake. Uphill walk (slightly strenuous) to the lake. Unique vegetation in the park

R K

Google

Beautiful view. A gentle hike through a lot of greenery and bio diversity. A lot of history and legend /Ancestors.

Yolanda Roa

Google

Amazing place if you love nature and don’t mind the steps. I will recommend hiking shoes, but is not a must. The temperature is great throughout the year, 60 to 75 degrees. Most of the hike is exposed to sun, so bring a good hat. The guides are very knowledgeable and protective of the area. Non-reusable bottles are not allowed but you can buy water and water-bottles by the entrance. The grupos are fairly small, but if you stay behind you might miss a few things. Once you reach the top you can see the lake and they offer professional pictures as well. The view is stunning. Once you complete the hike there are a few gift shops and restaurants and a bus will take you back to your car or you can walk about 2 miles. The parking was about $2 to $4 and the entrance $3 to $5. I don’t remember the exact amount.

Lake Guatavita

Lake Guatavita

Photos

Highlights

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