Laguna de Guatavita (La)
NileGuide Expert Says:
The town of Guatavita alongside the lake is replete with restaurants, so make a day of it and come out for lunch.
Address:
Km 15, Vía Guatavita-Sesquilé
Bogota, Colombia
Phone:
+57 316 694 6325 (Tourist information)
NileGuide Expert tip:
The fastest way to get here from downtown Bogota is to catch the Transmilenio to the Portal del Norte and then a feedder bus to Guatavita.
Description:
Located in the crater of a dormant volcano merely an hour and half from downtown Bogota is the mythical, mysterious and deeply sacred Laguna de Guatavita. Apparently the legend of El Dorado finds its roots here where the local
cacique would cover himself in gold and provide offerings to the gods here in the lake. Currently a favoured escape from Bogota for day-trippers looking to enjoy some high altitude fresh air, and for weekenders camping out, enjoy hikes or those who have rented lakeside cottages, there was a time where the future for this archeological site could have been so different. Fueled by a gold lust there have been attempts to drain the lake and find the priceless gold offerings left at the bottom by the
cacique. The most successful episode resulted in the water level of the lake being reduced by about 20m. Now, it's a holiday destination and the more hardy partake in outdoor pursuits such as windsurfing on these chilly waters.
Map:
