El Dorado Legend & Guatavita Lake Tour
The origin of the El Dorado legend
Just over an hour from Bogotá hides one of the most magical places in Colombia: Guatavita Lake. For the Muisca people it was a sacred space, and it was here that the legend of El Dorado was born — the legend that obsessed European conquistadors for centuries.
The tour includes a guided walk along an eco-trail, through cloud forests and natural viewpoints, until you reach the edge of the lake. There, our guide will tell you about the rituals of the Muisca chiefs, who covered their bodies in gold dust before submerging themselves in these waters, and the fascinating history of the attempts to drain the lake in search of treasure.
It's an ideal getaway to connect with nature and the ancestral spirituality of the Andes, with comfortable transport from Bogotá and time to enjoy the colonial town of Guatavita on the shore of the reservoir.
What you'll visit
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How far is Guatavita Lake from Bogotá?+
Guatavita Lake is about 60 km from Bogotá, just over an hour by car. The trip is a full day (6-7 hours) and includes round-trip transport.
Is there a lot of walking to reach the lake?+
There's a guided walk along a moderate eco-trail, through cloud forest and viewpoints, to the edge of the lake. We recommend comfortable footwear and warm clothing.
What is the legend of El Dorado?+
Guatavita Lake was sacred to the Muisca: their chiefs covered themselves in gold dust and submerged into its waters as an offering. That ritual gave rise to the myth of El Dorado that obsessed the conquistadors.
From
On request
Includes
- Transport from Bogotá
- Hotel pickup
- Stop in the town
Add-on service
Bilingual accompanying guide, as you need it
Entrance fees and tickets are not included. We can help you arrange them.
Guatavita Lake Tour
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