Hike to Lake Guatavita

General information

Destination
Bogota, Colombia

Program details

You can hike to the lagoon surrounded by greenery, history and beauty. This ancient site was one of the sacred lakes of the Muisca indigenous tribe, since there the ritual investiture of the new Zipa (Cacique) was performed; according to tradition, it was on a raft of reeds richly adorned; his body was entirely covered with gold dust, in his feet put a great heap of gold and emeralds to offer to the gods and fiery braziers to burning a kind of incense called “moque”; the new dignitary was accompanied by four chiefs and when the raft stayed in the middle of the lagoon, the people who was on the banks of the lagoon threw gold objects and precious stones into the water.



This is one of the origins of the legend “El Dorado”. The famous Muisca raft that is exhibited in the Gold Museum is an evidence of this rituals they did in the lakes of the region and you will walk the same paths of zipas and verify that it is a unique and special place. Along the way you will know Calera town and enjoy a typical breakfast in the region. Guatavita Lake is 3,100 meters above sea level with an average temperature of 11oC, is located only 1 hour from Bogota and shown a high level of conservation with beautiful scenery and handicrafts. The tour of the park is done on a pedestrian path that preserves the ecosystem without affecting the environment, nice place to relax from the noise of the city.



Languages

English and Spanish