Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip from Bogota: Uncover the El Dorado Legend and Revive Muisca Ancestry
4.7
3 Ratings
Tierra Negra

Embark on a half-day journey from Bogotá to Colombia’s stunning Laguna de Guatavita. Gain insight into the El Dorado legend that finds its roots at this sacred body of water, see how the descendants of the Muisca community are bringing their heritage to life, and tour the picturesque coastline with a knowledgeable guide.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Laguna de Guatavita - Visit the place that gave birth to the famous legend of “El Dorado”, and step into a journey full of fantasy, history, mysticism, and landscapes. On this tour, you will travel North to the village of Guatavita, and to the impressive emerald lake of Guatavita.

After being picked up at your place of stay, you will be taken to walk the cobblestone streets of the white-housed village of Guatavita. You will learn about the unusual history of this town and wander through its alleys and handicraft stores. Afterward, you will be driven along potato crop fields and farmers’ houses up to the highest point in which the sacred lake lies hidden among mountains.

Inside this natural reserve dotted by lush and humid forest vegetation, you can feel the mystical energy that made this lake a sacred place for the Muiscas. Inside this natural reserve, you will learn about the connection that the ancient Muiscas had with nature. Moreover, you will understand the symbolism behind the gold offerings that awoke the gold rush of Spanish treasure hunters.

On your way back, you will have a spectacular view of the Tominé Dam valley, and “Cerro de las Tres Viejas”. Finally, you will have a stop at the small town of La Calera, where you will taste the splendid cheese and yellow corn “arepas” that attract many visitors.

  • Guatavita - Visit the place that gave birth to the famous legend of “El Dorado”, and step into a journey full of fantasy, history, mysticism, and landscapes. On this tour, you will travel North to the village of Guatavita, and to the impressive emerald lake of Guatavita.
    After being picked up at your place of stay, you will be taken to walk the cobblestone streets of the white-housed village of Guatavita. You will learn about the unusual history of this town and wander through its alleys and handicraft stores. Afterward, you will be driven along potato crop fields and farmers’ houses up to the highest point in which the sacred lake lies hidden among mountains.
    Inside this natural reserve dotted by lush and humid forest vegetation, you can feel the mystical energy that made this lake a sacred place for the Muiscas. Inside this natural reserve, you will learn about the connection that the ancient Muiscas had with nature. Moreover, you will understand the symbolism behind the gold offerings that awoke the gold rush of Spanish treasure hunters.
    On your way back, you will have a spectacular view of the Tominé Dam valley, and “Cerro de las Tres Viejas”. Finally, you will have a stop at the small town of La Calera, where you will taste the splendid cheese and yellow corn “arepas” that attract many visitors.
What's Included
  • Hotel transport included
  • Entrance to Guatavita Natural Reserve
  • Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information
  • A medium-high amount of walking is involved; you must be of average fitness and able to keep up with the rest of the group
  • Hiking shoes are necessary for this activity
  • Guatavita lake is closed on Mondays or Tuesdays if Monday is a bank holiday
  • Maximum altitude of this hike is 3000 MASL.
Location
Laguna de Guatavita
Km 15, Via Guatavita-Sesquile
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(3 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Camil
Jan 16, 2018
Excellent guide and driver - My wife and I had a great experience on our day trip to Guatavita. Our guide, Nicolás, was very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, and spoke perfect English. It was a pleasure to talk to him throughout the day, and learn more not just about Guatavita, but also about Bogotá and contemporary Colombian culture. (He gave us a great tip about a dance club where we ended up spending our last night in Bogotá.) Our driver was also excellent: very polite, prudent on the road, and efficient.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Riya
Jan 31, 2015
The lagoon of Guatavita is a must... - <p>The lagoon of Guatavita is a must see attraction if you're in or around Bogota! If you decide to go, try to go with Viator Tours. The guide we had, David, was very knowledgable of not only that a e rich history behind the lake, but also familiar with a few tid bits on forraging. Don't miss this one!!!</p>
Review provided by Viator
Lws238
Aug 4, 2022
A day of tranquility - The Park was undisturbed and well-maintained. We were even asked to leave our unopened water bottles with our driver, we were very impressed with their efforts to protect the environment. We were not allowed to walk up to the lagoon without a guide, unfortunately the guide didn’t speak English.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today