Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Since we met, I began to explain some general details about Bogotá, then when we leave the city I will speak about the valley around the city, I will provide information about the originally indigenous habitant called “ Muiscas” , their customs, some of their words and how all this heritage is included now in our society and in our food.
We will meet a guide of the lake that speaks about the native culture and will explain why is so popular the Dorado Legend?, we will discuss the meaning of this ceremony. We will feel the mystic of the place, its energy and the relationship between nature and this space.
In Guatavita town we will enjoy architecture, food, deserts and also handicrafts shopping.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not for children under 5 years and seniors of 65 years and more
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Laguna de Guatavita
we begin to walk into Guatavita natural reservation. We will know a guide that is a directly descendent of the “muiscas culture” (originally people of Bogotá Valley), the guide will speak to all the lake visitors about his native culture, I do the translation and add some information, then we enter into a relax time and after that we begin to climb steps, it is aprox 130 meters (426 feet). But do not worry we stop several times. As soon as we finish the stairs, we arrive to the first lake viewpoint, we can appreciate the lake, the water and her colors, also we can listen and see some birds. We continue walking and the vegetation begin to change from Andean cold weather (same weather than Bogotá) to Paramo (Andean moor) with its special plants like the frailejon (plants with their thick, soft leaves like the ears of a rabbit), you can find that plants only in Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela. After walking for 90 minutes we exit the lake and we can eat some muisca food like the corn cob
We can enjoy the views o the Tominé reservoir, that is an important hydric source of the area, we stop and watch the Andean mountains and the reservoir
What‘s Included
Entrance to the Guatavita Lake
Bottled water
Colombian typical products
Air-conditioned vehicle
I provide waterproof ponchos during the tour
Breakfast
Lunch
Soda/Pop
Options
Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Guatavita Lake
G2300NOpennyb,,Apr 30, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Javier was a fantastic guide- so knowledgeable about the history of Bogotá and Guatavita Lake. He was easy to talk to, and had thought of all the little touches which made the tour even more enjoyable- freshly made snacks, tea, umbrellas etc. We'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants a peaceful day out from the city!
Great experience!
Passport642052,,Mar 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Javier was a great guide from start to end. I learned a lot about Lake Guatavita and Javier patiently answered all of our questions. I loved the small, personalized feel and felt like I got a lot more out of this experience than if I had gone through a large tour group. Overall, he is a great guide. He made the experience all the more memorable and I would recommend touring with him to anyone traveling to Bogota.
Review of Lake Guatavita Tour
Siddharth S,,Mar 5, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Javier was the absolute best host I could’ve asked for. He went above and beyond from the moment he picked me up in my hotel promptly. The whole ride he was educational and super fun! The hike was very fun with him being encouraging and also providing a ton of fun facts. And after the hike, he made sure the Guatavita town was well explored! It felt like hanging out with a buddy I’ve known forever who knew Colombia perfectly. Take this tour, it’s the best decision you’ll make in your Colombia trip.
History with new friends
elserxxo,,Feb 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Prior to going on the tour, I had very little knowledge about Gautavita and the Legend of El Dorado. Javi was very accommodating and knowledgeable! He provided additional insights into the history of the lagoon, which made the story that much more amazing! The lagoon is a beautiful site with an enlightening history and philosophy. The entire experience itself is a breath of fresh air and perspective. 100% recommend visiting this wonderful landscape and learning more about its history. Book time on Javi's calendar, as he is the best guide. Great food recommendations as well! Make sure you try the arrepas de choclo, you won't want to miss out! Thank you Javi!
Great time
Chelsea C,,Jun 5, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Javier was amazing and very very knowledgeable. The weather was rainy but that didn’t matter because we still had a great time! Would 100% recommend this experience for any tourist!!
Amazing experience!!
Explore777546,,Apr 12, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience and wonderful 10 hours. Javier is an awesome guide, as promised he picked us from our place and we had a great time. Javier translated the Lake tour for us in English. Post visit to Guatavita lake, Javier took us to an authentic Colombian restaurant to try the local cuisine. Herbal tea before the hike to lake was a great surprise. Javier had all the travel essentials in his car i.e. hot water, tea bags, sugar, umbrella, cap etc. Overall awesome experience!!
An encounter with the past
anto1487,,Mar 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guided tour was super interesting and our guide taught us a lot about the indigenous people of Colombia. First a cultural introduction and then walk it from 3100msnm. It is quite a challenge but when you arrive at the top of the Lagoon you really feel the encounter with that civilization that were once the inhabitants of those beautiful lands.
Amazing mountain hike
antoniorE5676CK,,Feb 28, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing place where nature surprises you, with a slight physical demand, you should wear jacket
Just great!
V1992DLdanielm,,Feb 13, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing landscapes. Me and my girlfriend visited yhw lagoon with Javier six months ago and the trip was very memorable. Javier is experienced, warm and very patience. Service and plan highly recommended.
Beautiful lagoon
Happiness364892,,Jan 27, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best, La Paz that feels in the lagoon. Just spectacular! Of the best landscapes of Colombia!
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