Lake Guatavita

Visiting Lake Guatavita is a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s precolonial past; the path to the lake, which includes some steep steps, offers sweeping views across the Cundinamarca countryside. Many tours of Lake Guatavita include a stop at Guatavita town, whose whitewashed buildings and tile roofs are full of historic charm. If you’re hoping to visit the Salt Cathedral and mines in Zipaquirá, consider combining the two destinations to make the most of your time on the road.

• If you’re not acclimated the altitude can be a challenge, so plan to move slowly and drink plenty of water.
• While short, the hike to the lake crosses rough terrain, making sturdy shoes a must.
• Wear layered clothing, as the weather here can change quickly.
• All visitors to Lake Guatavita must explore with a tour, which set out regularly from the trailhead.

Lake Guatavita is located 45 miles (73 km.) northeast of Bogotá, a 1-hour, 45-minute drive that can be as long as 2.5 hours with traffic. Since getting to Lake Guatavita is difficult without a car, tours from Bogotá are a good option for travelers. The salt-mining town of Zipaquirá is also located to the north of Bogotá, a detour that adds about 14 miles (23 km.) to the trip from Bogotá to Lake Guatavita.

With dry weather and plenty of sunshine, December–March is a popular period to visit Bogotá and the surrounding region. While April–May and October–November bring rainy weather, average temperatures remain mild year-round. Even in the warmest season, the mountainous region to the north of Bogotá can see changeable weather, making a rain jacket and layered clothing a good idea.

You won’t see any golden treasures at Lake Guatavita: those are stored in the safety of the Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) in Bogotá. There, you can find an important relic tied to the ceremonies that took place at Lake Guatavita, a golden raft that carries a royal entourage. The Balsa Muisca, or El Dorado Raft, is one of the museum’s most fascinating treasures.