You have probably heard the legend of El Dorado, which tells of a native city somewhere on the American continent where everything was made of gold.

This very same legend was heard by countless conquerors and explorers who, for many years, tirelessly and unsuccessfully searched for this coveted place.

However, there was some truth to the legend, as there were indigenous communities that indeed had great skill in crafting gold objects.

Furthermore, a certain Muisca chief used to cover his body in gold and, laden with community treasures, would dive into the waters of a sacred lagoon in a grand ceremony.

This amazing ritual took place in Lake Guatavita, which many times was attempted to be drained by the conquerors in order to extract hidden treasures like gold and emeralds. Today, you can easily visit it as it is located just 75 kilometers from Bogotá.

The lagoon is very close to Guatavita, a town that was relocated as the previous settlement was submerged for the construction of the Tominé Reservoir. Although the new town is relatively recent, it is a significant architectural heritage of the country due to its white houses with clay tiles and colonial charm.

Walking through this beautiful town is a delightful experience, as it is filled with references to the El Dorado legend. Additionally, there are countless places where you can learn about and purchase local crafts, such as ceramic containers and traditional virgin wool ruanas.

Another charm of Guatavita is its cuisine, featuring rich desserts and dishes like mazamorra and trout, which is fished from the large Tominé Reservoir. The reservoir, accessible from the town, is 18 kilometers long and ideal for sports such as paragliding and sailing.

Additionally, in the surrounding areas, you can also enjoy ‘glamping,’ a romantic plan that combines the camping experience with the comfort of a luxury hotel, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent reservoir and mountain scenery while experiencing top-notch amenities.

However, you'll need to venture a bit further to reach the Lake Guatavita that inspired the El Dorado legend.

Currently, the lagoon is in an environmentally protected area where you'll access a trail that traverses an impressive mountainous zone, full of vegetation and species such as foxes, eagles, and paramo blackbirds.

And as a grand finale, you'll reach a high point from which you can appreciate Lake Guatavita in all its splendor. It's an indescribable experience.

To make the most of it, we recommend wearing comfortable, warm, and waterproof clothing, as the average temperature is 13 degrees Celsius and rain is frequent. However, none of this will prevent you from having a deep connection with nature and the ancestral past that this lagoon hides, making it a true cultural heritage of the country.

Photographs of our visitors

Bogotá 

Bogotá