In brief
Located just a few kilometers from Bogotá, the Laguna de Guatavita is much more than just a lake in the heart of the Colombian mountains. This enchanting natural site is the cradle of a fascinating legend: that of Eldorado, the mythical city of gold. For centuries, this sacred site of the Muiscas, a pre-Columbian civilization, has attracted adventurers, explorers and history buffs, all captivated by the idea of treasure hidden beneath its emerald waters.
Legend (or one of many legends to be precise) has it that Muisca chiefs, during ritual ceremonies, would cover themselves in gold before diving into the lake, throwing precious offerings into its depths in homage to their gods. These tales fed the dreams of the Spanish conquistadors and led to countless expeditions in search of this elusive Eldorado.
Today, visiting the Laguna de Guatavita means immersing yourself in this fascinating history while enjoying breathtaking scenery. Hikers can follow trails surrounded by lush vegetation, while the panoramic view over the lake invites contemplation. A trip to the laguna is an adventure where nature and legend meet, offering an unforgettable experience just a few hours from the Colombian capital.
Laguna de Guatavita
- County: Cundinamarca (Andes)
- Altitude: 3,100 m
- Surface area: 613 hectares
- Climate: humid temperate
- Direct access from Guatavita
- Interests: nature & history
Our opinion: a historic site in an enchanting natural setting ★★
Exploring the Laguna de Guatavita is not quite the nature hike you might imagine. Rather, it’s a guided tour in a group, on a relatively short, paved path. Although these aspects may seem to restrict the freedom of the visit and somewhat attenuate the spiritual aura of the place, the Laguna de Guatavita remains an unmissable destination. Having a guide at your side is actually a precious opportunity (no pun intended), as it allows you to delve into the fascinating history of pre-Columbian civilizations, with all their complexity and mystery. The lagoon itself is breathtakingly beautiful, reminiscent of a volcanic crater with a lake at its center, although this is not its true origin. At the top, you’re rewarded with a splendid view of the surrounding Cundinamarca countryside and the majestic Andes. We recommend this visit for a relaxing outing, combining nature and history, which perfectly illustrates the essence of Colombia. It’s a rewarding experience, with moderate physical effort, where you can really savor the unique blend of culture and landscape this country has to offer.
When to visit Laguna de Guatavita : the lagoon is accessible all year round, with no seasonal closures. Consult the timetables below.
Visitor numbers at Laguna de Guatavita: the busiest periods are weekends, public holidays and school vacations (especially December – January) or Holy Week (in March or April), when local tourists flock to the site for a nature getaway. By contrast, on weekdays, particularly outside vacation periods, the lagoon is generally quieter, offering a more peaceful experience. However, due to increasing visitor numbers, measures have been put in place to protect the lagoon’s fragile environment, sometimes limiting the number of people allowed on the site at any one time. These measures are designed to ensure a pleasant experience while preserving nature.
Climate at Laguna de Guatavita: the laguna’s climate is cool and moderate all year round, mainly due to its high altitude, at around 3,000 above sea level. Daytime temperatures generally range from 18°C to 22°C, while nights can be cool, with temperatures between 6°C and 8°C. The region has two main seasons: a dry season, which generally runs from December to February and July to August, and a rainy season, which extends from April to May and September to November. Even during the dry season, occasional showers occur.
Getting to know La Laguna de Guatavita better
A stunning natural site in the heart of the Andes
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at Laguna de Guatavita is the striking beauty of the landscape. The lake, almost perfectly shaped, seems set in a crown of green hills. The emerald color of its waters contrasts with the deep blue of the Andean sky, creating a natural tableau of great harmony. The altitude, some 3,100 metres above sea level, adds to the mystical atmosphere of the place, sometimes shrouded in mist.
The lagoon itself is the result of a natural geological depression. Contrary to what its circular shape might suggest, it is not a volcanic crater, but rather a depression formed by a subsidence of the ground, probably linked to karst processes, where underground cavities collapsed, creating a watertight basin that filled with water over time.
The soils around the lagoon are mainly composed of mineral-rich sedimentary rock, which influences the water chemistry and contributes to its emerald hue. This distinctive color is also due to the presence of algae and micro-organisms that proliferate in these nutrient-rich waters.
Laguna de Guatavita’s climate is strongly influenced by altitude. Above 3,000 meters, the air is rarer and temperatures are relatively low, fluctuating between 8°C and 18°C during the day. Precipitation is frequent, with an annual average of 1,000 to 1,500 mm, relatively evenly distributed, although peaks can be observed during the rainy seasons of April-May and September-November.
This combination of cool temperatures and high humidity has enabled the development of a specific páramo ecosystem, a plant formation unique to the tropical Andes, characterized by plants such as frailejones, endemic species that play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle by capturing moisture from the air and slowly releasing it into the soil. In addition to frailejones, there is a rich diversity of epiphytic plants, mosses, lichens and ferns that contribute to the stability of the soil and the botanical richness of the region.
The fauna of the Laguna de Guatavita includes a diversity of species adapted to the altitude and harsh climate of the Andes. Birds are particularly well represented, with species such as the hummingbird and, more rarely, the Andean condor. Mammals include species such as the mountain tapir and the páramo deer, which although discreet, play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Amphibians and reptiles, although less numerous, include endemic species adapted to these extreme environments.
A visit to the Laguna de Guatavita also offers a unique opportunity to admire the spectacular scenery of the Colombian Andes. From the peaks surrounding the lagoon, you can contemplate the vast green expanses of the department of Cundinamarca, with the mountain ranges as a backdrop. It’s a place where nature and history meet, offering a rich and diverse experience.
Pre-Columbian heritage: Muisca ceremonial site
The Muiscas were one of the most advanced peoples of the central Andes before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. They were part of the Chibcha confederation, a society organized into chiefdoms, and were renowned for their expertise in agriculture, weaving and, above all, goldsmithing. For the Muiscas, gold was not only a symbol of material wealth, but also a sacred element used in complex religious rituals.
The Laguna de Guatavita was one of the main ceremonial centers of this civilization. According to legend, every new cacique, or chief, in the territory of Bacatá (now Bogotá), had to perform a sacred ritual to assert his or her spiritual power. This ritual, known as the ” Zipa” investiture rite (from which the town of Zipaquira derives its name), consisted of a ceremony during which the new chief, covered in gold powder, was transported to the middle of the lagoon on a wooden raft. There, he plunged into the sacred waters to make offerings to the gods, while his subjects threw gold objects and emeralds into the lake. This ritual symbolized the chief’s communion with divine forces and nature. And the legend of El Dorado was born with the arrival of the Spaniards.
The story goes that a young Muisca woman, bewitched by a Spanish conquistador, one day gave in to his charms. Intoxicated by love, she confided to the man the existence of the Laguna de Guatavita and the sacred treasures offered there during ritual ceremonies. Seeing this as a priceless opportunity, the Spanish colonist used his manipulative skills to obtain from her the exact location of this mystical place. Guided by her revelations, the Spaniards arrived at the lagoon, where, without mercy, they massacred the Muiscas present and looted everything they could carry. Devastated by the betrayal and overwhelmed by grief, the young woman was banished from her community for revealing their greatest secret. Seeing no way out, she let herself be carried away by desolation and threw herself into the waters of the Laguna de Guatavita.
The first European references to Laguna de Guatavita date back to the 1530s, when Spanish conquistadors, lured by tales of fabulous riches, set out in search of the mythical city of Eldorado. In 1537, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the founder of Bogotá, heard of the legend during his conquest of the Muisca territories. Rumours of a city abounding in gold and a lake filled with treasure fired the imagination of the Spaniards, who organized several expeditions to recover these riches.
One of the most famous attempts to drain the lagoon took place in 1545, when Hernán Pérez de Quesada, Gonzalo’s brother, and a group of Spaniards used native slaves to drill a tunnel into the mountainside, hoping to lower the water level. Although they succeeded in lowering the water level by around 3 meters, enabling them to recover a certain quantity of gold, precious stones and jewels, the project was eventually abandoned, as it proved too costly and unprofitable in relation to initial expectations.
A new attempt at drainage was undertaken in 1580 by Antonio de Sepúlveda, another treasure-hungry conquistador. He had a wider trench dug to further lower the water level, but the operation caused a landslide, killing many workers and putting an end to the venture. Despite these efforts, the supposed treasures of the Laguna de Guatavita remained elusive, further fuelling the myth of El Dorado.
Tourism development
Today, the Laguna de Guatavita is protected as a historical and natural site, and continues to be a place of fascination for researchers, tourists and history buffs alike. The looting attempts of past centuries have fortunately given way to an awareness of thecultural and spiritual importance of this place for the Muisca people and for Colombia.
Conservation efforts are essential to preserve this fragile balance. As a protected site, the lagoon benefits from strict regulations to limit the impact of visitors and protect local species. These measures include limiting the number of visitors and prohibiting swimming and fishing in the lagoon, in order to preserve water quality and minimize disturbance to the flora and fauna. The visit is accompanied by a guide, and there is only one possible trail.
The site is now managed by local authorities, who are committed to its preservation and the dissemination of its history. Visitors can participate in guided tours to learn more about the ancient rites of the Muiscas, the history of Spanish colonization, and the legend of Eldorado. The lagoon itself, surrounded by breathtaking Andean scenery, remains a powerful symbol of Colombia’s rich pre-Columbian heritage.
Visit La Laguna de Guatavita
Our experience: a visit to the Laguna de Guatavita
To begin your visit to the Laguna de Guatavita, you first go to the ticket office at the site’s only entrance, where you obtain your precious tickets. Next, you’ll have to pass through a gantry where a guard examines the bags of each visitor: disposable plastics are strictly forbidden. If you have plastic bottles, they will be confiscated and thrown away. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s best to bring a water bottle, which will go through without a hitch.
Once inside, you’ll have to wait for the next group with a guide to depart, as tours are conducted exclusively in groups and with an official guide. Tours depart approximately every 30 minutes.
Ah, here’s the guide, the tour can finally begin! It starts at the foot of the lagoon, with several stops along the way. The guide (comments are in Spanish only) will immerse you in the fascinating history of the Muisca culture, their beliefs and rituals. On our visit, the guide was exceptional, capturing the group’s attention with well-placed anecdotes and a sense of humor that made the explanations even more interesting. In particular, you’ll learn about the importance the Muiscas attached to nature and the stars, especially the moon and the sun. Their civilization is truly fascinating and full of mysteries!
As the explanations unfold, the short ascent begins, leading you to the ridge overlooking the Laguna de Guatavita, nestled at the bottom of an ancient crater. Although it’s a bit of a climb, it’s neither too long nor too difficult, especially as the paved path makes it so much easier. Just climb at your own pace, taking breaks if necessary. The guide always makes sure everyone is there before continuing. At the time of our visit, there were many Colombian families, including older people and those not necessarily in the best physical shape.
Finally, we reach the summit! From here, you can first admire the Cundinamarca region, with its fields stretching over rolling hills and the Andes in the background. A little further on, a small terrace appears, offering a spectacular view of the famous lagoon.
And then she reveals herself to you, true to her reputation and to the photos. Almost perfectly round, emerald green in the sunlight, surrounded by lush vegetation, it exudes a special aura. It’s not hard to understand why the Muiscas chose this spot for their sacred ceremonies.
The tour continues along the lagoon, still on the ridge, to a slightly higher point, where you can admire it in all its splendour. This “mirador” marks the last stop on the tour.
For the return journey, simply follow the single track through a sparse forest to the exit. Note that the entrance and exit are not in the same place. As in all good Colombian tourist sites, you’ll find here a few small restaurants where you can enjoy typical dishes (we recommend chorizo with corn arepas, called arepas de choclo, a real treat). There’s also a souvenir store for those who want to take home a little something.
This concludes the tour of the Laguna de Guatavita, which lasts around two hours. It’s an excellent way to discover a part of Colombian history, as the Muiscas were one of the most important civilizations of the Colombian Andes, while enjoying a most pleasant natural setting.
It’s important to note, however, that this is not a wilderness hike like in a little-visited national park. The Laguna de Guatavita has been developed to manage the flow of tourists and make it an accessible attraction. But despite this, in our opinion, the laguna is absolutely worth the detour!
Opening hours Laguna de Guatavita
La laguna is a popular and easy-to-reach spot. For the best experience, it’s best to get there early in the morning, especially during busy periods such as weekends, public holidays, Holy Week and the months of December and January.
Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays, except Mondays with public holidays).
Opening hours: 08:30 to 16:00
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility. There is no ramp or elevator, only an endless staircase with around 700 steps.
Laguna de Guatavita entrance fee
Access to the lagoon is not free. In order to regulate the flow of tourists, protect the ecosystem and develop the area economically (it’s also a business, let’s face it), an entrance fee must be paid. Visits must be accompanied by an official guide.
Rate for under 62s: 25,500 COP per person
Rate for over 62s: 12,500 COP per person
How do I get to Laguna de Guatavita?
Laguna de Guatavita is located a few kilometers from the villages of Sesquile and Guatavita. There is no direct public transport from Bogotá, 60km away. So you’ll have to travel first to Guatavita or Sesquile, then on to Laguna de Guatavita.
Public transport: getting to Laguna de Guatavita from Bogotá
- Bus from Bogotá to Guatavita/Sesquile: take a bus to Bogotá from Terminal Salitre or Terminal del Norte for a 1h30-2h journey. The journey costs 10,000 COP/person. Buses run frequently from 05:30 to 22:00 with companies such as Valle de Tenza.
- Bus from Guatavita/Sesquile to Laguna de Guatavita (weekends and public holidays only): small buses run between these two villages and the lagoon for around 10,000 COP/person, with departures every 30 minutes, but only on weekends and public holidays.
- By Uber or equivalent from Guatavita/Sesquile to the Laguna de Guatavita (weekdays): there’s no public transport during the week, so the easiest way is to get to the Laguna by Uber, Cabify or other app. The fare is around 25,000 COP.
Private transport: getting to Laguna de Guatavita from Bogotá
If you don’t want to waste time and don’t want to drive in Colombia, and budget isn’t an issue for you, there’s also the possibility of getting to Laguna de Guatavita directly by Uber (or similar) from Bogotá. This will cost you around 250,000 COP (depending on the location of your accommodation and the time of departure).
On the other hand, you need to think about getting back to Bogotá once the tour is over, and make sure you find another driver quickly. Or ask the driver who brought you here to wait for you, for an extra charge.
Car rental: getting to Laguna de Guatavita from Bogotá
Another option for getting to the Guatavita lagoon is to rent a car in Bogotá. The road is pretty good, except for the last few kilometers to the laguna, which are a trail, but accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles.
We recommend renting a car with Localiza, a reputable agency with generally good rates, often favored by travelers seeking adventure on Colombia’s roads.
Private tour with guide (in Spanish, French or English)
Tourist guides can also organize a tour for you, including transport, the visit and translation of the explanations in French or English from the obligatory laguna guide. This is clearly the simplest option in terms of organization: there’s nothing to manage. But it’s also the most expensive option, costing around 650,000 COP for a single person and 1,000,000 COP for 2 people.
Contact: Felipe, Colombian guide in Bogotá and throughout Colombia: elcafetour
Where to stay to visit Laguna de Guatavita?
We recommend that you set down your bags in Bogotá, located around 1h30 from Laguna de Guatavita. As the country’s capital, Bogotá is the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area, including the lagoon, while taking advantage of the countless activities the city has to offer.
What’s more, staying in Bogotá makes the rest of your trip much easier. With the country’s main airport and largest bus station at your fingertips, arranging transportation to the next stage of your itinerary becomes child’s play.
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La Candelaria district
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Granada Hostel
(La Candelaria)
The breakfasts are delicious, the staff and manager welcoming, the bedding very comfortable, the premises impeccably clean, the decor carefully thought out and the general atmosphere very pleasant.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Spotty Bogotá Centro
(La Candelaria)
This chic hostel is nestled in the heart of Bogotá and offers a memorable rooftop! The large swimming pool and heated Jacuzzis are a real treat! The breakfast is delicious, and the dormitories are very comfortable!
$$ – Average budget
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Hotel Quinta Bolivar
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Ideally located for exploring the area, this establishment offers functional rooms and very comfortable beds. The breakfast is delicious and the owner is very friendly. 100% recommended.
$$ – Average budget
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Hotel Casa de la Vega
(La Candelaria)
Situated in a beautiful location, this establishment benefits from friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast is of the highest quality. The colonial-style architecture gives the place a special charm, accentuated by its patios.
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The Orchids
(La Candelaria)
This hotel offers a peaceful, intimate atmosphere, with just a few rooms. Decorated with care and refinement, the staff are charming and the breakfasts delicious.
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Hotel bh Bicentenario
(La Candelaria)
The hotel is ideally located at the foot of the Monserrate mountain, right next to the Gold Museum. The beds are very comfortable and the rooms offer a pleasant, unobstructed view.
Chapinero district
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Urbana Hostel
(Chapinero)
The staff are very helpful and offer an exceptional welcome. The location in the Zona T is ideal. What’s more, the value for money is excellent. We highly recommend this hotel!
$ – Economical budgeting
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Hostal Macondo
(Chapinero)
The location is excellent, in a very pleasant area with plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars. The dormitories are spotless, with comfortable beds and ample space.
$$ – Average budget
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Hotel B3 Virrey
(Chapinero)
Located in a lively, safe neighborhood, the hotel offers quiet rooms and attentive staff. The buffet breakfast service is simple and efficient. Helpful and friendly staff.
$$ – Average budget
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Hotel Espacio 94
(Chapinero)
The rooms are spacious and well-maintained, in an ideal location close to many restaurants and bars, including Park 93. The establishment is run by very friendly people.
$$$ – High budget
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EK Hotel
(Chapinero)
The central location, surrounded by a multitude of restaurants, combined with the friendliness of the staff and the exceptional quality of the breakfast, make this place a perfect choice in the neighborhood.
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GHL Hotel Bioxury
(Chapinero)
The hotel offers breathtaking views of the city, and is nestled in a lively neighborhood brimming with restaurants and stores. The staff are friendly, the rooms comfortable and the breakfast generous.
Usaquén district
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Usaquen Station Hostel
(Usaquén)
This inn and its staff are simply remarkable. Their kindness, helpfulness and generosity are extraordinary. What’s more, the hostel is located in a very safe neighborhood.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal CasAlé Usaquén
(Usaquén)
The establishment is impeccably clean and offers outstanding customer service. The neighborhood offers amenities such as a pharmacy, restaurants, a vending machine and a market.
$$ – Average budget
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Zana Hotel Boutique
(Usaquén)
The location is simply ideal! The neighborhood is safe and perfect for walking, with a multitude of amenities. The bedding is comfortable and the room was clean. The welcome was incredible.
$$ – Average budget
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Hotel Primitivo
(Usaquén)
The staff are extremely attentive and supportive. The rooms are well maintained and quite quiet at night. Breakfast is sufficient and with 3 choices, it’s delicious and in good quantity!
$$$ – High budget
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NH Collection Bogota Hacienda Royal
(Usaquén)
The view from the room is magnificent, and the terrace adds charm. The location is perfect, with the adjacent shopping center. The staff are pleasant.
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Hotel
W Bogota
(Usaquén)
The warm welcome, the comfortable room, the delicious breakfasts and the restaurants offering absolutely fabulous cuisine all contribute to a dream stay in a really pleasant area!
Tips for visiting La Laguna de Guatavita
Sun cream
Even if the heat is not excessive, the sun’s rays are particularly intense in the mountains. Remember to protect yourself with sunscreen to ward off the powerful UV rays.
Rainy region: waterproofing required
As everywhere in the Andes, the risk of showers (sometimes heavy) is always there, so bring a waterproof poncho to keep dry in case of rain. Especially as the weather can change rapidly.
Moderate physical effort
Visiting the laguna is not in itself very demanding. Although you have to climb to get to the top, the path is paved and not too long. It’s a family outing, with families and the relatively elderly in attendance.
NO plastic bottles
To protect the ecosystem, no plastic bottles are allowed inside. The bags of each person are checked at the ticket office. All bottles must be thrown away. Water bottles are no problem.
