Bogota guatavita lake tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 8 hours

indigenous culture and the legend of el dorado

This day tour from Bogota will introduce you to the customs and culture of the indigenous people who lived in the Bogota, Colombia area. We will also visit the spot many believe gave rise to the legend of El Dorado. Join us on a day trip outside Bogota to visit Lake Guatavita and Sesquile, two places of great spiritual meaning for native Colombians.

We will explore Lake Guatavita, a spectacular natural place and one of the most important Muisca sacred sites from pre-Columbian times. We will also visit an actual Muisca community centre in the nearby town of Sesquile, travel through the splendid countryside landscapes and stop at the beautiful colonial town of Guatavita.

Departure Time: 8 am Tuesday - Sunday

EXPERIENCE TYPE History, Nature & Culture

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Essential Information

Tour Highlights

Guatavita Lake

Learn About the Legend of El Dorado

Guatavita Lake is a stunning crater in a perfect circle filled with emerald waters. This lake is famous for centuries-old treasure hunts, but it is also important for its cultural and ecological significance.

There are different opinions about the origins of the lake as well as the reason for its rare circular shape. Some say it is a volcanic crater, whereas others believe it results from a meteorite impact. What is known for sure is that the lake was once an important ceremonial site for the ancient Muisca civilization. In one ritual, the chief of the Muisca tribe used to coat himself in gold dust and then bathe in the lake while throwing offerings of gold and precious stones into the water. It was this ritual that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.

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Guatavita La Nueva

Enjoy a beautiful colonial town

This small town lies only 15 minutes away from Lake Guatavita. It is called Guatavita La Nueva, as it was constructed in the 1960s as a way to relocate the inhabitants of the original Guatavita, which was flooded during the construction of the Tomine Reservoir (the Tomine Reservoir was created to generate electric power for the nearby localities and to increase the water supply to Bogota).

The "New Guatavita" was constructed to be a perfect replica of a Spanish colonial town with houses exhibiting white façades, rustic stucco exteriors, traditional roofs made of clay tiles, and simple wooden doors and windows.

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Sesquile

Muisca Settlement

Sesquile is another small town near Lake Guatavita. During pre-Colombian times, Sesquile was an important religious and commercial centre due to its proximity to the sacred lake of Guatavita.

The descendants of the ancient Muisca tribe have created a new settlement in the mountain area surrounding the town in order to preserve their traditions and ancestral way of life. The settlement lends itself as a fascinating place to learn about, better understand, and observe the culture and traditions of the Muiscas.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

Departure Time: 8am

We will start this Bogota day tour by heading to Lake Guatavita, a natural paradise and one of the most important Muisca sacred sites from pre-Columbian times. The mountains surrounding this site will amaze you as you climb to view the sparkling green lake. After learning about the Muisca rituals and the Legend of El Dorado, we will head to Guatavita La Nueva.

Guatavita La Nueva lies only 15 minutes away from the Lake. During our visit there, we will learn more details about its history, legends and popular myths. You will also have some time to explore its beautiful cobble streets before heading to Sesquile for lunch.

Then, we will visit an actual Muisca community centre in the nearby town of Sesquile. At the Sesquile settlement, you will see how today's Muiscas are trying to maintain their old traditions, despite adopting modern life and technology. Once we finish our visit to Sesquile, we will head back to Bogota and drop you off at your hotel.

Finish Time: 4pm

Essential Information

What's Included

Private transfer to and from the hotel
Guided tour in English
Entry tickets to Lake Guatavita and the Muisca settlement
Traditional Colombian lunch
Day tour insurance

What's Not Included

Any other personal expenses and tips

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Bogota guatavita lake tour

indigenous culture and the legend of el dorado