Sacred Muisca Lagoon in Guatavita
The sacred Guatavita Lagoon (Laguna de Guatavita) is a must see attraction for anyone who is interested in pre-colombian history and the ancient Muisca race (Colombia's equivalent to the Incas). If you are visiting Bogota then a trip out to the lake is a must and it is only 90 minutes away.
Guatavita lake was an import sacred location for the early Muisca peoples as it was the focal point for their religious ceremonies. Perhaps chosen for its curiously near perfect circular shape (some say attributed to a meteor) there is no doubting the beauty and wonder of this tranquil and magical landscape.
The Muisca people conducted regulary ceremonies at this location whereby a young man would be sprayed in gold and carried out to the centre of the lake on a small raft. Accompanied by high 'priests' a ceremony would take place whereby gold offerings would be given up and the man would begin his transformation to a new status in the Muisca culture.
The Spanish invasion would mark the start of centuries of prospecting for the lost gold offerings which threatened to destroy the lake completely. The most famous find can be found in the Gold Museum in Bogota, a near perfect gold replica of the boat that carried the offerings out across the lake.
The basic tour takes around 90 minutes with an official 'Muisca' guide who begins by explaining the ancient Muisca culture inside a reconstruction of one of their communal dwellings. The tour continues with a 45 minute walk through some stunning wildlife and an explanation of some of the secrets of the local flora and fauna. As you reach the summit you will be blessed with spectacular views down to the lakes edge and across the Andean landscape.
The walking paths are well maintained but you need to be moderately fit and healthy as some parts of the walk involve stairs and the lake is situated at over 3.000m.s.l. so the air is quite thin.
PLEASE NOTE: Access to the lake is strictly controlled by the national park and an entrance fee must be paid. There is absolutely no free access to this heritage site.
> Visit the official site
09:00 Collection
Pick up from your apartment in Bogota
Private car
11:00 Breakfast
Light snack in Sesquile town square
Coffee and local pastries (cost c.3-5USD)
11:30 Visit to Guatavita Lake
1-2 hour tour of lake and surrounding landscape
Explication of Muisca culture
Walking tour of local wildlife
Basic entrance fee c.7USD
13:30 Lunch
Visit the unique Guatavita town (rebuilt after the original was flooded by the reservoir).
Eat fresh trout from the neighbouring reservoir.
Cost around 10-15USD / person
16:30 Drop Off Returned to your apartment in Bogota
| | Tour Price for up to 2 people (aprox USD) | Tour Price for up to 2 people (COP) |
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| Standard Tariff | 95 USD | 195.000 COP |
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Special Tariff for guests staying with AptsColombia | 85 USD | 175.000 COP |
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Notes:
- Price Includes: All transport costs (petrol, parking, tolls, etc) and a private driver for the day.
- Additional Costs: Third person at 25.000 COP extra, food, drink & entrance to Guatavita (please bring local currency around 60.000 COP).
- Rates are displayed as tour for upto 2 people (no discount is offered for a single person tour)
- US Dollar rates are given as a guide only and may change due to daily exchange rate fluctuations
- Final payment will be required in COP (Colombian Pesos)
- Tours Available: Weekdays , times given are a rough guide and may change due to traffic.
- Payment: Cash in Colombian Pesos on morning of tour paid directly to driver.
- Note: This is a private tour, you will not be on a tour bus with lots of other people, just your group (max 3) & the diver.
- Please note that tours are operated independently from AptsColombia by third party service providers.
To book please email us with your intended tour date and number of people in your group or use the contact us page.