Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip From Bogota

The Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip from Bogotá offers a unique opportunity to explore a sacred site steeped in history and legend. This three-hour excursion promises captivating insights into the traditions of the Muisca people, whose rituals at the lagoon are said to have inspired the myth of El Dorado. Beyond the lagoon, the tour also includes a visit to the Tomine Reservoir, a vital water source for Bogotá. With round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a chance to savor local cuisine, this excursion seems to hold the promise of a truly immersive experience. What secrets might the Guatavita Lagoon and its surroundings reveal?

Good To Know

• A half-day trip from Bogotá to the sacred Laguna de Guatavita, including round-trip transportation, a guided tour, and admission fees.
• The tour explores the lake’s features, Muisca history and rituals, and visits the nearby Tomine Reservoir, the main water source for Bogotá.
• The trip lasts approximately 3 hours and has a maximum altitude of 3000 meters, with a limited group size of 8 people.
• The tour emphasizes the historical significance and cultural insights of the Laguna de Guatavita and the Tomine Reservoir.
• Prices start from $154 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip and options for "pay later" flexibility.

Overview of the Trip

This half-day trip takes travelers from Bogotá to the sacred Laguna de Guatavita, a captivating lake with deep ties to the indigenous Muisca people. The lake was used for rituals and is linked to the legendary story of "El Dorado."

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees. Visitors can expect a scenic drive, a guided exploration of the lake’s features and history, and stories about the Muisca tribe’s gold offering rituals.

The trip also includes a visit to the nearby Tomine Reservoir, the source of Bogotá’s water supply, and a final stop for local cuisine.

Tour Details

The half-day trip lasts approximately 3 hours.

Travelers will reach a maximum altitude of 3000 meters above sea level. The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 people.

Pickup is provided from hotels and accommodations in Bogotá, with an additional cost for pickups from other towns like Chía or Cota.

The experience includes round-trip transportation, an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the Guatavita Natural Reserve.

However, lunch isn’t included.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

What to Expect

Travelers embark on a scenic drive to reach Laguna de Guatavita, a sacred lake with deep ties to the Muisca indigenous people and the legend of ‘El Dorado’.

A knowledgeable guide leads the exploration, sharing stories about the lake’s history and the rituals performed by the Muisca, including their gold offerings.

The tour also includes a visit to the nearby Tominé Reservoir, the source of Bogotá’s water supply.

The experience culminates with a stop in La Calera, where travelers can indulge in local specialties like cheese and yellow corn arepas.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide, and admission to the Guatavita Natural Reserve.

However, the tour doesn’t include:

• Lunch
• Gratuities (optional)
• Not recommended for travelers with:
• Back problems
• Pregnant travelers
• Serious medical conditions

While the tour provides a comprehensive experience, travelers should be aware of these exclusions and considerations before booking.

The focus is on exploring the sacred lake and its historical significance, with transportation and guide services included in the overall price.

Booking Information

For the Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip, prices start from $154.00 per person, varying by group size.

The tour offers a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Travelers can reserve now and pay later. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional English and Spanish-speaking guide, and the Guatavita Natural Reserve ticket. Gratuities are optional.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

Reviews

Typically, the Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip has received an overall rating of 4.5 from 3 reviews.

Traveler feedback highlights the experience as a must-see attraction, with praise for the knowledgeable guides.

The reviews mention:

• The scenic beauty of the lagoon
• Engaging stories about the Muisca tribe’s rituals
• The visit to the nearby Tominé Reservoir
• The final stop for traditional Colombian snacks
• The overall value and organization of the tour

While the reviews are mostly positive, potential travelers should consider their physical abilities, as the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions.

Exploring Laguna De Guatavita

Frequently, visitors embark on the half-day trip to Laguna de Guatavita, a sacred lake steeped in the history and rituals of the indigenous Muisca tribe.

Nestled at an altitude of 3,000 meters, the lake’s serene waters reflect the surrounding Andean landscape. Travelers explore the lake’s features and learn about the Muisca’s elaborate gold offerings during ceremonial rituals, which inspired the legend of El Dorado.

The tour also includes a visit to the nearby Tominé Reservoir, the primary water source for Bogotá.

Visiting Tominé Reservoir

After exploring the sacred Laguna de Guatavita, the tour includes a visit to the nearby Tominé Reservoir.

This reservoir serves as the main water supply for Bogotá, providing clean drinking water to the city’s residents. The visit offers a chance to learn about the reservoir’s importance and the efforts to maintain its water quality.

Visitors can expect to:

• Gain insights into the reservoir’s role in Bogotá’s water infrastructure
• Understand the water treatment and distribution processes
• Learn about conservation efforts to protect the reservoir’s ecosystem
• Appreciate the scenic views of the surrounding landscape
• Reflect on the interconnectedness of the region’s natural resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lake’s Water Safe to Swim In?

The water in Laguna de Guatavita is not safe for swimming. The lake is a protected natural reserve, and visitors are not allowed to enter the water to protect the fragile ecosystem.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit Laguna de Guatavita is during the dry season, typically between December and February. The weather’s mild, and there’s less chance of rain, making for an optimal sightseeing experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but there’s also an opportunity to stop for snacks like cheese and arepas. The tour includes transportation, a guide, and entrance fees, so visitors don’t have to worry about those logistics.

Are There Any Hiking Trails Around the Lake?

There are several hiking trails around the lake. Visitors can explore the scenic natural surroundings on these trails, taking in views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The trails vary in difficulty and length.

Can I Take a Boat Ride on the Lake?

Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to take boat rides on Laguna de Guatavita. The lake is a protected natural reserve, and access is limited to guided walks along the shore to protect the site’s environmental and cultural significance.

The Sum Up

The Guatavita Lagoon Half-Day Trip from Bogotá offers a captivating journey to the sacred lake of the Muisca people. The tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and entrance fees, providing insights into Muisca rituals and the legendary El Dorado. Visitors also explore the Tominé Reservoir and enjoy local cuisine, making it a well-rounded excursion that showcases the region’s natural and cultural heritage.