Yes, it's a lake, but it's one of the most culturally important lakes on the continent. Get a guide to fully appreciate the importance of this site. The on-site guides only provide Spanish interpretation, so if you don't speak Spanish I recommend either hiring your own guide or bringing a bilingual friend who can translate the guide's presentations. I learned a great deal about Muisca heritage and language from the on-site guide, who also spoke about local vegetation and land-use history around Guatavita. For a fascinating overview of the pre-Colombian history of the region, visit Museo de Oro one day and Laguna de Guatavita the next.
I only wish it was sunnier. It's a beautiful view and I was very much into it because of how much I've read about pre-colonial history. There isn't much else to do and it is at least a half-day trip from Bogota.
The lake has a beautiful view, surrender by good typical restaurants and crafty shops, where you can buy lovely woollen jumpers. A fantastic place to visit
Let's be clear, it's a huge lake ! But it's part of a half day trip from Bogota where you pass through some stunning countryside, can stop to eat great food and can enjoy it as part of a cultural experience. Do the trip with a trip to Zipaquira - make it a great day out.
If you like the prehispanic culture.... this is a great place to go. The trip from Bogota is very nice. All around is worth to see.
Incredibly beautiful countryside and great historically. Most tour guides speak only Spanish, but an English tour is available. A "must see" destination.
Considering this is a world-famous site thanks to the legend of El Dorado, the infrastructure surrounding the site is shockingly inadequate. The road up to the lake is in very bad condition, and the signposting is poor. I think most foreign visitors come as part of an organized tour. The lake itself is spectacular. However, you are not allowed to walk around the paths on your own, but have to go as part of a group. This means you may have to wait for a group to form at the site entrance. Once we started, we found the pace was very slow (there are some quite steep paths), and we ended up joining the group ahead of us. After you finish the tour, you have to wait for a little bus to bring you back around to the car park – I felt it was arranged like this in order for visitors to spend some money at the ramshackle food/drinks shacks at the end of the tour. Overall, when you compare it to other pre-Hispanic sites in other countries in the region, the experience at Guatavita is underwhelming.As for practicalities, the lake is situated at altitude. The sun can be fierce and it can also be quite breezy at the lakeside, so come prepared with sun block, water, and a light jacket.
Nice to take a few hours outside the busy city of Bogota and enjoy pure fresh air and renew your senses! Try to get a good guide and be sure to bring your camera.You should treat yourself to a nice meal at one of the typical wood cooking restaurants. REMEMBER: Colombian love their meat cooked WELL DONE -- if you want less burnt, ( medium ) you must be sure to ask and insist. Try the typical sausages and the fried intestines ... Just try it ... it's great eats
What beautiful countryside and vistas, there is nothing to dislike. visited a friend's country house that should be visited by Town and Country
A bit difficult to get to on public transport, very popular with people from Bogotá on the weekend. Beautiful area, organized tours (in Spanish). Go on a beautiful day only.