Lake Guatavita

Lake · Sesquilé ·

Lake Guatavita

Lake · Sesquilé ·

Sacred lake site with trails, birds, and El Dorado legend history

Information

Sesquilé, Cundinamarca, Colombia Get directions

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

"Laguna de Guatavita This lake set amid lofty mountains is a mystical, peaceful spot with a fascinating history of indigenous princesses, gold-covered chieftains, and treasure-gouging conquistadors—purportedly the site where the El Dorado legend began (indeed, gold artifacts have turned up on the shores). Colombian guides can explain the local history, recount famous tales, and identify the highland vegetation you pass as you wind up a trail to the stunning lagoon. Its perfectly circular shape once fueled speculation that it is a volcanic crater or the result of a meteorite impact, but it’s been found to have been formed from a sinkhole. The lake’s located about two hours outside Bogotá; the drive to get there crosses some beautiful country. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Bogotá

Photo by Tom Griggs

Lake Guatavita

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,700 Cities

The Best Things to Do in Colombia

Photo by Tom Griggs

Lake Guatavita

@nomadicmatt

6,681 Postcards · 1,174 Cities

The 20 Best Things to Do in Bogotá, Colombia (Updated 2025)

"I took a day trip to Laguna de Guatavita and found it to be a peaceful, sacred site linked to the El Dorado legend — located about 60 kilometers north of Bogotá, it makes a great break from the city and is often combined with nearby hot springs in Sesquilé on guided tours." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/things-to-see-and-do-in-bogota/

Lake Guatavita

Mich _.

Google

A lake of incredible beauty. You'll climb to an altitude of over 3,000 metres to observe the lake. Don't worry, the climb is fairly straightforward and accompanied by a guide. With several historical pauses. A must if you're ever in the area. You won't regret the view.

Deegy D.

Google

Well worth the bus ride out here. Great views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Good for families. You have to be reasonably fit but for the up but not too strenuous. We followed the Spanish speaking tour. I think you have to arrange your own English guide ahead of time if you want one.

Stelios F.

Google

One of the most beautiful lakes in Colombia. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters. It is worth visiting with your eyes closed. The climb to reach the top is about 20'-30' minutes. The view you see as you climb up is fantastic!!!

CK C.

Google

Interesting history about the Spanish's and British's involvement in attempting to drain the lake in search of gold. Good job done by the local authorities to conserve and preserve the ecosystem around the lake. Uphill walk (slightly strenuous) to the lake. Unique vegetation in the park

Iriana C.

Google

Beautiful place where the legend of el Dorado came from. Totally a must visit when in Bogota!

Jose Pablo B.

Google

Awesome view, the guides as very good and knowledgeable, the place is great, the hiking is really not that bad, very easy to do.

Daniel C.

Google

I enjoyed having a look here, but it is a bit overrated. The main problem is that it is compulsory to have a guide (in Spanish only!). You cannot walk alone. And to make things more annoying, after the tour finishes, you are not permitted to walk back from where you came. You have to do a longer route and pay extra to take a bus back to the main entry point.

Two Sisters B.

Google

This place is Awesome. The views are breathtaking, the story fascinating and the guides are very knowledgeable. Our tour guide, Paula was extraordinary. She did a great job. A must for nature lover, and see what beauty colombia has. Bring raincoat / umbrella.