Guatavita Lake is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations you can explore just outside Bogotá. This enchanting place offers an immersive experience into the natural, cultural, and historical richness of the pre-Columbian civilizations that once inhabited the Cundiboyacense highlands.
In this travel guide, based on our own experiences, we’ll share everything you need to know: how to get to Guatavita from Bogotá, entrance fees and visiting hours for the lagoon, accommodation options, and helpful tips for your trip.
Let’s start planning your adventure:
Where Is Guatavita?
Guatavita is a town located in the Cundinamarca department in the Colombian Andes. It lies about 57 kilometers northeast of Bogotá, nestled at an altitude of approximately 8,860 feet above sea level.
The town is famous for its proximity to Guatavita Lagoon, which is technically part of the neighboring municipality of Sesquilé. This site holds great historical and cultural significance. Beyond the lagoon, Guatavita is also known for its colonial architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning natural landscapes.
You might also like: 10 Things to Do Near Bogotá
How to Get to Guatavita Lake
To reach Guatavita Lake from Bogotá, you can take a bus from the Salitre Bus Terminal or outside the Portal del Norte TransMilenio station. The journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic, and will drop you off in Guatavita town. Another option is to book this tour, which includes transportation.
It’s important to note that the lake is located 15 kilometers from Guatavita town, about a 35-minute drive. To get there from the town, you can take a small local bus, though these typically only run during peak tourist seasons.
If you’re planning to drive and wondering how to get to Guatavita Lagoon by car, the route is straightforward. Head out of Bogotá on the Autopista Norte, drive towards Sesquilé, and follow the signs to the lagoon. If you’re traveling in a group, you can rent a car here at the best price.
Check tour prices and details from Bogotá
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Ready to book your tour to Guatavita Lagoon?, Click here to explore a detailed description of the experience, including all included services and pricing (you can change the currency at the top). Then, simply select your desired date and the number of participants, and click "Book" to enter your information and complete your payment.
Keep in mind that the Guatavita Lagoon tour is available from Tuesday to Sunday and lasts approximately 12 hours. The package includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, entrance fees, and a guided visit to both the lagoon and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. We recommend booking in advance.
The best part about reserving with Civitatis, is that you’ll receive instant confirmation once your payment is processed. Plus, if you encounter any issues or need to cancel or reschedule, you can get a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity.
Book your Guatavita Lagoon tour now!
Accommodations in Guatavita, Colombia
Now that you know how to get to Guatavita from Bogotá, it’s important to mention that the town offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different styles and budgets. Additionally, since the town is located next to the Tominé Reservoir, you’ll find countryside homes and glamping sites in the surrounding area.
Our recommended accommodations are: Aviva Hotel, Hostal CORDI, Mirador Valeisa, Glamping Cristal, Glamping La Villa, Glamping Chinu, Dante Glamping, and Reserva del Dorado.
We recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during weekends, New Year’s holidays, or Holy Week. This way, you can ensure availability, secure better rates, and avoid the stress of last-minute hotel hunting.
Plan your escape and book your hotel stay today!
Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 15% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.
If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.
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Things to do in Guatavita and its surroundings:
1. Visit the Sacred Guatavita Lake
The Cacique Guatavita Lake is famous for its connection to the El Dorado legend. According to this story, during the ceremonies of the Muisca people, the tribe’s leader would cover his body in gold dust and throw gold objects and emeralds into the water as he entered to worship the sun god.
The lake is located 3,100 meters above sea level, and to reach it, you’ll need to walk along a trail that’s about 2 kilometers long. During the hike, you can visit a ceremonial house where you’ll learn details about Muisca culture. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the páramo ecosystem until you reach the lake’s viewpoints.
Opening hours and entrance fees for Guatavita Lake: The lake is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday (it opens on holiday Mondays and closes the following day). Pets are not allowed. Information subject to change.
Book Guatavita & Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Tour!
Recommended: Trekking in Chingaza National Natural Park
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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2. Explore Guatavita Village and the Tominé Reservoir
One of the best plans when traveling from Bogotá to Guatavita is to explore this beautiful village in the Cundiboyacense highlands. You can stroll through its charming cobblestone streets, admire its colonial architecture, visit museums, and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.
During your visit to the village, make sure to see the Parish of Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, the Artisan’s Plaza, the Indigenous Museum, and the Monument to the Cacica. You can also explore craft shops and enjoy delicious desserts. Remember, you can stay at: Aviva Hotel, Hostal CORDI, and Glamping Cristal.
From the village of Guatavita, you can also visit the Tominé Reservoir, an important water reserve. This area is popular for activities like boating, sport fishing, water sports, picnics, hiking, and birdwatching.
By the way, if you’re in Medellín, Cali, or any other city far from the capital and you’re wondering how to get to Guatavita Lake, note that the nearest airport is in Bogotá. Below, we’ve provided links where you can find discounted tickets:
Cheap flights from Medellín to Bogotá
Recommended: Free Walking Tour in Bogotá
Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk
Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
3. Explore the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
When you decide to travel from Bogotá to Guatavita, keep in mind that halfway there is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an impressive Catholic temple built approximately 180 meters underground, considered one of the country’s architectural and religious wonders.
Before visiting Guatavita, you can explore the Salt Cathedral. Inside, you will find chapels representing different stations of the Stations of the Cross, as well as altars carved entirely in salt, and a light show that highlights the shapes and textures of the rock. You can book the tour from Bogotá here.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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Are you planning a trip abroad? When organizing an international trip, we often focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we tend to forget about the possibility of falling ill, having an accident, being robbed, or needing to return home earlier than planned due to a family member’s hospitalization.
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Tips for visiting Guatavita Lake
Now that you know where Guatavita Lake is, how to get there from Bogotá, and what to do in the town and its surroundings, remember to bring warm clothing as the climate in Guatavita is cold and temperate, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C.
During the walk to Guatavita Lake, you will be at an altitude of over 3000 meters. Take the hike at your own pace, enjoy the trail, and make sure to bring a rain poncho, hiking shoes, and sunscreen.
It is also important to mention that the natural reserve that houses Guatavita Lake is managed by the Cundinamarca Regional Autonomous Corporation. Within the reserve, there are no camping or picnic areas. Additionally, pets are not allowed.
Other tours you might be interested in starting from Bogotá:
Hiking in the Páramo de Sumapaz
Bogotá tour: Monserrate, Gold Museum, and Botero
See details of Guatavita & Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Tour
Tip: If you want to uncover the most surprising secrets of Bogotá’s historic center, you must book this free walking tour! Available every day of the year at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, the tour lasts approximately 3 hours and includes visits to the city’s most important monuments, squares, and landmarks.
Booking the free tour of Bogotá’s center is super easy! Just click here, select your desired date and time, and enter the number of participants. Remember, at the end of the tour, it’s customary to support your guide’s work with a tip that reflects the quality of service.
Book your free tour of Bogotá now!
Some organized trips you might be interested in:
Recommended Tour: Rafting in Guejar Canyon - 3 Days / 2 Nights
Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you safely explore the Guejar River Canyon and its stunning surroundings, engaging in thrilling activities like rafting in one of Colombia’s most beautiful locations.
This tour starts in Mesetas and includes rafting on the Guejar River, a visit to Arenales Waterfall, and a hike to the Paradise of Waterfalls. The package also includes accommodation, meals, certified guides, safety equipment rental, and travel insurance. Please note that guides speak Spanish.
Available every weekend and during holidays.
Price per person: $855,000 COP.
Recommended Tour: Nevado El Cocuy from Bogotá - 4 Days / 3 Nights
This guided tour starts in Bogotá, from where you will travel overnight to El Cocuy. Upon arrival, you will take an acclimatization hike. The next day, you will visit one of the three authorized trails in the National Park. On the last day, you can explore the small towns of Güicán and Guacamayas or visit the hot springs.
The trip includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, accommodation in a private room, meals, entry fees and permits for the national park, experienced guides, and travel insurance. Please note that the guides only speak Spanish.
Scheduled Dates: December 26 to 29, January 9 to 12, January 16 to 19, January 23 to 26, January 30 to February 2, February 6 to 9, February 13 to 16, and February 20 to 23, 2025.
Price per person starting from: $818,000 COP
We hope you enjoyed this travel guide! If you found our information helpful, consider supporting our work by booking accommodations, tours, and services we recommend, or directly through the following affiliate links:
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Civitatis.com: Guided tours and excursions
Heymondo.es: International travel insurance with 5% OFF
Bookaway.com: Bus, ferry, and train tickets
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