Lake Guatavita: Day Trips and Tours from Bogotá

Hidden amongst the Colombian Andes mountains you'll find Lake Guatavita, a photogenic body of water with a rich spiritual and archaeological history – perhaps most famously, where the legend of El Dorado originated.

Beyond the legend of being full of gold and treasure, its vibrant blue waters, lush green vegetation and awe-inspiring landscape make it a magical place to explore.

Thanks to its proximity to Colombia's capital city, booking a Lake Guatavita day trip from Bogotá is a must when in the area.

Here's all you need to know about Lake Guatavita, one of the most exciting day trips from Bogotá.

How to get to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá?

Lake Guatavita is in central Colombia, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Colombian Andes mountains. It sits northeast of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.

It's about a 15-minute drive to the Tominé Reservoir, and within easy reach of small the towns of Sesquilé, Guasca and its nearby namesake, Guatavita.

Bogotá to Lake Guatavita by car

From Bogotá, reaching Lake Guatavita by car is easy. Simply head north on Route 55 from central Bogotá and driving around the north end of the Tominé Reservoir. In total, the journey should take between 90 minutes and 2 hours.

Bogotá to Lake Guatavita by bus or public transport

The trip to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá isn't fully covered by public transport. However, it is worth noting that there's a bus that costs $3 that runs from Portal Norte bus terminal in Bogotá to Guatavita town.

This leaves you with two options: either hire private transport such as a taxi for the rest of the trip — or, for adventurous travelers, embark on a roughly 2-hour walk.

Guided tour to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá

The most popular and convenient option, taking a guided tour to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá is an ideal way to explore the region. Plus, with a knowledgeable, experienced guide by your side, it's the most educational choice too.

Many companies organize these trips, lasting for about 8 hours and include round-trip transportation from central Bogotá.

How much does the entrance ticket to Lake Guatavita cost?

It costs approximately US$5 to enter the park as a tourist (locals pay US$3). If you book a guided tour, the cost of the entrance ticket is usually included in the price. If you visit on your own, you will have to pay the park entry fee.

What is the typical itinerary?

A typical tour of Lake Guatavita starts with a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Bogotá. Many of the tours will pick you up at your accommodation or from a convenient central location or landmark.

Although there are plenty of choices when it comes to tours, most include a stop at the Tominé Reservoir on the way, where you can admire its vivid blue waters.

The majority of Lake Guatavita day trips also include an informative guided tour of the lake itself, where you can learn about the legend of Eldorado and the spiritual practices of the local indigenous people.

There will also be opportunities to explore the nearby trails and soak up the views of the Andes mountain range. Depending on your tour of choice, you may also get to visit the underground Salt Cathedral.

Finally, you can expect to stop at a local restaurant for lunch, before making your way back to Bogotá in the late afternoon or early evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lake Guatavita?

There are many different styles of tours to book a Lake Guatavita day trip from Bogotá, suiting all sorts of budgets and travel groups.

Whether you're traveling in a group or solom or want to add a few stops along the way, there's a trip that will match your preferences.

Guided tours to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá

The most cost-effective way to book a day trip to Lake Guatavita is to hop on a group tour.  

This type of tour usually lasts for about 8 hours and includes round-trip transportation from central Bogotá, as well as a guide to help keep your journey as educational and memorable as possible.

Private tour to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá

For those looking for a more personalized experience or want to explore the area further than just the lake, private tours are a great way to have a bit more control over your tour.

These customizable tours are perfect for groups, couples or families who want to move at their own pace.

Day trip to Lake Guatavita plus Salt Cathedral from Bogotá

One of the most popular add-ons to the Bogota day trip to Lake Guatavita is the Salt Cathedral, which is an historic Catholic church built 200 meters (660 feet) underground within a salt mine.

Booking this tour will give you the opportunity to explore both sites with ease, with transport between all stops organized for you. This also usually covers entrance fees to the Cathedral, making it a cost-effective option.

How much does a day trip to Lake Guatavita from Bogotá cost?

The price of a tour will vary depending on the style of travel and the length of the tour, with prices to suit most budgets.

A group tour to Lake Guatavita will cost around US$60 per person. A private tour will cost around US$160-$220 per person.

Finally, a day trip that also includes stopping at the Salt Cathedral will cost around US$90 to US$160 per person, mostly dependent on optional add-ons like lunch or guided walking tours.

What will you see and do?

There are multiple places to keep in mind when making the trip out to Lake Guatavita. The main must-do is to pick one of the walking trails that wind around the lake so you can admire the vibrant scenery and get some snaps of the lake that is supposedly full of gold (according to the legend of El Dorado).

These walks can also be guided if you want a local telling you all about the mythical history of the area.

The other main important stop on your day trip from Bogotá is the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground Catholic church full of stunning architecture and art, built 200 meters (660 feet) underground in a halite mountain.

Depending on your specific itinierary, you might also check out the Plaza de Toros, the Nemocón Salt Mines, Chingaza National Park and nearby towns such as La Calera, Sopó or Zipaquira.

Aside from these sights and guided walks, a tour to Lake Guatavita will often include a lunch of typical Colombian food, such as potatoes boiled in brine made from local mountain salt.

What are the opening times?

The lake is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day, except it is closed on the first day of every month.

When is the best time to visit Lake Guatavita?

There is no single best time to visit Lake Guatavita as the weather and temperature is generally consistent throughout the year.

However, it does tend to be less crowded during weekdays than weekends, giving you more of a chance to appreciate the lake in its natural beauty.

Given a lot of the activities on a trip to Lake Guatavita are outdoors, it is worth noting that the typical rainy seasons in the area are April to June and October to November.

Visiting outside these months would be best for those wanting a clear view of the lake, however, the Salt Cathedral is always an option on an overcast day.

Travel tips

• Bring plenty of water and sun protection, especially when traveling in warmer months.
• Book your tour in advance and online to ensure you get the date you want, just in case it sells out early.
• Check if your tour includes entrance fees to any of the attractions you want to see. If not, make sure to bring cash as some places don't have EFTPOS facilities.