Lake Guatavita, a serene and stunning water body, rests comfortably 56 kilometers from Bogota, the capital of Colombia.
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The proximity to Bogota and a nearby small town of Guatavita, allows it to be an easily accessible day trip destination.
Access to Lake Guatavita
The journey from Bogota to the lake’s climbing trail takes approximately one hour by car, making it a convenient day trip from the city. This remarkable location offers more than just breathtaking views. The enchanting history and legendary tales associated with the lake add to its allure.
The Legendary History of Lake Guatavita
Lake Guatavita is steeped in rich history and surrounded by captivating legends. Its most prominent legend is that of El Dorado, a tale centered around a lost city composed entirely of gold. This myth attracted the Spanish to Guatavita, and over time, the story has evolved and been greatly exaggerated.
The true story originates from a sacred ancient ceremony performed by the Muisca people. In this ritual, a new king would offer jewels, precious stones, and gold into Lake Guatavita as an homage to the gods.
Muisca Traditions and Rituals
The Muisca, an indigenous population living in Colombia before the Spanish invasion, considered Lake Guatavita sacred. Their king’s ascension ceremony involved the king, adorned in gold, drifting to the middle of the lake on a wooden boat with his trusted subjects, where he would drop offerings of gold.
The would-be king, chosen at the age of nine, underwent a rigorous nine-year vetting process involving seclusion and stringent rules, followed by a final test of self-control. Once successful, he would participate in the final ceremony at Lake Guatavita, returning as the ruling king.
The El Dorado Myth and Its Consequences
The El Dorado myth, amplified by the local population, enticed the Spanish to embark on expeditions in search of gold. While these expeditions benefited the locals, who acted as tour guides, they led to the formation of Spanish colonies in the Bogota valley. Over time, the Spaniards learned about the ancient Muisca ceremonies and the offerings of gold to the gods in Lake Guatavita.
The myth was also exploited politically, with Spanish administrators using it to banish old rivals under the guise of searching for El Dorado. Many met tragic ends in their search for this city of gold, including Aguirre, who committed heinous acts before being killed by his own men, and British aristocrat Sir Walter Raleigh, who was beheaded upon his return home after losing his son in combat.
Treasure Hunts at Lake Guatavita
The allure of gold led to numerous attempts to drain Lake Guatavita in hopes of retrieving the said treasures. Naturalist Alexander Von Humboldt’s estimation of the gold value in the lake, although vastly overstated, attracted more treasure hunters. However, all these attempts failed, often at great cost in terms of time, labor, and lives lost.
The most substantial attempt came in 1898 from Hartly Knowles and his British company, Contractors Unlimited. They employed a large steam pump to drain the lake and channel the water and mud into a sluice system designed to capture the gold. Despite over a decade of effort, the endeavor resulted in a significant loss, as the amount of gold recovered was minimal. The lake was eventually refilled by surrounding natural springs.
Following another failed attempt in 1965, the site was declared a national historical site, prohibiting further private expeditions and swimming or diving in the lake.
Geographical Information about Lake Guatavita
Lake Guatavita is unique in its structure, being a circular Crater Lake with a surface area of 19.8 hectares and situated 3,100 meters above sea level. The origins of the lake have been the subject of various theories, including that it was formed due to a meteorite impact, volcanic cider or even a limestone sinkhole.
However, the most accepted explanation today is that the lake resulted from the dissolution of salt deposits found underground, leading to the formation of a sinkhole.
Exploring Lake Guatavita
Hiking
The journey to Lake Guatavita is an adventure itself. With a climb of 150 steps leading to the mountain lake, you get to experience Colombia’s unique flora and breathtaking views of the Colombian savanna and Cun Dina Marca’s countryside.
Without taking any breaks, the hike alone can take about 30 minutes. The lake’s hue often changes depending on the weather, making every visit unique.
Food and Drinks
For those looking to replenish their energy, Via Laguna de Guatavita restaurant and a small kiosk are available on the way up the lagoon, offering a range of snacks and beverages. Due to the high altitude, sugary drinks and snacks are recommended to prevent dizziness or shortness of breath.
Transportation
There are several transportation options available to visit Lake Guatavita. During weekends, you can take a bus to Sesquile, then another to the town of Guatavita, where taxis are readily available to transport you to the lake. Alternatively, booking a tour with a reputable company offers the benefit of a direct journey to the lake, often accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
The best times to visit Lake Guatavita are during weekends or public holidays when the locale is bustling with visitors, offering an excellent opportunity to socialize and make new friends. Arriving early is recommended to avoid crowded parking spaces and rushing to the top. The hike is not strenuous and can be managed by children aged four and above, given the pace is kept slow and steady.
The Town of Guatavita
Located near the lake, the town of Guatavita offers a rich cultural and historical experience. This town, with its 42-year-old whitewashed architectural complex, replaced an older town submerged by the Tommie’s reservoir, which now supplies power to nearby localities using Bogota’s water.
The town replicates a Spanish colonial town, with uniformly white houses, simple wooden doors, windows and clay tile roofs. It has numerous quality restaurants offering local cuisine and handicraft shops where visitors can purchase souvenirs and beautifully handcrafted jewelry. A medium-sized museum and a church also reside within the town, offering a glimpse into the local history and culture.
The tranquil Lake Guatavita of today belies its tumultuous past. Standing on the crater of the lake, amidst the serene landscape, it’s difficult to imagine the toil and sacrifice of the numerous expedition teams over four centuries in pursuit of El Dorado’s myth. Despite its peaceful façade today, the lake’s history remains etched in the landscape, a reminder of the unending human quest for wealth and glory.
In Summary
As we conclude this exploration, it’s undeniable that Lake Guatavita holds a special place in both history and the hearts of those who visit. More than just a natural attraction, it’s a living embodiment of Colombian culture and history.
Lake Guatavita’s historical significance can’t be overstated. It’s a site intertwined with the legend of El Dorado, a timeless tale of wealth and ambition that has captivated the imaginations of countless generations. This lake has borne witness to countless human endeavors in search of mythical riches and has become synonymous with the endless human pursuit of treasure. Even today, the glinting emerald waters echo tales of golden rafts and lavish rituals, whispering the forgotten secrets of the Muisca people.
The cultural importance of Lake Guatavita is also evident. It stands as a tribute to the rich heritage of the Muisca civilization, a past flourishing with unique rituals and cultural practices. Its surroundings have become a gathering place where modern Colombians and visitors alike come to appreciate the beauty of the land and its folklore. From the nearby town of Guatavita, with its quaint architecture and local charm, the lake region offers an immersive cultural experience to its visitors.
