Recorrido guiado por la laguna de Guatavita con recogida en el hotel (privado)

A driver and a bilingual guide collect you at your Bogota hotel in the morning. Seven hours later you are dropped at the same door, having stood on the rim of the crater lake where the legend of El Dorado was born, eaten a proper Colombian lunch, and walked a mountain town most visitors never see. In between, every kilometer, every entrance, and every step of the trail is handled.

That is the difference between visiting Guatavita and figuring out Guatavita. The lake sits two hours north of the city, the trail is managed by an ecological reserve with its own rules and schedules, and the weather at 3,100 meters does what it wants. This day removes every one of those variables except the view.

Check live availability and prices — or read on for how the day unfolds.

How the day works

• Hotel pickup and the drive north (about 2 hours). Out of Bogota and across the green plateau of Cundinamarca, with a stop at the Tomine Reservoir viewpoint on the way.
• The lake itself (about 1.5 hours). At the Guatavita Ecological Reserve, a park guide joins you and the trail climbs gently through paramo landscape to the crater rim, with three viewpoints along the route. This is the sacred lake of the Muisca, where a new ruler covered in gold dust once rowed out at dawn, and the story is told properly, standing above the water.
• Lunch and the town (about 1.5 hours). A traditional Colombian meal, included, then a walk through New Guatavita, the whitewashed town rebuilt in colonial style beside the reservoir.
• The drive home (about 2 hours). Back to your hotel door by evening.

¿Qué incluye?

• Private bilingual guide with you the full day
• Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Bogota
• Entrance fee to the Guatavita Ecological Reserve
• Guided hike with the reserve’s park guide
• Traditional Colombian lunch
• Risk insurance

Not included

• Additional food and drinks
• Personal purchases and souvenirs
• Tips

Good to know

• Altitude: the lake sits at 3,100 meters. The village tops out around 14°C and the crater rim runs colder, so bring a warm jacket, rain protection, sunscreen, and sunglasses in any season.
• The climb: moderate fitness is enough. The trail includes roughly 150 steps to the crater rim, taken at a calm pace with stops at each viewpoint.
• Mondays: the reserve closes on Mondays (or Tuesday after a holiday Monday). If your booking lands on a closure day, the tour is rescheduled or refunded.
• Ages: travelers from age 2 and up.
• Cancelación: free up to 12 hours before departure; within 12 hours, non-refundable. Book at least 12 hours ahead.

Preguntas frecuentes

Is the road to Guatavita safe?

You travel the entire day in a private vehicle with a professional driver, on the main paved route north of Bogota, with your guide alongside. Door to door, you are never navigating anything alone.

Will the altitude affect me?

Bogota already sits at 2,640 meters, so if you have spent a day in the city, the lake’s 3,100 meters is a modest step up. Walk slowly, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel it; the pace of the hike is yours to set.

Can children do the hike?

Yes, from age 2. Families do this tour regularly; the steps to the rim are taken slowly, and the day’s rhythm leaves room for small legs.

What if it rains?

Paramo weather changes by the hour, which is part of its character. The tour runs rain or shine with the trail open; bring the rain layer and the views between clouds are often the best ones.

Is lunch really included?

Yes, a traditional meal in town is part of the day. Only extra snacks, drinks, and souvenirs are on you.

Just need the ride, not the tour?

If you would rather explore Guatavita on your own schedule, we also offer private transport to Guatavita: your own driver takes you there, waits, and brings you back, with no guide and no itinerary.

Ready? Check your date and lock it in — free cancellation up to 12 hours before departure.