
Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 20 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” worth booking?
Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” is a 7-hour experience in Bogotá, Colombia, from $87 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 20 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (20)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $87 per person
Since we met, I began to explain some general details about Bogotá, then when we leave the city I will speak about the valley around the city, I will provide information about the originally indigenous habitant called “ Muiscas” , their customs, some of their words and how all this heritage is included now in our society and in our food. We will meet a guide of the lake that speaks about the native culture and will explain why is so popular the Dorado Legend?, we will discuss the meaning of this ceremony. We will feel the mystic of the place, its energy and the relationship between nature and this space. In Guatavita town we will enjoy architecture, food, deserts and also handicrafts shopping.
What you get
About this experience
Since we met, I began to explain some general details about Bogotá, then when we leave the city I will speak about the valley around the city, I will provide information about the originally indigenous habitant called “ Muiscas” , their customs, some of their words and how all this heritage is included now in our society and in our food. We will meet a guide of the lake that speaks about the native culture and will explain why is so popular the Dorado Legend?, we will discuss the meaning of this ceremony. We will feel the mystic of the place, its energy and the relationship between nature and this space. In Guatavita town we will enjoy architecture, food, deserts and also handicrafts shopping.
What's included
Included
- Entrance to the Guatavita Lake
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- I provide waterproof ponchos during the tour
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Carbonated beverages
What you'll see and do
Laguna de Guatavita
we begin to walk into Guatavita natural reservation. We will know a guide that is a directly descendent of the “muiscas culture” (originally people of Bogotá Valley), the guide will speak to all the lake visitors about his native culture, I do the translation and add some information, then we enter into a relax time and after that we begin to climb steps, it is aprox 130 meters (426 feet). But do not worry we stop several times. As soon as we finish the stairs, we arrive to the first lake viewpoint, we can appreciate the lake, the water and her colors, also we can listen and see some birds. We continue walking and the vegetation begin to change from Andean cold weather (same weather than Bogotá) to Paramo (Andean moor) with its special plants like the frailejon (plants with their thick, soft leaves like the ears of a rabbit), you can find that plants only in Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela. After walking for 90 minutes we exit the lake and we can eat some muisca food like the corn cob
90 minutes here · Admission included
We can enjoy the views o the Tominé reservoir, that is an important hydric source of the area, we stop and watch the Andean mountains and the reservoir
5 minutes here
Guatavita
Guatavita town was founded in 1967, when I will show you places to buy Colombian handicrafts, at a later time we have lunch and will taste special dessert of the area
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Imagine your Bogota
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not for children under 5 years and seniors of 65 years and more
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 20 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
20 verified traveler reviews for Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A tour I would highly recommend
The tour was a complete success. I highly recommend it. Javier deserves most of the credit—he provided us with in-depth information throughout the entire trip and also took care of our meals. He went above and beyond to lead a wonderful tour. Thank you so much, Javier!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to share Guatavita Lake with you and be part of your journey. I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed the experience, from learning about our history and culture to discovering our local food. Your recommendation means a lot to us and motivates us to keep creating memorable experiences for every guest. I hope to welcome you back to Colombia someday for another adventure. Safe travels, and thank you for choosing Imagine Your Bogotá!
via Tripadvisor
A Wonderful Well Organized Tour with Lunch!
Javier is an amazing guide - well organized, supremely knowledgeable, and friendly. He reached out ahead of time to confirm details of my pick-up and drop-off and let me know when he was on the way. The trip was so much fun, and Javier explained everything we saw on the route to Guatativa and the differences in culture between the city and the countryside. He also explained the local history and gave us local snacks to enjoy. Lake Guatativa itself is a stunning site, sacred to the Muisca. The local Muisca guide Oscar was so funny and charming. He clearly explained Muisca cultural traditions and language in an engaging and welcoming manner, while also discussing the history of Spanish colonization, cultural transformation, and environmental change and restoration in the area. The tour and the hike were incredibly informative and beautiful. After the hike, Javier took the group for lunch in Nueva Guatativa, a beautiful town built in the 1960s when the Tominé Resovoir was built. The restaurant was charming and served many local specialties. A marvelous day.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and sharing the history, culture, and landscapes that make this region so special. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed both Lake Guatavita and the visit to New Guatavita town. I'll be sure to share your kind words with Oscar—he'll be thrilled to know that his passion for Muisca culture made such a positive impression. Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review.
via Viator
Guatavita Lake
Javier was a fantastic guide- so knowledgeable about the history of Bogotá and Guatavita Lake. He was easy to talk to, and had thought of all the little touches which made the tour even more enjoyable- freshly made snacks, tea, umbrellas etc. We'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants a peaceful day out from the city!
Response from the operator: Thanks Penny for joining the tour and sharing all your experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Javier was a great guide from start to end. I learned a lot about Lake Guatavita and Javier patiently answered all of our questions. I loved the small, personalized feel and felt like I got a lot more out of this experience than if I had gone through a large tour group. Overall, he is a great guide. He made the experience all the more memorable and I would recommend touring with him to anyone traveling to Bogota.
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining the tour
via Tripadvisor
Review of Lake Guatavita Tour
Javier was the absolute best host I could’ve asked for. He went above and beyond from the moment he picked me up in my hotel promptly. The whole ride he was educational and super fun! The hike was very fun with him being encouraging and also providing a ton of fun facts. And after the hike, he made sure the Guatavita town was well explored! It felt like hanging out with a buddy I’ve known forever who knew Colombia perfectly. Take this tour, it’s the best decision you’ll make in your Colombia trip.
Response from the operator: Thanks for joining the tour and sharing great stories!.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 7
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bogotá.
How much does Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” cost?
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Prices start at $87 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bogotá usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bogotá is not rushed.
Is Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 20 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bogotá, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”?
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Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bogotá can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bogotá and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bogotá within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bogotá?
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On Outty we rank every Bogotá experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Free Graffiti Walking Tour Every Day in Bogota, Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch, Private City Tour Bogota + Monserrate, Gold, Botero and Candelaria.. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bogotá?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bogotá?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”?
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Included: Entrance to the Guatavita Lake; Bottled water; Snacks; In-vehicle air conditioning; and I provide waterproof ponchos during the tour. Not included: Breakfast; Lunch; and Carbonated beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Bogotá. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” offered in?
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It is offered in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado” if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bogotá. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Guatavita Lake - the Legend of “El Dorado”?
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Across 20 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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