Bogota Tour to Guatavita Lagoon: Is it Worth it? A Review

Thinking of heading over to Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota? That’s pretty cool, yet getting the lowdown beforehand is typically helpful. So, this review gives you kind of, the inside scoop on what to expect, alright, sharing both the high points and those, you know, just a bit less shiny bits, too. Let’s look at whether this tour really, honestly lives up to all that hype.

Setting the Stage: Guatavita and its Legendary Past

Guatavita Lagoon, that gleaming, almost circular lake nestled high in the Colombian Andes, you know, isn’t just eye-catching; it is, in a way, saturated in mystery and folklore, too. Historically, you see, this spot was absolutely central to the Muisca people, kind of a pre-Columbian civilization which thrived here long before the Spanish rolled into town, as a matter of fact. Now, the legend everyone goes on about? That, that’s El Dorado – the famed “lost city of gold”. And it all centers, sort of, around the Muisca tradition of offering treasures to their god in the lagoon. That’s pretty much why the story continues to captivate imaginations and it’s a drawcard for folks who love their history with a splash of legend.

You see, it’s believed that the Muisca chief would cover himself in gold dust and then, as a matter of fact, plunge into the lagoon, almost as an offering to their gods. Imagine how impressive that would look. Along with him, precious stones and gold items would be thrown into the lake as sacrifice, apparently. When the Spanish came, all that chatter of gold got them really excited to loot and drain the lake, you know. That plan did not fully come together, still, the lure of El Dorado just hasn’t faded all that much over the years. It continues to entice everyone from history buffs to treasure hunters, as a matter of fact. It is, very, this intriguing mix of possible reality and pure fantasy that makes a trip to Guatavita such a compelling thing.

What the Tour Typically Includes

You might find that a usual tour over to Guatavita from Bogota can contain a couple of bits, as a matter of fact. So, mostly, that kind of kicks off with transport; often in a shuttle or a private car, relying on which package you pick, of course. The ride is somewhat long, about a couple of hours each way, and that runs through really pretty scenery. And speaking of tours, yeah, very many tours will add a local guide; having them is totally brilliant to explain the history and significance of the area, too it’s almost.

You might see that many trips put in a stop at the town of Guatavita Nueva; it is a place constructed like your stereotypical Spanish colonial architecture after the old town was swamped to build a reservoir. Then, it will wrap up at the lagoon, obviously, where you’ll, honestly, get to walk round the rim, hear all the cool tales, and take pictures, as well. And that might give you free time for shopping or simply strolling around. Arguably, food might be an inclusion; very often at a spot providing you with proper local grub; even though a good few operators have lunch as something to pay a little extra for.

The Guatavita Experience: A Walk Around the Lagoon

Approaching the lagoon itself truly kind of grabs you. That glassy water, set in a deep bowl of rich, verdant vegetation, well, it’s very spectacular. The walk round the rim offers fantastic panoramas, as well as the guide fills your head up with intriguing stories; you might find the experience totally mind-blowing, too. So, depending how the weather’s looking, that atmosphere may either come over all serene, or even very atmospheric, shrouded in a bit of mist – really intensifying the mystical feel of it.

Let’s remember that you are dealing with altitude here; so that climb to the highest spots of the lagoon rim are typically going to be taxing on some. In any case, just going slowly, staying fully hydrated, honestly, really pays off. Now, the explanations from your guide? That’s totally worthwhile, so you, very much, learn regarding the old rituals, the environment of the area, and that legend of El Dorado, very, very too. And they make everything far, far, more memorable and that much richer; you get way deeper appreciation just from getting stuff properly explained.

Is the Tour Worth the Hype? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Pros

Cultural Immersion: You know, hearing the legend of El Dorado is completely great. Gaining an understanding of how important this site used to be for the Muisca people really is something else.
Scenic Beauty: Seriously, that views around Guatavita are fully top-notch and just a great tonic, too, from the urban sprawl of Bogota. That area looks completely banging in all types of weather.
Guided Experience: Arguably, getting a guide really adds value and insight, transforming a normal trip into one which really has meaning. Without them, I’m really thinking you would just be taking pictures.

Cons

Travel Time: Driving a distance of roughly 2 hours each way you might find really tiring from Bogota, as a matter of fact. You need a day putting aside completely to take that tour.
Altitude: Arguably, at 3,000 meters (almost 10,000 feet) the elevation just might hit folks and that walk can be tricky if, that is, you’re a little out of shape, just a bit, you know.
Weather Dependent: Now, a whole lot of the trip hangs on what sort of the conditions look like, very; and it is often cloudy or a bit drizzly. So that gorgeous clarity sometimes seen on the photos, I mean, just a bit scarce, clearly.

The Village of Guatavita Nueva: A Quick Stop

I reckon many trips put in that quick pit-stop over in Guatavita Nueva. Now, what to say here? I guess that this modern town; that looks like your stereotypical Spanish Colonial architecture is often a talking point, obviously. Initially made to rehouse those families, arguably, moved out to create space with a dam; the new settlement often has a charm of its very own, as I was saying.

Honestly, it really is extremely photogenic. Its whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs plus central plaza make you feel very calm for about 5 minutes or so. So, in the square you may find locals peddling artesanias or handiwork – an alright spot, if I am completely fair; to find mementos. Even so, the architectural planning is a bit unreal and also, very very artificial, to boot; even though it looks pretty at a glance.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Alright, here’s that stuff you, possibly, need to consider, right, prior to heading over there:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since that there stroll up over to the lagoon might feel a little bit steep in places; trainers or boots should really be just brilliant.
Dress in Layers: Conditions tend to be pretty changeable. You just might appreciate that windproof top, especially so if there is rain on its way, too it’s almost.
Acclimatize to Altitude: Think of, basically, spending a couple of days around Bogota – it really would assist anyone adapt and dial it back down a little when they are puffing to reach that lookout, clearly.
Bring Water and Snacks: That walk could turn thirsty stuff, thus, in a way, keeping things properly hydrated alongside staving off cravings genuinely has importance, really.
Book a Reputable Tour Operator: Have a gander for trusted local organizations who get brill feedback and, too, that could be worth the expenditure – for a smoother experience and no unexpected costs, in other words.

Alternatives to the Standard Tour

Suppose that something about that conventional touristy outing has got you wondering or perhaps you just desire a little bit of adventure and choice thrown in. A lot of different kinds of excursions happen in and out of Guatavita that have different styles attached:

Private Tours: Booking up just that personally chartered experience might very much enable you, then; you’re going at only a beat completely matching just who it’s with plus adding that touch like some other stop point like those mines of Zipaquirá’s salt.
Hiking Tours: What you’re going to do is actually go completely on-foot down countryside lanes alongside nearby woodland parts and those trails will actually give you perspectives that nobody is actually spotting on tour coaches, I think.
Cultural Tours: Several organizations target completely on Muisca backgrounds giving insights and meetings using old residents who sustain traditions, basically, from even ages back – like spinning traditional yarns for instance, obviously.

Final Thoughts: Is Guatavita Worth the Trek?

Coming all over here could give any tourist either something wonderful and insightful; plus, well yeah often the mileage isn’t always exactly very similar with that payoff every-time though, admittedly. Supposing those folk like backgrounds mixed into stunning views then likely something wonderful exists in all what happens round Guatavita I really do strongly suggest.

Now the long hauls that take place though combined or alongside climatic elements? Those probably detract folks only quite seeing every opportunity within anything found really. Whatever gets discovered rests very largely then concerning private needs/demands just alongside just how okay that tourist is along with being happy with those unknowns they were, probably not very mindful, right as they all were just beginning doing anything previously really…

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