Laguna Guatavita: In Search of the Legend of El Dorado

We took a hiking tour – in Spanish – of the Laguna de Cacique Guatavita, which roughly translates to Guatavita Indian Chief Lake.

Located about 40 miles north of Bogotá, Lake Guatavita is a spectacular lake in the heart of the Colombian mountains. It’s also the birthplace of a legend of El Dorado, the mythical city of gold.

The hike was challenging, taking you over 10,000 feet, and the reward was a breathtaking vista. Es vale la pena!

Bring good hiking shoes and lots of water. You’ll need to get an official tour, which includes the bus from Bogota and a tour in Spanish, and often is paired with a tour of the Salt Cathedral. If you’re over 60, the senior discount is significant.  

Info

MyColombia.com

MAP

Colombia’s Otherworldly Cathedral of Salt

We ventured 2 ½ hours south of Bogota to the Salt Cathedral, the “First Wonder of Colombia.”  The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic Church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 660 feet underground inside a  mountain near the city of ZipaquiráColombia. It’s a huge tourist destination and a popular pilgrimage spot.

This massive subterranean cathedral is truly spectacular, with dramatic lighting, sculptures, light shows, Gregorian Chants and choir music, a mining tour, an underground mall, and even a train. Following the Stations of the Cross is a fascinating experience. The eerie combination of otherworldly and touristy is not to be missed!

We paid about $40 for the entry fee, plus the cost for the tour guide who drove us through the mountains.

Info:

Salt Cathedral Info
Map

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