Tag Archives: colombia

COLOMBIA: Laguna de Guatavita

Laguna de Guatavita is 35 miles north-east of Bogota. Guatavita is a lake that’s set deep down in an almost meteor crater looking valley surrounded by mountains.

Laguna de Guatavita
Laguna de Guatavita

I learned about the myth of Lake Guatavita by visiting the lake then traveling to the banco de la Republica gold museum in Bogota. That’s when the legend of Guatavita became very interesting to me.

According to one of the most famous legends of Guatavita, the Muisica would send a local Zipa (named El Dorado by the Conquistadores) covered in gold dust on a ceremonial raft into the lake. The Zipa would take a swim in the lake washing off all the gold dust and his faithful followers would throw trinkets, jewelry, and other precious goodies into the water as an offering to the Gods.

Ceremonial Gold Raft called a Zipa
Ceremonial Gold Raft

The Conquistadores search for treasure was about $100,000 (today’s value) in Guatavita. Several others tried but, their efforts were pretty much –  unsuccessful.

A few of these artifacts somewhat prove that the myth was in part – real.  As far authenticating the entire story of Guatavita, I personally like the mystery of it all and would prefer the story to remain the same.

 Click the thumbnails below for larger images.

Additional information about Laguna de Guatavita:

Fanny Lú filmed her music video and her song: No Te Pido Flores.

COLOMBIA: Zipaquira – Jaime Duque Park

Zipaquira is an old salt mine that houses a Catholic church nearly 600 feet beneath the surface of the Earth. Considered one of the greatest achievements in Colombian architecture, a sight to behold and well worth the visit.

Zipaquira Salt Mine
Zipaquira Salt Mine
Zipaquira Salt Mine
Zipaquira Salt Mine

Next stop-Jaime Duque Park. This park is nestled in a small valley outside Bogota with a zoo, amusement park and many sculptures depicting Colombian, Greek and French architecture.

Jaime Duque Park
Jaime Duque Park
The World In Our Hand
The World In Our Hand

I would highly recommend both of these places as points of interest in your next travel to Colombia.

Click the thumbnails below for larger images.