The source of the legends of El Dorado gold begin here, a mere hour and a half from the capital city of Bogota, at a small lake at the top of a mountain. The initiation rituals of the Muisca chief involved the chief, covered in gold dust, walking into the lake.

Numerous people over hundreds of years have tried to search for the lost El Dorado gold in the lake. The Spaniards cut away some of the mountain to try to drain the lake but failed. More recently, a deeper cut was made which drained the lake even more and is visible to this day. Nothing substantial was ever found.

Today, it is a protected area only accessible with local guides. The lake, at 10,000 feet in elevation, is quite beautiful and also offers great views of the surrounding countryside.