Guatavita Lake is in the form of a perfect circle and is the site of a centuries-old treasure hunt. There are different opinions about the origins of the lake as well as the reason for its rare circular shape. Some say it is a volcanic crater whereas others believe it is the result of a meteorite impact. What is known for sure is that the lake was once an important ceremonial site for the ancient Muisca civilization. In one ritual, the chief of the Muisca tribe used to coat himself in gold dust and then bathe in the lake while throwing offerings of gold and precious stones into the water. It was this ritual that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.

This small town lies only 15 minutes away from Lake Guatavita. It is called Guatavita La Nueva, as it was constructed in the 1960s as a way to relocate the inhabitants of the original Guatavita, which was flooded during the construction of the Tomine Reservoir (the Tomine Reservoir was created to generate electric power for the nearby localities and to increase the water supply to Bogota). The "New Guatavita" was constructed to be a perfect replica of a Spanish colonial town with houses exhibiting white façades, rustic stucco exteriors, traditional roofs made of clay tiles, and simple wooden doors and windows. 

Sesquile is another small town near Lake Guatavita. During pre-Colombian times, Sesquile was an important religious and commercial centre due to its proximity to the sacred lake of Guatavita. The descendants of the ancient Muisca tribe have created a new settlement in the mountain area surrounding the town in order to preserve their traditions and ancestral way of life. The settlement lends itself as a fascinating place to learn about, better understand, and observe the culture and traditions of the Muiscas.