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. 

The small town of Zipaquira is famous for its salt mines and for the Salt Cathedral now built inside the network of monumental chambers and tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations ceased. This cathedral is unlike any other in the world, in terms of its innovative architecture. It was opened in 1995 and represents an eclectic mix of religion and architecture to maximise protection from the ever-present risks of working in a mine. The walk-through Stations of the Cross in the mine are a poignant representation of Jesus' last steps, and they culminate in a three-part cavernous subterranean cathedral.