Iguaque Sanctuary

In Muisca belief Bachue emerged from the Laguna de Iguaque with a child, peopled the earth with him, and the two returned to the lake as serpents at the end of their lives - the lake is the origin place, and it remains a sacred site. The sanctuary protects it along with several other high lakes, Andean oak forest and paramo between roughly 2,400 and 3,800 metres. The walk to the lake climbs about a thousand metres over some six kilometres from the Carrizal entrance, through oak forest into frailejon paramo, and takes most of a day return. Visitor numbers are capped, entry requires booking, and a guide is required; the park has also closed for periods to allow recovery and for the community's ceremonial use.

What you actually see

• The lake of Muisca origin - where Bachue emerged and returned.
• Andean oak forest into paramo - from 2,400 to 3,800 metres.
• A climb of about a thousand metres - over six kilometres each way.
• Capped entry with guides - and periodic closures.

When to go

December to March; booking required. A full day.

Honest expectations

Numbers are capped and booking is necessary - turning up does not work. The climb is substantial and the altitude significant. It is cold, wet and windy at the top. The park has closed at times for recovery and ceremony.

Nearby

Villa de Leyva is south-west; Arcabuco is north-east.