Explore El Dorado: Must-See South American Destinations

It’s a strange thing to search for something you know you may never find. And yet, throughout history, humanity has sailed across oceans, marched through jungles, and died under blazing suns, all in pursuit of El Dorado — a city of gold that probably never existed. 

The legend of El Dorado is not just a tale of riches and conquest; it’s a story of ambition, the pursuit of dreams, and the lengths people will go to achieve them.

Whispers of this legend can still be heard today in South America from the Andes to the Amazon and in the hearts of travelers seeking an amazing travel experience. The region has grown and continues to grow in popularity as a top travel destination thanks to its budget-friendly options, incredible nature, and amazing welcoming culture. 

Keep reading to explore some of South America’s best travel destinations, including some hidden gems! 

In the early 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, tales of immense wealth began to spread. The Muisca people of Colombia’s Andean region spoke of their leader, the Zipa, who covered his body in gold dust and sailed to the middle of Lake Guatavita to offer treasures to the gods.

Situated a short distance (under 50 miles) from Colombia’s bustling capital city, Bogotá, this pristine, circular lake is still full of mysteries today. Spanish colonists tried several times to drain the lake, all of which were unsuccessful. Modern archaeologists have found evidence of gold artifacts surrounding the lake, but due to environmental protection, they have not been able to investigate what lies beneath the turquoise-blue water. 

Travelers can escape Colombia’s urban jungle and hike around the crater lake, learn about the Muisca culture, and visit the town of Nueva Guatavita (New Guatavita). This picturesque colonial-inspired town was specially planned and created in the 1960s after the original Guatavita town was flooded and turned into a reservoir to supply Bogotá with water and hydroelectric power.

When visiting the lake, you’ll notice the rolling, emerald-green mountains, the temperate weather, and the welcoming nature of the Colombian people. You can enjoy an aguapanela and a tasty empanada in the scenic town before you head back to the city.

Once back in Bogotá, you can learn more about the legend of El Dorado and the Muisca people by visiting the Gold Museum in the city center. When you think about all the gold that was taken by the Spaniards (over 100 tons in the first 50 years) and all of the pre-Columbian gold artifacts that can be found in the museum, it’s not hard to imagine why Colombia is considered the real location of El Dorado.

Among the museum’s most famous treasures is the Muisca raft — a delicate, golden figure that depicts the ritual of the Zipa, covered in gold dust, offering treasures to the gods in the middle of Lake Guatavita. This intricate piece captures the essence of the myth, a visual representation of the ceremony that sparked dreams of a city made of gold.

The Gold Museum in Bogotá is a must-see attraction and the perfect thing to do if you only have a short layover in the capital. Make sure to stop by the historic Plaza Bolivar and have a bite to eat at La Puerta Falsa, famous for its ajíaco soup, a regional specialty.

The Legend of Paititi: Peru’s Lost City of Gold

Though many believe that Colombia is the true location of El Dorado, the myth of a city of gold also exists in Peru. The lost city of Paititi, a city made of gold and jewels, whose location the Vatican may be hiding since the 1600s! 

Many don’t realize just how big the Incan Empire was. At its peak, it was believed to be more than 12 million people spread all the way from southern Colombia to northern Argentina and west to east from the Pacific coast to the Amazon rainforest. It was vast and sophisticated, with complex irrigation systems and agricultural growing labs. Potatoes were poisonous until the Incas domesticated them and created thousands of different varieties of them.

We recommend starting your journey in Cusco and working your way through the Sacred Valley, visiting at Ollantaytambo and Moray, which are a couple of the fascinating stops en route to Macchu Picchu. As you move through the Sacred Valley on your way from Cusco to Macchu Picchu, you’ll notice that the scenery is filled with ruins. It’s not only these two places but many sites.

The Incan culture is still alive today. Many people speak Quechua, dress in traditional clothing, and of course, eat cuey (guinea pig) and llama. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try KFC, Kentucky-fried cuey, a modern take on the traditional plate.

When traveling to Cusco, you can purchase the Boleto Historico del Cusco (Cusco Historical Attractions Ticket). This ticket includes entrances to 16 different attractions and costs about $34.00. It can be purchased at the COSITUC offices on Avenida El Sol in Cusco, and it is valid for ten days.

If you want to visit Macchu Picchu, make sure you plan ahead of time as tickets often sell out, and buying ahead of time will save you the stress of having to wake up very early to wait in line for tickets in Aguas Calientes, the village before you reach Macchu Picchu. Tickets to Macchu Picchu can be purchased online on Peru’s official website.

Paititi’s location is still unknown, but Cusco and the Sacred Valley are full of treasures and breathtaking landscapes for adventurers of all ages.

One of the most famous expeditions connected to the El Dorado legend was that led by Francisco de Orellana. Orellana “discovered” the massive river in 1541 and followed it all the way to the meeting of the waters in Manaus, Brazil. This is a section where the light brown Amazon River meets with the black water of the Rio Negro (Black River). 

After reaching the Atlantic coast, Orellana sailed back to Spain to request money, supplies, and a charter to settle the newly found land. His wishes were granted, and he set sail again in 1545 with the mission to settle two cities, one at the mouth of the river on the Atlantic coast and one in the interior at the meeting of the waters. 

Orellana’s second mission was a cursed one, and a year after setting out, he died without achieving what he set out to do at 35 years old.  

Today, the city that Orellana was supposed to settle, Manaus, is the biggest city in the Amazon. With over two million people, this city is rich in history and nature and the perfect destination for someone looking to experience the beauty of the Amazon rainforest.

Manaus in the late 19th and early 20th century experienced an economic boom thanks to the necessity of rubber, which rubber trees are native to the Amazon. The city had electricity before many other, much more accessible cities, and it is home to an epic Rennaissance Revival-style, pink opera house. Most of the opera’s decorations were imported from Europe. 

In addition to the opera house, there are also several impressive mansions that are now museums and a marketplace down by the river where you can have fresh açai, try it with condensed milk and farofa (toasted cassava). 

As mentioned earlier, Manuas is home to the meeting of the waters, the area where the Amazon River meets with the Black River. Be sure to pack an old bathing suit since swimming in this tannin-filled river will dye your suit an amber color. Day tours are available from the city to see the meeting of the waters and try local foods like pirarucu (a giant and prehistoric-looking Amazonian fish).If visiting Manaus, we recommend spending two to three days in the city and four or more days at a lodge. Most lodges are within two hours of the city, and there are options that will fit all budgets. Many lodges are all-inclusive and include three meals daily along with juice, water, coffee or tea, and excursions. Alcohol and soft drinks are extra. Manati Lodge is a wonderful mid-range lodge option with comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and delicious local meals.

The legend of El Dorado has captured imaginations for centuries, and while the mythical city of gold may never have been found, the journey through South America’s vibrant landscapes and rich cultures is a treasure in itself. 

From the mysterious waters of Lake Guatavita in Colombia to the sacred valleys of Peru and the vast Amazon rainforest of Brazil, the region offers endless opportunities for adventure, exploration, and connection with ancient histories.

Whether you’re planning to hike the Andes, explore bustling cities, or relax in a serene Amazonian lodge, South America has something to offer every traveler. Each destination tells its own story, echoing the legends of lost cities, resilient cultures, and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

If you’re dreaming of your own journey to these captivating destinations but aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! Contact us for personalized travel recommendations tailored to your interests, budget, and schedule. Let us guide you in creating an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of South America.