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.
"I and my companions suffer from a disease of the heart which can be cured only with gold. "
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.
Every so often, the Muiscas held great ceremonies on the moorland lakes. The people gathered With their chieftains and priests to make offerings to the gods. Legend has it that the El Dorado ritual was performed on some of these occasions, a very powerful chieftain went in a raft into the middle of the lake with his priests and threw gold and emeralds into the water. The gold figure found in Pasca, Cundinamarca, seems to represent this tradition.
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.
Every so often, the Muiscas held great ceremonies on the moorland lakes. The people gathered With their chieftains and priests to make offerings to the gods. Legend has it that the El Dorado ritual was performed on some of these occasions, a very powerful chieftain went in a raft into the middle of the lake with his priests and threw gold and emeralds into the water. The gold figure found in Pasca, Cundinamarca, seems to represent this tradition.
