Tota Lake has become one of the most frequented tourist sites by travelers thanks to the beauty of its landscapes and the stories that are hidden in its lands, since this land was once inhabited by the indigenous people of the Muisca tribe, who considered it the “mirror of the universe”.

HOW TO GET TO TOTA LAKE?

Lake Tota is located in the department of Boyacá in the municipality of Cuitiva, 200 kilometers from Bogotá. To get to the Tota Lake from Bogotá you must go to the city’s bus terminal and there take a bus to the Sogamoso bus terminal. This journey takes approximately three hours. When you get to Sogamoso you must take another bus to Tota Lake and get off at Playa Blanca. From the point where the bus leaves you, you only need to walk 5 minutes to reach the entrance to the lake.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN TOTA LAKE

Lake Tota is 3,015 meters above sea level. The average temperature is 12°C. The climate in this part of the country is cold, so it is advisable to wear warm clothes, gloves and a hat. If the plan is to camp, don’t forget to bring blankets, or sleeping because the temperature at night is really low.

ATTRACTIONS IN TOTA LAKE

Lake Tota is an 18-kilometer natural water formation located in what has been called the Laguna de Tota Natural Park, which has been converted into a nature reserve. This lake is known as the largest natural reservoir in Colombia. One of the biggest attractions of this lake is that it is surrounded by what is known as Playa Blanca. The beach in conjunction with the lagoon creates a landscape that enchants all tourists, a landscape of tranquility and beauty that is worth contemplating.

Apart from the beauty of the place, it has a very good location, since from the lagoon it is very fast and easy to visit the surroundings and take a complete walk around Boyacá.

In addition to all this, the place gives you the opportunity to spend the night under a sky full of stars in a relaxing atmosphere, clearly, you can camp in the camping area that has been created for tourists.

WHAT TO DO AT TOTA LAKE?

Tota Lake has gained great strength as a tourist destination in recent years because it is a reserve that has one of the most striking and unique landscapes of the country. If you are going to visit the Tota Lake, you must bear in mind that apart from admiring the charm of the landscape, you can also do different water activities. You can travel around the lagoon by boat and do sport fishing. The characteristic fish of the lagoon is the Rainbow Trout and with luck you will be able to know it closely while fishing. You should also take a good ecological walk around the lagoon and its magical forest. It is also possible to go hiking and horseback riding, and why not? Take a dip in the waters of the lagoon.

Near Lake Tota there are many more things to do, you can visit the Pueblito Boyacense which is in Duitama and is an architectural wonder that highlights the customs and stories of Boyacá. The entrance to the Tota Lake can be done all day long.

GASTRONOMY IN TOTA LAKE

Thanks to the fact that Tota Lake is home to a large quantity of Rainbow Trout, the locals have chosen to make this fish a typical regional food. Typical foods of this region are the wrapped of cob and the almojabana.

Around the lake there are a variety of restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about where to have lunch or breakfast. However, if you are going to camp, it is preferable that you bring food to prepare or canned food or food that is easy to transport and prepare.

CAMPING AT TOTA LAKE

If you want to spend the night at Tota Lake, the best option will always be to camp. The park has arranged a place for travelers to spend the night, in order to stay there you must pay the value of the night in the restaurant that is inside the park. The place is equipped with bathrooms and showers and areas for fires. Remember to bring your tent, preferably waterproof.

Another of the many options you will find is the Rancho Tota Hotel has a restaurant, parking area, barbecue area, playground for children, sauna and Turkish bath. The hotel is located on the banks of the Tota lagoon, in Llano Alarcón.
Website: hotelranchotota.com
E-mail: info@hotelranchotota.com
Telephone: (1)6280000 – 3112737863 – 01800-0510765

Refugio Santa Inés Hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tota, in the area of San Pedro Island. It has a restaurant, bar, free parking and offers boat services, biking, hiking, among others. The rooms have private bathroom with hot water shower, television, telephone and very comfortable beds.
Telephone: 3132612429.

Santa Ines Shelter

COSTS

The entrance to Tota Lake and Playa Blanca is free of charge.
The night camping at Tota Lake costs approximately $10,000.