Living in the city can sometimes become too much for someone who grew up in the suburbs of New England. I'm used to my trees, my mountains, and my open outdoor space. The majority of my time is spent living within the city limits of Bogota with its tall buildings, tons of cars, and ever-growing population. However, when it gets to be too much for me, or better yet I have visitors, my ideal day is to head towards Guatavita; up the east mountains to the other side, and make a day out of it.
That day begins late morning when we leave the city behind and make for the mountains. Winding our way up Bogota's big tall buildings begin to shrink and distance themselves from us. The road winds past restaurants, homes, homeless dogs, locals out and about, and stores.
Beyond the toll descending towards La Calera, the endless buildings and traffic transform into tall mountains of every imaginable shade of green. Cows graze and trees tower. Can you smell the eucalyptus trees?
It's been about a half hour, are you feeling hungry? How about lunch at El Tambor, across from the reservoir? Yes, it's early for lunch, but I had recommended a light breakfast for just this reason. The food is delicious and the price is right. It is better to dine here between 11and 1pm before the 1-2pm rush, when this two lane two-way road will line up with cars waiting to be guided into the restaurant's parking lot . We will walk up among the tree trunk picnic tables to the kitchen to order our choice of yucca, arepa, chicken, ribs, corn, sausage and more, freshly grilled. Our meal will come served in a wide open basket to be shared casually by all as we sit among the beautiful countryside. Take your time sometimes there's live music while the kids swing from the giant rope.
After lunch, we'll continue on that winding road once again to further enjoy the change from Bogota's brick to Colombia's green. Approximately an hour later we pass through the town of Guatavita and continue to Lake Cacique Guatavita to head even further up the bumpy, windy roads we follow signs to the gravel parking lot. The national park is a reserve and once inhabited by the Muisca Indians.
The lake tour and hike take us several thousand meters more above sea level. Luckily, before we left, I made sure everyone was wearing layers and the right shoes. It can get hot between the workout and sun. It's quite the hike passing through a couple of stratospheres, but you'll appreciate the obvious changes in fauna and vegetation. At the lake, the 360 degree view is spectacular, endless mountains and sky. The air is quiet, except for the conversations of fellow tourists.
For me, it's the pleasant calm, this appreciation for having witnessed a beauty that makes me never want to leave. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and we must descend on the opposite end of the crater in order to return to our cars. For the ride back, we'll opt for the bus ride home instead of the 45 minute walk.
By now it's mid-afternoon, and we're returning towards Bogota on the road we traveled earlier. This time we will stop in the town of Guatavita. I wonder if the ten year old boys are still offering their condensed tour of the city in exchange for a tip? They know their town's history, however, they only know how to tell it in Spanish.
Guatavita originally was located where the lake now exists. It was relocated to higher ground and known for it's colonial style and white painted buildings. Very quaint and the perfect place to walk around and shop, while admiring the architecture of the town. Locals sell such items as hand knitted goods, black clay cookware, baskets, wooden toys, handmade beaded jewelry and more.
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