- Address: Monique, Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, Colombia
- Height: 3800 m above sea level
- Area of the lake: 0.00675 square meters. km
- Depth: 5,2 m
In the Colombian department of Boyac, there is Lake Iguaque (Laguna de Iguaque). It is located on the territory of the eponymous nature park , which is famous for its unique ecosystem.
General information
In the Colombian department of Boyac, there is Lake Iguaque (Laguna de Iguaque). It is located on the territory of the eponymous nature park , which is famous for its unique ecosystem.
General information
This landmark of Colombia is located on the north-west side of the town of Villa de Leyva . In 1977, Lake Iguaque, together with the adjacent territory, was declared a protected area. This was done to preserve the local non-tropical ecosystem of paramo. Here grow:
- lichens;
- ferns;
- espeletium;
- pouilly;
- various flowers.
From animals in iguac there are tapirs and numerous birds. There is a park in the mountains, and the lake itself is at an altitude of 3800 m above sea level. The territory of the protected area is characterized by cold and wet weather. Here, a large amount of precipitation falls throughout the year, and the average air temperature is +12 ° C.
Cultural significance
Lake Iguacu is a sacred place for indigenous people. They believe that humanity was born here. According to the legend of the Chibcha Muiski tribe, when our planet was still deserted, the goddess Bachue came out of the pond (the ancestor of people and the patroness of agriculture). She was a beautiful woman, and she held her little son in her arms.
They lived on the shore of the lake, until the baby grew. After that, the goddess married him and began to give birth to 4 children each year. The family roamed the land and inhabited it with their children. Over time, Bachue and her husband grew old and returned to the Iguacu. Here they turned into huge snakes and disappeared into the pond.
Description of the lake
The lake is considered the pearl of Boyaki and is surrounded by mystery. Its total area is only 6750 square meters. m, and the maximum depth is 5.2 m. The pond has a round shape and high banks. The approach to water is equipped only on one side.
Near Lake Iguacu, you can stop for a picnic, relax and have a bite to eat. In clear weather, a breathtaking mountain panorama opens from here, which travelers take pictures with pleasure.
Features of visit
The territory of the protected area is equipped with tourist paths with information signs that indicate the way to the lake and talk about this area. Your path will pass through the Andean Paramo and the mountain jungle. The total length of the route is 8 km. You can travel around the park on your own or accompanied by a guide.
To make the ascent to the water body of Higuaca is best in sunny weather, although it is unpredictable here and changes several times a day. If it's cloudy outside, grab a raincoat and waterproof things. In this case, wear comfortable shoes and clothes, because the route is characterized by steep climbs and descents.
Especially on it it is difficult to move in the rain, when the earth turns into mud, and wet stones become slippery. If you are not sure of your physical strength, then hire a guide to help you get to the sacred lake of Iguaques.
Those who wish to spend a few days in the protected area will be offered to stay at the guesthouse, which is located near the lake. There is a small grocery store where you can buy water and food.
How to get there?
On the territory of the nature reserve there is parking. It is most convenient to get to it from the city of Villa de Leyva on the dirt road Villa de Leyva - Altamira. The distance is 11 km. On the way very often there is a large livestock, which must be dispersed or wait until the animals themselves leave.