Lake Tota, Natural lake in Boyacá, Colombia
Lake Tota is a body of water in the Andes of Boyacá at over 3,000 meters altitude. The water is cold and clear, and the shoreline runs for several kilometers with coves, shallow areas, and rocky sections.
Before Spanish arrival, Muisca communities lived along the shores and used the water body for ceremonies and star observation. Later, the area was developed for farming, changing the structure of the shoreline regions.
The name comes from the Muisca language and means "lake of tears," a designation fishermen and farmers still use today. Many families from the surrounding villages continue to speak of old legends about sunken cities beneath the water.
The area is best visited during dry weather, as paths can turn muddy. The altitude makes itself felt quickly, so it is wise to walk slowly and bring enough water.
The fields around the water body supply most of the country's spring onions, giving the shores an unusual economic importance. In some places you can see small wooden boats used by farmers to transport the harvest.
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