Lake Tota
Lake Colombia's largest high-altitude freshwater lake
High on the Andean plateau, Colombia’s Lake Tota is the country’s largest natural lake; visitors arrive for trout fishing, wind sports, birdwatching and the rural towns of Aquitania and Tota.
Lake Tota is a high-altitude freshwater lake in Boyacá Department, Colombia, and is the largest natural lake in the country by surface area. It lies on the Altiplano Cundiboyacense at an elevation of about 3,015 metres above sea level.
The lake is a regional center for recreation, fishing and local agriculture; key visitor experiences include boat trips to a small protected island reserve and shoreline birdwatching. Shoreline towns provide visitor facilities, local markets and access for water activities.
Lake Tota occupies a plateau basin in the eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes and is surrounded by agricultural land and small towns; it is a prominent geographic feature of Boyacá Department and a freshwater resource for nearby communities.
- Altitude and size: Sits at high altitude in the Andes at roughly 3,015 metres above sea level and is Colombia's largest natural lake by surface area.
What to See #
- Isla de La Corota (island reserve): A small protected island that preserves wetlands and montane forest used for ecotourism and birdwatching within the lake.
Tips for Visiting Lake Tota #
- Base yourself in the towns of Aquitania or Iza and take a morning boat to Isla de la Corota (a small protected island reserve)-these departures are the usual way to visit the island and are calmer before winds pick up later in the day.
- Plan for morning visits when winds are lighter; Lake Tota becomes noticeably windier in the afternoon, which affects small-boat trips and makes the water choppier for photos and fishing excursions.
Best Time to Visit Lake Tota #
Because Lake Tota is high-altitude and cool year-round, visit during Colombia's drier months (December-February or July-August) for the most reliable weather.
Weather & Climate near Lake Tota #
Lake Tota's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 6°C to 16°C. Abundant rainfall (1038 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (191 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
