Lago del Parque La Florida

The lake at Parque Metropolitano La Florida is the largest expanse of open water inside Bogota's park system, in the west of the city on the border between the Engativa locality and the municipality of Cota. The park lies west of El Dorado airport, along the Engativa-Cota road, about 14 km northwest of central Bogota. It is an urban park lake rather than a beach: the edges are grassy banks, paths and small landing stages instead of sand, the water is murky green-brown, and swimming is not permitted. The lake is fairly small and sheltered, with little wind or surf, and it works best as a calm outdoor half day. Pedalos and rowing boats can be hired on the water, and around the shore are picnic lawns, barbecue zones, cycle paths and sports fields. An adjoining wetland draws grebes, ducks and migratory waders, so the park is also a birdwatching site, with the best sightings usually in the early morning. The atmosphere is local and family-oriented, with Bogota residents using the park for weekend outings, cycling, football and picnics, and it can be busy on Sundays and public holidays. Amenities include toilets, food kiosks and parking. There is no lifeguard-supervised swimming, as the lake is for boating and scenery only, so visitors with children should keep them close to the water's edge. Access is one of the park's strengths, since it is the easiest water-and-greenery outing for visitors without a car. TransMilenio runs to Portal El Dorado or Portal de la 80, from where an SITP zonal bus heads towards Cota, and drivers use the Engativa-Cota road. The park suits an afternoon in the dry months, but rain is possible in any season at this altitude of about 2,550 metres, so a light waterproof is sensible. It pairs well with a trip to the nearby wetlands and the town of Cota.