Lake Tota

The largest lake in Colombia is called Lake Tota, and it is situated in the Sugamuxi Province, east of the Boyacá Department. Lake Tota is the source of the Upia River, which empties into the Orinoco River basin. Aquitania, which is situated on the lake's eastern bank, is its largest town. Tota, Iza, and Cutiva are a few further adjacent communities.

For the Muisca culture, Lake Tota was a significant place of worship. According to linguist Mariana Escribano, the name Tota is derived from the Chibcha language of the Muisca people, and its principal term relates to "Astronomic Observatory," indicating that it served religious purposes in that civilization. The creation of the lake at the hands of their distant ancestors is the subject of several stories.

The lake is considered sacred by the ancient Muisca people, who also had a reason for inventing the fable. The "Monster of Lake Tota" is said to reside in the lake, according to legend. The sea monster can only be described in terms of historical accounts and Muisca legend. The creature is described as a giant blackfish with a bull's head. Due to its appearance as being larger than a whale, it has acquired the moniker "devil whale." According to studies, it resembles other sea serpent monsters with diverse animal covers, such as the Loch Ness monster from Scotland. From Bogota, it takes four hours to get to Lake Tota.

Location: Boyacá, Columbia