Lake Iguaque

Lake Iguaque is a lake located in the Boyacá Department of Colombia. The lake and the surrounding area was declared a Flora and Fauna Sanctuary in 1977.[1]

Lake Iguaque
Lake Iguaque
Lake Iguaque is located in Colombia
Lake Iguaque
Lake Iguaque
LocationVilla de Leyva, Boyacá
Coordinates5°41′16″N 73°26′12″W
Basin countriesColombia
Surface area6,750 m2 (72,700 sq ft)
Max. depth5.2 m (17 ft)
Surface elevation3,800 m (12,500 ft)

Geography and climate

Lake Iguaque is located northeast of Villa de Leyva and is part of the SFF Iguaque. The predominant ecosystem is the páramo, with presence of frailejón plant, ferns, lichens and puyas. The average temperature is 12 °C. The route of access to the natural reservation is: Bogotá – Tunja (147 km) /Tunja – Villa de Leyva (39 km). The visitor center Furachiogua offers accommodation for up to 48 persons, and camping zone.[2]

Cultural value

Lake Iguaque was considered a sacred place for the Muisca. According to legend, mankind was originated in the Iguaque lake, when the goddess Bachué came out from the lake with a boy in her arms. When the boy grew, she married him and their children populated the Earth. They are considered the ancestors of the human race. Finally Bachué and her husband disappeared unto the lake in the shape of snakes.

Biology

The in 2006 described sweat bee Neocorynura muiscae was found in the sanctuary near the lake and named after the Muisca.[3]

See also

References
  1. "Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 2013-01-24.
  2. (in Spanish) Ecomochila - Lake Iquaque
  3. Neocorynura muiscae found at an elevation of 2850 m
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