2009-10-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

The Prado resevoir is a virtually unknown paradise just 4 hours from Bogota. A number of large lakes, connected by pictaresque waterways, are dotted by waterfalls, private holiday getaways, the odd hotel and houses of the local inhabitants of the lake (mostly fishermen). Despite the hot sun all year round and activities like watersports, walking, camping, fishing and swimming in the lush warm waters, it remains relatively undiscovered as local tourism only reopened 7 years ago after many years of "security problems" (ask the locals for the gory details). This is no longer an issue with a permanent navy base on the lake. It is open all year round, although the waterfalls dry up during low water before the rainy seasons (october/november and april). It is an ideal substitute for a beach holiday if the coast is out of reach.

Arrival

From the lake entrance (el puerto), the only access to the rest of the lake is by boat. We found out the hard way that if you haven't booked ahead and therefore have someone to pick you up, you are at the mercy of the restaurant at the port. They offer boat tours at exorbitant prices - 170,000 pesos for 2 hours per boat - and won't take you anywhere for less than 60,000. That's what we had to pay to go find somewhere to stay..

Club Nautico

This small family run hostel owned by Celso Navarro is quiet, remote and very comfortable with a relaxed family atmosphere.

It has five 2-storey cabins which accommodate 6 people each; a double bed, fridge and bathroom below and 4 single beds above.

They can be rented for a remarkable 70,000 pesos for the cabin or 50,000 pesos for the double only.

You can also camp for 8000 pesos per person.

They have an immaculate swimming pool with baby pool, a bar, billiards table, volleyball court and excellent restaurant specialising in delicious fried fish caught in the lake.

Celso has his own motor boat for tours of the lakes, swimming, fishing and transport to and from the lake entrance. Waterskiing, jetskiing, and banana type inflatable fun is also available nearby.

You can swim off the hotel’s boat launch in the beautiful warm water or take out the wooden canoe. There are no beaches on the lake because of the rays that swim along the bottom.

Club Nautico is surrounded by wildlife with cows and horses regularly wandering by (and sometimes through) the hostel. During the week, you are likely to have the place to yourselves, the whole lake only coming to life at the weekends. A 10 minute walk away there is a beautiful restaurant with well kept garden and pool, EL Trapiche. We didn't try the food, but the place is immaculate. For more upmarket accomodation at more than double the price is the nearby Hotel Colprado.

Warning: although mosquitos are not a major annoyance, you'll need repellent for the evenings. Also they say snakes are abundant (we never saw any) so if you like going out walking at night, you'll want boots.

To get there you’ll need to take a bus to Prado and then a taxi or minibus to the lake. Always book ahead so when you arrive you can call Celso to pick you up by boat from the port.

For more information about Club Nautico call

Celso Navarro: 301 4464107 / 3187064307

or Carmen: 3012705723

I'm not sure if they speak English so best get a spanish speaker to phone.

Prado , The inland Sea of Colombia

Club Nautico