<P> The original narrative can be found in the rambling chronicle El Carnero of Juan Rodriguez Freyle . According to Freyle, zipa of the Muisca, in a ritual at Lake Guatavita near present - day Bogotá, was said to be covered with gold dust, which he then washed off in the lake while his attendants threw trinkets made of gold, emeralds, and precious stones into the lake . </P> <P> In 1638, Freyle wrote this account of the ceremony, addressed to the cacique or governor of Guatavita: </P> <P> The ceremony took place on the appointment of a new ruler . Before taking office, he spent some time secluded in a cave, without women, forbidden to eat salt, or to go out during daylight . The first journey he had to make was to go to the great lagoon of Guatavita, to make offerings and sacrifices to the demon which they worshipped as their god and lord . During the ceremony which took place at the lagoon, they made a raft of rushes, embellishing and decorating it with the most attractive things they had . They put on it four lighted braziers in which they burned much moque, which is the incense of these natives, and also resin and many other perfumes . The lagoon was large and deep, so that a ship with high sides could sail on it, all loaded with an infinity of men and women dressed in fine plumes, golden plaques and crowns...As soon as those on the raft began to burn incense, they also lit braziers on the shore, so that the smoke hid the light of day . </P> <P> At this time, they stripped the heir to his skin, and anointed him with a sticky earth on which they placed gold dust so that he was completely covered with this metal . They placed him on the raft...and at his feet they placed a great heap of gold and emeralds for him to offer to his god . In the raft with him went four principal subject chiefs, decked in plumes, crowns, bracelets, pendants and ear rings all of gold . They, too, were naked, and each one carried his offering...when the raft reached the centre of the lagoon, they raised a banner as a signal for silence . </P>

Is there a city of gold in the amazon