Visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá was one of the most unique and awe-inspiring experiences I had in Colombia.I found it hard to believe such a space could exist beneath the earth. Whether you're religious or not, the scale and craftsmanship are deeply moving. Also the service was great very puntual and reliable.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Lunch - Menu of the day available at the restaurant.
- Entrances fee for Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita.
- Private Guide.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in private transportation.
Excludes
- Breakfast
- Extra purchases.
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Begin your journey with a hotel pickup and a scenic drive through Bogotá’s northern outskirts. After just over an hour, you'll arrive at one of Colombia’s true marvels: Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral. This awe-inspiring underground sanctuary, carved 180 meters beneath the earth inside a former salt mine, is the world’s only subterranean Catholic church. Walk through shadow-lit tunnels, marvel at artistic salt carvings, and hear stories of the ancient salt empire that once thrived here. With its spiritual ambiance and striking architecture, it’s more than a church—it’s a powerful symbol of Colombia’s cultural and geological richness.
After your underground journey at Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral, step into the heart of Zipaquirá’s charming colonial town. Wander its cobbled streets lined with colorful facades, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. Take your time exploring the central square, where the scent of fresh Colombian coffee mixes with the warm smiles of local artisans. This is your chance to connect with the town’s vibrant culture, admire handcrafted souvenirs, and experience small-town life just a short ride from Bogotá. Whether it’s a handwoven bag or a carved wooden keepsake, you’ll leave Zipaquirá with more than just memories—you’ll carry a piece of Colombia’s heritage with you.
Next, visit the picturesque white‑walled new town of Guatavita, nestled in the mountains near the lake of the same name. This charming village was rebuilt in the 1960s after the original town was submerged to create the Tominé Reservoir. With its cobbled streets, Spanish colonial-style architecture, and panoramic views of the water, Guatavita offers a peaceful and visually striking atmosphere. Stroll through artisan markets, discover traditional crafts, and listen as your guide shares how this quiet town became linked to the legendary tale of El Dorado. More than a stop on the way—it’s a hidden gem with a story that blends myth, memory, and resilience.
End your journey with a visit to the sacred Guatavita Natural Park, home to one of Colombia’s most legendary landscapes. At 3,100 meters above sea level, the emerald lagoon rests cradled in the mountains—silent, mysterious, and steeped in ancient Muisca mythology. This is the very site that gave birth to the El Dorado legend, where indigenous rituals once offered gold to the gods beneath the still waters. Walk along scenic trails surrounded by high‑altitude flora, breathe in crisp mountain air, and feel the powerful connection between nature and ancestral beliefs. With every step, you’re not just exploring a natural wonder—you’re entering a story that shaped the soul of a nation.
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Reviews
A beautiful and peaceful place just outside Bogotá. The emerald-green lagoon is stunning, and the walk up is not too difficult but definitely worth it for the views. The history and legend of El Dorado make the visit even more special. Great spot to enjoy nature and learn a bit about Colombia’s culture.
Visiting the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon with friends was one of the best experiences of my trip. Descending into the cathedral’s glowing salt tunnels felt magical, and hearing the stories behind its history made it even more special. Later, standing by the emerald waters of Guatavita, we could really imagine the legend of El Dorado. Sharing it all with friends turned the day into unforgettable memories.
That was an magnificent experience. It's incredible how built a church under earth and not only built a church, the caves also have stores, hotels, waterpools, restaurants, etc... I love that trip
I visited the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and it was an incredible experience. The underground church, carved entirely in salt, is breathtaking and unique. Walking through the tunnels and admiring the impressive architecture and lighting made me feel amazed. It’s truly a place full of history, spirituality, and beauty. A must-see in Colombia!
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an underground temple unique in the world, carved from salt and surrounded by mysticism. It combines art, spirituality and architecture in an unforgettable journey underground.
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an impressive place. I loved exploring the tunnels and seeing the 16 meter high cross. Sharing this experience with my family was amazing, we all enjoyed it very much. The guide explained the history of the place clearly and concisely. The local food we tried in the restaurant near the cathedral was delicious. Don’t forget to bring a good camera to capture the most special moments.
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a place that leaves you breathless. The tour was amazing, our guide showed us the most impressive sites, such as the salt mine and the chapel of the Virgin of the Cave. The architecture and lighting are amazing. It was a pleasure to share this experience with my friends, we laughed and enjoyed ourselves very much. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the most special moments and taste local food.
The tour at the Cathedral of Sal de Zipaquirá was a unique experience. The accompaniment of our guide was very friendly and made us feel comfortable throughout the tour. The interior of the cathedral is amazing, the 16 meter high cross is impressive. The educational tour was very interesting, we learned about the importance of salt in the history of Colombia and the construction of the cathedral. Recommended for all who visit Zipaquirá!
I loved the tour at the Cathedral of Sal de Zipaquirá. The history behind the cathedral is fascinating and our guide explained it clearly and concisely. The interior of the cathedral is stunning, salt formations and lights create a Magical Mood. The educational tour was very complete, we learned about geology, mining and the history of the cathedral. An experience you can’t miss!
The tour at the Cathedral of Sal de Zipaquirá was an unforgettable experience. The accompaniment of our guide was excellent, he explained in detail the history and importance of the cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is stunning, the architecture and lighting are amazing. The educational tour was very interesting, we learned a lot about salt mining and the construction of the cathedral. Recommended 100%!
Lights, colors and salt sculptures create a pleasant, overwhelming and super fascinating Mood!!!!❤️❤️❤️
The Cathedral of Salt gave my family and me a spiritual and cultural experience that will remain forever in our memory.
The guide turned a tour into something magical, knowing the only salt cathedral in the world and the lagoon of Guatavita is nourished by knowledge, fauna and flora, which are foreign to other places in the world.
It is a very beautiful place, in which you can see beautiful structures, additional you can take many photos with your family and learn a little more about the salt mines
Reaching the depths of the earth and seeing so much history in a single mine has no limits, experience that I will never forget and that I would like to repeat, the friendly people and full of energy, the guides certainly fulfill their good function with the explanation of each season
Knowing a historical place of Colombia, I don't usually go out much to those types of places, but the location and if the place usually a unique experience, excellent Service.
I visited the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral a few days ago and the experience was amazing. The place has a unique energy, walking underground between lights and sculptures is something that is not forgotten easy. Then I went to the Laguna de Guatavita and was delighted with the tranquility of the landscape and the history that surrounds it. It is certainly a complete plan to get out of the routine in Bogota.
I consider it as I was a natural and spiritual place, this time I decided to go alone but since I know how welcoming it was I will take my family
Very good place to visit with friends and family, I loved knowing the history of the cathedral and all the experience lived, I recommend wearing coats as it is quite cold
Excellent plan, super informative, practical and away from any routine. Perfect plan for couples with great photo spots, tour with interesting facts and a great tour with great guides. A perfect place to get out of town
With my coworkers we visited the Cathedral of Salt, an imposing place that strengthened our team spirit.
Amazing experience, all wonderful, I appreciate not only the attention, but the person who told me about this wonder
A magical place, an amazing experience, very beautiful this place, is a place without a doubt to know, great to visit in the company of good friends or family.
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a unique place, an underground work that combines history, spirituality and beauty in an Mood that I thought I loved.
I liked it, I imagined it differently but it turned out to be more special than I imagined, wanting to go back to the mine and the village
Visiting the Salt Cathedral as a family was a unique experience: a magical place underground that combines faith, culture and architectural wonder.
With my friends we visited the Cathedral of Sal and were amazed with the majesty of the place and its cultural richness.
I visited the Zipaquirá Salt Mine with my family, an unforgettable experience underground, full of history, culture and amazing landscapes.
I visited the Zipaquirá Salt Mine on my own, a unique underground experience that mixes history, culture and a magical atmosphere.
I went to work but loved going with my family h friends, I recommend it is a great plan. It's a Colombian must-see. Very nice.
What moved me most was the underground cathedral: huge, imposing, but at the same time warm, with an energy that I did not expect. I stayed silent for a long time, just watching and breathing, feeling that mixture of peace and wonder that is rarely experienced. Beyond the touristic, for me it was an encounter with myself, with the story of a place that keeps centuries on its salt walls and that somehow manages to touch something very human and spiritual in whoever visits it.
I had never been before, I was very impressed by the whole story and the fact that it was real was even more amazing. An interesting experience, highly recommended
The salt mine is great!! I've been several times and it never ceases to seem like an amazing place. The walls, the sculptures, the history, in general it is an impressive place. It's worth visiting.
The Cathedral of Salt is a fascinating place. It is perfect for visiting with family or friends. The way they tell the story of the place and its internal architecture leaves anyone speechless. Best of all, it's pet-friendly!
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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