Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Guatavita Lagoon Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
- Discover the mystical Guatavita Lagoon
- Enjoy scenic views of the Colombian countryside
- Learn about local history and legends
- Experience Colombia's rich cultural heritage
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Bogotá
- Guided tour of Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
- Visit to Guatavita Lagoon
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Our first stop will be the Guatavita Lagoon, a sacred place for the Muisca people and the birthplace of the legendary El Dorado story. We’ll take a peaceful walk along the natural trails that surround the lagoon, enjoying breathtaking mountain views and the serene atmosphere of this mystical site. The hike is of easy to moderate difficulty, with some uphill sections and stairs, but it’s done at a relaxed pace perfect for connecting with nature and discovering the spiritual energy that still lives in this sacred landscape. Entrance ticket included for option #2.
Our next stop will be the charming town of Zipaquirá. After exploring the natural beauty of Guatavita Lagoon, we’ll continue our journey to this historic town, famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant local culture. We’ll enjoy a relaxing walk around the main square, where you can admire the beautifully preserved colonial buildings, visit local shops, and experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Colombian town. There will also be free time for lunch, allowing you to explore the town at your own pace and enjoy its local flavors. Afterwards, we’ll continue to our next highlight — the magnificent Salt Cathedral — combining culture, leisure, and the charm of Zipaquirá.
Before entering the majestic Salt Cathedral, we’ll visit the fascinating Salt Museum. Here, you’ll discover the rich history of salt mining in the region and learn about its cultural and economic significance throughout the centuries. Explore the ancient tools once used by miners and admire objects and sculptures crafted entirely from salt. The museum offers an educational and interactive experience, giving you a deeper connection to the traditions and history of the area before experiencing the awe-inspiring Salt Cathedral.
Our final stop will be the majestic Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Built within an old salt mine, this underground cathedral is a true masterpiece of religious architecture and a symbol of Catholic faith. During the visit, you’ll explore its stunning chambers, learn about the meaning of each station, and discover the fascinating history behind its construction. Admire the impressive sculptures carved directly from salt and immerse yourself in this awe-inspiring space, the perfect conclusion to our journey — a unique blend of art, devotion, and engineering that leaves a lasting impression.
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is conducted in Spanish; English-speaking guides may not be available.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- The tour involves moderate walking; ensure you are comfortable with this level of activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Traveler reviews
A very long day
Our day started at about 8am. The extremely nice Mercedes Van picked us up from our hotel on time. Our guide was extremely sweet and had a wonderful personality. The driver managed the traffic without any issues. Due to other guests staying all over the city it took probably two hours to pick everyone up. A positive to this is that we got to see quite a bit of Bogotá but the downside is that the tour was extremely long. After two hours we stopped for a bathroom break and were able to stretch our legs and grab a snack. We stopped in Gutavita to see the town for a few minutes. Honestly there isn't much there and we could have missed this stop. The hike around Gutavita Lagoon is stunning. I will warn you that it is at 3100meters. If you haven't acclimated to the altitude then it can be a bit difficult. If you have bad knees or hips I don't recommend this tour. My advice is to go slow and drink plenty of water. Bring comfy shoes and a rain jacket. It rained on and off for us. Your hotel probably has coca tea which helps with altitude sickness and the little cafe at the base of the hike has it too. At the very end is another cafe in which you can get some snacks. After the hike it was great to have a little nosh. Our final destination was Zipaquriá. This is where we had a meal. It was about 3pm. The restaurant was a traditional Colombian restaurant that served an amazing variety of meats. We then did a quick walking tour of the city and then made our way to the Salt Cathedral. We spent 2 hrs at the Salt Cathedral. We didn't get back to our hotel until close to 10pm. It was an extremely long day, actually it was too long. We decided it was nice to see the sites but probably would not do the tour again due to the length.
Expanding Views of Colombia
Long day. Major monuments to see & explore. It’s good if you like to see countryside from a vehicle. The Salt Cathderal was quite amazing. The hike to see the lake was single file& quite slow but beautiful view of crater. Guide was pleasant
I had such a great time...
I had such a great time on this tour!! My tour guide Sergio went above and beyond to make sure we all had a great experience. He was funny, kind, and patient. I would recommend him for any of your tours!
Excellent experience
Excellent experience! Jefferson and Sebastian were very attentive and chatty. I would repeat the experience again and recommend it 100%
Knowledgeable Guide
Interesting tour but the day is very long when you take into account picking up other guests (more than 13 hours because of traffic). Sebastian was an excellent guide and Jesus was a wonderful driver. Sebastian was a wealth of knowledge on plant properties, history, culture…he made the tour worthwhile. The time on the road allows you plenty of rest time in a comfy Tracker. The Salt Cathedral is interesting but if you’ve seen the one in Poland then this will be your second favorite.