Zipaquira Salt Cathedral: Private Tour Exploring Colombia's First Wonder and El Dorado Legend
4.8
134 Ratings
Tierra Negra
Embark on a private tour to the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, Colombia's first wonder, and discover the legend of El Dorado at the Guatavita Lagoon. Explore the unique subway cathedral and enjoy a nature walk to the lagoon. Book now!
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Laguna de Guatavita - The lagoon is part of a protected natural area. The tour is done through trails where you ascend and where a native guide tells the history of the Muiscas and the legend of El Dorado. The tour takes approximately 75 minutes, upon arrival you can see the beautiful lagoon.
  • Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira - The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá has been declared the First Wonder of Colombia and is considered one of the most noteworthy architectural and artistic achievements in Colombia. There you will find a monumental work born from the faith of the miners of that region, whose tour surprises at every step.
  • Plaza de la Independecia - Enjoy an interesting colonial tour, visiting the main squares of Zipaquira and learning about its architecture and history.
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off included
  • Entrance fees covered
  • Complimentary lunch provided
  • Option for a private tour
  • Audioguide available in the Salt Cathedral
  • Optional English-speaking guide during the ride
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a full-day expedition from your lodging in Bogota to explore ‘The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira - Colombia’s first wonder, and the birthplace of the El Dorado Legend, The Sacred Guatavita Lagoon’. Watch as the splendor of the one-of-a-kind underground cathedral unfolds before you through a meticulously curated audio guide in your preferred language. Once in Guatavita, immerse yourself in nature with a two-hour stroll leading to the Guatavita Lagoon.

Following the two-hour sojourn to the serene Guatavitá Lagoon listening to the tales of the Muiscas Indians and the El Dorado Legend as narrated by a local guide. Experience Guatavitá village life and catch a glimpse of the Tominé reservoir midway through the expedition, all while savoring a regional or vegetarian lunch. The tour concludes with a return journey to your Bogota accommodation.

  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • Hike on a natural path, good shoes recommended.
  • Se proporciona kit de bioseguridad con mascaras y gel anti bacterial.
Location
Laguna de Guatavita
Km 15, Via Guatavita-Sesquile
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(134 Ratings)
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Jlpavia
Mar 8, 2024
Impressive - Even if, like us, you are not religious, this cathedral is a must-see if you are near Bogota. It is quite amazing to see what the miners managed to recreate in this place. From the Stations of the Cross to the cathedral where a small sound and light show takes place (There is another more interesting one later which traces the history of the place and the region). Without forgetting, of course, the “temple merchants” =) and their salt souvenirs. Possibility of having a guided tour or using an audio guide in French.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_r
Feb 19, 2024
Magnificent day of history - Our guide and driver were the nicest people. Camila was very knowledgeable and Guillermo made us feel safe through Bogotá traffic. The hike to the lagoon was beautiful and was the highlight of the day.
Review provided by Viator
Yanzhan_w
Dec 21, 2023
Would recommend - Excellent tour! I had a great time exploring both the salt mines and Guatavita. The guides Mauricio and Esteban were very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew_f
Dec 2, 2023
Best way to see Bogotas outskirts - Samantha and Guillermo are two of the best guides around. Great food, scenes, incredibly knowledgeable of the area and history.
Review provided by Viator
Carsten_a
Nov 14, 2023
A GREAT DAY - It was a wonderful trip to the laguna de CACIQUE! Everything is well organized and you you will get a lot of information concerng the muisca! The Salt cathedral is interesting as well - but its more like a Party- at least on a sunday ! They even had a Band playing music there! But its nice!
Review provided by Viator
David_w
Oct 30, 2023
Absolutely fantastic - A great day made even better by the attention we received from Camila and Emilio. Camila is very knowledgeable and took her time to explain everything from the Colombian history to the Fauna and Flora encountered in Guatavita Lagoon. The Salt Cathedral is a must see when visiting Colombia, it is just simply majestic, we will both remember this trip for many years to come. Thank you Camila and Emilio.
Review provided by Viator
Hospedajecasadecampo
Oct 25, 2023
Spectacular - Completely unmissable. Good guide through a salt mine/church. Beautiful games of lights. Highly recommended, one of the places to visit in Colombia
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexander_s
Oct 19, 2023
Lovely day touring Guatavita Lagoon and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral - Loved both the Guatavita Lagoon and the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. It was interesting to learn about the history of the Guatavita Lagoon area and about Muisca culture and mythology. The three naves of the Salt Cathedral were a sight to behold. Our guide, Alejandra, did a terrific job of translating the ranger's presentation at Guatavita Lagoon. Alejandra and our driver, Emilio, both took very good care of us and made sure our needs were attended to.
Review provided by Viator
724jessicas
Sep 12, 2023
Great day trip out of Bogota - Wonderful trip. The lagoon hike was a little slow, with a lot of explanation for a relatively short hike. However, the salt cathedral was worth the trip on its own. Very unique and cool experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Knut_k
Sep 11, 2023
The Salt Cathedral is... - The Salt Cathedral is quite an unique experience - a nature walk up to the beautiful Guatvita Lagoon with a very knowledgeable local guide (spanish only)....
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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