Discover the wonders of South America on a day trip from Bogotá. Explore the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and visit the mystical Guatavita Lagoon, where the legendary ‘el dorado’ originated. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts!
- Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira - This full-day tour will take you to two places of interest located within Bogotá’s savannah. Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral; a majestic cathedral built inside of the largest salt-rock deposit on earth. Here you’ll see the how Catholic symbology and contemporary engineering converged in the construction of this gigantic temple.
With materials from this former salt mine and using lighting effects, sculptors created innovative interpretations of the Catholic Via Crucis that you will be able to see throughout the cathedral. Here you will learn about the creative process and the symbology behind the sculptures.
- Zipaquira - After exiting the cathedral, you will head to Guatavita, passing through the colonial village of Zipaquirá, famous for its various buildings that were declared national monuments.
- Laguna de Guatavita - The second stop, Guatavita Lagoon, a mystical and sacred place for the Muiscas, will give you a glimpse of what Paramo ecosystem looks like while you learn about the famous legend of El Dorado, Muisca cosmology and its relation to the lagoon.
After a stop for lunch, you will be driven through a countryside road to Guatavita where the sacred lake hides among mountains and mist. Inside this natural reserve, you will learn about the connection that the ancient Muiscas had with nature. Moreover, you will understand the symbolism behind the gold offerings that awoke the gold rush of Spanish treasure hunters.
Finally, after returning to Bogotá, you will be taken to your hotel or to any other point of your convenience.
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Lunch included
- Entry tickets to the Salt Cathedral and natural reserve
- Expert guided tour in your preferred language
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Unspecified food and beverages
Visit one of South America’s wonders, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and see the beautiful Lake Guatavita (Laguna de Guatavita) on this day trip from Bogotá! Explore the magnificent salt mine of Zipaquirá and see the famous cathedral up close. Then, visit Laguna de Guatavita, where the famous ‘el dorado’ legend originated, and see the Indigenous Cemetery and the Tominé Reservoir. If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, this is the perfect day trip for you!
- We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.
- A medium-high amount of walking is involved; you must be of average fitness and able to walk
- Guatavita Lake is closed on Mondays (or Tuesdays if Monday is a bank holiday).
- Changes on the tour may occur due to external factors.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.