Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá & Lake Guatavita Tour: Private or Shared

Zipaquirá, Guatavita, Cundinamarca
Duration

10 hours

Tour Type

Private Tour

Pricing

$$$

Languages

Español, Inglés

Overview

On the outskirts of Bogotá, there are two beautiful old towns that are worth visiting: Zipaquirá and Guatavita. Come with us and explore its treasures with this two-in-one day trip. First, start with the Salt Cathedral Zipaquirá Tour. There are many reasons to visit this wonder, one of the is being the only underground catholic church in the world. Then, venture into Guatavita’s natural park to learn about its cultural significance, as well as the legend of El Dorado. Choose an option with lunch included and live a day of contrasts.

How to do the Salt Cathedral Zipaquirá Tour and Guatavita on the same day?

Bogotá and the villages around it (as well as the whole country) are rooted in indigenous heritage. And some places display the contrast between the indigenous history and legends with the Spanish influence and the more recent traditions. Zipaquirá (with its Salt Cathedral) and Guatavita are two of those places.

Are you short of time but still don’t want to miss anything that Bogotá and its surroundings have to offer? Give yourself a day and visit two great places in a row. Enjoy this full-day tour to Zipaquirá and Guatavita towns and have an experience immersed in mixtures of everything: landscapes, history, ecosystems, culture, beliefs, and even heights!

We know what’s there to amaze you, let us show you our best. Book this tour now!

Itinerary

Start your day early. Our guide will pick you up at your hotel. He and the driver will take you across Bogota for over an hour to the first destination: the salt depths of Zipaquira. You will be guided through its salty halls filled with catholic symbolism and you will learn their curious history. Did you know an old salt empire once stood here? The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is the only catholic subterranean church in the world and one of the Colombian marvels.

After exploring the mine and discovering its fascinating links to the past, jump to Zipaquirá town. You will be able to walk around it. And once ready Guatavita awaits for you to keep adventuring.

You will get to the new Guatavita town, hear its history, and how it ties to the legend of El Dorado.

And then venture into the peculiar ecosystem at Guatavita’s Natural Park. Take a breath of clean air while discovering its cultural significance through its myths.

Our guide will take you to a traditional Colombian restaurant, where you will be able to try the typical main courses of the region. (If you do not choose it with lunch, you will still have time enough to go to a restaurant of your choice). From there you will be headed back to Bogotá, and the journey will finish once you arrive at your hotel again.

Highlights

  • A full-day adventure outside the city rush
  • A guided tour of the salt mine and the lake
  • A history lesson on indigenous cultures and its transition to Catholicism through salt
  • Retelling of local legends, ancestral myths, and indigenous folklore
  • A tour around Zipaquirá and Guatavita villages

Included/Excluded

  • Gran Colombia Tours private guide (private tour)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in private transportation
  • Entry to the Salt Cathedral
  • Entry to the Lake Guatavita
  • Lunch (if chosen) - Menu of the day available at the restaurant
  • All-risk insurance
  • Breakfast
  • Extra purchases

Know before you book

  • Please keep in mind this tour requires walking and operates in all weather conditions
  • The Guatavita Lake is closed on Mondays, except when Monday is a holiday
  • On those cases, the Lake is closed on Tuesday
  • Keep in mind this tour does not offer vegan options
  • This tour offers a shared option without lunch. It includes pick-up and drop-off at your lodging, entrance to the Cathedral and Guatavita Lake, and risk insurance. A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to operate. If only one person books and the minimum is not met, the customer will be offered either a change of date or a 100% refund
  • The pick-up for the shared tour will be between 8 and 9 AM, depending on the hotel route

Frequently asked questions

Carrying out both visits in a single day is possible since in each place it takes approximately 3 hours to complete the tour. To that we add the time for lunch and transportation, resulting in a whole day of adventure and excitement.

Both villages (Zipaquirá and Guatavita) are usually warm but the salt mine and the lake tend to be cooler, so bring a light jacket. Keep in mind this tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Use sunscreen, bring comfortable shoes and water.

The Guatavita Lake is closed on Mondays, except when Monday is a holiday. On those cases, the Lake is closed on Tuesday.

In the village there are several activities to do, such as walking through its streets, sailing through the reservoir, visiting the Guatavita Lake and some museums.

Tour's Location

Zipaquirá, Guatavita, Cundinamarca

Owner

admingct

Member Since 2023

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