2-Day Tour of Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Villa de Leyva

Walk through a salt mine cathedral, then explore a heritage town and its fossil-rich valleys

A 2-day guided tour visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (an underground Catholic temple carved into a salt mine), the Sisga Dam, and Villa de Leyva, a colonial town with preserved architecture. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, one night at a 3-star hotel with breakfast, all entrance fees, and a live guide in English or Spanish. Day one covers the cathedral and the dam before settling in Villa de Leyva. Day two explores the town's Paleontological Museum, hikes to the mineral pools of Pozos Azules, and ends in Raquira, known for pottery crafts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Salt Cathedral and Sisga Dam visit

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
• Stop at Sisga Dam for views
• Travel to Villa de Leyva
• Rest at hotel in Villa de Leyva

Day 2: Explore Villa de Leyva and Raquira

• Breakfast at hotel
• Visit Paleontological Museum
• Hike to Pozos Azules
• Visit Raquira pottery town
• Return to hotel

The experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup and a drive over an hour to Zipaquira, where you walk through the halls of the Salt Cathedral: the only underground Catholic temple in the world. A guide leads you through the salty chambers filled with religious symbolism and explains how the cathedral was built inside the mine. After the cathedral, you stop at the Sisga Dam and Puente de Boyacá to rest and take in views of the water and surrounding mountains before heading to Villa de Leyva for the night.

On day two, you explore Villa de Leyva's well-preserved colonial architecture and visit the Paleontological Museum, since the valley is rich in fossils from the Cretaceous era. The day includes a hike deeper into the hills to Pozos Azules, mineral-rich pools that reflect blue-green water against semi-desert and pine forest. You finish by visiting Raquira, a small town known for handmade pottery, then return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• one night at a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
• entrance to all activities (Salt Cathedral, Paleontological Museum, Pozos Azules, Raquira).
• all-risk insurance.
• and a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 80 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 72 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?Day one is mostly driving and guided walking through the cathedral and a dam stop, while day two involves a hike to the pools, so choose this tour if you're comfortable with a mix of transport, moderate walking, and one uphill stretch to Pozos Azules.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira?

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is an underground Catholic temple carved entirely inside an enormous salt mine: the only one of its kind in the world. The guide takes you through its salty halls, which are decorated with Catholic symbolism, and explains the history of how it was built.

How much walking and hiking is involved on this tour?

Day one includes walking through the salt mine cathedral and a short stop at the dam. Day two involves a hike into the hills to reach Pozos Azules, the mineral pools. The operator recommends comfortable waterproof hiking footwear and notes the tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Bring a cane if you need one.

What's included in the overnight accommodation?

One night at a 3-star hotel with breakfast is included. Dinners are not covered, so you'll need to arrange those separately in Villa de Leyva or Raquira.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring comfortable waterproof hiking footwear, a light bag with comfortable clothes (you'll be walking with it), sunscreen, water, and a camera. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the conditions.