Bogotá to Zipaquirá: Salt Cathedral Small Group Tour & Entry

Summary

Salt Cathedral day trip from Bogotá with town walk and lunch

You’ll ride straight from Bogotá to Zipaquirá with a small group (no endless stops), explore the surreal Salt Cathedral with your local host, stroll around town, and share lunch at a real Colombian spot. Expect cool tunnels, unexpected flavors, and space to wander at your own pace — it’s less about ticking boxes than soaking up those strange underground silences.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you know this whole cathedral is carved out of salt?” That’s what our guide, Camila, asked as we shuffled down the tunnel — I could smell something sharp and mineral in the air, like wet stone but different. We’d left Bogotá early (no endless hotel pickups, which honestly felt like a win), and the city faded behind us while the bus windows fogged up. The group was small enough that nobody had to shout; you could actually hear people laugh or whisper when they saw the first glowing cross underground. I kept touching the walls just to feel if they were really salt — Camila grinned and said yes, but not to lick them (someone always tries).

The Salt Cathedral itself is… well, it’s weird in a good way. Massive caverns lit up blue and purple, echoes bouncing everywhere. At one point I just stopped walking so I could listen — there’s this hush down there that makes you want to whisper. Outside, Zipaquirá town is all pastel buildings and people selling arepas on corners; we wandered around for a bit before lunch (I tried chicha for the first time — sweet and kind of funky). Lunch was included at a spot where locals actually eat; nothing fancy but filling, and I still think about that soup sometimes. Someone in our group tried to order in Spanish and got a high five from the waiter.

We didn’t rush anywhere — Camila let us take our time inside the cathedral, pointing out little carvings I’d have missed otherwise. There were families with strollers and even someone with a service dog; seemed like anyone could do this day trip from Bogotá without stress. The drive back was quiet — everyone sort of zoned out watching fields roll by through rain-speckled glass. So yeah, if you’re looking for a Salt Cathedral tour that isn’t chaos or selfies every two seconds, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Salt Cathedral and local attractions

• Travel from Bogotá to Zipaquirá
• Explore Salt Cathedral for 2 hours
• Walk around nearby attractions
• Enjoy lunch break
• Return to Bogotá

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Salt Cathedral tour?

Yes, pickup is included—just specify your starting point when booking.

How long does it take to get from Bogotá to Zipaquirá?

The drive usually takes about an hour each way without extra stops.

Is lunch included in this Salt Cathedral day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant in Zipaquirá.

Is the Salt Cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation and all areas of the Salt Cathedral are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join; strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Do I need my passport or vaccination card?

You’ll need your passport details and vaccination card (digital is fine) for entry.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Spanish and English during the tour.

Is public transportation an option nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points.

What’s included

Your day includes direct transportation from Bogotá (with no wasted time on multiple pickups), full entry to Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral, guided walking through both cathedral tunnels and town streets, lunch at a local spot where you can try Colombian dishes, plus medical assistance throughout if needed—and everything’s accessible whether you’re using a stroller or wheelchair.