Bogota: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour & Colonial Town Walk

Summary

Salt Cathedral depths, Zipaquira town colors, small group warmth

You’ll descend into Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral with a small group and local guide, exploring tunnels lit in deep blues and purples. There’s time for lunch in the colonial town square—try the ajiaco if you’re curious—and plenty of space for quiet moments or conversation. Expect cool air underground and warm smiles above ground.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Bogota when our driver, Andrés, started telling us stories about his childhood trips to Zipaquira. I was still half-awake, clutching my coffee in the van, but the landscape changed fast—buildings giving way to green hills and those little roadside stands selling arepas. The drive wasn’t long (maybe an hour and a bit?), but it felt like we’d left city life behind for something quieter. When we got to the Salt Cathedral entrance, Andrés handed us tickets—no lines, which honestly felt like a small miracle—and suggested we grab the audio guides in whatever language we wanted. I picked English but kind of wished I’d tried Spanish just to hear how “nave” sounds in context.

Walking down into the cathedral is… weirdly peaceful? The air gets cooler and there’s this faint mineral smell—like wet stone after rain. Inside, everything’s carved from salt rock: tunnels, crosses, even benches. The lighting is moody blues and purples that make you whisper without really meaning to. At one point our group paused at a station of the Via Crucis and nobody said anything for a minute—just listening to the echo of footsteps ahead. I remember running my hand along one wall (probably not allowed?) and feeling how rough it was under my palm.

Afterwards we wandered through Zipaquira’s main square—cobblestones, old balconies with peeling paint, people sitting on benches sharing empanadas. Andrés pointed out his favorite restaurant for lunch (I tried ajiaco; he laughed when I nearly called it “ajiaco soup,” which apparently is redundant). We had time to just sit and watch locals go by before heading back toward Bogota. I still think about that quiet moment underground—how different salt can feel from stone or earth. It sticks with you in ways you don’t expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Salt Cathedral and Zipaquira town

• Meet guide with tickets
• Enter Salt Cathedral
• Tour Via Crucis stations
• Admire central dome and sculptures
• Walk through Zipaquira Main Square
• Have lunch at typical restaurant
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How far is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral from Bogota?

The Salt Cathedral is about 50 km from Bogota; driving takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup from Bogota is included as part of your day trip to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.

Do I need to buy tickets for the Salt Cathedral separately?

No, your guide carries advance tickets so you won’t have to wait in line or purchase them yourself.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but there’s time set aside in Zipaquira town where your guide will recommend local restaurants.

Are audio guides available inside the cathedral?

Yes, you can request an audio guide in your preferred language when entering the Salt Cathedral.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers and service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup in Bogota, advance entry to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (no waiting), an audio guide inside the cathedral in your chosen language, free time for lunch at a local spot recommended by your guide or driver, plus a relaxed walk through Zipaquira’s main square before returning comfortably to your accommodation.