Guatavita Lake & Salt Cathedral Private Day Tour from Bogotá

Summary

Private Bogotá Day Trip: Lake Guatavita & Zipaquirá Cathedral

You’ll get to explore Colombia’s legendary Lake Guatavita and the underground Salt Cathedral at your own pace, with a friendly local guide and private transport. It’s a mix of history, myth, and real Colombian life—all in one day.

What’s the experience like?

Fog still hung over the hills as we left Bogotá, the city slowly fading behind us. Our driver, Andrés, chatted about local legends while we wound through green valleys dotted with tiny roadside fruit stands—don’t skip the guanabana juice if you spot it. By mid-morning, we reached Lake Guatavita. The air here felt cooler and carried a faint earthy scent, almost metallic. Our guide explained how this crater lake inspired the El Dorado myth—standing on the edge, you can almost picture ancient ceremonies as sunlight dances on the water’s surface.

After a quick snack (I grabbed an arepa from a nearby vendor—still warm), we headed to Zipaquirá. The Salt Cathedral isn’t just another church; it’s carved deep inside a working salt mine. Walking down the dimly lit tunnels, you’ll hear echoes and catch whiffs of salt in the air. The audio-guide pointed out carvings I’d have missed otherwise, like the cross-shaped columns and little chapels tucked into corners. Locals still come here to pray, so it’s not just for tourists—it feels alive.

We finished with a stroll through Zipaquirá’s old town square, where kids played soccer and vendors sold obleas (those thin wafers stuffed with caramel). There’s time to linger or grab coffee at Café La Principal if you want—the pace is relaxed and nobody rushes you along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guatavita Lake & Salt Cathedral

• Discover Lake Guatavita
• Visit Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
• Walk through historic downtown

Top questions

How long does the tour last?

The tour usually takes around 8-10 hours, but there’s no strict rush—you can spend more time at each stop if you want.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price. You can let us know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions.

Are there any physical requirements?

You should be able to walk moderate distances and handle some stairs, especially inside the Salt Cathedral. It’s not recommended for those with certain health conditions.

Do you offer infant seats?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request—just let us know when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Bogotá, an English-speaking guide, entry tickets for both Lake Guatavita and the Salt Cathedral (with audio-guide inside), plus lunch. We also provide infant seats if needed—just ask ahead of time.