Guatavita & Salt Cathedral: Group Day Trip from Bogotá

Summary

From Bogotá to Guatavita’s legend and Zipaquirá’s salt cathedral in one day

You’ll feel Bogotá slip away as you ride out to Guatavita Lagoon, where mist hangs over ancient waters and Muisca legends still echo quietly. Climb through cloud-wrapped hills before descending into Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral—a place both silent and full of life. With local guides, transport included, and time for lunch along the way, it’s a day that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the morning to start with that thick Bogotá chill biting through my jacket as we waited by Parque de la 93. The van pulled up—red jackets, just like the email said—and people shuffled in, still half-asleep. Our coordinator, Camila, switched between Spanish and English so easily it made me wish I’d paid more attention in class. I caught myself watching the city fade into green hills before I even realized we’d left.

The road out to Guatavita Lagoon winds past this “new” whitewashed town—built after the dam flooded the old one. There was a weird hush when we got out, except for birds and someone’s distant radio. The air smelled sharp and earthy; maybe rain from last night? The climb up to the lagoon is no joke (152 steps, but who’s counting), and I was out of breath halfway up. Our guide told us about the Muisca ritual—the gold dust, El Dorado—and I tried to picture it all while my shoes squelched in the mud. She laughed when I asked if anyone ever found any gold (“Just stories now,” she shrugged). The lake itself… not sure how to describe it. It’s this circle of green water rimmed by clouds and silence. A few of us just stood there quietly for a while.

Lunch was simple—arepas with salty cheese from a roadside stand (Camila swore they’re best eaten hot). Then we crossed the savannah to Zipaquirá. The Salt Cathedral is something else: you go down into these tunnels carved from pure salt, cool and echoing, lit up in blue and purple lights that make everything feel dreamlike. You get an audio guide here (bring your own headphones if you can), which helped because my Spanish is… well, let’s just say not great. People moved slow underground; some stopped to touch the walls or whisper prayers in little chapels hollowed from salt. It felt ancient but also alive somehow.

We got back late because of traffic—Bogotá never lets you off easy—but nobody seemed to mind much. Someone played music on their phone; Camila told us stories about her abuela growing up near Zipaquirá. My legs were sore but my head felt kind of light, like I’d been somewhere outside time for a bit. Still think about that view over Guatavita sometimes—you know how some places just stick with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Guatavita Lagoon and Salt Cathedral

• Meet at Parque de la 93
• Travel to Guatavita town
• Hike up 152 steps to Guatavita Lagoon
• Explore Guatavita Lagoon area
• Travel to Zipaquirá
• Visit Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
• Return to Parque de la 93

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Guatavita & Salt Cathedral tour?

No hotel pickup; tour starts at designated meeting points like Parque de la 93 or Candelaria.

How difficult is the hike at Guatavita Lagoon?

The hike includes 152 steps and uneven paths; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are guides available in English at Guatavita?

No; currently only Spanish-speaking guides are available at Guatavita Lagoon.

Is entry to both attractions included?

Entry to Guatavita Lagoon is included; Salt Cathedral entry depends on your selected option.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour begins and ends at Parque de la 93 in Bogotá.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No set lunch included; there is time allocated for lunch at your own expense.

Can I use public transportation to reach the meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby each meeting point.

Are audio guides available inside Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral?

Yes; audio guides are provided (bring your own headphones with audio jack).

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from central Bogotá meeting points, entrance fees for Guatavita Lagoon (with optional Salt Cathedral ticket depending on your booking), a Spanish-speaking local guide at Guatavita, insurance coverage during travel, access to an audio guide (Spanish/English) inside Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral if selected—plus free time for lunch before heading back through the savannah toward Bogotá in the evening.