Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá tour with private transport

Descend into a salt mine cathedral 180 meters below ground

A private tour from Bogotá to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an old salt mine converted into a cathedral 40 kilometers outside the city. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a Spanish-speaking guide, descend into tunnels carved by miners and sculptors, and see the central dome with its 15-meter cross before visiting Zipaquirá's main park and church on the way back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Tour Salt Cathedral and Zipaquirá town

• Pick up at agreed meeting point
• Travel to Zipaquirá (40 km from Bogotá)
• Receive entry tickets at salt mine entrance
• Tour tunnels and salt stations of Via Crucis
• Descend into cathedral depths and see central dome
• Visit restaurants for typical Colombian food
• Explore Zipaquirá main park and church
• Return to Bogotá hotel or Airbnb

The experience

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá sits 180 meters underground in what was once a working salt mine. Pickup happens at a meeting point you arrange, then the drive takes you 40 kilometers from Bogotá through changing landscapes to the mine entrance, where entry tickets are handed over. The guide leads you through tunnels decorated with hand-carved stations of the Via Crucis (figures sculpted by miners and national and international artists), and down into the depths where the central dome opens up. The largest cross in the cathedral rises 15 meters from the floor, carved from the salt itself.

After the underground tour, you have time to eat at restaurants inside the cathedral complex, where typical Colombian dishes are available if you want them. The route back includes a stop at Zipaquirá's main park and church before returning to your hotel or Airbnb in Bogotá. If you want a gastronomic detour, the guide can arrange a stop at Andres Carne de Res on the return journey for an additional charge.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• entrance tickets to the Salt Cathedral.
• pickup from your Bogotá hotel or Airbnb.
• a Spanish-speaking guide for the full tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideSpanish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TESLA TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided visit to the salt cathedral plus time exploring Zipaquirá's town center, all in one trip from Bogotá.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá?

The Salt Cathedral is an old salt mine that has been transformed into a cathedral, blending the work of miners and sculptors with the natural salt formations. The central dome features a 15-meter cross, and the tunnels are lined with hand-carved stations of the Via Crucis created by both miners and professional sculptors from Colombia and abroad.

How deep do you go into the salt mine?

The cathedral sits 180 meters below ground, and the tour takes you down into the depths where the central dome and the largest cross are located.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but restaurants inside the cathedral complex offer typical Colombian food that you can purchase if you wish.

How far is Zipaquirá from Bogotá?

The Salt Cathedral is approximately 40 kilometers from Bogotá, and the drive is part of the tour experience, with views of landscapes along the way.

Can I add a restaurant stop on the way back?

Yes, the guide can arrange a stop at Andres Carne de Res on the return to Bogotá for an additional surcharge if you want a gastronomic experience with traditional Colombian dishes.