Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Guatavita Lagoon tour from Bogotá

Walk through a salt mine cathedral, then hike to a sacred lagoon at high altitude

This full-day tour from Bogotá visits two landmarks: the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a former salt mine carved into 14 chapels connected by illuminated tunnels, and Lake Guatavita, a sacred site in the Andean mountains where you hike to 3,000 meters elevation. An audio guide leads you through the Cathedral's marble sculptures and lighting displays. A Spanish-speaking local guide joins you at the lagoon to share the history and legends of the Muisca people. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Guatavita2h · entry included
2. Zipaquira Salt Cathedral3h · entry included

Visit Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon

• Explore Zipaquira Salt Cathedral tunnels
• Learn about cathedral's architecture and history
• Enjoy marble sculptures and lighting show
• Hike to Guatavita Lagoon
• Hear legends from local guide
• Admire Andean mountain and colonial town views

The experience

The tour starts with over 2.5 kilometers of walking through the tunnels of a former salt mine, now the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. An audio guide (available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and two other languages) explains the carving of the 14 chapels, the marble sculptures created by an Italian artist, and the architectural details that earned it the title of Colombia's First Wonder. The lighting design and Water Mirrors create the visual centerpiece. You move through the tunnels at your own pace within the group.

After the Cathedral, the tour heads to Lake Guatavita in the Andean mountains. The hike climbs to 3,000 meters elevation to reach the lagoon, where a local guide who speaks Spanish shares the legends of El Dorado and the sacred history of the site for the Muisca people. The route also passes through Guatavita town, where you see colonial architecture. The full day runs 12 to 13 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

The audio guide at the Cathedral is included. Entrance fees to both sites are covered. A Spanish-speaking guide joins only at the lagoon. Lunch is not included, and the hike requires moderate physical fitness: the altitude and the climb rule out the tour for travelers with certain health conditions, including cardiovascular issues, recent surgery, or spinal injuries. Infants under one year are not recommended for this tour.

What’s included

• Audio guide at the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
• entrance fees to both the Cathedral and Lake Guatavita.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• local guide at the lagoon.
• medical insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 15

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Parche Cachaco Tours

Is this one for you?At 12 to 13 hours, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other Bogotá activities, so plan it as your main outing. The hike to the lagoon and the altitude require moderate fitness. If you have cardiovascular concerns, spinal issues, or recent surgery, this tour is not suitable.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral actually like inside?

The Salt Cathedral is a former salt mine carved into 14 chapels connected by illuminated tunnels running over 2.5 kilometers underground. The chambers feature marble sculptures carved by an Italian artist, and the lighting design creates reflective effects with Water Mirrors throughout. An audio guide walks you through the architectural details and cultural significance as you move through the tunnels.

How high is Lake Guatavita and what is the hike like?

Lake Guatavita sits at 3,000 meters elevation in the Andean mountains. You hike to reach it, and the climb requires moderate physical fitness. The altitude and exertion make this tour unsuitable for travelers with cardiovascular problems, knee or spinal issues, or recent surgery.

Does the tour include a meal?

Lunch is not included in the tour. You'll want to plan for food during the 12 to 13 hour day, or bring snacks for the hike to the lagoon.

What language does the guide speak at Lake Guatavita?

The local guide at Lake Guatavita speaks Spanish only. The audio guide at the Salt Cathedral is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and two additional languages.