Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon From Bogota (Private Tour)

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon make for a captivating private tour from Bogotá. Descend into the underground cathedral’s salt-carved chambers, marveling at the serene ambiance. Then, hike along the picturesque trails of Lake Guatavita, where the legendary tale of El Dorado beckons. Savor traditional Colombian cuisine and benefit from expert guides to enrich your adventure. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Colombia’s natural and cultural wonders.

Key Points

• Immersive tour of Colombia’s iconic Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita, including an audio-guided exploration of the salt cathedral’s remarkable underground chambers.
• Discover the legend of El Dorado and the ancient rituals of the Muisca people at the serene and vividly green Lake Guatavita.
• Savor a traditional Colombian lunch to complement the cultural experience during the tour.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, with all entrance fees included in the tour package.
• Preparation tips and biosecurity measures provided to ensure a safe and comfortable adventure.

Highlights of the Tour

Travelers on this private tour are immersed in a captivating exploration of two of Colombia’s most iconic attractions.

First, they explore the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground marvel carved from salt, where they discover the Stations of the Cross and learn about its unique history through an audio guide.

Travelers explore the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground marvel carved from salt, and discover the Stations of the Cross with an audio guide.

Next, they visit the serene Lake Guatavita, famed for its vivid green hue and connection to the El Dorado legend.

Along the way, guests savor a delicious traditional Colombian lunch and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes, making for an unforgettable cultural adventure.

Exploring the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, carved deep within the Earth’s crust.

Descending underground, visitors are greeted by a series of illuminated chambers and chapels, each carved entirely from salt.

The cathedral’s highlights include:

• The Main Nave, featuring towering salt sculptures and intricate chandeliers.

• The 14 Stations of the Cross, sculpted from the very salt deposits that line the walls.

• The Dome, an impressive architectural centerpiece that floods the space with natural light.

• The Miraculous Spring, a natural salt spring believed to possess healing properties.

• The serene ambiance, with the tranquil sound of water dripping from the salt walls.

Taking in the El Dorado Legend at Lake Guatavita

After exploring the remarkable salt cathedral, the tour continues to Lake Guatavita, a crater lake steeped in the legendary tale of El Dorado.

Visitors hike along beautiful natural paths, taking in the lake’s vivid green waters. The crater was the site of an ancient ritual where the Muisca people would cover their leader in gold dust, making him the mythical "El Dorado."

Though the legend has been debunked, the lake maintains an air of mystery and wonder. Guests can learn about this captivating history from knowledgeable guides before enjoying a traditional Colombian lunch.

Savoring the Traditional Colombian Cuisine

A delightful traditional Colombian meal awaits guests during the tour. Served in Zipaquirá, the lunch features a tantalizing array of local flavors.

A tantalizing array of local Colombian flavors awaits guests during the tour, served in Zipaquirá.

Guests can savor:

• Bandeja paisa – a hearty platter with red beans, ground meat, chorizo, fried egg, arepa, and plantain.

• Ajiaco – a creamy potato soup with chicken, corn, and avocado.

• Tamales – steamed corn dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, and herbs.

• Jugo de lulo – a refreshing juice made from the tart lulo fruit.

• Arroz con coco – a sweet coconut rice dessert.

This authentic culinary experience complements the culture of the tour.

Convenient Transportation and Inclusions

Guests joining this tour won’t have to worry about transportation or access to the main attractions. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

The tour also covers entrance fees to both the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves without additional costs. An audioguide is provided at the Salt Cathedral, enhancing the exploration of this unique underground wonder.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Zipaquirá is also part of the package, giving travelers a chance to savor traditional Colombian cuisine. With these convenient inclusions, the tour offers a hassle-free way to discover these captivating sites.

Meeting the Knowledgeable Guides

Travelers on this tour are met by knowledgeable local guides who bring the destinations to life with their expertise and attentiveness.

These guides, such as Esteban, Camila, and Guillermo, are praised by previous guests for their deep understanding of the sites and ability to provide cultural insights.

Highlights of their guidance include:

• Sharing the history and significance of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral‘s unique underground architecture and salt carvings

• Enriching the hike through the beautiful natural paths around Lake Guatavita with stories of the El Dorado legend

• Ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience, from hotel pickup to lunch in Zipaquirá.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for the tour requires a bit of advance planning to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Guests should dress appropriately for outdoor activities, with comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. It’s also important to bring any necessary medications, as well as sun protection and water for the hike through the beautiful natural paths around Lake Guatavita.

Dress comfortably for outdoor activities, bring necessary medications, sun protection, and water for the hike around Lake Guatavita.

The tour operators provide a biosecurity kit with masks and hand sanitizer, but guests may want to bring additional personal items.

As long as visitors come prepared, they’ll be able to fully enjoy the unique wonders of the Salt Cathedral and the Guatavita Lagoon.

Capturing Memorable Experiences

With the unique architectural wonder of the Salt Cathedral and the captivating natural beauty of the Guatavita Lagoon, visitors can’t help but be awestruck by the sheer splendor of these attractions.

From the intricate salt carvings and the serene underground atmosphere to the vibrant green hues of the crater lake, there are countless opportunities to immortalize these experiences through photography.

Consider capturing:

• Dramatic lighting and shadows in the Salt Cathedral

• Panoramic shots of the Guatavita Lagoon from the hiking trails

• Close-up details of the salt sculptures and formations

• Candid moments with your travel companions

• Aerial perspectives from the lookout points

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes lunch, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks if they prefer. However, the tour operator encourages participants to enjoy the included traditional Colombian meal for a more authentic experience.

How Much Time Do We Spend at Each Attraction?

The tour typically spends around 1.5-2 hours at the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and 1-1.5 hours at the Guatavita Lagoon, allowing ample time to explore each attraction. The exact time spent may vary depending on the group’s pace and interests.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for young children, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness for hiking and uneven terrain. Infant seats are available, but the overall experience may be more suitable for older children and adults.

Can I Rent a Wheelchair or Mobility Assistance Device?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers and infant seats are available. Visitors with mobility issues may find the hike challenging, so they should consult the tour provider for accommodations or alternative options.

Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

The tour includes an opportunity to purchase souvenirs at the Salt Cathedral. However, the guide will aim to minimize any unnecessary shopping pressure so guests can focus on the main attractions and cultural experience.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable journey from Bogotá, discovering the breathtaking Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and the enchanting Guatavita Lagoon. Enjoy the remarkable underground cathedral, explore the picturesque trails of Lake Guatavita, and savor the traditional Colombian cuisine, all while benefiting from convenient transportation and expert guides. This private tour promises an enriching cultural experience and the opportunity to capture memories that will last a lifetime.