Bogotá: Guatavita Lake and Nemocón Salt Mines Tour

The "Bogotá: Guatavita Lake and Nemocón Salt Mines Tour" offers an exciting opportunity to explore Colombia’s natural and cultural wonders. Priced at $160 per person, this 9-hour excursion takes visitors on a scenic drive to the mystical Guatavita Lake, where they’ll uncover the legends of the Muisca people and the elusive El Dorado. After indulging in local cuisine, the adventure continues as explorers descend into the historic Nemocón salt mines, marveling at the stunning salt formations and delving into the region’s rich mining heritage. With a comprehensive itinerary and a professional guide, this tour promises an immersive experience that leaves you captivated and eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• A 9-hour guided tour from Bogotá to explore Guatavita Lake and Nemocón Salt Mines, priced from $160 per person with a small group size.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, a 2-hour drive to Guatavita Lake, a guided tour of the lake and nearby town, and a visit to the Nemocón salt mines.
• Highlights of the tour include the almost perfectly circular shape of Guatavita Lake, the opportunity to experience salt mining life, and scenic views of the Tomine reservoir.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with claustrophobia or heart problems, or wheelchair users, and comfortable shoes and altitude preparation are recommended.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback, with praise for knowledgeable guides, smooth organization, and unique cultural and geological experiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Bogotá: Guatavita Lake and Nemocón Salt Mines," offers an exciting day-long excursion from Bogotá.

Priced from $160 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and accommodates small groups of up to 11 people. Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying today.

The tour includes pickup from Bogotá hotels around 8 AM, a 2-hour drive to Lake Guatavita, a guided tour of the lake and nearby town, and an exploration of the Nemocón salt mines before returning to Bogotá.

Itinerary and Experience

Beginning their tour, guests embark on a 2-hour drive from Bogotá to the protected natural area of Lake Guatavita.

Upon arrival, they embark on a 75-minute guided tour, learning about the rich Muisca culture and the legendary El Dorado.

Afterwards, they enjoy a half-hour walk along the crater edge, taking in different views of the striking lagoon.

The tour then visits the town of Guatavita, where guests can explore the regional architecture and enjoy a local lunch.

The experience concludes with a tour of the Nemocón salt mines, where guests venture 60 meters underground to learn about Colombia’s salt industry.

Highlights and Features

Visitors can admire the almost perfectly circular shape of Lake Guatavita, a stunning natural wonder that serves as the backdrop for learning about the Muisca culture and the legendary El Dorado.

The tour also provides an opportunity to experience life as a miner, descending 60 meters below ground at the Nemocón salt mines.

Along the way, guests can take in scenic views of the Tomine reservoir, a vast 9-kilometer-long body of water.

Bilingual guides are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring a smooth and informative experience.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water, making it a comprehensive and value-packed adventure.

Participant Information

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with claustrophobia or heart problems, or wheelchair users.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as the tour involves a half-hour walk along the crater edge of Lake Guatavita and a descent 60 meters underground into the Nemocón salt mines. Sandals or flip-flops aren’t allowed.

The tour takes place at an elevation of up to 3,100 meters above sea level, so participants should be prepared for the high altitude.

The bilingual guides are available in both English and Spanish to provide a seamless experience.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

A high degree of customer satisfaction underscores this tour, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 8 reviews.

Reviewers particularly praised the knowledgeable guides, the smooth organization, and the unique experiences at both Guatavita Lake and the Nemocón salt mines.

The tour received a 5/5 rating for the guides, 4.8/5 for transportation, and 4.7/5 for value for money.

As one reviewer noted, the tour offered "an amazing opportunity to explore the cultural and geological wonders" of the region.

The consistently positive feedback suggests this tour provides an exceptional experience for visitors to Bogotá.

• "Amazing opportunity to explore cultural and geological wonders"
• "Knowledgeable guides brought the history to life"
• "Smooth organization from start to finish"

Exploring Guatavita Lake

The tour begins with a 2-hour drive from Bogotá to Lake Guatavita, a protected natural area nestled in the Andes mountains. This almost perfectly circular lake holds great significance in Muisca culture and the legend of El Dorado. Visitors embark on a 75-minute guided tour to learn about this fascinating history. They’ll then enjoy a half-hour walk along the crater edge, taking in different perspectives of the picturesque lagoon. The visit concludes in the town of Guatavita, where travelers can explore the regional architecture and enjoy a local lunch.

Highlights	Features
Almost perfectly circular lake	75-minute guided tour
Muisca cultural significance	Half-hour crater edge walk
El Dorado legend	Visit to Guatavita town
Scenic natural setting

Discovering Nemocón Salt Mines

After exploring the captivating Guatavita Lake, the tour continues underground to the historic Nemocón Salt Mines.

Descending 60 meters below the surface, visitors experience life as a salt miner, learning about the region’s rich salt industry.

The highlight of the tour includes:

• Wandering through the cavernous salt tunnels, admiring the stunning salt crystal formations.
• Discovering the salt miners’ tools and techniques used to extract this valuable mineral.
• Gaining a newfound appreciation for the arduous work required to harvest Colombia’s coveted salt.

This immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into the vital role salt has played in the country’s history and economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather is generally cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from 55°F to 70°F. It’s recommended to dress in layers as the temperatures can fluctuate, especially at the higher elevations.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, lunch and bottled water are already included in the tour package, so bringing additional items is optional.

Is There a Limit on the Number of Photos I Can Take?

There’s usually no limit on the number of photos visitors can take during tours. However, guides may ask travelers to be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific photo policies.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Sites?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at both sites. The tour includes time for shopping at the town of Guatavita and the salt mines, where you’ll find local handicrafts, artisanal products, and gifts related to the destinations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s typically an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can inquire with the tour operator about adding more time at the sites or including additional stops if they’d like to spend more time exploring the area.

Recap

The "Bogotá: Guatavita Lake and Nemocón Salt Mines Tour" offers a unique glimpse into Colombia’s natural and cultural heritage. Exploring the legendary Muisca culture at Guatavita Lake and descending into the historic Nemocón salt mines provides an enriching and adventurous experience. With stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and local cuisine, this tour is a comprehensive and immersive way to discover the remarkable wonders of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: