Bogotá: Tour to Guatavita and Salt Cathedral in One Day

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Colombia is an enticing prospect for many travelers. A one-day tour from Bogotá promises to immerse visitors in the stunning landscapes and legendary history of the region. Visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and uncover the enchanting secrets of Lake Guatavita, all while indulging in local cuisine and shopping. This comprehensive 10-hour journey offers an opportunity to discover the essence of Colombia’s captivating wonders. With expert guidance and ample time for exploration, this tour sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• A comprehensive day tour from Bogotá exploring the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the legendary Lake Guatavita, with guided visits and flexible cancellation policy.
• Itinerary includes guided tours of the stunning underground Salt Cathedral and the cultural significance of the Guatavita lagoon associated with El Dorado.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, and expert guide provided, ensuring a hassle-free culture experience.
• Includes entrance fees to Guatavita Natural Park, with opportunities for exploration, shopping, and dining in the town of Zipaquirá.
• Important considerations include Spanish proficiency, prohibited items, and recommended personal items to enhance the tour experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two iconic Colombian landmarks – the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the sacred Lake Guatavita, both within a day’s journey from Bogotá.

Lasting 10 hours, the tour provides the opportunity to experience the authenticity of these sites, with guided visits and ample time for sightseeing and photography.

Priced from COP$3,404 to COP$2,928 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and an expert guide.

Travelers can choose from English or Spanish language options.

With a flexible cancellation policy, this tour promises an immersive cultural day trip from the Colombian capital.

Itinerary Highlights

Traveling to the iconic Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the sacred Lake Guatavita, the tour offers an immersive cultural experience.

Guided tours at both sites provide historical context, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the significance of these landmarks. At the Salt Cathedral, guests can marvel at the stunning underground cathedral carved from salt, while at Guatavita, they’ll explore the legendary lagoon associated with the myth of El Dorado.

The scenic views during travel add to the overall experience, highlighting the natural beauty of the region. With ample free time for exploration and dining, this comprehensive tour ensures a well-rounded discovery of these renowned Colombian destinations.

Inclusions and Exclusions

What exactly does the tour include?

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English or Spanish-speaking guide and driver-guide, visits to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Lake Guatavita, bottled water, and free time for lunch.

Entrance fees to the Guatavita Natural Park and lagoon are also covered.

However, any additional purchases, such as tickets to the Salt Cathedral, meals, and beverages, aren’t included in the tour price.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Bringing baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs isn’t allowed.

Pickup and Drop-off

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included in the tour package, providing convenient transportation to and from the various sites.

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Bogotá. From there, you’ll embark on the journey to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, located about an hour away.

After the cathedral visit, the tour proceeds to Guatavita, which is another 1.5 hours of travel. Following the exploration of Lake Guatavita, the tour group will be transported back to Bogotá, arriving approximately 2 hours later.

This hassle-free transportation allows you to fully learn about the cultural and natural wonders without the worry of navigating the routes on your own.

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Activities at Salt Cathedral

The tour’s first stop takes visitors on a guided exploration of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Carved out of salt deposits, this underground cathedral impresses with its size and intricate design.

The guided tour provides historical context, as guests marvel at the cathedral’s impressive architecture and religious iconography. Photo opportunities abound during the two-hour visit, allowing travelers to capture the cathedral’s ethereal beauty.

After the tour, guests enjoy a 30-minute break in Zipaquirá, with time to explore the town, browse shops, and grab a bite to eat before continuing the day’s adventure.

Break in Zipaquirá

After the guided tour of the Salt Cathedral, visitors enjoy a 30-minute break in Zipaquirá.

This charming town offers ample opportunities for shopping, walking, and dining. Visitors can browse local shops for traditional handicrafts, Colombian textiles, and souvenirs.

The town’s picturesque streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing visitors to soak in the local atmosphere. For those looking to refuel, Zipaquirá boasts a variety of restaurants serving delicious Colombian cuisine.

This break provides a chance to explore the town’s charms and prepare for the next leg of the tour – the journey to the stunning Lake Guatavita.

Exploring Lake Guatavita

After the break in Zipaquirá, the tour continues to the stunning Lake Guatavita.

Travelers will first take a 30-minute drive to reach the lake. Once there, they’ll enjoy a guided tour that provides historical context about this sacred site.

Visitors can then explore the area on their own, taking in the breathtaking views of the lagoon. The tour allows 2 hours to fully experience Lake Guatavita, from the guided tour to the free time for sightseeing.

This portion of the day trip offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural beauty and cultural significance of this picturesque destination.

Important Considerations

When planning this tour, a few important considerations should be kept in mind.

Firstly, the tour doesn’t provide a bilingual guide at the Guatavita site, so Spanish proficiency is recommended for this portion.

Plus, certain items aren’t allowed, such as baby strollers, alcohol, and drugs.

Lastly, visitors should come prepared with comfortable clothing and accessories, including:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight, breathable attire

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour duration is fixed at 10 hours and cannot be extended. The tour itinerary and schedule are predetermined, so customers must adhere to the provided timeline during the tour.

Is There a Discount for Larger Groups?

The tour operator offers group discounts for larger parties. Customers can save up to 14% when booking with 3 or more people. The price per person decreases as the group size increases.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Meals?

The tour does not include any meals, so there are no dietary restrictions. Travelers are free to purchase their own meals and snacks during the scheduled breaks, allowing them to accommodate any dietary needs or preferences.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can typically be customized to visit additional sites, but this may incur extra costs and require prior arrangement with the tour operator. Guests should inquire about potential customization options and associated fees.

Will There Be Any Stops for Restrooms During the Long Drive?

The tour includes scheduled stops for restroom breaks during the long drives. Travelers can expect to have the opportunity to use restroom facilities at various points throughout the day to ensure their comfort and convenience.

Recap

This comprehensive tour from Bogotá allows visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Colombia. Exploring the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the legendary Lake Guatavita in a single day provides a unique opportunity to discover the country’s natural and architectural wonders. With expert guidance, local cuisine, and ample time for exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: