From Bogota: Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour

Explore the captivating natural and cultural wonders that lie just beyond Bogota’s bustling city limits. This all-inclusive 11-hour tour whisks you away to the serene Guatavita Lake, steeped in Muisca heritage and the legendary tale of El Dorado. Then, venture underground to the awe-inspiring Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a former salt mine transformed into an ethereal, subterranean sanctuary. Complemented by a traditional Colombian lunch and guided insights, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the diverse landscapes and rich history that surround the Colombian capital. What secrets do these remarkable destinations hold?

Key Points

• This 11-hour excursion from Bogota takes visitors to the sacred Guatavita Lake and the renowned Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.
• Guided treks offer immersive experiences, showcasing Colombia’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
• The tour includes a typical Colombian lunch, featuring local delicacies like Bandeja Paisa and Ajiaco.
• Knowledgeable English and Spanish-speaking guides provide insights throughout the journey.
• The tour is highly rated, offering exceptional value for money and transportation services.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour is an 11-hour excursion that takes visitors to two of Colombia’s most captivating destinations.

Priced from $157.40 per person, the tour includes pickup from hotels in Bogotá and provides English and Spanish-speaking guides.

Guests will explore the sacred Guatavita Lake, associated with the legendary El Dorado, and the impressive Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a former salt mine converted into an underground religious site.

A typical Colombian lunch is included, and the tour allows for optional sightseeing in Zipaquira’s historic center.

With a 4.8/5 rating based on 13 reviews, this tour offers an immersive experience combining natural wonders, cultural heritage, and regional cuisine.

Guatavita Lake

Guatavita Lake is a sacred site deeply linked to the legendary El Dorado story and the indigenous Muisca culture.

This 15-minute ascending trek offers visitors the chance to enjoy the lagoon’s serene beauty and stunning views. During the guided trekking, guests will stop at various points to learn about the lake’s history and significance.

The tour provides insight into the indigenous rituals and beliefs that once took place around this revered location. Surrounded by the lush Andes mountains, Guatavita Lake offers a glimpse into Colombia’s rich cultural heritage and the mystical origins of the El Dorado legend.

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Located 49 km from Bogota, the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is a former salt mine that has been converted into a remarkable cathedral.

The cathedral features the use of natural and human-made elements, showcasing the intricate interplay between the two. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s various chambers, each with its own unique symbolism and architectural design.

The cathedral is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the human spirit, as well as the natural wonder of the earth.

Notable features include:

• Impressive underground chambers carved from salt
• Intricate religious symbols and artwork
• Natural lighting through the salt walls
• An expansive central nave
• Guided tours available in multiple languages

Lunch

A typical Colombian lunch is included in the Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour, providing visitors with an opportunity to savor the local cuisine at a regional restaurant. During this meal, guests can expect to indulge in a variety of authentic dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Colombian gastronomy.

Dish	Description	Ingredients
Bandeja Paisa	A hearty platter featuring grilled steak, chorizo, fried egg, red beans, rice, plantain, and more.	Beef, pork, beans, rice, plantains, corn, eggs.
Ajiaco	A creamy potato soup infused with herbs and garnished with shredded chicken, avocado, and capers.	Potatoes, chicken, corn, avocado, capers.
Tamales	Savory maize-based delicacies wrapped in plantain or banana leaves.	Corn, pork, chicken, vegetables, spices.

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Inclusions

The Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour includes several key elements to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors.

The tour includes:

• Private transportation service, picking up and dropping off guests at their hotel
• Spanish, English, and German-speaking guides to provide insights at Guatavita Lake
• Bilingual audio guides for the tour of the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
• Admission fees to both the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the Guatavita Lagoon
• Accompaniment by the tour guide throughout the entire trip

These inclusions ensure a seamless and informative journey, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of these unique destinations.

Recommendations and Restrictions

For the Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour, visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and sun protection. As the tour involves trekking and visiting high-altitude sites, it is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or recent surgeries. Those prone to altitude sickness or with hearing impairments should also reconsider this tour.

Recommendations	Restrictions
Comfortable shoes	Mobility impairments
Warm clothing	Heart problems
Sunscreen	High blood pressure
Layered jacket	Diabetes

The tour’s activity level and environmental factors require proper preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Guatavita Lake & Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 13 reviews.

Standout aspects of the tour include:

• Exceptional transportation, with a perfect 5/5 rating for the private service
• Excellent value for money, also rated 5/5
• Knowledgeable guides who brought the sites’ history and significance to life
• Breathtaking scenery at both Guatavita Lake and the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
• Authentic Colombian cuisine served for lunch, further enhancing the cultural experience

While a few reviewers noted minor issues with communication around scheduling and pickup, the tour’s overall feedback demonstrates it delivers an exceptional and memorable experience for visitors to Bogota.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start and End?

The tour starts in the morning and lasts approximately 11 hours. Guests are asked to wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The tour typically ends in the evening.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

There is no stated maximum group size for the tour. The tour is a private service, so the group size can vary. However, the tour includes transportation, guides, and admission fees, so the size may be limited to ensure a comfortable experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t offer any discounts or packages for this tour. The price is a flat rate of $157.40 per person, which includes transportation, guides, admission fees, and a typical Colombian lunch.

Can I Book This Tour in Advance or Is It Available on the Day?

This tour can be booked in advance, as it requires reservations. Customers don’t have the option to purchase it on the same day. Advance booking is recommended to secure availability and get the best price.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Age-Appropriate Activities for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, but it may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues due to the trekking and altitude. The itinerary offers activities appropriate for a range of ages.

Recap

The tour from Bogota to Guatavita Lake and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the sacred Muisca heritage at Guatavita, then marvel at the stunning underground cathedral carved from salt. With a traditional Colombian lunch, guided insights, and breathtaking Andean landscapes, this tour provides a comprehensive and unforgettable journey for those seeking to discover the rich history and natural beauty of the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: