Steeped in indigenous legends and natural beauty, Guatavita Lagoon beckons visitors to explore the rich history of the Muisca civilization and the captivating tale of El Dorado. The journey continues to the whimsical Casa Loca, an architectural marvel that delights with its quirky design. Culminating the experience is the awe-inspiring Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, where stunning craftsmanship within its underground chambers blends Colombia’s cultural heritage, natural wonders, and artistic ingenuity. This captivating tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the country’s remarkable tapestry of history, nature, and the extraordinary.
Key Points
- The tour includes visits to Guatavita Lagoon, where indigenous legends and the story of El Dorado can be discovered, and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, known for its architectural design.
- The tour also features a stop at the Casa Loca (Crazy House), providing an opportunity to explore Muisca civilization rituals and history.
- The tour offers a comprehensive experience, covering cultural, historical, and natural attractions, with transportation, guides, and admission tickets included.
- Participants should be prepared for significant walking, climbing, and outdoor conditions, as the tour may involve steep hikes and uneven surfaces.
- The tour duration is 12 hours, allowing for a thorough exploration of the sites, and the price of $92.28 per person is for a small-group experience (maximum 5 participants).
👉 Check out our guide to the 4 Best 3 Day Tours In Colombia
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary
- Included in the Tour
- Experience Highlights
- Important Information
- Customer Reviews
- Tour Pickup Locations
- Tour Duration and Price
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Current Water Level at Guatavita Lagoon?
- Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
- Does the Tour Provide Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options?
- Can We Visit the Crazy House on This Tour?
- What Is the Dress Code for the Salt Cathedral?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Colombia
- More Tour Reviews in Colombia
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Colombia we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The tour offers a full-day excursion from Bogotá to the captivating Guatavita Lagoon and the magnificent Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Starting at $92.28 per person, this small-group experience (limited to 5 participants) provides transportation, audio guides, local guides, and all necessary tickets.
Guests can choose from four convenient pickup locations in Bogotá before embarking on the 12-hour journey, which includes visits to both the Guatavita Lagoon and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, as well as an optional lunch.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option, this tour offers flexibility and convenience for travelers seeking to discover the region’s indigenous legends and the famous Legend of El Dorado.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Colombia.
Itinerary
The tour kicks off with pickup from one of four convenient locations in Bogotá: Museo Botero, Zona G, C.C Gran Estacion Costado Esfera Local 3-09, or Zona T. After the 1.5-hour transfer to Guatavita, visitors explore the captivating Guatavita Lagoon for 1 hour, followed by a 2-hour guided tour. The journey continues with a 1-hour transfer to Zipaquirá, where an optional 1-hour lunch break precedes the 2.5-hour guided tour of the renowned Salt Cathedral.
| Destination | Duration |
|---|---|
| Guatavita Lagoon | 1 hour |
| Guatavita Guided Tour | 2 hours |
| Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral | 2.5 hours |
The tour concludes with drop-off at one of the original four pickup locations in Bogotá.
Included in the Tour
Private transportation, audio guidance for the Salt Cathedral, and Spanish-language local guidance at Lake Guatavita are all included in this comprehensive tour package.
Plus, guests will receive:
- Bottles of water to stay hydrated throughout the day
- Admission tickets to the iconic Salt Cathedral and breathtaking Guatavita Lagoon
- Access to the whimsical Casa Loca (Crazy House), adding a unique touch to the experience
This meticulously curated tour ensures visitors can fully enjoy the region’s rich history, natural beauty, and architectural marvels without hassle or additional costs.
The seamless logistics and included amenities elevate the overall experience, making it a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable journey in the Bogotá area.
Experience Highlights
What stories await discovery at the two most visited places in the region? Uncover the secrets of Guatavita Lagoon and Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Explore every nook and cranny of these fascinating sites, learning about indigenous legends and the fabled El Dorado. At Guatavita, hear tales of the Muisca civilization and their rituals.
Then, marvel at the architectural wonder of the Salt Cathedral, carved directly into the salt deposits. Along the way, gain insights into the culture and history that have shaped these iconic Colombian destinations.
An unforgettable journey through the region’s most captivating highlights.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Although not suitable for wheelchair users, this tour is highly recommended for those seeking to explore the region’s most renowned sites.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing, as the tour involves a significant amount of walking and climbing. The tour may not be the best choice for those with mobility issues or who tire easily.
However, the stunning scenery and rich historical and cultural insights make it a must-do experience for active travelers.
Key things to consider:
- The Salt Cathedral has narrow passages and uneven surfaces, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.
- Guatavita Lagoon involves a steep hike, so sturdy shoes are essential.
- Participants should be prepared for changes in weather, as the tour occurs outdoors.
Customer Reviews
One review of the tour currently appears on the website, and it’s overwhelmingly positive.
The reviewer, Carolina from Spain, gave the tour a 5/5 rating and had high praise for the experience. She noted that the group had an amazing time and that their guide, Gabriel, was awesome.
They were able to visit all of the scheduled locations within the expected time frame, and even found time for an additional place.
The review suggests that the tour delivers on its promise to provide a comprehensive exploration of the Guatavita Lagoon and Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, leaving customers thoroughly satisfied with the experience.
Tour Pickup Locations
The tour offers pickup from four convenient locations across Bogotá, ensuring a seamless start to the excursion.
Participants can choose to be picked up at:
- Museo Botero, a renowned art museum showcasing the works of Fernando Botero
- Zona G, a vibrant commercial and dining district
- C.C Gran Estacion Costado Esfera Local 3-09, a prominent shopping center
- Zona T, a lively neighborhood known for its trendy shops and restaurants
These strategic pickup points allow travelers to conveniently access the tour from various parts of the city, making it an accessible and hassle-free experience from the very beginning.
Tour Duration and Price
The tour’s duration spans 12 hours, providing ample time to thoroughly explore the captivating Guatavita Lagoon and the awe-inspiring Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Priced at $92.28 per person, this small-group experience offers excellent value, with a maximum of only 5 participants.
The tour’s flexibility allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a convenient "reserve now, pay later" option is available.
Whether you’re seeking culture, natural wonders, or architectural marvels, this comprehensive tour delivers a well-rounded and unforgettable experience in the heart of Colombia’s stunning landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Current Water Level at Guatavita Lagoon?
The current water level at Guatavita Lagoon is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. The tour overview suggests visitors will have the opportunity to explore the lagoon, but does not provide any details about its current water levels.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
Based on the tour overview, pets are not mentioned as being allowed. The tour seems to be focused on human participants, and there’s no indication that pets are accommodated. It’s likely pets are not permitted on this particular tour.
Does the Tour Provide Any Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Lunch Options?
The tour provides vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options upon request. Guests can notify the tour operator in advance about any dietary requirements, ensuring they enjoy a comfortable and accommodating dining experience during the tour.
Can We Visit the Crazy House on This Tour?
The tour does not include a visit to the Casa Loca (Crazy House). The itinerary focuses on the Guatavita Lagoon and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. However, the tour provides tickets to the Casa Loca, so it can be visited independently.
What Is the Dress Code for the Salt Cathedral?
The recommended dress code for the Salt Cathedral is comfortable clothing. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking through the intricate salt cathedral. Loose, breathable fabrics are suggested to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
Guatavita Lagoon + Crazy House + Salt Cathedral
Recap
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s captivating landscape, where indigenous legends, architectural wonders, and cultural heritage converge. Explore the mystical Guatavita Lagoon, marvel at the whimsical Casa Loca, and be awestruck by the engineering brilliance of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. This immersive tour offers a seamless blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and artistic expression, leaving visitors with lasting memories of Colombia’s vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry.
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