Lake Guatavita, Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, and Colonial Towns

Nestled in the heart of Colombia’s Cundinamarca region, Lake Guatavita, Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, and the charming colonial towns captivate visitors with their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the mysterious legends surrounding the lake to the awe-inspiring underground cathedral carved from salt, this area offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and outdoor exploration. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the secrets of the past or simply learn about the vibrant local culture, this dynamic destination promises an unforgettable experience. But to truly grasp the allure of this remarkable region, one must venture beyond the surface and discover the…

Key Points

• The tour includes visits to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, Lake Guatavita, and charming colonial towns, providing an immersive experience of Colombia’s natural and cultural wonders.
• The tour is priced at $367.20 per person, covering transportation, entrance fees, and a bilingual guide, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights of the tour include an underground tour of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a trek through the Guatavita Nature Reserve, and a walking tour of Zipaquirá.
• The tour begins with an early pickup from Bogotá, allowing visitors to explore the scenic Cundinamarca countryside and enjoy the region’s history and culture.
• The tour provides efficient logistics, including private transportation and a hassle-free journey, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience for participants.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore Lake Guatavita, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and charming colonial towns.

Priced at $367.20 per person, the 10-hour excursion includes transportation, entrance fees, and a bilingual guide.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The highlights include an underground tour of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a trek through the Guatavita nature reserve, and a walking tour of historic Zipaquirá.

With early pickup from Bogotá, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Colombia’s natural and cultural wonders.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour kicks off with an early pickup from Bogotá at 7 am, allowing visitors to make the scenic drive through the Cundinamarca countryside. First, they’ll explore the underground tunnels of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a marvel dating back 250 million years and connected to the pre-Colombian Musicas culture. After a walking tour of the town’s colonial-style architecture, the group will trek through the Guatavita Nature Reserve to reach the legendary birthplace of El Dorado, Lake Guatavita.

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral	Lake Guatavita
Explore underground tunnels	Trek through nature reserve
History dating back 250 million years	Birthplace of El Dorado legend
Pre-Colombian Musicas culture	History of Musicas Indians

Transportation and Logistics

For this tour, travelers are provided with pickup and drop-off from their Bogotá accommodation.

They’ll be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable journey.

The scenic drive through the Cundinamarca countryside offers a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty. Participants can sit back, relax, and enjoy the picturesque views as the tour makes its way to the various destinations, including the Zipaquirá Salt Mine Cathedral and the Guatavita Reserve.

With efficient transportation and logistics, this tour allows visitors to fully enjoy the cultural and historical experiences without the hassle of navigating the logistics on their own.

Inclusions

The tour includes a guided visit to the Guatavita Reserve, where travelers can trek through the nature reserve for around 90 minutes and explore the birthplace of the legendary El Dorado.

It also features a tour of the Zipaquirá Salt Mine Cathedral, a stunning underground cathedral carved into a salt mine with a history dating back 250 million years.

The tour provides entrance fees and a bilingual guide to ensure an informative and engaging experience.

Plus, there’s a photo stop in the charming town of Guatavita.

All transportation is provided in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey as comfortable as the destinations.

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Exclusions

Aside from the inclusions mentioned, the tour doesn’t cover any additional experiences or transportation not explicitly stated in the plan.

Travelers will need to cover any personal expenses incurred, such as meals, snacks, or souvenirs. Tips for the tour guide, though appreciated, are also not included in the tour price.

It’s important for participants to be aware of these exclusions beforehand to budget accordingly and avoid any unexpected costs.

The focus of this tour is on the key highlights of Lake Guatavita, Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, and the charming colonial towns, providing a comprehensive experience without additional add-ons.

Musicas Culture and History

The pre-Colombian Musicas culture dates back over 5 centuries BCE, originating in the region surrounding Lake Guatavita. This ancient indigenous group left a rich legacy, including their reverence for the lake as the birthplace of the El Dorado legend. Visitors can learn about their history and customs during the trek through the Guatavita nature reserve.

Musicas Artifacts	Musicas Beliefs	Musicas Society
Gold ornaments	Sun worship	Hierarchical
Pottery	Ancestor veneration	Agrarian
Textiles	Nature spirits	Communal living

The Musicas’ deep connection to the land and spiritual traditions continues to captivate visitors exploring this region’s cultural heritage.

El Dorado Legend

Although the pre-Colombian Musicas culture left a rich legacy, it’s their connection to the fabled El Dorado legend that has captivated the imaginations of people worldwide.

Lake Guatavita, nestled in the Andes mountains, is believed to be the birthplace of this myth. According to legend, the Musicas chief would cover himself in gold dust and dive into the lake’s waters, an act that symbolized the ritual of a new ruler’s coronation.

This ritual gave rise to the legend of a lost city of gold, sparking centuries of exploration and adventure.

Today, visitors can trek through the Guatavita Nature Reserve and stand in awe of the lake’s serene beauty, forever linked to the enduring mystery of El Dorado.

Recap

Exploring Lake Guatavita, Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and picturesque colonial towns offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and intriguing historical legends. This journey through Cundinamarca promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to uncover Colombia’s diverse wonders and create lasting memories. Whether seeking adventure, architectural marvels, or culture, this region delivers a truly memorable and fulfilling travel experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: