Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Guatavita Day Tour With Pickup

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Day Tour offers a captivating journey into the heart of Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. This 12-hour excursion takes visitors on an unforgettable exploration of the underground sanctuary, adorned with intricate salt sculptures, and the sacred Laguna de Guatavita, steeped in indigenous history and the legendary tale of El Dorado. Guided by knowledgeable experts, travelers can enjoy panoramic vistas, insightful narratives, and the opportunity to savor local cuisine. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour promises to unveil the wonders that await in this remarkable South American destination.

Key Points

• The day tour features visits to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Laguna de Guatavita, providing insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• The 12-hour tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance tickets, driver/guide services, and an audio guide, offering a comprehensive experience.
• Highlights include panoramic views of Zipaquirá, learning about the Muisca culture, and exploring the sacred Laguna de Guatavita.
• The tour is priced between $85.49 to $94.99 per person and offers excellent value, with positive feedback on knowledgeable guides and spacious transportation.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, and recommended items include comfortable clothes, drinks, and sun protection.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This day tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore two of Colombia’s most captivating natural and cultural attractions.

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground sanctuary carved from salt rock, and the Laguna de Guatavita, known as the legendary El Dorado lagoon, are the highlights of this 12-hour excursion.

Priced from $85.49 to $94.99 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, driver/guide services, and an audio guide.

Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Zipaquirá town and learn about the rich Muisca culture and the significance of gold in the creation of the El Dorado legend.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights of the Experience

Visitors can explore Laguna de Guatavita, rich in indigenous history and legends, and discover the awe-inspiring Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, an underground sanctuary carved from salt rock.

They’ll learn about Muisca culture, the significance of gold, and the creation of the El Dorado legend.

After enjoying panoramic views of Zipaquirá town, they’ll have free time for lunch.

This shared tour experience provides hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, a driver/guide, and an audio guide in the visitor’s language.

With positive feedback highlighting knowledgeable guides, spacious transportation, and well-organized tours, this excursion offers a unique opportunity to take in Colombia’s rich history and natural wonders.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets to the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon National Park, a driver/guide and tour guide for groups over 4 people, an audio guide in the visitor’s language, and a guided tour inside Guatavita Lagoon (in English if available).

The shared tour experience provides excellent value for money. However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Visitors should bring:

1. Comfortable clothes
2. Drinks
3. Sunscreen
4. Comfortable shoes

There are no sudden extra charges, but the cost of drinks, food, or souvenirs isn’t included.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, this day tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 63 reviews.

Travelers have particularly praised the transportation, which has a 4.8/5 rating, and the overall value for money, which scores 4.6/5.

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, spacious transportation, and well-organized tours.

The positive feedback suggests this tour provides an engaging and informative experience exploring the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon, while offering good value.

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Important Information

For this day tour, visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and to bring any necessary drinks or sun protection.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. There are no sudden extra charges, but costs for drinks, food, or souvenirs aren’t included.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Entrance tickets to the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon National Park
3. A driver/guide and tour guide for groups over 4 people
4. An audio guide in your language and a guided tour inside Guatavita Lagoon (English if available).

Laguna De Guatavita

Laguna de Guatavita, also known as the "El Dorado" lagoon, is rich in indigenous history and legends.

This sacred lake, located high in the Andes mountains, was once the site of an ancient Muisca ritual where the new leader would cover himself in gold dust and dive into the waters as an offering to the gods.

Today, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the lagoon and learn about the significance of the ritual that inspired the legendary tale of El Dorado, the lost city of gold.

With stunning vistas and a glimpse into the past, a visit to Laguna de Guatavita is a highlight of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Guatavita day tour.

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Within the heart of the Andes mountains, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral stands as an extraordinary feat of engineering and a testament to human ingenuity.

This underground sanctuary, carved entirely from salt rock, is a captivating site that attracts visitors from around the world.

The cathedral features:

1. Intricate salt sculptures and carvings that line the walls and ceilings.
2. Towering salt columns that support the cathedral’s structure.
3. A central nave and altar, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
4. Strategically placed lighting that enhances the cathedral’s natural beauty and unique ambiance.

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral isn’t only a remarkable architectural achievement but also a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage and the resilience of the human spirit.

Muisca Culture and El Dorado Legend

The Muisca people were an ancient civilization that flourished in the Andean highlands of present-day Colombia. They were renowned for their sophisticated goldsmithing techniques and the legend of El Dorado, the "Golden One."

According to myth, the Muisca king would cover himself in gold dust and dive into the waters of Lake Guatavita, giving rise to the legend of a lost city of gold. This myth captivated Spanish conquistadors, leading to expeditions and the eventual downfall of the Muisca civilization.

Today, visitors can explore the history and cultural significance of the Muisca people at the Guatavita Lagoon, a highlight of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Guatavita day tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Get Motion Sickness on the Way to the Sites?

While motion sickness can vary from person to person, the tour’s included transportation is designed to minimize discomfort. Travelers prone to motion sickness may want to take precautions, such as bringing medication or sitting near the front of the vehicle.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The tour doesn’t include the cost of drinks, food, or souvenirs, so you’ll have opportunities to buy local crafts and items as desired at your own expense.

Are There Any Physical Fitness Requirements for This Tour?

There are no specific physical fitness requirements for this tour. However, participants should be able to walk and stand for extended periods. The tour may not be suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Salt Cathedral?

Yes, visitors are generally permitted to take photographs inside the Salt Cathedral. However, it’s best to check with the tour guides or staff for any specific policies or restrictions on photography within the cathedral.

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Laguna De Guatavita?

There’s no strict dress code for visiting the Guatavita Lagoon. Visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the changeable weather conditions.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating exploration of Colombia’s natural and cultural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the intricate salt sculptures inside the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and uncover the indigenous history of the sacred Laguna de Guatavita. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and free time for lunch, this comprehensive day trip provides an immersive experience to fully appreciate the country’s rich heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: