The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a remarkable underground marvel, carved deep within the earth by salt miners. A private tour offers visitors the chance to descend 200 meters and explore this awe-inspiring cathedral, a testament to human ingenuity and Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. With convenient transportation from Bogotá and the option to indulge in local cuisine and spa treatments, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking an immersive cultural adventure or simply a day of relaxation, this tour caters to a variety of interests, leaving you eager to discover more.

Good To Know

  • Provides a private day trip to Zipaquirá, including the Salt Cathedral, Desal Spa, and Zipaquirá Old Town.
  • Offers private transportation from Bogotá accommodations and includes admission tickets to attractions.
  • Allows an underground exploration of the Salt Cathedral, showcasing its engineering and cultural significance.
  • Includes an optional spa experience with salt-based rituals and relaxation services.
  • Offers a walking tour of Zipaquirá’s historic old town to complement the cathedral visit.

Tour Overview

This private day trip to Zipaquirá, located 60 km north of Bogotá, offers an immersive experience showcasing the region’s cultural and natural wonders.

Key attractions include the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church carved by salt miners 200 meters underground, the Desal Spa at the bottom of the salt mine, and the charming Zipaquirá Old Town.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with 1.5 hours spent at the Salt Cathedral and 1.5 hours exploring the historic town.

Private transportation is included from hotels and Airbnbs in Bogotá, making this an accessible and hassle-free adventure.

Salt Cathedral Exploration

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a remarkable feat of engineering and devotion. This Roman Catholic church, carved by salt miners, is located 200 meters underground in a halite mountain. It stands as a testament to the region’s cultural relevance of salt and the unwavering Christian faith of its creators.

Feature Description
Depth 200 meters underground
Location Inside a halite (salt) mountain
Significance A testament to Christian devotion and salt’s cultural significance
Construction Carved by salt miners

Exploring this subterranean sanctuary offers visitors a unique and awe-inspiring experience, showcasing the ingenuity and spiritual dedication of the local community.

Optional Spa Experience

At the bottom of the salt mine, visitors can find the Desal Spa, which offers an array of salt-inspired wellness experiences.

The spa features:

  1. Salt rituals, including body scrubs and therapeutic soaks in mineral-rich waters.
  2. Aromatherapy treatments using essential oils and fragrant salts.
  3. Relaxation and rejuvenation services such as massages and facials.
  4. A natural setting that allows guests to enjoy the unique environment of the salt mine.

These spa offerings provide an opportunity for visitors to unwind and rejuvenate after exploring the breathtaking Salt Cathedral above.

Walking Tour of Zipaquirá

After exploring the captivating Salt Cathedral, visitors can embark on a walking tour of Zipaquirá’s old town.

This charming journey takes guests through the cobbled stone roads, where they can admire the well-preserved colonial buildings and experience the town’s Spanish heritage.

The walking tour provides an opportunity to take in the local culture, observe the daily life of the residents, and appreciate the architectural splendor of the historic district.

This additional activity complements the cathedral visit, offering a comprehensive understanding of Zipaquirá’s rich history and cultural significance.

Transportation and Inclusions

Private transportation is included in the tour package, taking visitors from their hotels or Airbnbs in Bogotá to the Salt Cathedral and Zipaquirá old town.

The tour also includes:

  1. Travel insurance to provide peace of mind during the experience.
  2. GST (Goods and Services Tax) to cover all applicable taxes.
  3. Admission tickets to the Salt Cathedral and other attractions, ensuring a seamless experience.
  4. Lunch to fuel the exploration and provide a chance to savor local cuisine.

The tour’s pricing varies based on the group size, making it accessible for both solo travelers and larger parties.

Plus, the cancellation policy offers flexibility, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Pricing and Booking Details

Starting at $183.00, the tour’s pricing varies based on group size, making it accessible for both solo travelers and larger parties.

The tour includes private transportation, travel insurance, GST, lunch, and admission tickets.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, though not suitable for passengers with reduced mobility or baby strollers.

With a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews, travelers have appreciated the informative journey and the impressive experience at the Salt Cathedral.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing travelers with mobility needs to explore the intricately carved Salt Cathedral. However, the underground environment may not be suitable for all visitors:

  1. The tour isn’t recommended for passengers with reduced mobility, as the surfaces can be uneven and there are many stairs to navigate.

  2. Baby strollers aren’t permitted, as the narrow passageways and stairs pose a safety hazard.

  3. Visitors with claustrophobia or fear of enclosed spaces may find the underground cathedral challenging.

  4. The tour may not be suitable for individuals with respiratory conditions, as the air quality underground can be dry and dusty.

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have praised the impressive Salt Cathedral experience, awarding the tour a 5.0 rating from 4 reviews.

Three reviews were five-star, while one was four-star. Reviewers appreciated the informative journey and the breathtaking cathedral. They highlighted the tour’s organization and the guide’s extensive knowledge.

The private transportation from Bogotá hotels and Airbnbs was also noted as a convenient feature. While the site is wheelchair accessible, it may not be suitable for passengers with reduced mobility or baby strollers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit the Salt Cathedral on Our Own Without a Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the Salt Cathedral on their own without booking a tour. The cathedral is open to the public, and visitors can purchase tickets directly at the site.

Are There Any Restrictions on What We Can Bring Inside the Cathedral?

Visitors can bring cameras and small handheld belongings into the Salt Cathedral. However, large bags, tripods, and professional photography equipment are generally not allowed inside. Strict security measures are in place to maintain the cathedral’s sanctity and preserve the salt environment.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Salt Cathedral Experience?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the Salt Cathedral experience, though visitors are advised to check with tour guides for any specific restrictions. Tripods and flash photography may have limited use in certain areas of the underground cathedral.

Can We Extend Our Visit to the Salt Cathedral Beyond the Scheduled Time?

The tour time at the Salt Cathedral is fixed at approximately 1.5 hours. Visitors can’t extend their visit beyond the scheduled time, but they can explore the cathedral thoroughly within the allotted duration.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes all key attractions, transportation, and admission tickets. There are no additional costs or fees not already covered in the tour price, according to the details provided.

The Sum Up

This private tour provides a comprehensive and hassle-free experience of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. Visitors can explore the breathtaking underground cathedral, enjoy a walking tour of the charming town, and indulge in local cuisine and spa treatments. With private transportation and travel insurance included, this tour ensures a memorable and convenient excursion for visitors to this unique cultural and natural wonder.