Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Laguna de Guatavita Day Trip from Bogotá
Bogotá, Colombia
Rating: 
Trip Type: Day Trips
Duration: 8 hours
Visit one of South America’s wonders, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and see the beautiful Lake Guatavita (Laguna de Guatavita) on this day trip from Bogotá! Explore the magnificent salt mine of Zipaquirá and see the famous cathedral up close. Then, visit Laguna de Guatavita, where the famous ‘el dorado’ legend originated, and see the Indigenous Cemetery and the Tominé Reservoir. If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, this is the perfect day trip for you!
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Visit one of South America’s wonders, the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, and see the beautiful Lake Guatavita (Laguna de Guatavita) on this day trip from Bogotá! Explore the magnificent salt mine of Zipaquirá and see the famous cathedral up close. Then, visit Laguna de Guatavita, where the famous ‘el dorado’ legend originated, and see the Indigenous Cemetery and the Tominé Reservoir. If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity, this is the perfect day trip for you!Take a day trip 31 miles (50 km) north of Bogotá to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita (Laguna de Guatavita). After pickup from your hotel, your 8-hour adventure begins with a scenic drive in a comfortable van to the small town of Zipaquirá. Once here, take an underground tour to discover the famous salt cathedral. Explore the 246-foot (75-meter) long salt mine with your expert guide and learn how the cathedral first opened in 1954. The salt mine was closed due to safety concerns, but was then rebuilt in 1991 after 250,000 tons (226,800 metric tons) of salt were removed to revamp the salt cathedral.
After visiting Zipaquirá, head to a restaurant right outside the town for an authentic Colombian lunch. After lunch, make your way to Laguna de Guatavita, a small, circular lake north of Bogotá. Surrounded by mountains, the lake was once the sacred place of the indigenous Muisca tribe. The lake is known for the 'el dorado' legend, which suggests that many golden treasures are hidden at the bottom of the lake. Spaniards and other foreigners went to the lake in search of gold but found nothing.
After exploring the scenic landscape surrounding Laguna de Guatavita, visit the Tominé Reservoir, which controls the water supply of Bogotá. You'll also have the chance to purchase local crafts, including products made of wool, clay and gold, before being transferred back to your Bogotá hotel.
After visiting Zipaquirá, head to a restaurant right outside the town for an authentic Colombian lunch. After lunch, make your way to Laguna de Guatavita, a small, circular lake north of Bogotá. Surrounded by mountains, the lake was once the sacred place of the indigenous Muisca tribe. The lake is known for the 'el dorado' legend, which suggests that many golden treasures are hidden at the bottom of the lake. Spaniards and other foreigners went to the lake in search of gold but found nothing.
After exploring the scenic landscape surrounding Laguna de Guatavita, visit the Tominé Reservoir, which controls the water supply of Bogotá. You'll also have the chance to purchase local crafts, including products made of wool, clay and gold, before being transferred back to your Bogotá hotel.
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