Zipaquira's Underground Salt Cathedral: A Subterranean Exploration in a Historic Salt Mine
4.7
62 Ratings
Zipaquira
Descend into the depths of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a subterranean marvel carved into an abandoned salt mine. Explore the dimly lit tunnels and learn about its history on this family-friendly cultural tour.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira - Go 180 meters underground and let yourself be amazed by Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral; a majestic cathedral built inside of the largest salt-rock deposit on earth. Here you’ll see the how Catholic symbology and contemporary engineering converged in the construction of a gigantic temple.
With materials from this former salt mine and using lighting effects, sculptors created innovative interpretations of the Catholic Via Crucis that you will be able to see throughout the cathedral. Here you will learn about the creative process and the symbology behind the sculptures. You will also see salt formations and the vestiges of previous salt mining activity.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Salt Cathedral entry ticket
- Bilingual guide (English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French)
What's Not Included
- Optional tips and gratuities
- Food and beverages
- Personal expenses
Additional Information
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá sets itself apart from conventional churches. Delve hundreds of feet below the surface to discover this extraordinary structure that was chiseled into the walls and roof of a disused salt mine. Traverse the faintly illuminated corridors along spacious walkways while a bilingual tour guide enlightens you about the historic importance of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. This one-half day cultural excursion is an ideal experience for family members of all ages.
- Changes on the tour may occur due to external factors. These changes will be notified to you with anticipation.
- We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll need to walk on some uneven terrain.
Location
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira
Carrera 6 Calle 1, Parque De La Sal
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(62 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
1lornie
Mar 30, 2024
A Religious Experience - The Salt Cathedral is a true religious experience, much like Machu Picchu. It is 850' below the surface. One doesn't think of this while walking because of the carvings and Stations of the Cross. The most spectacular part of the visit was Christ speaking on one side of the wall, his words projected on the opposite side and the cross illuminated in the center. It is shown only during Easter week. It's hard to imagine that this could be carved out of the salt mountain.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maritza
Sep 17, 2023
Customized experience! - Gigio was an amazing guide. He customized our tour based on what he learned about us and what we thought would be interesting. He was very knowledgeable and kind-his English was perfect and we were right at ease with him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timcd1319xf
Jul 6, 2023
Awesome Salt Cathedral Visit - I had a great tour with the tour guide. Very informative on the formation of the Salt mines in Zipaquira and the layout and history of the salt cathedral. Definitely would recommend to anyone. Really unique place to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bati
Apr 9, 2023
Great tour! - Loved the tour! I had already seen a salt cathedral in Krakow but this was different. Maurizio and the driver Juan? were great! Recommend it and don't forget to eat the desserts in the cafe!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryn_w
Mar 11, 2023
Great tour! My guide was... - Great tour! My guide was extremely knowledgeable of the history of the Cathedral. Great short tour of the city as well
Review provided by Viator
Joaocarlos88
Jan 9, 2023
Salt Cathedral close to Bogota: un unforgetable experience!! - It was an incredible experience to witness this beauty. Circa 30 meters underground, they have built a Cathedral made of SALT. Can you believe it? Included in the ticket you can profit from the company of a guided tour, in Spanish or English. Then you join a group of tourists and you will walk through many tunnels with 12 stations, depicting Jesus Christ's crucifixion process. the whole experience takes about 2 hours and it is unforgettable. From Bogota, you can hire a Taxi cab, or a Uber driver to take you to Zipaquirá town, 1 hour from Bogota, approximately. It is a must-do activity!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_f
Feb 25, 2020
Salt Cathedral - Worth Seeing - Great tour and excellent knowledge from the tour guide.
A very interesting site to see with a lots of great picture opportunities.
Review provided by Viator
Brandon5491
Dec 14, 2019
Excellent trip! - Raul was an awesome guide during the trip and in the mines and gave us a lot of insight. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gregory_g
Mar 3, 2020
Excellent tour on very short notice - I booked late Sunday and was picked up at 8:00 am (ish) Monday morning. Impulse travel responded very rapidly on WhatsApp to my request to confirm pickup spot (as they ask you to do). I sent emails and then used the mobile number to connect via WhatsApp which worked splendidly. The guide, Emilio, has very good English, is very knowledgeable about Colombian history and world events and, of course, about the history of the salt Cathedral. He also reads and studies more to learn more and constantly improve at his job. on the way to the site he gave me a course in Colombian history. Juan is an excellent driver. Safe, polite and friendly. He lets other vehicles in when it is appropriate, Lets people cross the street and gets you there and back just as quickly and, most importantly, safely. Thank you. I enjoyed the tour and will tell others.
Review provided by Viator
Graham_w
Feb 24, 2020
Overrated? - It’s ok, didn’t do it for me, some people love it clearly but i thought it was underwhelming.
It’s well presented etc but it’s a big hole in the mountain that has individual chapels and nice lighting in places but i would have found a working salt mine far more interesting. If i knew what i knew now i wouldn’t spend 1.5 hours in traffic each way to see it.
Review provided by Viator
More activities from this operator
