Travel from Bogotá to Guatativa and Zipaquira, two regions on the outskirts of the city that hold unmissable secrets
Highlights
* Comfortable round-trip transport from Bogotá included
* Walk the sacred lagoon of El Dorado with local insight
* Explore the Salt Cathedral 180m underground at your pace
* Nature, legend and underground architecture in one tour
* Tickets included and bilingual support throughout the day
included with
* Round-trip transportation from meeting points
* Bilingual Spanish/English coordinator
* Basic entrance to Guatavita Lagoon
* Local Spanish-speaking guide on the Guatavita Lagoon tour
* Visit to the town of Guatavita
* Free time for lunch
* Entrance to the Salt Cathedral (skip-the-line access)
* Audio guide at the Salt Cathedral (available in Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian, and German)
* Free time to explore the Salt Cathedral (2 hours)
* Medical assistance card
excluded by
* Guide during the visit to the Salt Cathedral
* Hotel pick-up and drop-off
* Lunch
* Extras not mentioned
* Gratuities
Essential
Information
* Arrive at each meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled time, otherwise you may miss the tour.
* At each meeting point, you will see the white van and a driver in a red jacket waiting for you.
* Bring extra money in case you want to buy souvenirs or food.
* This tour is recommended for children over 11 years old.
* All participants will have travel insurance. When booking, please provide your passport number and personal information so we can activate the insurance.
* The tour will not be canceled due to rain.
* Disposable plastics are not allowed in Guatavita. Remember to bring your own water bottle made of another material or reusable plastic.
* The Guatavita Lagoon is closed on Mondays and also on Tuesdays if Monday was a national holiday
Restrictions
* The walk in the Guatavita Lagoon is of medium demand. Approximately 2 hours of walking tour under paramo weather conditions
Detailed Description
Experience a full-day tour from Bogotá that combines nature, pre-Columbian history, and underground architecture in two of the most iconic destinations in Cundinamarca: the Guatavita Lagoon and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from La Candelaria
Meeting point at Parque de los Periodistas to begin the tour.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Parque de la 93
Second meeting point before heading toward Guatavita, crossing the scenic Andean landscapes of the Bogotá savanna.
11:00 a.m. – Guatavita Lagoon & Town Visit
Arrival at the Guatavita Lagoon, located within the natural surroundings of Chingaza. We will begin an ecological hike accompanied by a local Spanish-speaking guide (basic entrance included), following the trails that lead to the viewpoint of the sacred lagoon.
During the walk, you will learn about the Muisca culture and the legend of El Dorado, one of the most fascinating myths in the Americas. According to tradition, this lagoon was the site of ancestral ceremonies in which the chief performed rituals with gold offerings.
The tour continues with a visit to the town of Guatavita, known for its whitewashed architecture and panoramic views of the Tominé reservoir.
02:30 p.m. – Free Time for Lunch
Enjoy free time for lunch in Zipaquirá or Guatavita and discover local cuisine (lunch not included).
04:00 p.m. – Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (2 hours)
Entrance to the iconic Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground church built 180 meters (590 ft) below ground inside a former salt mine.
The visit is self-guided with multilingual audio guide, allowing approximately 2 hours to explore its tunnels, chapels, and monumental central nave while learning about the region’s salt-mining history.
08:00 p.m. – Arrival at Parque de la 93
08:30 p.m. – Arrival at La Candelaria
Note: Schedule may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted for operational reasons
