Visit the Bogotá savannah on the outskirts of Bogotá to visit two iconic tourist attractions in Colombia. This Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Gautavita tour is a great way to learn a bit more about Colombia’s relationship with religion, both Catholicism and pre-Hispanic, while also exploring the gorgeous nature surrounding Bogotá!
The first stop on this day trip from Bogotá is the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. This unique cathedral was built inside the mines of the largest salt rock deposit in the world. Take a magical tour through the tunnels and vaults and marvel at Catholic symbols, Muiscas mysticism and modern engineering. Your expert tour guide will explain the meaning behind the symbols created by artists and sculptors in the salt, lit up underground to create a magical atmosphere. Exiting the mine, walk around the colonial village of Zipaquira and stop at the local handicraft market, before enjoying a traditional lunch.
This excursion will then take you to the town of Guatavita. Walk around the village of white houses, and then drive to the ecological reserve where Lake Guatavita is (located a few kilometres further, via a detour up the mountains of Sesquilé). Learn about the Muiscas sacred regard for this lagoon and their rituals, throwing gold and other valuables into the circular lake as an offering. Finally the tour will take you back on a scenic route, offering you views of the Cerro de las tres Viejas, as well as stopping in the town of La Calera to taste some typical arepas, a favourite pit stop amongst the truck drivers passing through here!
