
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 150 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) worth booking?
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) is a 10-hour experience in Bogotá, Colombia, from $251 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 150 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (150)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $251 per person
Visit the first wonder of Colombia, "The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and the cradle of the Legend of El Dorado, the Sacred Lagoon of Guatavita" this is a full-day tour departing from your accommodation in Bogota. Explore the beauty of this unique subway cathedral; the story is told through an audio guide in the language of your choice. Upon arrival in Guatavita, enjoy a nature walk of approximately two hours to the Guatavita Lagoon. After a two-hour nature walk to the Guatavitá Lagoon, where the local guide will share with you the history of the Muiscas Indians and the legend of El Dorado. Meet the village of Guatavitá and the view of the reservoir of Tominé halfway through the tour tasting a typical regional or vegetarian lunch. At the end of the tour we return to your accommodation in Bogota.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the first wonder of Colombia, "The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and the cradle of the Legend of El Dorado, the Sacred Lagoon of Guatavita" this is a full-day tour departing from your accommodation in Bogota. Explore the beauty of this unique subway cathedral; the story is told through an audio guide in the language of your choice. Upon arrival in Guatavita, enjoy a nature walk of approximately two hours to the Guatavita Lagoon. After a two-hour nature walk to the Guatavitá Lagoon, where the local guide will share with you the history of the Muiscas Indians and the legend of El Dorado. Meet the village of Guatavitá and the view of the reservoir of Tominé halfway through the tour tasting a typical regional or vegetarian lunch. At the end of the tour we return to your accommodation in Bogota.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance
- Lunch
- Private tour (if option selected)
- Audioguide in the Salt Cathedral
- English guide on ride (optional)
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Laguna de Guatavita
The lagoon is part of a protected natural area. The tour is done through trails where you ascend and where a native guide tells the history of the Muiscas and the legend of El Dorado. The tour takes approximately 75 minutes, upon arrival you can see the beautiful lagoon.
240 minutes here
Catedral De Sal
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá has been declared the First Wonder of Colombia and is considered one of the most remarkable architectural and artistic constructions in Colombia. There you will find a monumental work born from the faith of the miners of that region, whose tour surprises at every step.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Plaza de la Independecia
Enjoy an interesting colonial tour, visiting the main squares of Zipaquira and learning about its architecture and history.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- transfers & tours Colombia
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
- Hike on a natural path, good shoes recommended.
- Se camina por senderos y caminos con inclinacion
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 150 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
5 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
150 verified traveler reviews for Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Esteban and Alfonso were...
Esteban and Alfonso were excellent guides for this tour. They were very knowledgeable and ensured that everything was well-executed. The visits to Guatavita and Guatavita Lagoon were beautiful, providing great cultural context for the region. We had visited the Museo del Oro the day prior, so everything tied in well. Lunch in Zipaquirá was at a nice restaurant and consisted of a tasty traditional Colombian plate. The subsequent visit to Catedral de Sal was incredible. We had plenty of time to explore the beautiful chambers and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Response from the operator: We're so glad to hear that you had a great tour and enjoyed it to the fullest. Thank you for choosing us! We hope to be able to join you again for another incredible experience.
via Viator
Super guide
Well planed tour, guide Steven was very knowledgeable, helpful throughout the tour. I am 70 years old, was having difficulty to climb, he stayed whole time with me. Over all I would highly recommend thi tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you for trusting us and choosing our company for your tour. We are delighted to have been part of such a special experience.
via Viator
Good tour guide but the 'Cathedral ' is meh
This is a mixed bag for me: Guatavita Lagoon 👍 but Zipaquira Salt Cathedral👎. Our guide and driver were excellent and we enjoyed our time with them... which -- because of the horror that is Bogota traffic and Colombia's healthy democracy -- was more than we anticipated. Guatavita Lagoon. This is a must see place and it is a good place to see where many historical events took place... seeing this place put into better context the items in the Museo de Oro. Note that it is a steepish hike at altitude...coca tea before helps... but the views and flowers and the Lagoon are worth the breathlessness. I saw three orchids in bloom in November and two hummingbirds. It is a schlep to get to but the drive... once the traffic clears... is pretty. Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. I was skeptical from the pictures but everyone said it was a must see but i don't agree. The devotion of the people who cut it is admirable but it is a Cathedral in ecclesiastical distinction only. It was drab and after you've seen three crosses, not crucifixs just plain crosses... cut into the mine wall, you've seen them all. Listen, I'm not one to yuck anyone's yum, but besides the very interesting statue at the entrance, there wasn't much of interest here. Also, the tour guide did not go with us... he gave us the site's audio guide... but that was so ponderously narrated and seemed to include narrative back to the time of the Myuasquas that it was not bearable. Given the length of the drive, the juice was not worth the squeeze. More hype than reality I'm sorry to say.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for taking the tour with us. It has been a pleasure to accompany you, and we hope to see you again in our beautiful country to continue sharing unforgettable experiences. See you soon!
via Tripadvisor
The Cathedral is awesome....
The Cathedral is awesome. Very unique and well worth seeing. Estevan is very good guide. You will need to be in good shape for the lagoon hike
Response from the operator: That's wonderful! We're thrilled you found the experience at the Salt Cathedral so awesome and unique! Esteban is truly a fantastic guide, and we'll make sure to pass along your kind words. We also appreciate your note about the hike at the Laguna de Guatavita; it's great feedback for future visitors to know they need to be in good shape for that part! We hope to see you back for another adventure soon!
via Viator
An unforgettable experience and great tour company
First, the agency contacted us in advance to let us know that the laguna would be closed for maintenance and offered us another date. Since we could not change the date, they offered other options to make the tour terrific. Our guide Esteban and driver Mauricio were fantastic. We enjoyed talking to them during the car ride about life in Colombia. We visited La Casa Loca, an upside down house, which was a lot of fun. We visited the town of Guatavita and learned about the significance of the laguna to the indigenous culture. We also toured the Salt Cathedral, which was a must see sight. I do not like underground spaces but I could tolerate this one. The amount of preparation and dedication that went into making the entire space was phenomenal. Esteban and Mauricio attended to our every need on the tour and made sure that we had a wonderful experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We are glad you had a great experience and hope you return to Colombia soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $251 to $389
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 53
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by transfers & tours Colombia, who run 15 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.5.
See everything transfers & tours Colombia runsWhy this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bogotá.
How much does Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) cost?
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Prices start at $251 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bogotá usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bogotá is not rushed.
Is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 150 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bogotá, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)?
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Around 53 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bogotá can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bogotá and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bogotá within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bogotá?
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On Outty we rank every Bogotá experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Free Graffiti Walking Tour Every Day in Bogota, Bogota Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Private Tour + Lunch, Private City Tour Bogota + Monserrate, Gold, Botero and Candelaria.. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bogotá?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bogotá?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Entrance; Lunch; Private tour (if option selected); and Audioguide in the Salt Cathedral. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 633 listed pickup locations in and around Bogotá. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) offered in?
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It is offered in German, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour) if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bogotá. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon from Bogota (Private Tour)?
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Across 150 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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