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Quick overview
Ways to explore: Pick from entry tickets to the cathedral, a guided tour, or a day trip from Bogota to the cathedral and Lake Guatavita.
When to book: While you can book tickets 1-2 days in advance, weekend slots sell out faster, especially during the peak season in March, and from June to August. Booking tickets at least 3-4 days earlier is your best bet.
Good to know: The guided tour and the day trip from Bogota allow you to cancel your tour 9-10 hours in advance for a full refund.
Best upgrade: The Premium tour option in the entry tickets gets you access to all attractions within the cathedral, and to more immersive experiences beyond, including the Miner’s Route and the Climbing Wall.
What to expect at the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
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Arrival and descent
You’ll begin your experience at the mine’s entrance, where cool air and subtle lighting set the mood. You descend via a short lift that transitions you into an underground realm carved entirely from salt.
Discover the three naves
Then, you’ll enter the cathedral’s heart through three illuminated naves: Birth, Life, and Death & Resurrection. Sturdy salt walls host sculpted altars and carved seating, inviting you to absorb centuries of sacred art. The steady pace mirrors the tranquil ambience inside.
Follow the Way of the Cross
Wander along the 14 Stations of the Cross etched into salt. Each station features dramatic lighting and carved symbols that narrate Christ’s passion. The softly lit trail draws small, reflective groups, creating a meditative rhythm as you progress.
Upgrade for extra adventure
With the Premium ticket available with the cathedral’s entry tickets, you get to access the Miner’s Route and Climbing Wall. This upgrade introduces additional exhibits and a vertical challenge, speeding up the experience compared to standard tours with a touch of adventure.
Revel under the Holy Cross Dome
Along the way, pause at the towering dome where Colombia’s largest carved salt cross rises overhead. Soft natural light filters through the cavern ceiling, framing a climactic moment of quiet reflection. This final viewpoint deepens the sense of awe before you exit.
Visit the stunning Guatavita Lagoon
If you choose to go on a day trip from Bogota, you’ll also visit the stunning Guatavita Lagoon, a site considered immensely sacred to the Muisca people, who cast elaborate gold offerings into its depths. It’s known for being the birthplace of the legend of El Dorado, a mythical city of gold supposedly located somewhere in South America.
Enjoy seamless round-trip transfers
The guided tour to the cathedral and the day trip also get you seamless round-trip transportation directly from your hotel and back. This eliminates the hassle of making your way to the cathedral yourself, perfect for those who prioritize convenience.
Things to know before booking your tickets to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Booking window
Most visitors book their tickets 1-2 days in advance, but availability can be tricky during the peak season. You should aim to make your bookings at least 3-4 days prior if possible.
Additionally, demand peaks during Holy Week and December holidays, when guided tours and premium experiences often sell out earlier.
Entry & access
Entry tickets to the cathedral are timed; you must arrive within the designated 15-minute window to ensure access.
Visitors enter through the main gate at the Salt Cathedral site, where standard security checks and ticket validations are mandatory.
Note that during peak seasons, expect queues at the shuttle elevator that takes you underground; allow extra time for orderly access.
What’s included
The basic ticket covers entry to the underground cathedral, including access to the three illuminated naves, the water mirror pool, 3D film, and an audio guide.
The standard ticket adds local city tour elements and additional exhibits, while the premium ticket further includes the Miner’s Route and access to the climbing wall.
Each ticket option provides a comprehensive introduction to the core site attractions; check the specific inclusions before booking to match your desired experience.
Ways to explore
Self-guided entry with an audioguide allows you to explore the cathedral’s salt-carved naves and key exhibits at your own pace.
Guided tours from Bogotá include live commentary that explains the mining heritage and religious symbolism, streamlining your route through both the cathedral and adjacent attractions.
Day trips from Bogota include visits to Zipaquirá town and to Lake Guatavita, offering added cultural context and convenience with seamless hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
Policies
Tickets are non-transferable and require a valid ID at entry; this ensures a secure environment in the underground setting.
Once you exit the site, re-entry is not permitted, so plan your visit to cover all desired attractions in one go.
Wear comfortable footwear and dress in layered clothing, as the underground temperature hovers around 17–18°C. The uneven surfaces make this experience inaccessible to wheelchair users.
Must-see features at Salt Cathedral Of Zipaquirá
The underground cathedral
Carved in salt, its three naves symbolize Birth, Life, and Death & Resurrection. Notice the rock-salt chandeliers and engraved statuary.
Plan your visit to Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Opening hours: Open daily from 9am–5:40pm.
Last entry: Last admission is at 5:40pm
Best time to visit
Peak season vs low season: The peak season (Dec-Mar) brings dry, mild weather (14-20°C) and crowds, especially during school holidays. The low season (Apr-Nov) offers quiet visits amid rain, with mornings being the best time to visit.
Weekdays vs weekends: Weekdays offer quieter visits to the Salt Cathedral, with shorter lines and easier access, ideal for a serene underground exploration. Weekends draw larger local crowds, leading to longer waits (up to 1-2 hours) and busier tunnels, though the vibrant atmosphere appeals to families.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is located underground in a halite mountain near the city of Zipaquirá in Colombia. Its address is Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia | Find on Google Maps
Getting there:
By bus: Take a bus from the Salitre Terminal towards Zipaquirá, and the cathedral will be at Career 15 and Street 4 (Parque de la Esperanza).
By train: Take the La Sabana Tourist Train from Gran Estación (Kr 66 with Cll 25, departs 8:45 am) or Usaquén Station (Av kr 9 #110-08, arrives 9:05 am, departs 9:15 am) to reach Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
By car: Drive the northern highway past Andes toll, continue on Chía-Zipaquirá road to Zipaquirá, then take 1ª Street to Villaveces Park for the cathedral entrance (parking $13,000 COP).
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is wheelchair accessible, with ramps located at all key points to ensure those with limited mobility face no roadblocks.
Wheelchair rentals: Additionally, anyone in need of a wheelchair can rent one free of cost at the main entrance.
Pet strollers: You can rent a pet stroller at the main entrance at a cost of COP $17,000.
Baby carriages: Baby carries are also available for rent during your visit at a cost of COP $20,000.
Parking: If you're arriving by a private car, you can avail of parking at a flat rate of COP $13,000.
Lockers: The cathedral also has lockers near the entrance for you to safely store your personal belongings in. The rental per locker is COP $7,000.
Wi-Fi: Despite being 180 meters underground, you can connect to the cathedral's high-speed Wi-Fi to access the audio guides available on a self-guided tour.
Security screening: All visitors must pass through a mandatory security screening and bag check while entering the site.
Bag policy: Only small bags are permitted inside the cathedral. Any larger belongings can be stored in the lockers available for rent.
Photography: Personal photography is allowed, but tripods, selfie sticks, and professional equipment are prohibited.
Food & drinks: Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the cathedral.
Re-entry: Once you exit the cathedral, re-entry is not permitted.
Tips to make the most of your visit to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Avoid entering the central “Nave of the Birth” during peak group ingress; crowded conditions disrupt the reflective calm.
Visit the Holy Cross Dome before 10am; clearer reflections await before midday crowds gather.
Position yourself at the northern edge of the “Nave of Life” for a less obstructed view of the salt cross.
Use the side staircase by Monumental 180 to bypass the main security queue and streamline your access.
Opt for the ramp adjacent to the water mirror pool if the underground walkway’s salt floor feels slippery.
Keep digital devices in silent mode within the “Nave of Death & Resurrection” to respect reverent guidelines.
Do not rush the mining train lift when carrying bulky bags; restrictive checks delay movement.
Follow the illuminated path along the “Vía Crucis” at 9am; later, heavier crowds diminish the ambient experience.
Step onto the observation point beneath the dome’s mirror well for strategic, unobstructed photo angles.
Frequently asked questions about Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá tickets
Yes, the basic entry tickets to the Salt Cathedral include access to all major attractions, including The Museum of the Brine, the Mapping Projection, Archaeological Museum, Museum Monumental 180, and more. The standard ticket gets you additional access to the City Tour and to Museum Tutankhamun, while the premium ticket adds the Climbing Wall and the Miner's Route.
Absolutely! Your entry tickets include access to a multilingual audio guide which you can access underground via the high-speed Wi-Fi connection on offer.
While you can book your tickets 1-2 days in advance, booking 3-4 days prior is ideal during the peak season between December and March.
Yes, the Salt Cathedral guided tour and the Cathedral and Lake Guatavita guided tourinclude seamless, air-conditioned round-trip transfers directly from your hotel in Bogota.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is open between 9am and 5:40pm every day.
Absolutely! The cathedral is designed with ramps all along to ensure seamless access. Additionally, anyone in need of a wheelchair can also rent one free of cost at the venue.
Yes, you'll find lockers available near the entrance for you to safely store your belongings. You can rent one for COP $7,000.
Tickets
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Entry Ticket
Explore the Salt Cathedral's shrine 180m underground, along with the Park's major attractions.
Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Salt Cathedral with an audio guide, internet access, and a variety of exhibits, including the Mapping Projection, 3D short film 'Knife', the Archaeological Museum, Museum Monumental 180, and a ride on the Departure Train.
Why choose this: This ticket offers a comprehensive experience of the Salt Cathedral and its surrounding attractions, providing both cultural and historical insights.
Upgrades: Opt for the Standard or Premium tours for access to additional attractions such as the City Tour, the Miner's Route, or the Climbing wall for greater adventure.
From Bogotá: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Guided Tour
Discover the Salt Cathedral ofZipaquirá and the city's historic center on a full-day tour.
Everything you get: A full-day guided tour with round-trip transfers from Bogota, a panoramic tour of Zipaquirá's historic center, a multilingual audio guide, and a Spanish and English-speaking expert for groups of more than four people.
Why choose this: Travel from Bogota to discover what makes Zipaquirá and its salt mines truly unique, and why it's considered the First Wonder of Colombia.
Upgrades: Choose a tour that includes entry to the Salt Cathedral for a guided experience on how the entire shrine was formed out of rock salt at such a remarkable depth.
You can cancel these tickets up to 10 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Free cancellation
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Book now, pay later
9 hr
Audio guide
Transfers available
Pickup available
Guided Tours
From Bogotá: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Lake Guatavita Guided Tour
Visit the First Wonder of Colombia & the place that gave birth to the legend of El Dorado in a single day.
Everything you get: Entry and a full-day guided tour of Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Guatavita Lagoon, a panoramic tour of Zipaquirá, a tour of Guatavita Lagoon Hike, a visit to the Bogotá Savannah, a multilingual audio guide, or an English and Spanish-speaking expert for groups larger than four.
Why choose this: Visit five of Colombia's best attractions in a single day's guided tour over 12 hours, all with pick-ups directly from your doorstep for the utmost convenience.
You can cancel these tickets up to 9 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Free cancellation
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
Book now, pay later
12 hr
Audio guide
Transfers available
Pickup available
Explore the Salt Cathedral's shrine 180m underground, along with the Park's major attractions.
Everything you get: Enjoy entry to the Salt Cathedral with an audio guide, internet access, and a variety of exhibits, including the Mapping Projection, 3D short film 'Knife', the Archaeological Museum, Museum Monumental 180, and a ride on the Departure Train.
Why choose this: This ticket offers a comprehensive experience of the Salt Cathedral and its surrounding attractions, providing both cultural and historical insights.
Upgrades: Opt for the Standard or Premium tours for access to additional attractions such as the City Tour, the Miner's Route, or the Climbing wall for greater adventure.
Inclusions
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Entry to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Audio guide
Access to:
The Museum of the Brine
Mapping Projection
3D short film 'Knife'
Footprints of the Salt walk
Archaeological Museum
Museum Monumental 180
Naves of the Cathedral
Green Trail
Narthex
Dome
Water Mirror
City Tour (available with the Standard Tour)
Museum Tutankhamun (available with the Standard Tour)
Miner's Route (available with the Premium Tour)
Climbing wall (available with the Premium Tour)
Wi-Fi access
Exclusions
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Guided tour
What to bring
Bring a valid photo ID for entry verification.
Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
You can bring your pets along for this experience, and carry them in a pet stroller, which you can rent for $17,000 COP.
What's not allowed
Food and beverages are not allowed inside the cathedral.
Flash photography and tripods are prohibited.
Accessibility
The site is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available.
Stroller rentals are available for families with young children.
You can also rent a wheelchair free of cost at the ticket office.
Additional information
The Museum of the Brine is currently under maintenance and not accessible.
Children under 4 years old can enter for free.
Zipaquirá residents receive a special rate, subject to producing proof of residence.
These tickets are valid until December 31, 2026.
Discover the Salt Cathedral ofZipaquirá and the city's historic center on a full-day tour.
Everything you get: A full-day guided tour with round-trip transfers from Bogota, a panoramic tour of Zipaquirá's historic center, a multilingual audio guide, and a Spanish and English-speaking expert for groups of more than four people.
Why choose this: Travel from Bogota to discover what makes Zipaquirá and its salt mines truly unique, and why it's considered the First Wonder of Colombia.
Upgrades: Choose a tour that includes entry to the Salt Cathedral for a guided experience on how the entire shrine was formed out of rock salt at such a remarkable depth.
Inclusions
#
Entry to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (as per option selected)
Panoramic tour of Zipaquirá's historic center
Round-trip transfers from Bogota with hotel pick-ups
Multilingual audio guide
Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide (for groups of more than 4)
Free time for lunch
Exclusions
#
Food & drinks
What to bring
Make sure to carry a valid ID with the name matching your booking.
Wear comfortable shoes as this experience will involve considerable walking.
What's not allowed
Carrying food and drinks inside the cathedral is strictly prohibited. You will get free time during the day to grab a bite.
Accessibility
This experience is wheelchair accessible, with the cathedral itself featuring ramps for easy access.
Additional information
If you're in a group of more than four people, your guide will speak in both English and Spanish.
This experience will involve above 1.5km of walking.
You can cancel these tickets up to 10 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Visit the First Wonder of Colombia & the place that gave birth to the legend of El Dorado in a single day.
Everything you get: Entry and a full-day guided tour of Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Guatavita Lagoon, a panoramic tour of Zipaquirá, a tour of Guatavita Lagoon Hike, a visit to the Bogotá Savannah, a multilingual audio guide, or an English and Spanish-speaking expert for groups larger than four.
Why choose this: Visit five of Colombia's best attractions in a single day's guided tour over 12 hours, all with pick-ups directly from your doorstep for the utmost convenience.
Inclusions
#
Full-day guided tour to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Guatavita Lagoon
Entry to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Guatavita Lagoon National Park (as per option selected)
Panoramic tour of Zipaquirá
Guided tour of the Guatavita Lagoon Hike
Visit to the Bogotá Savannah
Round-trip transfers from Bogota with hotel pick-ups
Multilingual audio guide or bilingual guide (for groups larger than four) inside the cathedral
Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide for the rest of the tour
Exclusions
#
Food & drinks
What to bring
Carry a valid ID with the name matching your booking.
Wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves walking about 2.5km.
What's not allowed
Pets are not allowed on this experience.
Accessibility
Unfortunately, this tour is not suited for wheelchair users, visitors with limited mobility, or pregnant women.
Additional information
Tour operates from Tuesday to Sunday at 08:00. Guatavita Lagoon is closed on Mondays (unless Monday is a holiday, then closed Tuesday).
Tour must be booked at least 10 hours in advance and no later than 9pm the day before.
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish.
You can cancel these tickets up to 9 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
