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Bogota Tours

Salt Cathedral Tickets & Tours

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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

Tourists walking through illuminated tunnel to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, Colombia.
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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

Tourists taking selfies inside Zipaquira Salt Cathedral with illuminated cross in background.

The underground cathedral

Carved in salt, its three naves symbolize Birth, Life, and Death & Resurrection. Notice the rock-salt chandeliers and engraved statuary.

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá interior with illuminated cross and seating.
Tourists observing a station of the cross inside Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.
Inside Monumental 180 Museum, Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia, featuring sculptures and illuminated pathways.
Water mirror reflecting wooden structures in Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia.

Plan your visit to Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Tourists standing inside the illuminated Zipaquira Salt Cathedral in Colombia.
  •  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).
Man pushing woman in wheelchair along tree-lined path at Jardin Secret.

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.

Blue parking sign with arrow pointing right.
  • 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 officer conducting bag check at public event.
  • 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.