Book your 2025 & 2026 adventures Risk free.
In this day trip from Bogota, we will visit Lake Guatavita and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, two of the most iconic places around Bogota. First, we will explore Lake Guatavita, natural paradise and one of the most important Muisca sacred sites from pre-Columbian times.
At Lake Guatavita you will learn about the rituals performed by the ancient Muiscas that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado, while you immerse in the lake's mystic atmosphere amid breath-taking surroundings. Then, we will go to Zipaquira to visit the spectacular Cathedral built inside the extensive caves of an old salt mine. This Cathedral is a true testimony to the miners' faith in a higher power and one of the most notable achievements of Colombian Arquitecture.
Duration: 9 hrs Departure time: 8 am
Detailed Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel and begin our trip to Guatavita, which is located about 50km northeast of Bogota. It will take us approximately 2.5 hours to reach Guatavita.
On the way to Guatavita:
On our way to Guatavita, you will be able to take in the beautiful and incredible landscapes of Bogota's countryside as well as catch the spectacular view of Bogota from the surrounding mountains.
In Guatavita:
Before heading to Lake Guatavita, we will take a walk around the picturesque village of «New Guatavita,» where you will have the chance to buy some traditional handicrafts, take some pictures, or simply soak up the unique atmosphere of the town.
After some time in «New Guatavita,» we will visit Lake Guatavita where we will learn about the Muiscas and the Legend of El Dorado. It is said that the chief of the Muisca tribe, known as the «Zipa», covered his body in gold and was taken by boat to the centre of the lake from which he dove into the water as part of a ceremony to honour the Muiscan gods.
You will hear a full description of the aforementioned ceremony during our visit to Lake Guatavita as well as learn how the legend of El Dorado began. During our time at the lake, we will walk around the rim of the crater from where you can see the lake in its entirety and take in the incredible view of the sprawling countryside of the Savannah of Bogota. The atmosphere of the lake is undeniably mystical and peaceful; it is no wonder the Muiscas considered it a sacred place.
When we finish touring Lake Guatavita, we will enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch and then head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.
At the Cathedral:
We will spend about 1.5 hours inside the Salt Cathedral. During our time in the cathedral, we will progress through the Stations of the Cross. At each station you will see a symbolic representation of events from Jesus' last journey before his crucifixion. At the end of this walk, we will come to the main dome and the three naves of the cathedral that are interconnected by a gigantic crack, which symbolises the birth and death of Christ.
Inside the mine you will be impressed not only by the incredible engineering work and sculptures, but also by the religious meaning and importance of this place for the miners who risked their lives daily to extract the salt from the mine.
Once we finish our visit to the cathedral, we will start our journey back to Bogota.
