NEW and CHEAPEST, Visit 5 Top Sights in Zipaquira and Guatavita

Explore the stunning attractions of Zipaquirá and Guatavita on a budget-friendly tour that hits five top sights in just one day. Starting at 7 AM, this private excursion offers an unbeatable opportunity to marvel at the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and the captivating Guatavita Lagoon, complemented by a traditional Colombian lunch. With expert local guides and a maximum of 16 travelers, this adventure guarantees an unforgettable experience – without emptying your wallet. Curious to learn more?

Key Points

• Comprehensive 12-hour private tour from Bogotá, covering 5 top sights in Zipaquira and Guatavita, including the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon.
• Affordable pricing with convenient pickup and drop-off, and a traditional Colombian lunch included.
• Highly rated by 97% of travelers, with knowledgeable local guides providing historical and cultural insights.
• Suitable for most travelers aged 15 and up, with a moderate level of physical activity required.
• Recommendations for cash, adjusted Monday itinerary, and physical stamina for uphill hikes.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The private tour from Bogotá to Zipaquira and Guatavita allows visitors to explore 5 top sights in a single day.

It offers an immersive experience, covering Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon, while delving into indigenous history and the Legend of El Dorado.

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7 AM, and comes highly recommended with a 4.8 rating from 97% of travelers.

Free audio guides in multiple languages are available, making it accessible for international visitors.

The tour includes transportation and a traditional Colombian lunch, providing a well-rounded cultural exploration.

Inclusions and Itinerary

Although guidance is available in English and Spanish, free audio guides in multiple languages are provided, catering to international visitors.

The all-inclusive tour package includes:

1. Pickup and drop-off at lodging within Bogotá.

2. Lunch at a traditional Colombian restaurant in Zipaquira.

3. Travel insurance coverage.

However, entrance fees to Guatavita Lake and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral aren’t included.

The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 7:00 AM, allowing ample time to explore the top sights in the region.

Tour Features and Restrictions

Private air-conditioned vehicles provide comfortable travel for the group tour, which has a maximum of 16 travelers.

The tour is moderate, suitable for most travelers aged 15 and up. It’s not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

The tour includes time for lunch and local cultural experiences, though the Guatavita Lake portion is conducted in Spanish by local guides with an English audio guide available.

Cash is recommended for purchases, as not all places accept credit cards.

On Mondays, the Guatavita Lake is closed, and the itinerary is adjusted to include the Casa Loca (Upside Down House) instead.

Local Insights and Recommendations

One highlight of the tour is the inclusion of time for lunch and local cultural experiences.

The Guatavita Lake tour is conducted in Spanish by local guides, but an English audio guide is available.

Travelers should also note a few important recommendations:

1. Cash is recommended for purchases, as not all places accept credit cards.

2. On Mondays, Guatavita Lake is closed, and the itinerary is adjusted to include Casa Loca (Upside Down House) instead.

3. The tour provides a comfortable private air-conditioned vehicle, but it’s not wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

What’ve travelers said about their experiences on this tour? Overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of travelers recommending it based on 78 reviews.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Daniel and Cesar, for their expertise and attentiveness. The beautiful sights and good pacing of the tour are also common highlights.

However, some noted the need for physical stamina due to uphill hikes. While most praised the restaurant choices, a few felt the tour was rushed at times.

Exploring the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral stands as a remarkable feat of human ingenuity, carved directly into the salt deposits of an ancient mine.

Descending 200 meters underground, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking, cathedral-like space adorned with intricate salt sculptures and stained-glass windows.

The tour highlights include:

1. The Main Nave, featuring a 16-meter high central cross sculpted from salt.

2. The Stations of the Cross, each carved into the salt walls, depicting the passion of Christ.

3. The Dome, an awe-inspiring sight with natural salt crystals reflecting light throughout the space.

Discovering the Guatavita Lagoon

After exploring the captivating Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, the tour moves on to the enchanting Guatavita Lagoon.

This sacred lake holds deep significance, as it’s believed to have been the site of ancient Muisca rituals and the inspiration for the legendary El Dorado myth.

Visitors can hike up to the viewing platform and admire the serene, jade-green waters surrounded by lush, rolling hills. The tour guide provides insights into the lake’s indigenous history and cultural importance.

While the entrance fee isn’t included, the stunning natural beauty and historical significance make the Guatavita Lagoon a must-see on this comprehensive day trip.

Cultural Immersion and Indigenous History

How else does this tour immerse visitors in the rich cultural heritage and indigenous history of the region? The tour guides share insights into the Legend of El Dorado, a famous myth about a lost city of gold that captivated Spanish conquistadors.

This tour immerses visitors in the region’s cultural heritage by sharing insights into the captivating myth of the lost city of El Dorado.

Visitors also learn about:

1. The indigenous Muisca people who inhabited the area and built sacred sites like Guatavita Lagoon.

2. The significance of the salt mines in Zipaquira, where the Muisca extracted a valuable mineral and performed rituals.

3. The continued cultural traditions and indigenous influences that shape the local communities today.

This educational and immersive experience allows travelers to connect with the region’s storied past.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers. The private air-conditioned vehicle allows for comfortable travel in a small group setting, providing a more personalized experience.

How Often Does the Tour Operate?

The tour operates daily, with the exception of Mondays when the Guatavita Lake is closed. On Mondays, the itinerary is adjusted to include an alternate site, the Casa Loca (Upside Down House).

Can Children Under 15 Participate in the Tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 15 years old. According to the tour details, it’s a moderate tour suitable for most travelers, particularly those over 15. The tour may not be wheelchair accessible or appropriate for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is primarily fixed, but travelers can speak with the tour provider to discuss any specific needs or requests for customization. The provider aims to accommodate travelers’ interests within the tour’s structure.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing customers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Specific details on cancellations and penalties are provided upon booking.

The Sum Up

This budget-friendly tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Zipaquira and Guatavita’s top sights in a single day. With a maximum of 16 travelers, expert local guides, and a focus on traditional Colombian cuisine, it guarantees an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Whether you’re marveling at the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral or discovering the breathtaking Guatavita Lagoon, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.