Guatavita Lake - Salt Cathedral

Overview

The activities of the indigenous economy, religion, art and other elements have determined the establishment of Spanish colonization in Bogotá. In this tour you will understand the connection between nature, salt, the Dorado legend, Salt Cathedral, Gold Museum, gold and copper production and the people of Bogotá.

Since we have started out journey together I will talk about some background information on Bogotá. As we leave the city I plan to discuss about the valley surrounding it by introducing you to its original inhabitants called "Muiscas", their customs and language as well as how they still influence our culture today through food.

We will meet a guide from Lake Guatavita who can provide us with insights into native culture and explain why is so popular The Dorado Legend We'll sense the mysticism of this place along with its energy and relationship with nature.

In Guatavita town we can admire architecture, sample traditional foods as well as do some handicrafts shopping.

At Zipaquira I will offer details on Salt Cathedral before guiding you into its underground chambers; constructed for its grandeur featuring sculptures depicting Jesus' way to his cross.

What’s included

• Privately-arranged transport
• I provide binoculars and raincoats during the excursion
• Admission to Guatavita Lake
• Admission to Salt Cathedral, inclusive of an audio guide only for this attraction
• Snacks - Colombian candies from various regions such as Santander and Boyacá
• Bottled water
<

What’s Exclude

• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Soda/Pop

What To Expect

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Laguna de Guatavita, Km 15, Via Guatavita-Sesquile, Tierra Negra Colombia

We start our journey at the natural reservation of Guatavita and meet a guide who speaks about the native culture; I will offer translation and add some extra information. Then we climb 130 meters (426 feet), with several stops along the way. When we finish ascending, we reach our first viewpoint of the lake where we can observe its water and colors, as well as listen to birds. We continue walking through changing vegetation from Andean cold weather to Paramo (Andean moor) with its special plants like frailejon (plants with soft leaves resembling rabbit ears). After 90 minutes, we exit the lake and enjoy some Muisca food such as corn cobs. There are three viewpoints.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira, Carrera 6 Calle 1 Parque De La Sal, Zipaquira Colombia

The traveler obtains an audio guide and enters an underground cathedral built by miners. He walks through an entrance tunnel that leads him to the representation of Jesus' moments before crucifixion. The tourist then finds a dome granting him access to the main Cathedral where he can find the cross, Holy Mary and other artworks made by miners. Additionally there is a water mirror in which one can purchase salt figures, emeralds or coffee among other products. I will wait for travelers at the entrance of this touristic attraction.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Guatavita, Guatavita, Cundinamarca Department

Guatavita town was founded in 1967; it has colonial architecture along with big squares where one can enjoy gastronomy while shopping around for handicrafts.<

Additional Information

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Guatavita lake does not have access to wheel chairs and strollers
• Salta Cathedral has access to wheel chairs and strollers
• Most travelers can participate
• Please use comfortable clothes and shoes
• Face masks required for travelers in public areas
• Face masks required for guides in public areas
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
• Guides required to regularly wash hands
• Regular temperature checks for staff
• Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
• Regular hand disinfection, antibacterial gel and wet towels for disinfection.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Voucher Requirements

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Departure Time

08:00 AM

Departure Point

Traveler pickup is offered
I will pick up in any place in Bogotá

Hotel Pickup

Yes

Return Details

Returns to original departure point