How to Plan Your Private Salt Cathedral Tour from Bogota

Are you planning to visit Bogota soon? If so, then a tour of the world-famous Salt Cathedral should definitely be on your itinerary. This stunning cathedral built within the tunnels of a salt mine is a unique experience that you won’t want to miss. To ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve put together this guide on how to plan your private Salt Cathedral tour from Bogota.

Overview of the Tour

This private Salt Cathedral tour includes a guided tour of the cathedral, lunch, and tickets. The tour is for a duration of 7 hours and is operated by a reputable third-party company. You’ll get to see one of the most iconic landmarks in Bogota, learn about its history and architecture, and enjoy a delicious lunch.

What’s Included in the Tour

This tour includes everything you’ll need for an incredible experience at the Salt Cathedral. Here is a breakdown of what’s included:

• Entrance fee to the Salt Cathedral
• Lunch
• Guided tour inside the Salt Cathedral
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bogota

Meeting and Pickup

The tour operators provide a convenient pickup service from your hotel lobby in Bogota. When booking your tour, you can select a pickup point that is closest to your hotel. Your local guide will be waiting for you at the specified time to take you to the Salt Cathedral.

Pickup Points

When booking your tour, you’ll be able to select one of the following pickup points:

• Zone 1 – Candelaria, La Macarena, and Chapinero
• Zone 2 – Usaquen and Parque 93
• Zone 3 – Santa Barbara, Zona Rosa, and Centro Chia

Pickup Details

Your local guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby at the specified time.

What to Expect on the Tour

Once you arrive at the Salt Cathedral, your guide will take you on a tour of the cathedral, where you’ll see the unique architecture and learn about its history. You’ll learn how miners created a cathedral out of salt, carving intricate details in the walls and ceilings.

After exploring the cathedral, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. The restaurant serves traditional Colombian cuisine, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Once the tour concludes, your guide will drop you off at your hotel in Bogota.

Additional Information

Here are a few essential details regarding the tour:

• Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• The tour is stroller accessible.
• It is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time or fail to show up, you will be charged the full amount of the tour.

Booking the Tour

Now that you know how to plan your private Salt Cathedral tour, it’s time to book your spot. You can book the tour from the official tour page on Viator’s website by clicking here. The process is simple and straightforward, and you’ll receive an email confirmation with your tour details and pickup time.

Conclusion

A trip to the Salt Cathedral is an experience like no other, and we hope that this guide has helped you plan your private tour from Bogota. From hotel pickup to guided cathedral tour, lunch, and drop-off, this tour has everything you need for a perfect day exploring one of the world’s most unique landmarks. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture some incredible photos of the cathedral for the memories to last a lifetime!

The Insider’s Guide to Bogotá: Beyond the Tourist Trail

Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. There is so much to discover beyond the typical tourist itineraries. As a local, I can share my insights into the city’s hidden gems, food culture, local history, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that you won’t find in your guidebook.

Local Attractions: Discovering the Hidden Gems

While Bogota has many popular tourist attractions such as the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and the Plaza de Bolivar, there are plenty of offbeat places waiting to be explored. A visit to the Parque Nacional Natural Chicaque, a nature reserve just outside of Bogota, would be ideal for nature lovers, offering hiking trails through a lush forest and a stunning view of the valley. Trekking up to the top of Monserrate, the highest point in Bogota, offers panoramic views of the city, while the traditional village of Usaquén boasts of vibrant markets, restaurants, and hip cafes.

Dining Spots: Immersing in the Local Food Culture

Bogota’s dining scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Colombian, Spanish, and indigenous influences. La Puerta de la Catedral, a restaurant situated opposite the famous Catedral De Sal, offers a delicious spread of traditional Colombian food. Sodoma in Chapinero is a vegetarian and vegan gem, offering an eco-friendly atmosphere, healthy menu, and exceptional service. Don’t forget that coffee lovers can take a tour of a local roastery or enjoy a cup of Colombian coffee at one of the city’s many cozy coffee shops dotted all across the city.

Cultural Experiences: Imbibing the City’s Traditions

Bogota celebrates many traditional events that are unique to the city. The annual Festival Iberoamericano De Teatro is a month-long celebration of the performing arts with various international and local performances. Semana Santa or Holy Week is the most important religious festival in Colombia, with special masses, parades, and events taking place throughout the city during the last week of Lent. For art enthusiasts, Colombia’s contemporary art collection is on exhibit at the Art Museum of National University, which features works by both Colombian and international artists.

Local History: Understanding the City’s Culture and Past

Bogota is steeped in history, with architectural wonders that date back to the colonial era. The Catedral De Sal, or the Salt Cathedral, located in Zipaquira was once a salt mine transformed into a stunning place of worship, incorporating beautiful artworks sculpted out of salt rocks. The Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, with its orchid collection focused on the biodiversity of the Andean region. The Historical Centre of Bogotá encompasses a full range of colonial architecture, from baroque facades to neoclassical government buildings.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

For a truly memorable experience in Bogota, you can go for a graffiti tour to see the city’s street art scenes, cycling down the famous Ciclovía, a weekly program in which several streets are blocked for recreational biking, walking or jogging. For a more extensive adventure, you can always take a day trip to the nearby village of Guatavita, home of the legendary El Dorado. Here, you can explore the town’s history, visit the stunning lagoon, and learn about the rituals and beliefs of the Muisca indigenous people.

In conclusion, Bogota is a city that is alive, vibrant and has so much to offer the visitors who dig deeper and go beyond the typical tourist itineraries. From immersive cultural experiences to hidden gems, local history, and unique off-the-beaten-path suggestions, Bogota is one of the most incredible places to visit in South America.