Bogota City Tour with Gold Museum and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Bogotá , Colombia

Bogota City Tour with Gold Museum and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

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(8 reviews)

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Get a full day of experiences getting to know Bogotá and visiting the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. This combo tour will show you the most characteristic Bogotá scene, and then take you to a town nearby to an underground Cathedral full of history

Available options

Bogota City Tour with Gold Museum and Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation from and to your hotel in the Bogota area

Expert guide in the language of your preference (Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, German)

Entry Tickets to attractions visited

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your day will start when your driver picks you up from your hotel, to take you to your first stop: the Monserrate Sanctuary, located within the imposing Eastern Hills of the city, at an altitude of 3150MASL. Ascending to the top of the mountain on a cable car, you will reach the most famous pilgrimage point of the city, and perhaps the most incredible lookout spot in the capital. This is the best spot to grasp the historical and spatial contextualization of the city.

Stop 2

To finalize the city tour, you will cross La Candelaria’s border to become immersed in the most impressive collection of indigenous gold artifacts at the Gold Museum. As you leave, you'll have the chance to go shopping at the handicrafts market at Parque Santander.

Stop 3

After the walking tour in La Candelaria, you will reach Plaza de Bolívar. It is here where administrative and governmental buildings - that have been icons of the historical processes carried out in our country - surround the main square of the Plaza.

Stop 4

Stop 5

As soon as the city tour is over, you will be taken to the charming town of Zipaquirá where you will visit the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. This is a place where the mysticism of Muiscas (indigenous culture), Catholic symbolism, and contemporary engineering, came together to take visitors on a magical tour through tunnels and vaults of impressive sizes.

On this tour, you will enter an old salt mine that was adapted to become a cathedral. Here, artists and sculptors have manipulated the materials found underground to create original representations of Catholic symbols. Learn from an expert guide about this process and the meanings behind the artworks you will see on tour.

Then, you will head to the colonial village of Zipaquirá, where you’ll walk through the main square that is surrounded by several buildings that have been declared national monuments. Here, you will taste some delicious baked foods of the region and check out the local handicraft market. Lastly, you will head back to Bogotá where you will be driven to your hotel.

What's not included

Optional tips and gratuities

Lunch

Aditional unspecified activities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The order of the tour can be modified due to weather conditions.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes.

We recommend taking a rain jacket in case you experience a rainy day.

PLEASE NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Monday; however, we can change it for another museum according to group's interests.

If there is another place of interest you'd like to include in the tour, please let us know in advance and we will be glad to include it for you.

Important notes

• Note: Please email Impulse Travel at info@impulsetravel.co to confirm your pickup time and location.
• The Gold Museum closes on Mondays and the Botero Museum closes on Tuesday

The price you paid for the service does not include 19% V.A.T. This benefit only applies to foreigners entering as tourists, so it is necessary that you send us as proof a copy of your passport and the photo of the entry stamp to the country. As required by the national tax authority.

About Bogotá

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes Mountains. Known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling urban life, it offers a unique blend of colonial charm and modern sophistication. The city's high altitude and pleasant spring-like climate make it an appealing destination year-round.

Top Attractions

La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogotá's historic center, known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's home to museums, churches, and colorful houses.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, museum entry fees vary

Museo del Oro

The Gold Museum is one of the most important museums in Colombia, housing an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and offering insights into the region's indigenous cultures.

Museum 1-2 hours COP 4,000 ($1 USD)

Montserrate

Montserrate is a mountain overlooking Bogotá, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can reach the summit by funicular, cable car, or hiking trail.

Nature Half day Funicular: COP 16,000 ($4 USD), Cable car: COP 18,000 ($4.50 USD)

Zona G

Zona G is Bogotá's upscale dining and shopping district, known for its high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and trendy cafes.

Cultural Few hours Varies by establishment

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, and arepa. A must-try for meat lovers.

Lunch Not vegetarian or vegan

Ajiaco

A creamy chicken and potato soup with corn, capers, and guascas herb. A comforting and traditional dish.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian with tofu

Arepa

A versatile cornmeal flatbread that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan

Bogotá Brewing Company Craft Beer

Bogotá has a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries offering a variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Drink Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chingaza National Park Paragliding in Zipaquirá Spa day in Chapinero Coffee tasting in La Candelaria Visiting museums in La Candelaria Attending a concert at Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo Boat tour on Lake Guatavita Skiing in Nevado del Ruiz (seasonal)

Best Time to Visit

December to February, June to August

These months offer the best weather with lower rainfall and mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F) 54°F to 70°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bogotá has made significant improvements in safety in recent years, but it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in certain areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas
• Use reputable transportation services, such as app-based taxis or official tour operators
• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

El Dorado International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transportes de Bogotá

Getting around

Public transport

TransMilenio is Bogotá's primary public transport system, consisting of a network of bus rapid transit (BRT) lines and feeder buses. It is efficient but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

La Candelaria Chapinero Usaquén

Day trips

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

48 km (30 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine. It's a unique and awe-inspiring attraction that offers a glimpse into Colombia's mining history.

Villa de Leyva

150 km (93 miles) from Bogotá • Full day

Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic plazas. It's a popular day trip destination for those looking to explore Colombia's colonial past.

Lake Guatavita

50 km (31 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

Lake Guatavita is a scenic lake known for its association with the legend of El Dorado. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, learn about its history, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Festivals

Bogotá International Book Fair • April Bogotá Festival of Theater • June

Pro tips

Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Visit the Museo del Oro early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions
Try the local street food, such as empanadas, arepas, and chorizos, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Take a day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral or Lake Guatavita for a unique and unforgettable experience