Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour 1 Day
ID: GYG161082-241995
Category:
Country: Colombia
Duration:
13:00 hours
Description
On this full-day tour, experience Colombia's charm. Stroll through Villa de Leyva, famous for its picturesque Plaza Mayor, and venture underground to explore the awe-inspiring Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Begin your tour with hotel pick-up in the morning and a scenic drive out to Villa de Leyva. On the way, enjoy the delicious staple of arepas, corn cakes that are often grilled or fried. Upon arrival in Villa de Leyva, step out and walk through the ancient streets lined with colonial-style houses that have remained mostly untouched since their construction. Founded in 1572, Villa de Leyva is famous for its cobblestone square Plaza Mayor, which at 150,695 square feet is the largest in Colombia. Learn about the history of the charming town from your guide before moving on.
Head next to Zipaquira, where you will wander below ground into an enormous salt mine. Your guide will teach you about the history of salt and salt mining as you explore the beautifully lit cavern, eventually reaching the salt cathedral. The church was originally built in 1932 as a place for miners to offer daily prayers and was inaugurated in 1954. Today it is a fully functional church with a weekly service held on Sundays. Spend time in the unique cathedral before returning to the surface and heading back to Bogota.
Highlights
- Enjoy the road to Villa de Leyva
- Visit Plaza Mayor, the largest main square in Colombia
- Discover the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, located 656 feet underground
- Learn the history behind the cathedral and the salt mining industry
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Pick-Up and Drop-Off: The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Bogotá. Please provide your address when booking.
Travel Time: The drive from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. Please be prepared for a full day of travel and exploration.
Tour Duration: The entire tour, including travel, lasts around 10 to 12 hours, so make sure you’re ready for a full day of activities.
Physical Requirements: The tour involves walking through the Salt Cathedral and exploring Villa de Leyva’s cobblestone streets. Let us know if you have any mobility concerns.
Weather: Villa de Leyva has a warm, dry climate, while Zipaquirá and Bogotá can be cooler. Dress in layers and bring a jacket for the cooler parts of the day.
Altitude: Zipaquirá and Bogotá are located at high altitudes (2,600 meters or 8,500 feet above sea level), which can cause mild altitude sickness in some travelers. Stay hydrated.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
