The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore two of Colombia’s most captivating destinations in a single day. Departing from Bogotá, this guided excursion takes travelers on a journey through the country’s rich cultural heritage, from the underground wonder of the Salt Cathedral to the charming colonial streets of Villa de Leyva. With a focus on comfort and convenience, the tour promises an immersive experience that showcases the stunning natural landscapes and architectural marvels that have made these sites renowned. However, the true allure of this tour lies in the stories waiting to be uncovered…
Key Points
- A comprehensive 13-hour tour that includes visits to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and the historic town of Villa de Leyva.
- Scenic drive from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva, exploring the largest main square in Colombia.
- Tour of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, located 656 feet underground, with insights into the history of salt mining.
- Flexibility in the itinerary, allowing for breaks and local snack experiences, and accessibility for wheelchair users.
- Positive customer reviews highlighting the competence of the guide, comfortable transportation, and overall organization of the tour.
Tour Overview
What does this tour offer? The 13-hour Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva tour provides a comprehensive experience for visitors.
Starting from Bogotá, the tour takes guests on a scenic drive to the charming town of Villa de Leyva, where they’ll explore the largest main square in Colombia. After a break, the tour continues to the town of Zipaquirá, home to the remarkable Salt Cathedral located 656 feet underground.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy local snacks and learn about the history of salt mining. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and offers flexibility, with optional break times and lunch.
With a competent guide, well-organized itinerary, and comfortable transportation, this tour promises an unforgettable day.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with a pickup from guests’ accommodations in Bogotá, embarking on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the charming town of Villa de Leyva. After a 20-minute optional break, guests will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Villa de Leyva, exploring the largest main square in Colombia – Plaza Mayor. The journey then continues to Zipaquirá, with a 1-hour optional lunch stop along the way. The highlight of the day is the 2-hour guided tour of the iconic Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, located 656 feet underground. Finally, the tour returns to Bogotá, completing the 13-hour experience.
Stop | Duration |
---|---|
Pickup in Bogotá | – |
Drive to Villa de Leyva | 3.5 hours |
Villa de Leyva Guided Tour | 2 hours |
Drive to Zipaquirá | 2.5 hours |
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Guided Tour | 2 hours |
Return to Bogotá | 1.5 hours |
Tour Highlights
The tour highlights the charm of Villa de Leyva’s colonial-style architecture and the fascinating history behind the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Visitors can explore the largest main square in Colombia, covering an impressive 150,695 square feet. The tour also delves into the salt mining history, allowing guests to marvel at the cathedral located 656 feet underground.
Along the way, travelers can indulge in local snacks like arepas. Plus, the tour offers the unique opportunity to visit a fully functional church with weekly services, providing a deeper culture.
With the guide’s expertise and the well-organized itinerary, the tour offers a well-rounded experience showcasing the best of the region.
Important Information
Visitors should bring their passport or ID, as well as comfortable shoes and sunglasses.
The tour involves walking, so it’s important to inform the operator about any mobility concerns.
The weather can vary across the different locations, with Zipaquirá and Bogotá being cooler than Villa de Leyva, so dressing in layers is recommended.
Staying hydrated is crucial, as the tour takes place at high altitudes, with Zipaquirá and Bogotá being around 8,500 feet above sea level.
Following these guidelines will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Based on the provided information, customer reviews for the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Villa de Leyva Tour seem quite positive overall.
The tour has an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 11 reviews. Customers highlight the competent guide, good driver, and the well-organized nature of the tour.
The guide, in particular, receives a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. Transportation receives a slightly lower score of 3.7, but overall service and organization are rated highly at 4.3 and 4.8, respectively.
The positive reviews suggest this tour offers a memorable and well-executed experience exploring the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and the charming town of Villa de Leyva.
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Pickup and Transportation
The tour includes pickup from accommodation in Bogota, making it convenient for participants. This saves them the hassle of arranging their own transportation.
The drive to Villa de Leyva takes approximately 3.5 hours, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside. After the tour of Villa de Leyva, the group heads to Zipaquirá, a 2.5-hour drive.
While lunch is optional, the tour provides ample time for participants to enjoy a meal before the guided tour of the Salt Cathedral.
Accessibility and Cancellation
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility concerns.
Cancellation is also flexible, with free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance. This provides peace of mind for those who may need to adjust their plans.
- Tour is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring all visitors can explore the underground cathedral.
- Cancellation policy allows for free changes up to a day prior to the tour date.
- Flexibility enables guests to modify their plans without incurring additional costs.
- Accessible and lenient cancellation options enhance the overall tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photographs Allowed Inside the Salt Cathedral?
Photographs are allowed inside the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, but visitors are advised to use flash photography sparingly to avoid disturbing the sacred ambiance. Tripods may not be permitted due to space constraints.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Salt Cathedral?
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. The site features a gift shop where guests can find a variety of salt-related items, including sculptures, jewelry, and other handicrafts to commemorate their visit.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can add additional time to explore Villa de Leyva or the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral in more depth for an additional fee.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour provider offers private tours for an additional fee, which allows for a more personalized and flexible experience.
Is There Any Dress Code Required for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes, as there’s walking involved. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the temperature variations between the tour sites.
Recap
This immersive 13-hour tour from Bogotá showcases Colombia’s cultural and natural wonders. Participants will explore the historic Villa de Leyva and marvel at the impressive Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. With local snacks, accessible transportation, and knowledgeable guides, the tour ensures a comfortable and enriching experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the architectural and historical significance of these iconic destinations.
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