Weekend getaway from Bogota · #10 of 10
Nemocon
Zipaquira's quieter sibling: Colombia's second-largest salt mine, with crystal chambers and a salt museum, in a village where Sunday is market day. It doubled as a film set for The 33.
Meet Colombia's second-largest salt mine after Zipaquira's, tucked under a sleepy Muisca-rooted village where Sunday is still market day. Its glowing chambers played Chile in the movie The 33 and hosted The Amazing Race, yet it stays wonderfully crowd-free. Head down for the salt mirrors, stay for the local square.
Getting there
A smooth 65 km drive. Since you will cruise right past Zipaquira, it is super easy to hit both salt towns in one scenic loop.
Buses leave all morning. Once you arrive, you can easily walk to the mine right from the village plaza.
Day trip - Sunday
Subterranean salt mirrors and Sunday market vibes- 18:00 AMDrive
Drive north through the sabana
Escape the city for a scenic 90-minute cruise past Zipaquira into peaceful pastures. Starting on Sunday means you roll right into the village's lively market day.
📍 Bogota, Colombia
- 29:30 AMFood
Coffee on the village square
Grab a hot tinto and a fresh pastry on the plaza as the town wakes up. The vibe here is a fraction of Zipaquira's tourist frenzy, which is the best part.
📍 Nemocon, Cundinamarca
- 310:00 AMActivity
Descend into the Nemocon salt mine
Wander Colombia's second-biggest salt mine, carved out since Muisca times. You will find glowing tunnels of salt crystals and stunning, mirror-like brine pools deep below.
📍 Mina de Sal de Nemocon, Nemocon
Tip · Guides leave all the time, but grab a jacket before you go down; it gets chilly in the tunnels.
- 412:00 PMSight
The mine's movie and salt history
These chambers stood in for Chile in the movie The 33 and hosted The Amazing Race. On-site displays trace the history from ancient Muisca hand-mining to modern days.
📍 Mina de Sal de Nemocon, Nemocon
- 51:00 PMFood
Village lunch
Pop back up for a classic set-menu almuerzo at a family joint near the plaza. Expect rustic highland comfort food, extra fresh on a market Sunday.
📍 Nemocon, Cundinamarca
- 62:15 PMSight
Templo San Francisco de Asis and the plaza
Check out the historic San Francisco de Asis church, then wander the bustling market stalls where local farmers show off their fresh crops and bright flowers.
📍 Templo Parroquial San Francisco de Asis, Nemocon
- 73:30 PMSight
Optional: pair with Zipaquira
You will pass Zipaquira on the way back. If you want to check out the famous Salt Cathedral, do a double bill, or just wander their lovely colonial streets.
📍 Zipaquira, Cundinamarca
Tip · Give yourself two hours for the Salt Cathedral, and check the closing time before you head in.
- 85:00 PMDrive
Cruise back to Bogota
Enjoy a smooth, easy cruise back down the Autopista Norte to Bogota, getting you home just in time for a relaxing Sunday evening.
📍 Nemocon, Cundinamarca
Where to eat
Hearty, multi-course highland meals at local spots; super filling and best enjoyed on market day.
Sunday turns the square into a feast of local street snacks, fresh fruit and flowers from nearby farms.
When to go
Since the mine is covered and the village weather is mild, any dry weekend is perfect for a trip.
Sunday market day is when the village truly wakes up; try to time your visit for then!
Good to know
- Aim for a Sunday to catch the market, and get to the mine early to beat the tour buses.
- Pack a light sweater or jacket; those underground tunnels stay chilly all year.
- Combine Nemocon with Zipaquira for the ultimate salt-mining road trip; they are super close.
- Bring cash for market treats and small diners, as card machines are pretty rare here.
