Weekend getaway from Bogota · #2 of 10
Zipaquira
Home of the Salt Cathedral, a church carved nearly 200 m down inside a salt mine, plus a cheerful colonial center. Ride the weekend Tren Turistico de la Sabana from Usaquen for the full excursion.
Zipaquira pairs a jaw-dropping cathedral carved into a salt mine 200 m underground with a lively colonial hill town. It is the easiest, most rewarding escape from Bogota. On weekends, roll in style on a retro 1960s train!
Getting there
Runs weekends and holidays only. For COP 96,000, you get a round trip with a live band onboard! Returns at 3:15 PM sharp. Book early on Tuboleta and arrive 75 minutes ahead.
Buses roll out every 15 minutes for just COP 8,000. It is a quick 45-minute zip without traffic, but can take 2 hours in a jam. Heads up: the Sunday return on the 45A is a crawl.
Day trip - Saturday or Sunday
From deep salt mines to cobblestone vibes- 18:00 AMDrive
Head north from Bogota
Hop a bus or drive via Portal del Norte, or upgrade to the weekend tourist train from Usaquen at 9:15 AM. Trust me, it is a blast with live papayera bands playing between the cars!
📍 Estacion de Usaquen, Bogota
Tip · If you are riding the train, book in advance as tickets vanish, and arrive 75 minutes early.
- 210:00 AMFood
Coffee and almojabanas in the arcades
Stroll up Calle 4 past Parque La Esperanza straight into the historic heart. Find a cozy cafe spot, order hot chocolate with cheesy almojabanas, and enjoy some epic people-watching.
📍 Parque La Esperanza, Zipaquira
- 310:45 AMSight
Plaza de la Independencia and the brick cathedral
Feast your eyes on the town's gorgeous main square, dominated by the Diocesan Cathedral. Step inside to see the stunning checkerboard of red brick and white limestone.
📍 Plaza de la Independencia, Zipaquira
- 411:30 AMSight
Descend into the Catedral de Sal
Follow the guided path 200 m underground, winding past 14 salt-carved stations to the cavernous main nave with its glowing, giant cross. Give yourself 3 hours to take it all in.
📍 Catedral de Sal, Zipaquira
Tip · Open 9 AM to 5:40 PM daily. Entry is COP 125,000 for foreign adults, which includes an awesome guided tour in English or Spanish.
- 52:45 PMFood
Late lunch at Labriego
Pop back to the surface and refuel at Labriego. Tucked away in the historic center's colonial streets, it serves up a deliciously modern spin on Colombian classics.
📍 Labriego, Zipaquira
Tip · Catching the train back? It rolls out at 3:15 PM sharp, so skip the leisurely sit-down and grab a quick bite near the station.
- 64:00 PMSight
Salt Museum and Parque de la Sal grounds
Wrap up your salt adventure at the museum right by the mine entrance, then soak in the beautiful views of the town's red rooftops from the hillside.
📍 Museo de la Sal, Zipaquira
Tip · It is a steep 20-minute walk uphill from town to the mine; you can easily snag a taxi for around COP 4,000.
- 75:00 PMFood
Craft beer at Pie de Cumbre Pub
Toast to a great day with local craft beers in the lovely historic center. It is the perfect last stop before you head back to the big city.
📍 Pie de Cumbre Pub, Zipaquira
- 86:00 PMDrive
Bus back to Bogota
Catch your return bus right across from where you got dropped off on Carrera 15. Budget some extra time, as weekend traffic back to Portal del Norte can crawl.
📍 Zipaquira, Cundinamarca
Where to eat
Hands down the town's best meal, serving up a creative, modern twist on Colombian flavors in a lovely colonial setting.
The perfect spot in the historic center to grab a cold local craft brew and unwind after exploring the salt cathedral.
This pedestrian street is packed with inviting bakeries. Stop in for the ultimate local treat: hot chocolate paired with a cheesy almojabana.
When to go
Since the cathedral is deep underground, weather won't spoil your plans. It stays cool down there, so toss a light jacket in your bag.
This is when the vintage tourist train runs, but expect bigger crowds at the mine. Beat the rush by visiting early or late.
Good to know
- You can grab your salt cathedral tickets at the gate or online. The ticket includes the complete 3-hour guided tour.
- Remember, the tourist train follows a strict round-trip schedule and leaves at 3:15 PM. If you want to linger, the bus is your best bet.
- Got wheels? Consider pairing your trip with a visit to the peaceful Nemocon salt mine just 15 km down the road.
- If you can make it on a weekday, you will breeze past the heavy highway traffic and the biggest crowds at the cathedral.
