Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (Catedral de Sal)

The Salt Cathedral, located in the Salt Park (Parque de la Sal) began as a small altar where miners prayed before proceeding further underground and is now a working place of worship that holds services on Sundays. The naves, altars, sculptures, and architectural elements are illuminated by colorful lights and the space is outfitted with pews and chandeliers. The cathedral is a popular attraction of day trips from Bogotá to the charming colonial-era town of Zipaquirá.

• The Salt Cathedral is popular with travelers interested in architecture and history.

• Pre-book tickets online.

• Temperatures below ground can be cooler than at the surface, so bring an extra layer of clothing.

• While the Salt Cathedral is technically wheelchair and stroller accessible, the ground is bumpy and may be hard to navigate.

The Salt Cathedral is located in Zipaquirá, in the Salt Park (Parque de la Sal), on the corner of Calle 1 and Carrera 6. To reach Zipaquirá from Bogotá, take a bus from the Portal del Norte bus station to Zipaquirá Terminal de Transporte. And walk the half mile to the Salt Park. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Bogotá, book a tour that includes transportation, or ride the Turistren (see below).

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is open daily all year round from morning until evening. On Sunday, many Bogotá locals make the trip for Catholic services.

On holidays and weekends, you can reach Zipaquirá on the Turistren, refurbished early 20th-century trains that run along a sightseeing route. It’s a slow ride, and takes nearly three hours to reach Zipaquirá station from Bogotá: you’ll continue past Zipaquirá to Cajicá Station before looping back towards the city. Some tours of the Salt Cathedral include transportation to and from Cajicá Station.