Salt Cathedral Zipaquirá

★★★ Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of South America's architectural wonders and Colombia's most visited attraction. A complete cathedral, built 180 meters deep in an active salt mine where the Muisca indigenous people have been mining salt for over 500 years.

The visit leads through 14 Stations of the Cross, each carved in its own cavern of salt and marble, dramatically lit. The main cathedral is overwhelming: a 16-meter-high cross carved from the rock, illuminated from below, and three naves that can accommodate a total of 8,400 people.

The entire complex — crosses, columns, altars — is carved from the mountain's salt. In some places, you can lick the wall (yes, salt!). The colored lighting bathes everything in an almost mystical atmosphere.

Zipaquirá is located 49 km north of Bogotá. The visit can be organized as a half-day trip. The small colonial town itself has a pretty main square with restaurants.

Zipaquirá, 49 km north of Bogotá. Admission: 65,000 COP (approx. 15€) including a guided tour. Daily 9:00–17:30. Tours in Spanish, English. Duration: 1.5–2 hours. Bring a jacket — 14°C in the mountain!