Stunning underground cathedral carved inside a salt mine, 50 km north of Bogota. UNESCO tentative site.

About Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine at a depth of 180 meters below the surface. The cathedral is carved entirely from halite rock salt and features 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, leading to three naves — a remarkable feat of engineering and religious devotion that has been called the First Wonder of Colombia.

The mine has been active since pre-Colombian times when the indigenous Muisca people extracted salt for trade. The current cathedral (the second on the site, completed in 1995 after the first was closed for safety reasons) uses dramatic lighting to illuminate the salt-carved crucifixes, columns, and the massive cross in the main nave. The experience of descending into the mountain and emerging into the illuminated underground space is genuinely awe-inspiring.

The town of Zipaquirá above the mine is a charming colonial settlement worth exploring. The Plaza de los Comuneros is lined with well-preserved colonial buildings, and the local food scene offers traditional Boyacense cuisine. A popular way to reach Zipaquirá is aboard the Turistren, a heritage steam train that runs from Bogotá on weekends through the scenic sabana (highland plain).

Nearby Landmarks

Salt Cathedral Plaza de los Comuneros Brine Museum Zipaquirá colonial town

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost COP 120,000-180,000
Time 1.5-2 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost COP 100,000-150,000
Time 1.5-2 hours

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

TransMilenio to Portal Norte, then intermunicipal bus to Zipaquira. Walk 15 min to cathedral.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi COP 120,000-180,000 1.5-2 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare COP 100,000-150,000 1.5-2 hours Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Salt Cathedral closes in the evening, so nighttime transport for this route is unlikely. If visiting late afternoon, return to Bogotá by taxi or Uber (COP 80,000-120,000). There is no direct public transport from the airport to Zipaquirá. TransMilenio connects from the city, but it requires multiple transfers and is impractical from the airport.

Luggage Tips

The Salt Cathedral involves significant underground walking (about 1.5 km through tunnels). Leave all luggage at your Bogotá hotel or at the airport. Bring comfortable walking shoes — the tunnels can be slippery. The temperature underground is a constant 14°C — bring a light jacket. Lockers are available at the site entrance.

Accessibility

The Salt Cathedral has made efforts to improve accessibility, with ramps in some sections and guided wheelchair routes available. However, the underground tunnels are uneven and some sections involve stairs. Contact the cathedral in advance to arrange the accessible route. The town of Zipaquirá's colonial center has cobblestone streets. Transport from the airport requires a private vehicle.