Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt
Tourist attraction · Zipaquirá ·

Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt

Tourist attraction · Zipaquirá ·

Underground church sculpted from salt mine tunnels, unique experience

salt mine cathedral
impressive architecture
unique attraction
lighting design
historical significance
spiritual atmosphere
beautiful sculptures
tourist groups
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt by null

Information

Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia Get directions

Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Paid street parking

Information

Static Map

Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia Get directions

+57 601 8519502
catedraldesal.gov.co
@catedraldesal
𝕏
@catedraldesal

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Paid street parking
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

Essential Guide to Bogotá
Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Salt Cathedral
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

The Perfect Week in Colombia
Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Salt Cathedral
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Salt Cathedral About an hour north of Bogotá lies the so-called Salt Cathedral, an intriguing and impressive church that has been sculpted from the empty chambers of a working salt mine, one that’s been in operation since pre-Hispanic times. Beginning in the 20th century, miners began to decorate shafts with icons and saints from whom they sought protection. By 1954, a full-fledged cathedral had been carved into the rock and inaugurated; it has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since. When a previous sanctuary became unstable, the current chapel was carved almost 200 feet deeper down and opened in 1995, complete with eerie lighting and beautiful sculptures. A visit is a moving experience even for nonbelievers. By Travesías"

The Best Things to Do in Colombia
Photo by Alejandra Cardona
Salt Cathedral
@nomadicmatt
6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The 20 Best Things to Do in Bogotá, Colombia (Updated 2025)

"I visited the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá and was awed by its uniqueness: a Roman Catholic church carved into the tunnels of an old salt mine about 200 meters underground, where up to 3,000 people attend services on Sundays; day trips run from Bogotá and basic admission is listed at 98,000 COP." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/things-to-see-and-do-in-bogota/
Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá Salt

J V.

Google
An excellent and unforgettable experience. The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is truly breathtaking—both spiritually and architecturally. The underground journey through the cathedral is peaceful, moving, and incredibly well designed. We did the tour with Beyond Colombia, and it was fantastic. The guide was knowledgeable, organized, and added meaningful context to the history, symbolism, and spiritual importance of the site. This is more than a tour—it’s a spiritual experience and an absolute must-do when visiting Colombia. Highly recommended!

Chris W.

Google
The vast size of this is incredible but even more than that is how much you see versus how much you don't. This place is absolutely massive and has been going for 2 hundred years if I remember correctly! Religious or not, there's a reason why this was the first wonder of Colombia. Go. Enjoy. AND!!! They have a lot of different things for sale and a lot of it is really great prices, much better than you'd think. Also you can take the train out and that's a neat experience driving through one of the tunnels in a big bus, continues to show how massive this carve out is.

Gabriel R.

Google
​A Journey to the Depths: Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá The Vibe: Spiritual, Subterranean, and Architecturally Stunning ​If you are looking for a travel experience that completely defies the norm, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is it. Located 180 meters underground, this isn't just a church; it is an engineering marvel carved entirely within the tunnels of a salt mine. It is widely known as the "First Wonder of Colombia," and the title is well-deserved. ​The Route: A Descent into Darkness and Light ​The experience begins the moment you enter the tunnel. The air instantly cools, and you catch the faint, mineral scent of rock salt. The lighting is dim and atmospheric, shifting between deep blues and purples that reflect off the rough-hewn walls. ​1. The Stations of the Cross (Viacrucis) The first section of the route is a long, winding tunnel representing the Viacrucis. Unlike traditional churches, these stations are abstract altars carved directly into the salt rock. Some are small and intimate, while others are cavernous voids that make you feel tiny in comparison. It is a quiet, reflective walk that sets the tone for the rest of the tour. ​2. The Dome and The Choir As you descend deeper, the tunnels open up. You reach a balcony area (the Choir) that offers your first breathtaking look at the main cathedral from above. An enormous, illuminated cross is carved into the back wall of the central nave, it is the iconic image of the cathedral and looks truly ethereal from this vantage point. ​3. The Three Naves The route concludes at the bottom floor, where the cathedral splits into three massive naves representing the Birth, Life, and Death/Resurrection of Jesus. The sheer scale here is massive. You can walk amongst the pews, admire the salt waterfalls (sculptures that look like flowing water but are solid salt), and see the "Creation of Man" carved in marble. ​☕ The Pit Stop: Café Domo ​Deep inside the mine, you will find Café Domo. This was a highlight for our family. After walking the tunnels, sitting down for a warm drink in such a surreal, subterranean setting feels incredibly cozy. ​It is a great spot to rest your legs. We and the kids really enjoyed it, the coffee is excellent (as expected in Colombia), and they offer snacks that are perfect for a mid-tour boost. It offers a rare chance to say you’ve had a cappuccino 180 meters underground! ​📋 Key Details & Logistics ​Walking Distance Be prepared to walk. The tour is not physically strenuous, but it is long. ​Total Route: Approximately 2 km (1.24 miles) round trip. ​Note: The ground is uneven in places, so comfortable sneakers are a must. ​Entrance Costs ​Colombian Citizens: $70.000 COP (~$19 USD) ​Foreigners: $118.000 COP (~$32 USD) ​Currency conversion based on rate $1 USD ≈ $3,696 COP. ​Final Verdict ​The Salt Cathedral is a "different experience" in every sense of the word. It combines geology, architecture, and spirituality in a way few places on Earth do. Whether you are religious or simply appreciate engineering wonders, the walk through the salt tunnels is unforgettable.

Magno T.

Google
The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá is one of the most incredible tour experiences you can have near Bogotá. The moment you enter the salt mine, the atmosphere, lighting, and architecture take your breath away. The cathedral is beautifully carved, peaceful, and truly unique — unlike anything else in the world. The tour is well organized, the guides are knowledgeable, and every section of the mine tells a powerful story. Whether you’re visiting for cultural, historical, or spiritual reasons, this place is unforgettable.

Hope

Google
An absolutely beautiful place and definitely worth a visit! Very glad I booked a small group tour as there were some massive groups with loud tour guides, which we were able to avoid to an extent. There was also a very big queue when we were living. It was a bank holiday Monday, so I’m sure that didn’t help.

Manikandan

Google
The Salt Cathedral is an unforgettable experience, blending faith, art, and natural wonder deep inside the earth. Walking through the illuminated tunnels feels almost otherworldly, and the sculpted Stations of the Cross add a powerful sense of devotion. The main cathedral hall is stunning, but the gentle presence of the Rosary Mother statue stands out even more—quiet, comforting, and beautifully crafted. It’s a place that invites reflection, prayer, and a deep sense of peace, making the visit both moving and memorable.

Vakhtang J.

Google
The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring attractions I’ve ever visited. Built inside a working salt mine, this underground cathedral combines natural beauty, architecture, and spirituality in a truly magical way. The moment you descend into the tunnels, you can feel the peaceful and sacred atmosphere all around you. The lighting design is breathtaking — colors reflecting off the salt walls create a surreal, almost celestial ambiance. Each of the Stations of the Cross is beautifully carved, and the main cathedral chamber leaves you speechless with its grand scale and artistic detail. It’s incredible to think everything here is made of salt! The guided tours are well-organized and informative, offering fascinating insights into the history of the mine and the faith that inspired its transformation. There’s also a lovely souvenir area, a café, and even a small light show that adds a modern touch to the experience. This isn’t just a church — it’s a masterpiece of engineering, art, and devotion hidden deep underground. A visit to Zipaquirá wouldn’t be complete without seeing it!

Emma S.

Google
Absolutely amazing!!!! One of the greatest places I’ve seen! Make sure u start early to avoid the big tourist groups on the very loud microphones which absolutely destroyed the place! I walked to the end first up. Then had to do it backwards to get away from these microphones and masses of people. I arrived at 9.30. Better arrive at 9!!! Small ground tours with no mics would be much better.