Things To Do
in Zipaquirá
Zipaquirá is a historic Andean town north of Bogotá known for its salt mines and the striking Salt Cathedral carved into an underground salt dome. The downtown center features well-preserved colonial architecture, a lively main square, and scenic views of surrounding rolling hills. The town blends indigenous Muisca heritage with modern Colombian culture, welcoming day-trippers and longer-stay visitors.
Zipaquirá is an accessible base for outdoor activities, cultural visits, and tasting regional cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Colombian arepas and coffee. Afterward, take a guided walking tour through the charming streets of Zipaquirá, where colonial architecture and vibrant colors set the scene. Visit the main square, Plaza de los Comuneros, and admire the impressive Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting the regional specialty, ajiaco, a hearty chicken and potato soup. After your meal, visit the local artisan shops where you can find handcrafted souvenirs and learn about the traditional crafts of the region. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Parque de la Sal, which features beautiful gardens and a serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy bar for a drink and immerse yourself in the local culture through live music. Enjoy a dinner featuring Colombian cuisine, perhaps trying bandeja paisa, a delicious platter that reflects the country's culinary diversity. End your evening with a stroll under the stars, soaking in the vibrant energy of the town.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to the renowned Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an architectural marvel carved within the salt mine. The journey to the cathedral involves a scenic walk down into the mine, where you'll be greeted by stunning salt sculptures and religious icons. Explore the fascinating history of the cathedral, learning about its significance and the legends that surround it.
After visiting the cathedral, enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Parque de la Sal, where the beautiful landscapes create a perfect backdrop. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding area, including the salt park's trails and viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the mountains. Don’t forget to capture the moment with some stunning photographs of the unique terrain.
Return to town for dinner at a family-owned restaurant, where you can indulge in local delicacies. As the night falls, consider joining a guided night tour of the Salt Cathedral to experience its magical atmosphere illuminated by soft lights. Wrap up your day with a warm drink at a café, reflecting on the wonders you've experienced.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.60-1.00 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique attraction: the Salt Cathedral and salt-mining heritage
- Charming colonial center with walkable streets and good photography opportunities
- Close to Bogotá for easy day trips while offering quieter small-town atmosphere
- Good base for nearby outdoor activities (hiking, climbing, salt mine tours)
- High elevation can cause cool nights and possible altitude effects for some visitors
- Limited nightlife and fewer upscale dining options compared with Bogotá
- Weather can be changeable with frequent afternoon rains in wet seasons
- Some tourist sites can get crowded during weekends and holidays
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días / Buenas tardes" - Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Sin gluten / Soy vegetariano(a)" - Gluten-free / I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Zipaquirá
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic subterranean cathedral with dramatic lighting and textured salt walls — excellent for moody, architectural shots (tripod may be limited inside).
Colonial facades, the cathedral above ground, street life and cafés — great for street and golden-hour photography.
Several miradores around town offer panoramic views of the valley, ideal for sunrise and sunset shots.
Less crowded than Zipaquirá’s mine with atmospheric caverns, salt formations and reflective pools — striking for wide-angle images.
Dramatic rock faces and climbing action shots; also offers landscapes of the Andes with interesting geological textures.
Food in Zipaquirá
Zipaquirá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting beef-rib broth often eaten for breakfast; available at local fondas and roadside eateries.
Must-Try!
A hearty chicken and potato soup flavored with guasca; more Bogotá-region style but commonly found in Zipaquirá restaurants.
Corn-based staples: arepas are everywhere and tamales are a filling, spiced option often sold at morning markets.
Simple grilled beef or pork, typically served with rice, plantain and salad at parrillas and mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can sample fresh fruit juices, empanadas, arepas, tamales and local cheeses; great for breakfast or quick bites.
Afternoon and evening street vendors sell empanadas, buñuelos, churrasco snacks and sweet pastries — try the arequipe treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Colombians are warm and polite: a handshake is common for first meetings; friends and acquaintances may use a single cheek kiss (right cheek). Use formal titles until invited to use first names.
Dress modestly and be quiet inside chapels and the Salt Cathedral; ask before photographing people in religious contexts.
Friendly small talk is common; show interest in local culture and avoid overly critical comments about Colombia or people in public settings.
Haggling is not common in fixed-price shops but may be acceptable at small markets or with artisans — do so respectfully.
Safety
Tipping in Zipaquirá
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Leaving 10% in restaurants is common when service is good; small change for porters, guides and drivers is customary.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is widely used, especially at markets and small vendors. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels and mid-to-high-end restaurants; contactless payments and mobile apps (Beat, Didi, some card apps) are increasingly common but always carry cash for rural or small purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
One of the drier periods with more sunny days and clearer views — great for outdoor activities, though occasional afternoon showers can occur.
Expect frequent afternoon showers and cooler, muddier hiking conditions. Bring waterproof gear and plan outdoor activities for the morning.
Cooler, crisp weather with sunny days and cold nights; very good for hiking and photography but pack warm layers for evenings.
Short but variable periods with mix of sun and rain; it’s wise to carry an umbrella year-round due to microclimate shifts.
Zipaquirá at Night
Hiking in Zipaquirá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short walks around the Nemocón saline area and guided visits inside the mine; family-friendly and close to Zipaquirá.
Hiking routes and climbing approaches near the famous Suesca rock faces; excellent scenery and geology-focused walks.
High-Andean páramo with demanding hikes, unique flora and fauna, and dramatic landscapes — best with a guide and full-day planning.
Vast páramo region south of Bogotá for experienced hikers seeking high-altitude ecosystems and remote scenery; allow ample travel time.
Short, accessible hikes from town to viewpoints offering panoramas of the valley—great for sunrise/sunset and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Zipaquirá by plane.
Main international airport serving Bogotá, roughly 45–60 km (about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic). Most visitors arrive here and continue to Zipaquirá by bus, shuttle or private transfer.
Smaller airfield in the Bogotá area used for private flights and general aviation; not a primary commercial gateway but relevant for private charters.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the population identifying with mixed European and indigenous heritage; forms the core of local culture and daily life.
The Muisca were the original inhabitants of the region; their cultural legacy remains important in place names, traditions and local history.
Smaller communities contribute to the cultural mix, alongside migrants and a modest number of expats and visitors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Colombia’s most popular sport; locals follow national and regional teams and casual pickup games are common.
Road cycling is extremely popular around the Andean roads near Zipaquirá; many riders train on the hills and valley routes.
Suesca is a nearby hub for climbing enthusiasts and attracts both beginners and advanced climbers.
Traditional Colombian target game involving small explosives; played socially at local bars or gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zipaquirá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are fewer than meat-based dishes; order soups, egg-and-cheese arepas, salads, or ask restaurants for vegetable-based plates. Many cafés and some restaurants can adapt dishes if requested.
Vegan choices are limited in traditional eateries; look for markets, bakeries with plant-based options, or ask cafés for coffee with plant milk. Larger restaurants in the town center can sometimes modify dishes if you explain restrictions.
Corn-based foods (arepas, tamales) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible. Communicate the restriction clearly ("sin gluten") and prefer simple preparations.