Salt Cathedral - Colombia
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: a surreal train ride from Bogotá.
If you’re in Bogotá and want to take a different kind of day trip, full of history, spirituality and impressive architecture, then head straight to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. And the best part? You can get there in a super charming way. Aboard the Tren Turístico de la Sabana, a trip that’s almost like a walk through time.
The beginning of the adventure: boarding the train in Bogotá.
The day started early, with blue skies and that typical chill of Bogotá mornings. I arrived at Usaquén Station, where the tourist train leaves for Zipaquirá. As soon as I arrived, I was enchanted by the station: an old building, full of charm, with live music and local vendors. The atmosphere is festive — it even seems like the whole city is excited for the trip.
More information about the tourist train here.
The train is old, restored, and has large windows that allow you to enjoy the landscape of the Colombian highlands during the journey. The trip takes about two hours, but it flies by. Between listening to traditional music and a cup of coffee, we pass through villages, plantations and see the mountains in the distance. It’s a completely different way to get to know Colombia beyond the capital.
Arriving in Zipaquirá: a colonial city with a peaceful soul.
When you arrive in Zipaquirá, your first impression is charming. The city has a colonial feel, with cobblestone streets, imposing churches and a much calmer pace than Bogotá.
I went straight to the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is just a few minutes from the center.
You can buy tickets online and get more information here.
Descending into the interior of the earth: the experience at the Salt Cathedral.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of those attractions that cannot be compared to anything else. Built inside an old salt mine, 180 meters underground, it combines faith, art and engineering in a unique way.
The tour begins in a dark and silent tunnel. Little by little, we pass through the Stations of the Cross, all carved in salt, with dramatic lighting that further enhances the environment. It is impossible not to feel something there, no matter your religion. The atmosphere is profound, literally and symbolically.
And then, suddenly, you enter the main nave. The grandeur of the space, the giant crosses, the altars and the blue lighting take your breath away. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is not only a religious monument, but also an artistic masterpiece and a tribute to the work of Colombian miners.
In addition to the cathedral itself, the complex also has museums, an interactive mining route and even a light show. You can spend hours exploring and being impressed.
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Back to the surface.
After emerging from the cathedral with my head full of reflections and photos, I took the opportunity to walk around the city a bit. The historic center of Zipaquirá is charming. I ate a local empanada, had another Colombian coffee (because you can never have too many) and headed back to the station, where the train was waiting for me.
The return to Bogotá was peaceful. As the train rocked gently along the tracks, I thought about how special this experience had been. Often, the most memorable attractions are those that combine the unexpected, like a train ride, with something that touches the soul, as was the case with the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
Conclusion: why it’s worth visiting the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá by train.
Taking this tour was more than just a simple tourist visit. It was a journey that mixed nature, culture, spirituality and an irresistible retro touch. And best of all: it’s easy to do, even if you’re short on time in Bogotá.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of Colombia’s most surprising attractions, and the Tren Turístico de la Sabana makes the journey part of the adventure. If you enjoy authentic experiences and want to see something truly out of the ordinary, this is the kind of itinerary you can’t miss.