Things to do in Zipaquira

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church carved deep within the tunnels of a salt mine, approx. 200m underground, and is a well-known pilgrimage and tourist destination in Colombia. This salt mine was worked by the Muisca people long before the arrival of the Spanish. Starting in the 1930s, miners carved prayer spaces into the tunnels. The first underground church was completed in 1954 but was later closed due to safety issues in the mine tunnels. The current church was built in 1995 in a deeper part of the mine and remains an active church where masses and other religious activities are held. The visit begins with a slow descent down the entrance corridor, where 14 Stations of the Cross are lined up on both sides. Each station features a cross and kneeling bench carved from salt rock, corresponding to scenes from the Passion of Jesus. At the end of the corridor are 3 naves symbolizing the birth, life, and death of Jesus, connected by a fissure. The icons, ornaments, and architectural details inside the naves were all hand-carved by artisans from rock salt, supplemented by some marble sculptures. You can also see a sculpture based on Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam," and 4 giant columns representing the 4 Evangelists. Lighting illuminates the crosses and carvings from below, making the texture of the salt rock shimmer in the light.

Villaveces Park

Villaveces Park is located right next to the walking path leading to the Salt Cathedral complex, and tourists walking up from the old town usually pass through here. The park is named after Ignacio Villaveces, an engineer who managed the local salt mine in the 1940s—he served as the salt mine administrator between 1942 and 1945, and the town named the park after him to commemorate this local builder. The park is small but encapsulates several pieces of Zipaquira's history: the vintage pickup truck "Julia," which accompanied local cyclist "El Zipa" Forero to win the first Vuelta a Colombia in 1951, is now kept in the park as a memorial. On one side of the park, the Zipaquira Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the Muisca and other pre-Columbian periods, with a collection of over 1,000 items covering 14 pre-Hispanic cultures. The surrounding buildings still retain their colonial-era outlines. Most tourists treat this as a stop along their Salt Cathedral itinerary: resting on benches under the shade of trees, while vendors selling small salt carvings and handmade candies are often found at the edge of the park.

No. 5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Colombia

Parque Jaime Duque

Parque Jaime Duque is a colorful cultural and entertainment park. Explore this lush, green park and experience diverse attractions, ranging from a zoo to replicas of world wonders.

Cajicá Main Park

Cajicá Main Park, with its spacious green spaces and well-maintained trails, offers a relaxing and social environment for locals and visitors alike. Planted with a variety of native trees and flowers, the park's scenery changes with each season, making it ideal for strolls, morning exercises, and outdoor activities. The park's open spaces provide ideal locations for family gatherings, gatherings with friends, or personal relaxation, while benches and shaded areas offer opportunities for visitors to rest and appreciate the surroundings. Cajicá Main Park is not only a showcase of natural beauty but also a vital component of the city's cultural life. The park frequently hosts community events and festivals, providing opportunities for residents to connect and participate. Historic buildings and sculptures enhance the park's cultural atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate nature while also experiencing local history and traditions. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll or participating in public events, Cajicá Main Park offers a comfortable and fulfilling experience for every visitor.

Independence Square

Nemocón Salt Mine

The history of this salt mine dates back hundreds of years, to when local indigenous people first began mining salt here. Today, the salt mine has become a museum and tourist attraction, showcasing the salt mining process and its importance to the local economy and culture. The tour route inside the salt mine is approx. 1,600m long, and visitors can go 80m underground with a guide to explore this mysterious subterranean world. The temperature inside the mine remains around 17°C year-round, providing a comfortable environment for visitors. The salt crystals inside the mine shimmer under the lights, creating a fantastical underground view. In addition, the salt mine features a museum with exhibits on the history of salt mining, geological formations, and local culture. Visitors can learn about the historical background and technological development of the salt mine through these exhibits.

Jaime Duque Park

Autódromo de Tocancipá

Cogua Main Park

Zipaquirá Principal Park