I’ve visited Zipaquirá many times and I always find a reason to go back. If you haven’t been there, you’re missing one of the greatest experiences a tourist can have in Colombia. So, what are you waiting for? I’ll give you 6 reasons to visit this nice town and enjoy it to the fullest!
1) The train trip
Going to Zipaquirá is so much fun! You can book your trip with the Tren Turístico de la Sabana (The Savannah Touristic Train) and have multiple experiences in one. First, you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the Bogotá Savannah during your travel. Second, you will get to ride an old train! Believe me, it’s a slow, but exciting journey. Third, you’ll get to enjoy a Papayera during your trip. You might be thinking: Papayera? What is that? Well, it’s a musical group that plays typical Colombian songs. Even before arriving to Zipaquirá, you’ll already have had an unforgettable experience!
The train takes off from the Estación de la Sabana (Savannah Station) and goes on the following route: Usaquén, La Caro, Cajicá, then Zipaquirá.
2) The Salt Cathedral
You don’t have to be a religious or even a Catholic person to be impressed by the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral). This impressive place located 180 meters underground is a breathtaking work of architecture. It explains the passion of Christ through symbolism and every guide is well prepared not just to explain it, but also tell the story behind the Cathedral construction.
Tickets cost COP $34.000 / USD $11 (approximately) for adults and COP $26.000 / USD $8.60 for elders and children.
3) The miners route
The Salt Cathedral is not just about religion or faith, but it’s also an homage about miners and their hard work. If you want to know what it feels like to be a miner for a day, you can book this additional tour for just two more dollars. You’ll learn not just about mining, but also about geology while using a headlamp helmet to make the experience a bit more real.
4) It could be a cultural experience
If you like history and culture, you can visit two nice museums in Zipaquirá: the Quevedo Zornoza and the Archaeological Museum. In the first one, you might find some of the memorabilia collected by the Quevedo family, who were big fans of different types of art including literature, poetry, music and painting. In the second one, there are 1500 pieces of different Colombian cultures.
If you’re into books, you must know that Gabriel García Márquez – 1982 Literature Nobel prize winner – lived here. He studied in this town when he was a teenager and the high school that had the honor of having such a student is now a cultural center where you can find more about his time in Zipaquirá and his work. Getting closer to the life of the young García Márquez before he became a legend is sure a nice plan for a passionate reader!
5) You can satisfy your palate Colombia is a country that offers delicious food in every corner and Zipaquirá is no an exception. What can you try in this town? The papas en salmuera (brined potatoes) are very typical, as well as the plato minero, which has meat, sausage, pork rib, blood sausage, chicken, avocado and brined potatoes. The Ajiaco -potato soup, Sancocho –soup with potato, chicken and plantain and almojábanas –a type of bread made of cornflour and cheese, are also very popular in Zipaquirá.
6) It’s close to Bogotá
Cartagena, Caño Cristales, Parque Tayrona… Colombia has so much to offer, but if you are on a budget and can’t afford to visit all these touristic places you’ll be happy to know that Zipaquirá is very close to the capital. You won’t have to spend a lot of money and I can assure you will have a GREAT experience.
The basics:
How far? Approximately 48 km from the city
How long? Approximately 1 to 1 hour and a half, depending on traffic
How to get there? You can book your trip with the Tren Turístico de La Sabana. The round trip costs COP $58.000 / USD $20 (approximately) for adults and COP $50.000 / USD $16 for elders and children.
However, if you are on a budget, you can go there by bus that takes you over the Autopista Norte: if you take off from the Portal Norte (Transmilenio station), you’ll find buses that go to Zipaquirá. Some of them have a sign that says: “Zipa”.
Bus price: COP $2,800 / USD $1 (approximately).
Are you ready to visit Zipaquirá and enjoy its magic? Tell me your experience when you get back! Have you been there? Share your experience in the comments section below!
Keep visiting Colture for more information on other nice places you can visit near Bogotá!
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