Colombia is a country that allows you to discover different places in terms of culture, geography, climate and more just a few kilometers away. This is how from Bogotá we can visit other fascinating places without spending much time on the trip. This is the case of the municipality of Zipaquirá. A place that has the first wonder of Colombia: The salt cathedral of Zipaquirá. However, beyond that, its history makes it interesting and worth visiting at least once during your visit to Colombia. 

Due to its great architectural and cultural value in nueva lengua We consider it as one of our key destinations to complement our learning process. The students and teachers enjoyed the visit to the salt cathedral of Zipaquirá, the most touristic place, and we shared a delicious lunch. The cathedral is one of the most visited sites in Colombia, why not visit it and get to know the city in the company of new friends? 

What is Zipaquira like? 

Zipaquirá borders the municipalities of Tausa, Nemocón, Gachancipa, Sopo, Cajica, and Tabio.It is located 29 km from Bogota, on the eastern mountain range between Cundinamarca and Boyacá. It is located 1562 meters above sea level. Its climate is cold; with its maximum temperature of 19c. To get there we can travel by car for approximately one hour along the northern highway. Or take a public transportation bus from the salitre terminal that usually takes an hour and a half with a cost of 6.000 Colombian pesos.  

However, it has a different option which is to use the tourist train from the Sabana station and get to the Zipaquirá train station, the value is between 57.000 and 63.000.  

What to know about Zipaquirá?  

Its origin dates back to July 18, 1600 and is attributed to the Spanish Luis Henriquez. The origin of its name comes from the name of an indigenous town in the area and translates to the foot of the summit.This area was surrounded by small lakes and streams, so its inhabitants traveled in canoes, as well as those who visited the place from nearby places such as Nemocón and Gachancipá to obtain salt, which they exchanged for vessels and fabrics. That's right, salt was an instrument of barter for the groups of the time. 

On a historical level,It was chosen as the capital of the province of Cundinamarca in 1851, due to its economic importance at the time, and is currently the second largest municipality in Cundinamarca. 

Lhe Plaza de los Comuneros was the scene of the first revolution in America. About 20 thousand men gathered there, led by Juan Francisco Berbeo, seeking to sign the capitulations. 

Currently the municipality stands out for its dairy farming. Industrial activity, the production, processing and refining of salt, as well as other types of manufacturing and agricultural companies. 

Why visit Zipaquirá?  

Its buildings in the epicenter of the city preserve the colonial style and are considered a national monument, in addition to finding 300-year-old mansions. Likewise, in the main square there is the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, built between 1760 and 1870, with its characteristic sandstone façade. These elements make it very attractive to tourists.