The Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá was one of the most unique and interesting things I’ve ever seen in my life.  It’s an enormous salt mine in which a large already-mined section is ornately decorated with beautifully carved crosses.  The low-key colorful lighting perfectly installed to complement the crosses helps make a trip through the cathedral an eerie and mystical experience.  I also used it as a great spot to work on some low-lighting photography.

It´s a salt cathedral, they want you to lick the walls!

Buses from Bogota to Zipaquirá are frequent (only 1 hour ride), and Zipaquirá is easy to walk around.  The main square had some nice colonial architecture and lots of cafes and bars.  If you’re looking at South America on a Shoestring, as we were, just be aware that the price to get into the Catedral de Sal is actually 20,000 COP ($10) and there is NO discount on Wednesdays, as the book suggests.  The basic ticket includes a walk through and a goofy 3D movie, which is skippable.  The cathedral, however, is definitely one of the coolest things I’ve seen in awhile!