Zipaquirá, Colombia: A Salty Adventure
Just a short bus ride away from the very busy city of Bogota, is a small treasure of a village called Zipaquirá.
Our adventure began in the heart of the town square, a lively hub buzzing with local energy. Of course the kiddos were immediately captivated by the fluttering pigeons. The E boys felt the need to consistently run through them making them scatter throughout the square annoying Oli as she cared more about gently feeding her new little friends. They were on the quest to spot the random white pigeon in the sea of black pigeons. It may have kept them occupied for hours, but we had a date with a salt cave to get to.
The famous Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, an underground marvel, beckoned us with a promise of unique experience. Although Jason and I were skeptial on the unique part as we had already been awed by the salt caves outside of Krakow, Poland. However, this particalar salt mine was home to a cathedral known to be an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the ingenuity of human creativity in harmony with the natural wonders of the earth. The kids were particularly drawn to the Stations of the Cross, finding the intricate sculptures and the significance behind each one truly fascinating.
As we explored deeper into the cathedral, the salt formations created an otherworldly atmosphere. We paused to indulge in a delightful break, savoring churros and ice cream within the cool embrace of the salt cave. To our surprise, we received a free gift – a salt manicure and some salt crystals to take home, a token of our surreal journey through this underground sanctuary.
Amidst the salt-laden walls, the kids couldn’t resist the urge to lick them at every opportunity, adding a touch of playfulness to the solemnity of the surroundings. The entire cave was a masterpiece of nature and human craft, a beautiful and haunting experience that left us in awe. It was fascinating to realize just how massive the cave was, housing a full shopping center within its salty depths. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from exploring every nook and cranny, leaving us with a reason to return for another adventure.
Eager to continue our day of exploration, we headed to a local restaurant, enticed by the promise of delicious local cuisine, refreshing drinks, and the rhythm of a live band. The restaurant, adorned with antiques, provided an extra layer of charm that I couldn’t help but appreciate. Every corner was a treasure trove of cool finds, adding a unique flavor to our dining experience.
Our day trip to Zipaquira was a wonderful blend of culture, adventure, and unexpected delights. The town square, the salt cathedral, the local restaurant – each moment etched itself into our memory, making it a day to remember. On the bus ride home, the kids chattered excitedly about their favorite parts of the trip before passing out in a deep sleep dreaming of the upcoming journey to the city of stars, Medellín.
Until next time,
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