Bogota From the Clouds to the Earth: Tour Review

Bogota, the high-altitude capital of Colombia, it’s a city that really is teeming with surprises, right? So, you know, I just had to go on this “From the Clouds to the Earth” tour that everyone keeps talking about. This trip takes you up to the mountaintop sanctuary of Monserrate and then down into the earth to Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral. Here’s my honest take on whether it actually lives up to the hype, as a matter of fact.

Monserrate: Reaching for the Sky

Okay, so first up it’s Monserrate. You get there, and you’ve got a few ways to get up this seriously steep mountain. There is, like your funicular which is a kind of inclined railway, a cable car that, seemingly, hangs in the air or you know, you could be brave and try hiking. I went for the cable car because, to be honest, I am just a bit lazy that way. The ride is super quick, and as you rise above the city, the view, apparently, gets unreal. Bogota sprawls beneath you, right, and it stretches for miles. I visited pretty early in the morning, and there actually was this mist hanging over everything that, in a way, made it look even more magical.

At the top, you have got this beautiful church, the Sanctuary of Monserrate, is that right? It’s dedicated to El Señor Caído (The Fallen Lord). Even if, like you’re not particularly religious, the atmosphere is pretty amazing, as I was saying. The history surrounding the place, I think, is really interesting. The church, in fact, has been a place of pilgrimage ever since, like, the 17th century. So, the air is filled with a certain reverence. I spent some time, so to speak, wandering around, checking out the views. Then I also snapped a ton of photos; naturally. There are a few little shops and food stalls up there, very much, so you can get some souvenirs or have a snack with a killer view, right?

The Salt Cathedral: An Underground Wonder

Next on the tour, after a bus trip out of Bogota, very much, it’s the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, too. Bogota disappears from view. Then it is replaced with the kind of Colombian countryside which, seemingly, is green hills and small towns, too. Now, Zipaquirá, this, might be, is where things get really interesting, as a matter of fact. This cathedral isn’t, like your average church, right. It is actually built inside a salt mine.

Walking in, it’s almost like you’re entering another planet or some kind of movie set, you know? The tunnels, so to speak, are huge and lit in such a way that creates this almost otherworldly glow. The whole place, actually, is carved out of salt rock. Each section of the cathedral, as a matter of fact, represents different stages of the life of Jesus. There are these giant crosses that have been carved into the salt. The scale of the place, you know, really is something to behold.

Our guide told us a good deal about the history of the mine and the, so to speak, engineering feats that made the cathedral possible. It’s really a working mine at the end of the day. The level of detail that goes into this subterranean place, very, very impressive, indeed, you know? I thought, initially, that it all would feel a bit touristy, is that so. It really is much more impressive and spiritual than I’d expected, right? The Salt Cathedral, I would say, really provides a very unique and moving experience.

Tour Logistics: What to Expect

Okay, I’m going to get into the practical side of the tour right now, just for a bit, right? This tour, more or less, takes the entire day. Be prepared for, you know, an early start and, to be honest, a late finish, alright? The transport it typically is comfortable. But just to be clear, you spend a good deal of time on a bus, getting from one place to the other.

Lunch it’s usually included in the tour. It is often at a restaurant near the Salt Cathedral. The food, you know, tends to be pretty standard Colombian fare, which basically includes arepas, bandeja paisa, that type of thing. It’s nothing fancy. But you will definitely not starve. The guides, very, very important part. The guides they really do speak both English and Spanish and are very helpful, right? They share plenty of information and are pretty willing to answer any questions you might have, which, literally, I had a million. Make certain you take some snacks and water. And this especially is if you get peckish between meals because there may not be a chance to buy any, right?

Something to think about too, I should mention, is the altitude. Bogota is already pretty high, alright. Monserrate is, as a matter of fact, even higher. Take it easy and give yourself time to adjust. Actually, drinking loads of water also helps; I think. Also, inside the Salt Cathedral, it’s naturally, like, cooler. So taking a jacket or sweater is certainly, like, something I would advise, if you’re, you know, prone to feeling the cold. Also, comfy shoes that are actually something of an absolute must, right? There is rather a bit of walking involved at both sites.

Is “From the Clouds to the Earth” Worth It?

Alright, so at the end of the day, as I was just mentioning, the big question that is really, if this tour, basically, is worth your time and your cash, you know? In my view, I would suggest “yes,” right? It may be you’re only in Bogota for a short while, actually. So this tour really does offer a very convenient way to see two of Colombia’s most interesting and iconic locations in just one day, actually. Sure, it may seem, the day it is fairly long and there is a bunch of travel involved.

Getting the opportunity to see Bogota from the top of Monserrate, that is incredible, right? I do like the feeling of being inside such a mind blowing structure such as the Salt Cathedral, very much, indeed, if you get the chance, you see, which made the trip worth it for me, naturally, right? If you actually are interested in history, religious sites, or you know, if you just want some amazing views and pictures, then actually, this tour will not disappoint, as a matter of fact.

I would say “From the Clouds to the Earth”, is actually something of a fantastic overview of Colombian culture and ingenuity, basically. Just a recommendation – try and pick a day with a, like, clear weather forecast. So, for this reason, you’ll definitely get the full, amazing, spectacular, very beautiful view from Monserrate, okay?

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, that is it. This is my experience on the “From the Clouds to the Earth” tour in Bogota. Hopefully, that is, you know, it gives you a helpful overview if you are actually considering taking the trip, basically, alright? I did thoroughly enjoy the tour and certainly believe the entire thing provided good value in exchange for money and time. I got a chance to experience the beauty of the country of Colombia from above and the creative work that man is capable of achieving under the earth.

• Book Ahead: To that end, ensure you book the trip in advance, most of all in the peak seasons.
• Dress Comfortably: Comfy shoes truly are a must. It can get chilly too. So, for this reason, make certain that you dress in layers.
• Altitude Awareness: Take things bit by bit at the top of Monserrate. It also is essential to drink a lot of fluids, if you get the chance.
• Engage with Guides: It definitely, actually, is worth hearing about all the details which makes engaging with all of the tour guides and being attentive so key, to say the least.