Nemocón Salt Mines (Mina de Sal Nemocón)
Calle 2 No. 0-05, Nemocón, Cundinamarca
Founded by Spanish settlers in 1537, the town of Nemocón in Colombia earned fame for its highly productive salt mine. Between 1816 and 1968, some 8 million tons of salt were extracted from the mine via a process of collecting water from the salt spring in clay vessels and allowing the liquid to evaporate.
The basics
The chambers and tunnels of the salt mine have been preserved, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Colombia’s salt mining industry while taking in the spectacular saline formations. Attractions inside the mines include a 3,527-pound (1,600-kilogram) salt crystal carved into a heart shape and a cascade of salt. A small church within the salt mines hosts Catholic mass each Sunday.
Admission to the salt mine includes a 90-minute guided walking tour, as well as entrance to a small museum outlining the history of the area. Many guided day trips from Bogota include a stop at the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá as well.
Things to know before you go
- Book your salt mine admission online ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket office.
- Due to the nature of the salt mine’s setting, tours are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
- Bring your camera and study up on low light photography, as the colorful lights inside the mine make for spectacular imagery.
How to get there
The Nemocón Salt Mines are located 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Bogota. The best way to get there is by joining a guided tour from the Colombian capital, but it’s also possible to take a bus from Bogotá to Zipaquirá, then on to Nemocón.
When to get there
The mine is open daily throughout the year. Unless you’re planning to attend a Sunday mass inside the salt mine, it’s better to arrive on a weekday, when fewer people are visiting.
The Village of Nemocón
A vast majority of travelers to this area come to see the salt mine and immediately leave, but the village of Nemocón is worthy of a visit in its own right. The main plaza in town has a lovely colonial church and a monument and is surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and bars where it’s possible to grab a meal or a drink before or after a visit to the mines.
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