Nemocón Salt Mines

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 alt 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 mine’s tunnels and chambers have been preserved, allowing visitors to learn about the history of Colombia’s salt mining industry while take 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.
Visitors wishing to learn more about the history and importance of salt in Colombia can visit the Salt Museum, located in one of Nemocón's oldest buildings.

Practical Info

The Nemocón Salt Mines are located 40 miles (64 kilometers) northeast of Bogota.