The capital and largest city of Colombia is located almost in the center of the country at an altitude of 2600 m. Bogota combines a mix of traditional Colombian and Spanish colonial influences. Many historical monuments have been preserved as the Capitol City Palace and the cathedral on the main square, Plaza Bolivar. Bogotá is also home to the Gold Museum, with its unique collection of over 100 000 objects of pre-Columbian art. About 50 miles south of Bogotá lies Zipaquira, a region known for its many salt mines, one of which houses the famous Salt Cathedral (capable of containing 8,400 people). Guatavita, two hours by bus from Bogota, is known for its Laguna Guatavita, the ritual center and sacred lake Indian Muiscas.
