GUIDE TO VILLA DE LEYVA, COLOMBIA
One of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia is Villa de Leyva. This historical little town sitting just four hours from Bogota is the perfect place where you find photogenic cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and a lively square.
Villa de Leyva attracts crowds for its charm and lovely streets. And although there aren’t a lot of things to do in the town, it’s worth visiting because it’s like traveling back in time.
The beauty of the town attracts not only local tourists and some foreign tourists, but it also attracts movie and telenovela producers. The popular Colombian telenovela Pasion de Gavilanes was filmed there, and I understand why it was chosen as a backdrop town.
Plants and bougainvillea flowers decorate the windows and walls, and the entire town is picture-perfect. The historical feel and antiqueness give it the charm that people are attracted to. If you enjoy visiting these types of towns, you can also find Barichara nearby, which is nicknamed the most beautiful town in Colombia.
Anyhow, I assure you that exploring Villa de Leyva is worth it. So, if you have a few extra days in Colombia, I encourage you to visit. Here is a Guide to Villa de Leyva that can help you plan your trip there.
Table of Contents
Wander Streets of Villa de Leyva
First and foremost, the main thing to do in Villa de Leyva is to wander the gorgeous streets. The town is small, so it can easily be seen on foot and without a chance of getting lost. You’ll see many beautiful wooden doors and beautiful bougainvillea hanging from the walls. Just take it all in and enjoy the beauty as you walk around.
Plaza Mayor
As you’re wandering around, do not miss Plaza Mayor. It is one of South America’s largest plazas. This large square is where you’ll find the town church, boutique stores, and some restaurant options. I loved how the mountains made a beautiful backdrop. The square is very lively and the main hang-out spot, but I visited in February of 2020, and the world was not yet back to normal, so it was pretty empty in the town and in many places I visited throughout Colombia.
El Fosil
Many archeological sites and fossil discoveries have been made in the Boyaca department, where Villa de Leyva is. For example, El Fosil Museum is not far from the town, which houses many skeletons, bones, and fossils. However, it’s well known because it is a 120 million-year-old Kronosaurus skeleton that was found precisely in that spot, and it is the most complete reptile. The museum was actually built around the Kronosaurus.
Visit a Museum
Despite being so small, Villa de Leyva has a lot of small museums to check out. One important figure associated with Colombian Independence is Antonio Narino. He was born in Villa de Leyva, and there is a museum about him. Antonio Ricuarte, also an important figure in war, has a museum in his honor. In addition, you can find a chocolate museum, and Museo del Carmen is an important museum with religious art.
The museum is only 6km away, and you can arrive by taxi. The entrance is 7,000 COP.
Pozos Azules
Only 2 km from Villa de Leyva are Pozos Azules, five artificial bright blue pools due to the natural salts and minerals found in them. This is an excellent spot for nature lovers who want to visit the town and get outdoors. You can visit by taking a taxi or walking. The cost is 10,000 COP.
Boutique Shooping
If you enjoy shopping, this is a great place to support the local community in Villa de Leyva because there are many boutique shops around town.
Casa Terracota
The Terracotta house is a tourist attraction in the town that is 500 square meters and entirely made of clay and does not contain any cement or steel. It is considered the largest piece of pottery in the world, and it’s entirely liveable. The house is surrounded by green farmland and mountain views, while the inside of the house has bright tile mosaics. It also has solar panels for hot water, working toilets and sinks, and a fully functional kitchen. Oh, and the utensils are even made from clay. You can visit the Casa Terracota by scheduling a visit for 30,000 COP.
Kite Festival
In August, there happens to be a famous festival known as the Wind and Kite Festival held in Villa de Leyva. During the festival, people visit to enjoy seeing all the kites and to have fun. People also visit to compete in flying their kites. If you happen to be in Colombia during this time, you can plan a visit to Villa de Leyva.
Laguna de Iguaque
Paramos surround Colombia, and you can find one near Villa de Leyva. If you’ve never heard of a paramo, it is basically one of Colombia’s primary water sources. They contain lots of flora and fauna and are very important in the country. For example, the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary is a paramo you find in the mountains near Villa de Leyva. You can hike it to arrive at Laguna de Igaque. This lagoon is sacred to the Muisca Indigenous people who once lived in the region, and they believe visiting the lagoon purifies the spirit.
Salto del Pómeca
If your plan is to stay in the department of Boyaca and explore it a bit more, I recommend visiting Salto del Pomeca waterfall. It’s an hour and a half from Villa de Leyva. The waterfall is perfect for nature lovers and people who enjoy hiking and exploring. During the rainy season, the path might not accessible, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Colombia, in general, is from December through March, which is the dry season in the country, including Villa de Leyva. July and August also see little rain. The rainiest time is from March to June and in October. However, don’t let the rainy season stop you from visiting the town or the country. Rain tends to show up in the afternoon and for only a short period of time.
Visiting during the low season can mean few crowds and lower prices. You can also expect warm days and the temperature to drop and feel cooler at night.
Lastly, I suggest visiting any town in Colombia during the week as weekends tend to be very busy and crowded.
What to Pack
- Wear comfortable shoes because the Villa de Leyva has cobblestone streets.
- If you visit during the rainy season, I suggest packing an umbrella or rain poncho just in case.
- The best photos and videos are from the air, that is why a drone will allow you to take the best photographic memories with you.
- I always suggest traveling with a daypack to carry your camera, water, and all your things.
- Never forget to stay hydrated. You can take a refillable water bottle.
- Nigh temperatures drop, and a light sweater, cardigan, or fleece jacket is perfect for the evening.
How to Get to Villa de Leyva
The best way to get to Villa de Leyva is by bus from Bogota. The distance is 165 km, and it takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to arrive. The bus fare will be about 28,000 COP. Both Terminal Salitre and Terminal del Norte in Bogota have buses that go to Villa de Leyva.
You don’t need to book in advance because buses are frequently leaving in the direction of the town. Although you can make a day trip, I recommend staying the night because of the distance.
You can also visit Villa de Leyva via private transportation such as a taxi or Uber, but the cost will be much higher at around $150 one way, and they won’t wait around for you unless you pay them to.
You could also book a tour from Bogota, but I don’t recommend spending over 7 hours in a car only to visit the town for a few hours.
Is It Safe?
Yes. Safety is the biggest concern for many when visiting Colombia. But after spending nearly ten months exploring the country, I only had great experiences and seldomly felt unsafe. The towns are where I felt the safest, especially in Villa de Leyva. The town is small, and staying out late is no problem. However, anything can happen anywhere, so always be aware as you would be anywhere in the world.
Guide to Villa de Leyva
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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