Welcome to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial destination in the heart of Colombia!
Let’s look at how you can get the most out of your two-day stay!
We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in the Villa de Leyva, the best places to stay, the best time to visit, and many more.
Let’s get started!
Check out the video below to see what Villa de Leyva is like!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Location: Villa de Leyva sits at a high altitude of 2,149 meters (7,051 feet) above sea level, surrounded by hills and lush valleys.
- Cobblestones: The town’s cobblestone streets, white-washed stone buildings, and traditional houses create a rich historical atmosphere. Activities include walking through the cobblestone streets, visiting the Plaza Mayor, exploring Casa Terracota, and hiking to the waterfalls of La Periquera.
- Climate: Villa de Leyva experiences a cool and dry climate due to its high altitude. Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F) in summer.
Location
Villa de Leyva is a charming little village in Colombia (South America), in the Andean mountains.
The city sits in a high-altitude valley (2,149 (!) meters above sea level), so, unsurprisingly, hills and lush valleys surround it. The surrounding countryside, with its cool temperatures, dry climate, and rich soil, appeals to tourists. Nearby attractions include wineries, the national park of Iguaque, and La Periquera waterfalls. This makes it one of the highest-altitude villages in Colombia and gives it a cool climate (so don’t forget your sweater).
The Spaniards founded the city in the sixteenth century, and Villa De Leyva was a popular destination for wealthy Spanish and even royal families to recharge and relax.
The city is a quick drive 150 kilometers north of Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia.
Things To Do
Now, how can you spend two full days at Villa De Leyva? The town exudes a charming colonial atmosphere with its quaint cobblestone streets, white-washed stone buildings, and traditional houses.
Disclaimer: there are only a few major attractions in Villa de Leyva. The city is meant to be enjoyed when walking through it and seeing the amazing whitewashed buildings.
Below, you can find the 12 BEST activities to do in the city and the wider area, ensuring you get the most out of your stay there!
1) Wander Through the Cobblestone Streets
As you explore Villa De Leyva, you cannot ignore the cobblestone streets that line the town.
These streets are part of the city’s rich history, dating back to colonial times when they were brought from Spain and used for transportation. The Plaza Mayor, the largest entirely cobbled square in South America, is a significant highlight and adds to the town’s unique charm.
Today, they serve as a reminder of the city’s past.
To enjoy the city and the cobblestones the most, we recommend to book a tour with a local who will show you the best spots in the city!
DO YOU KNOW: Villa de Leyva was recognized as a NATIONAL MONUMENT in 1954 due to its historic importance and colonial architecture (cobblestone roads and whitewashed buildings)? Because of its recognition as a national monument, Villa De Leyva has seen more tourists year after year.
If you happen to be in Villa de Leyva on a Saturday, you must visit the MARKET (only until 3 pm) at Plaza de Mercado where farmers sell their fresh produce. You’ll surely find a nice souvenir to bring home or taste Colombia’s many different fruit varieties.
2) Plaza Mayor in the Historic Center
Let’s head to Plaza Mayor, Colombia’s largest plaza and one of South America’s largest squares.
Plaza Mayor is famous for its vast cobblestones stretching as far as the eye can see.
There are also a lot of beautiful white buildings. These buildings and immense doors look beautiful from the street, but the real magic happens inside: you’ll find idyllic courtyards, charming balconies, and stunning arch structures. Keep in mind that Villa de Leyva gets much busier on weekends.
Standing at one end of the main square of the Plaza is the iconic Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario. Picture this: A stunning white-washed church that’s as beautiful on the inside as on the outside.
Plaza Mayor and its iconic church are definitely must-see attractions in Villa de Leyva! Additionally, don’t miss the sacred Lake Iguaque, tied to Muisca mythology and believed to have cleansing and purifying properties.
3) Casa Terracota
Casa Terracota is also known as the WORLDS BIGGEST piece of pottery, and it is also right in Villa De Leyva.
Casa Terracota is a house made entirely of clay, stretching over 500 square meters.
The person behind this architectural piece is Octavio Mendoza. He spent 15 (!) years transforming his vision into reality. Talk about dedication!
Every inch of the house shows his innovative use of earth, fresh air, water, and fire to create one of the most beautiful and sustainable masterpieces in South America.
Information:
- Map Location
- Hours: Every day from 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Cost: 23-50,000 pesos (varies by season, day of week, and age)
- To Get There: 30-minute walk from town or take a bus
Did you know? Villa de Leyva was a significant olive oil producer. They still create olive oil with a manual production process using wooden tools over machinery.
4) El Fosil Museum
In 1977, a farmer stumbled upon an almost perfectly preserved Kronosaurus fossil three miles from Villa de Leyva. Despite recommendations to relocate it to a museum, the community resisted and constructed a museum encasing the massive fossil on-site called ‘El Fosil’.
The large fossilized Kronosaurus, a prehistoric marine reptile with an elongated head, short neck, four flippers, and long, sharp teeth, is on display at the museum. Since then, a smaller Kronosaurus has been found nearby and moved to the museum, with other fossils on exhibit.
This makes El Fossil Museum one of the best activities in Villa De Leyva!
Moreover, you can also dive into Villa de Leyva’s past at the Paleontological Museum, which the National University of Colombia supports. The small museum has several fossils on display with descriptions in Spanish. Another reason to visit is the botanical garden in the back. Nearby, the Iguaque National Park offers hiking and biking trails, including popular hikes, viewpoints, and a sacred lake, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
information for el fosil
- Map Location
- Hours: 8 am – 5:30 pm every day
- Cost: 20,000 pesos Adults, 10,000 pesos Kids 4-14 years old for a guided tour
5) Ráquira
Ráquira is known most for being a vibrant pottery village just a 40-minute drive away from Villa de Leyva.
Imagine what it would be like to walk down streets lined with rainbow-colored houses, each more beautiful than the last.
Ráquira is also a shopper’s paradise. There are many local ceramics shops, textiles shops, and handicrafts.
6) Waterfalls of La Periquera
One of the most beautiful hikes you could do in Villa de Leyva is the hike to the waterfalls of La Periquera.
The best thing about the You will find a pristine natural pool located at the end of your hike. You could take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
You can book this trip with GetYourGuide for the best experience!
7) Monastery of Saint Eccehomo
Imagine stepping back in time and walking through the sacred halls of this former monastery; each corner has a historical significance.
The monastery is also home to remarkable architecture and religious art.
This is an exciting visit for museums and those interested in museums and in seeing the beauty of craftsmanship and architecture.
A key feature of this monastery is the arched columns running along the covered passageway. Can you imagine the skilled hands that meticulously crafted each detail, creating a masterpiece that continues to awe visitors today?
8) Museo del Carmen
Museo del Carmen is a journey through art, history, and culture.
You’re stepping into a world where religious art and history come alive. Each exhibit and artifact tells a captivating story that immerses you in a time gone by. Exciting.
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9) Pozos Azules
Just a short 10-minute drive from Villa de Leyva, you’ll find Pozos Azules, known for its crystal-clear artificial waterholes in the middle of Colombian landscapes.
Each pond is surrounded by stunning rock formations, creating a striking contrast against the azure water.
Here’s a tip: For the best photo opportunities, try visiting during the golden hour—early morning or late afternoon.
10) Villa de Leyva Observatory
How often in your life do you get the chance to look through a telescope?
The Villa de Leyva Observatory offers you the opportunity to spot distant galaxies!
The observatory is led by knowledgeable astronomers who are as passionate about sharing their love for the cosmos as they are about exploring it.
But the highlight? You will learn about the universe from experts who can answer your questions, guide your telescope, and share fascinating insights about the celestial bodies you observe.
11) Wine Tasting at Marqués de Villa de Leyva
Located in Sutamarchán, just 12 kilometers from Villa de Leyva, the Marqués vineyard offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the art of winemaking.
During the guided tours, you’ll learn about the cultivation of grapes, explore the wine cellars, and even get a history lesson on the vineyard.
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12. Drink Chicha, a Fermented Corn Beverage
You should try the famous fermented corn drink called chicha in the area.
Keep your eyes out for signs offering chica for sale in town and at the restaurants in Villa de Leyva.
If you cannot find it, other opportunities exist to try chicha in Colombia, such as during the FREE walking tour in Bogota.
However, nothing beats finding a small batch production in one of the small towns of Boyacá. Additionally, don’t miss out on trying local desserts like miloja and waffles, which often feature the sweet and decadent filling of dulce de leche.
Transport
There are several ways to reach Villa De Leyva. We recommend renting a car or going by bus.
By Bus: The most popular method of reaching Villa de Leyva is by taking a direct bus from Bogotá.
Buses depart from Bogotá’s Terminal del Norte and Terminal Satelite Del Norte, providing direct routes or via Tunja, where you can change to another bus. You can book tickets in person at the bus terminal. Prices range from $5 to $10.
And don’t worry about dragging your luggage; all buses and collectives will drop you off just three blocks from the central plaza in Villa de Leyva, within walking distance of most hotels.
Private Transport: Consider renting a car for a more private and comfortable journey.
We recommend that you use DiscoverCars to book your car. They have many vehicles to choose from at highly competitive prices. Check them out below:
The Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Villa de Leyva is in SUMMER when the weather is cool and dry.
Temperature
- Daytime: The temperatures during the day in summer range from about 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F).
- Nighttime: At night, temperatures can drop to around 7°C to 12°C (45°F to 54°F). It’s cooler in the evenings, so a light jacket or sweater might be needed.
Sun
- Villa de Leyva experiences a good amount of sunshine during the summer. The sun shines for about 6 to 8 hours a day on average.
Rain
- June: June’s rainfall is moderate, with occasional showers. The region receives about 60-80 mm of rain during this month. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or a light raincoat.
- July: Rainfall decreases slightly in July, with about 40-60 mm of precipitation. Rain showers are less frequent, and the days are generally dry.
- August: August sees a further reduction in rain, with precipitation levels around 30-50 mm. This is one of the drier months of the year, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors.
Where To Stay
Luxury
Hotel Boutique El Carmel is a unique hotel only 500 meters away from the center of Villa de Leyva! The hotel offers various amenities, like free parking, a sauna, and a hot tub.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation we choose.
Mid-Range
Hotel Casa Terra: With just eight rooms, this charming hotel provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for couples or small families. Each room is decorated, combining modern comforts with the rustic charm of Villa de Leyva.
Budget
Casa de Campo Hotel & Spa: Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. Here, you can enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a peaceful location.
Restaurants
- Chuska Cocina: This charming eatery serves traditional Colombian dishes with a modern twist, creating a delightful dining experience.
- Happy Monkey: Who said healthy food can’t be delicious? Indeed, not Happy Monkey! With its innovative menu of wholesome, flavorful dishes, this restaurant is a must-try.
- Restaurante El Rincón Gourmet de la Villa: For those who like gourmet cuisine, Restaurante El Rincón Gourmet de la Villa is a must-visit. This restaurant’s elegant atmosphere and refined menu promise an unforgettable dining experience.
- Mercado Municipal: A Foodie’s Paradise! From local delicacies to international favorites, this market has something for everyone.
- Santa Lucía—Pizzería Gelatería Cafe: If you are looking for a slice of Italy in Colombia, this pizzeria and gelateria bring the flavors of Italy right to your table.
- Rincon Argentino: Experience the rich flavors of Argentinean cuisine. From succulent steaks to empanadas, this restaurant serves up an authentic menu of Argentinian cuisine.
Final Tips and Tricks
To end our guide, we’d love to give you some of our final tips and tricks so you don’t have to think about them. Exploring the historic center of Villa de Leyva, with its colonial style and original architecture, is a must-do activity.
Travel accessories: When traveling, carrying the right gear with you is always practical. So don’t forget all your essential travel accessories!
Stay Hydrated: Carrying enough water with you is essential due to the high temperatures and arid climate. We recommend 2 liters per person for 4 hours.
Adjusting to New Heights: Consider spending a few days at a lower altitude before ascending, staying hydrated, eating light meals, and resting when needed. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
Conclusion
That’s it for this blog post about Villa de Leyva!
With all the different outdoor activities and information we shared, your trip to Villa de Leyva can only be a fantastic experience.
Let us know in the comments below which experiences you did!
