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Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Things to Do in Villa de Leyva

Things to Do in Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva, Colombia - Complete Travel Guide

Villa de Leyva is a perfectly preserved colonial town nestled in the mountains of Boyacá, Colombia, about three hours north of Bogotá. Founded in 1572, this enchanting destination feels frozen in time with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs, and one of the largest town squares in South America. The Plaza Mayor, paved entirely with stones, creates a dramatic centerpiece surrounded by colonial architecture that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Beyond its architectural beauty, Villa de Leyva serves as a gateway to fascinating paleontological sites, mystical pre-Columbian ruins, and stunning Andean landscapes. The town attracts visitors seeking a peaceful retreat from urban life, offering boutique hotels, artisan workshops, and a thriving cultural scene. Its high-altitude location at 2,149 meters provides cool, pleasant weather year-round, making it an ideal destination for those wanting to experience authentic colonial Colombia while enjoying modern comforts and excellent cuisine.

Top Things to Do in Villa de Leyva

Explore Plaza Mayor and Colonial Architecture

Wander through one of South America's largest town squares, entirely paved with smooth stones and surrounded by stunning colonial buildings. The plaza comes alive during festivals and markets, offering perfect photo opportunities and a chance to absorb the town's timeless atmosphere. Visit the Casa de Nariño and other historic buildings that showcase 400 years of preserved architecture.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but consider hiring a local guide for 40,000-60,000 COP ($10-15) to learn about the history. Best visited early morning or late afternoon for photos. Many walking tours include this as part of a broader city exploration.

Visit El Infiernito Archaeological Park

Discover this mysterious pre-Columbian site featuring ancient stone columns arranged in astronomical alignments by the Muisca people over 2,000 years ago. The park offers insight into indigenous astronomy and religious practices, with interpretive trails explaining the significance of these phallic-shaped monuments. The site provides stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 15,000 COP ($4) for adults. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm. Located 20 minutes from town center, so arrange taxi transport for about 25,000 COP ($6) round trip. Guided tours available for additional 20,000 COP ($5).

Discover Fossil Museum and Paleontological Sites

Visit the renowned fossil museum housing impressive specimens including a complete kronosaurus, ancient marine reptiles, and ammonites found in the region. The area around Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia's most important paleontological sites, with fossils dating back 110-145 million years. Several private fossil collections and workshops offer hands-on experiences.

Booking Tip: Main museum entry is 8,000 COP ($2). Open daily 9am-12pm and 2pm-6pm. Private fossil hunting tours cost 80,000-120,000 COP ($20-30) per person. Book through local operators who know the best sites and have proper permissions.

Tour Local Wineries and Olive Groves

Experience Colombia's emerging wine scene by visiting boutique wineries around Villa de Leyva, where the high altitude and climate create unique growing conditions. Several estates offer tastings, tours of their facilities, and meals paired with local wines. Many also produce olive oil, cheese, and other artisanal products in this fertile valley.

Booking Tip: Winery tours range from 45,000-80,000 COP ($12-20) including tastings. Most operate weekends and require advance booking. Transportation can be arranged for 60,000-100,000 COP ($15-25) to visit multiple locations. Best to book through your hotel or local tour operators.

Explore Raquira Pottery Village

Take a day trip to nearby Ráquira, known as Colombia's pottery capital, where colorful ceramics and handicrafts fill every shop and workshop. Watch artisans create traditional pieces using techniques passed down through generations, and browse the vibrant market stalls selling everything from decorative tiles to functional pottery. The town's colorful colonial architecture provides a perfect backdrop for this cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 60,000-100,000 COP ($15-25) including transport and guide. Individual bus tickets cost 8,000 COP ($2) each way if traveling independently. Pottery workshops range from 30,000-50,000 COP ($8-12). Best visited on weekends when more artisans are working.

Getting There

Villa de Leyva is located 165 kilometers northeast of Bogotá, accessible by bus or private transport. Direct buses from Bogotá's Terminal del Norte take approximately 3-4 hours and cost 25,000-35,000 COP ($6-9), with companies like Flota Boyacá and Libertadores operating regular services. Private transfers can be arranged for 300,000-400,000 COP ($75-100) and take about 2.5-3 hours depending on traffic. The journey passes through beautiful Andean landscapes and several small towns. Some visitors combine the trip with stops in Zipaquirá to see the Salt Cathedral, adding about an hour to the journey but creating a more comprehensive experience.

Getting Around

Villa de Leyva's compact colonial center is easily explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor. The cobblestone streets can be challenging for those with mobility issues, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For sites outside the town center like El Infiernito or local wineries, taxis are readily available and typically charge 20,000-40,000 COP ($5-10) for short trips. Horse-drawn carriages offer a romantic way to tour the town for about 30,000 COP ($8) per hour. Bicycle rentals are available for 25,000-35,000 COP ($6-9) per day, perfect for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions at a leisurely pace.

Where to Stay

Plaza Mayor Area
Historic Center
Calle Real
Near Casa Terracota
Vineyard District
Outskirts with Mountain Views

Food & Dining

Villa de Leyva offers an excellent dining scene that blends traditional Colombian cuisine with international influences, taking advantage of fresh local ingredients from the fertile valley. The town is famous for its longaniza sausage, artisanal cheeses, and locally produced wines and olive oils. Plaza Mayor and surrounding streets house numerous restaurants ranging from casual cafes serving arepas and empanadas to upscale establishments offering fusion cuisine. Many restaurants occupy beautifully restored colonial buildings with charming courtyards and terraces. Don't miss trying the local specialty of mazamorra chiquita (corn soup) and fresh trout from nearby streams. The weekend market offers fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food, while several bakeries serve excellent bread and pastries perfect for breakfast or afternoon coffee.

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When to Visit

Villa de Leyva enjoys a pleasant highland climate year-round due to its elevation of 2,149 meters, with average temperatures ranging from 8-20°C (46-68°F). The dry season from December to March and July to August offers the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. However, these periods also see the highest tourist numbers and accommodation prices. The rainy seasons (April-June and September-November) bring afternoon showers but also lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. Weekends and Colombian holidays see significant increases in visitors from Bogotá, so midweek visits offer a more peaceful experience. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Festival de Luces in December and various cultural events that add vibrancy but also increase accommodation demand.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds of weekend visitors from Bogotá and enjoy lower accommodation rates - the town transforms from bustling to peaceful between weekends.
Bring warm layers as temperatures drop significantly at night due to the high altitude, even though days can be pleasantly warm - the temperature variation can be 15-20 degrees.
Book accommodations well in advance for festivals and long weekends, as the town's limited hotel capacity fills up quickly, and consider staying in nearby towns if Villa de Leyva is fully booked.

Explore Activities in Villa de Leyva