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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 sits like a perfectly preserved colonial jewel in the mountains of Boyacá, about three hours north of Bogotá. The town feels almost impossibly picturesque, with its massive cobblestone plaza - one of the largest in South America - surrounded by whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs that seem to glow in the Andean light. What makes this place special isn't just its postcard beauty, though that's certainly part of it. The town has managed to maintain an authentic colonial atmosphere while becoming one of Colombia's most beloved weekend destinations, drawing everyone from Bogotá families to international travelers who stumble across it and end up staying longer than planned. The surrounding countryside is dotted with vineyards, fossil sites, and quirky attractions that give you plenty of reasons to linger beyond the main square.

Top Things to Do in Villa de Leyva

Main Plaza and Colonial Architecture

The heart of Villa de Leyva is its enormous cobblestone plaza, where you can spend hours just watching life unfold around the central fountain. The surrounding colonial buildings house everything from artisan shops to cozy cafés, and the architecture is remarkably well-preserved. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the whole scene particularly magical.

Booking Tip: No booking needed - it's a public square. Best visited early morning (around 7-8 AM) or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends when Bogotá residents flood in.

Casa Terracota

This bizarre and wonderful house is entirely made of clay - walls, furniture, even the toilets. It's the brainchild of architect Octavio Mendoza, who wanted to create the world's largest piece of pottery. The result is genuinely fascinating, like stepping inside a giant earthenware vessel with organic, flowing rooms that feel almost alive.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 15,000 COP. Open daily 9 AM to 6 PM, but can close unexpectedly so call ahead. Tours are self-guided and take about 45 minutes. It's about 20 minutes by taxi from the main plaza.

Fossil Museum and Paleontological Sites

The area around Villa de Leyva is rich with fossils, including impressive marine reptiles from when this was all underwater millions of years ago. The main museum displays a remarkable kronosaurus, while several smaller sites around town let you see fossils in their original locations. It's surprisingly engaging even if you're not typically into paleontology.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is around 8,000 COP. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM. Some fossil sites require guides - ask at your hotel or the tourist office. Budget around 50,000 COP for a half-day fossil tour including transportation.

Local Vineyards and Wine Tasting

The high altitude and climate around Villa de Leyva have proved surprisingly good for wine production, and several boutique vineyards offer tastings. The wines are improving rapidly and it's interesting to taste Colombian varietals you won't find elsewhere. Most vineyards also offer tours of their facilities and the surrounding countryside is beautiful.

Booking Tip: Most vineyards charge 25,000-40,000 COP for tastings including 4-5 wines. Book ahead, especially on weekends. Marqués de Villa de Leyva and Viña Sicilia are the most established. Tours usually last 1.5-2 hours.

Monastery of Santo Ecce Homo

This 17th-century Dominican monastery sits in peaceful countryside about 15 minutes from town, offering a glimpse into colonial religious life. The building itself is beautiful, with thick stone walls and peaceful courtyards, while the surrounding landscape provides excellent views back toward Villa de Leyva. The small museum houses religious art and artifacts from the colonial period.

Booking Tip: Entry is around 12,000 COP. Open daily 8 AM to 5 PM. You can take a taxi (about 25,000 COP round trip) or rent a bike in town. Allow 2-3 hours including travel time. The monastery has a small café if you want to linger.

Getting There

Most people reach Villa de Leyva by bus from Bogotá, which takes about 3.5 hours and costs around 25,000 COP. Buses leave regularly from Bogotá's Terminal Norte, with companies like Libertadores and Rápido Duitama offering the most frequent service. If you're driving, the route is straightforward but can be slow due to mountain roads and weekend traffic. Some travelers opt for organized day trips from Bogotá, though that feels rushed given how much there is to see and the town's relaxed pace.

Getting Around

Villa de Leyva is small enough that you can walk everywhere within the historic center - in fact, walking is really the only way to properly appreciate the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. For sites outside town like Casa Terracota or the vineyards, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced, typically charging 15,000-30,000 COP for nearby attractions. Many hotels and hostels also rent bicycles, which is a pleasant way to explore the countryside, though the cobblestones in town center can be a bit jarring on two wheels.

Where to Stay

Historic Center
Plaza Mayor Area
Calle Real
Carrera 9
Near Casa Museo
Countryside Outskirts

Food & Dining

The food scene centers around traditional Colombian fare with some international options mixed in. You'll find plenty of restaurants around the main plaza serving hearty mountain food like ajiaco, trucha (trout), and various grilled meats. Casa Blanca and Savia are local favorites for traditional cuisine, while places like Oliva offer more contemporary takes on Colombian ingredients. The town is also known for its sweets - particularly the traditional obleas filled with arequipe - which you can buy from street vendors around the plaza. Weekend evenings tend to be busy, so reservations at nicer restaurants are wise if you're visiting then.

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When to Visit

Villa de Leyva sits at high altitude so temperatures stay relatively cool year-round, making it pleasant to visit anytime. That said, the dry season from December to March tends to offer the most reliable weather, with sunny days and cool nights perfect for wandering the cobblestone streets. The rainy season (April to November) brings afternoon showers but also fewer crowds and greener countryside. Weekends year-round see an influx of visitors from Bogotá, so if you prefer a quieter experience, plan for weekday visits. The town gets particularly busy during Colombian holidays and festivals.

Insider Tips

Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip - those colonial cobblestones are beautiful but can be slippery, especially when wet.
Many restaurants and shops close on Monday or Tuesday, so double-check opening hours if you're visiting midweek.
The altitude (about 2,100 meters) can affect some people, so take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated, especially if you're coming from sea level.

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