Boyacá, Andean highlands · Colombia
A whitewashed 16th-century colonial town on one of the largest cobbled squares in the Americas, with fossils, waterfalls and desert-like hills.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Villa de Leyva was founded in 1572, and it has been preserved as a national monument since 1954, so building styles, roof tiles and whitewash follow the colonial pattern. It sits at 2,150 metres in a high, dry valley in Boyacá, with a mild, sunny climate that contrasts with cloudy Bogotá.
The heart of the town is the Plaza Mayor, one of the largest cobbled plazas in the Americas at around 14,000 square metres, surrounded by whitewashed buildings and a church. Narrow streets lead off in a grid, past courtyards, museums and cafés. Weekends fill with visitors from Bogotá, but weekdays are quiet.
The surroundings offer plenty to do. There are fossils of a 110-million-year-old kronosaurus at El Fósil, blue pools called Pozos Azules, the Iguaque sanctuary with a sacred lake, waterfalls, wineries and the pottery village of Ráquira. Cycling is popular. It is about three to four hours by bus from Bogotá, and two days is a good stay.
Why visit
Villa de Leyva is the prettiest colonial town within reach of Bogotá.
The Plaza Mayor.
Whitewashed colonial houses.
El Fósil and Iguaque.
A short bus ride.
Drier than the capital.
Main attractions
The town is small, and the sights are around it.
The enormous cobbled square, with a church and colonial buildings all around.
Tip Visit early or at dusk.
A nearby mountain reserve with cloud forest and a lake sacred to the Muisca.
Tip Start hikes early.
A museum around a 110-million-year-old fossil of a marine reptile.
Tip A short visit.
Blue and green pools in the desert.
Tip Go in the morning.
A village of colourful handicraft shops and pottery.
Tip Visit for gifts.
A house made entirely of clay.
Tip Unusual architecture.
Things to do
Villa de Leyva is for slow walks and cycling.
Cobbled streets.
Tip Go early.
Rent a bike.
Tip Bring water.
To the lake.
Tip Register at the park.
Boyacá wineries.
Tip Book.
Clear skies.
Tip Go at night.
Ceramics.
Tip Bargain politely.
Local food
Boyacá food is hearty.
Hearty soup.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Cheese-filled arepa.
Where to try it Stalls.
Grilled corn with cheese.
Where to try it Street.
Regional wines.
Where to try it Wineries.
Local products.
Where to try it Markets.
Accommodation
Stay in the historic centre.
Transport
Villa de Leyva is 165 km from Bogotá.
The town is walkable.
When to go
Villa de Leyva is drier than most of the Andes.
Dry.
Wet.
Windy, with a kite festival.
Wetter.
Worth planning around: Busy long weekends.
Itinerary
Town, fossils and pools.
Colonial streets.
Nature.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
About 3 to 4 hours.
Yes.
December to March.
Two.
Possible but long.
Yes, among the largest in the Americas.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Villa de Leyva, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Cundinamarca, Andean highlands, Colombia
Colombia's capital at 2,640 metres, with La Candelaria's colonial streets, the Gold and Botero museums, Monserrate, street art, restaurants and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Don't miss Riding the cable car to the Monserrate sanctuary for a view over the vast city.
Explore Destination — BogotáSantander, north-east Andes, Colombia
A beautifully preserved colonial town of white walls and terracotta roofs, with a stone cathedral, artisan workshops, the Camino Real hike to Guane and outdoor sports in nearby San Gil.
Don't miss Walking the old stone Camino Real trail from Barichara to the village of Guane.
Explore Destination — BaricharaAntioquia, Aburrá Valley, Colombia
Colombia's innovation city, with Comuna 13's street art and escalators, Plaza Botero, Metrocable rides, Parque Arví, El Poblado's restaurants and a mild climate all year.
Don't miss Riding the Metrocable up to the hillside neighbourhoods, with the whole valley spread out below.
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