Medellín and surroundings

Travel Guide Medellin

Medellín and surroundings

Overview

Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia and capital of the department of Antioquia; a fertile region with coffee plantations, flower farms and traditional villages. Besides the fact that Medellín itself has much to offer, the city -because of its central location- is also an ideal stopover during a tour of Colombia.

Highlights

Cartagena Travel Planning

Travel Guide Cartagena

Plan your trip

How to get there. →

Transportation in/from Cartagena →

Climate →

Best time to go →

How long to stay →

Where to stay →

Important info A-Z →

How to get there.

Airplane

Aeropuerto Internacional Rafael Núňez in Cartagena (CTG) is easily accessible, including:

  • Direct KLM flight or with a stopover in Bogotá
  • Avianca, Latam and Viva Air from Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira (coffee triangle)
  • Wingo from Bogotá
  • American Airlines, Jet Blue and Spirit from Miami
  • Copa Airlines from Panama

Transportation from airport
The easiest way to get into getting to the city center is by cab. Follow the “yellow footsteps” and you will come out to a counter. Here you say where you need to go. You will then get a printout with the price and be assigned a cab. A cab ride to the city center takes about 15 minutes and will cost you around 14,000COP (€4).

Bus, car and boat

Bus
There are connections from St. Marta (5 hours), Medellín (12 hours), and Bogotá (22 hours), among others. The Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena is about a 45-minute drive from downtown. If you are traveling to Cartagena from St. Marta, puerta a puerta (door-to-door transportation) is a convenient option. (See transportation from Cartagena).

Car
Cartagena is easily accessible by rental car, but parking is difficult in the city center. Moreover, the center is easy to walk around. If you are traveling with a family or a group and want a little more freedom, it may be worthwhile to rent a car, for example at the airport.

Boat
Cartagena is a popular destination for cruise lines. Consequently, many tourists get to know Cartagena for the first time on a cruise. There are also sailing trips between Cartagena and the San Blas Islands in Panama.

 

Transportation in/from Cartagena

In Cartagena

Cab

Grabbing a cab is easy. The yellow “servicio publico” cabs are the official cabs in Cartagena and there are many of them. Cabs do not run on meters, so agree on a price in advance.

The minimum price for a ride is COP7,000/€1.90. At night, a ride in Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní costs around COP10,000/€2.75.

Apps

Besides the Uber app, there are other cab apps in Colombia, such as Didi Rider and Easy Tappsi. These apps work like Uber; you sign up and can track the driver.

Hop-on-Hop-off bus

The distinctive red buses of Citysightseeing Cartagena, are especially popular with tourists who want to see the highlights of Cartagena in a short time. You can hop on and off at 14 stops as much as you want, during the duration of your ticket (24/48h). With English-language audio guide.

From Cartagena

Bus transportation
Bus transportation to Medellín and Bogotá goes through the Terminal de Transportes, a 45-minute drive from downtown. From here, buses also go to other destinations such as St. Marta, Mompox, and Playa Blanca.

Tip: Puerta a Puerta service to St Marta
If you are traveling on from Cartagena to Barranquilla or St. Marta, the Puerta a Puerta service is a convenient option. Instead of taking a cab to the bus terminal, a minibus from Berlinas or Marsol will pick you up at your hostel and drop you off at the bus terminal in St Marta. The trip goes via Barranquilla. If you return to Cartagena after this, the minibus will drop you off as close to your hotel as possible.

Price indication
Cartagena-Santa Marta: COP52000/€14 (one way), 4.30 hours

Booking
There are fixed times, even on weekends there are several buses going every day. You can make reservations via WhatsApp, among other things.

Update May 2022: Marsol and Berlinas no longer do puerta a puerta transportation. You must now board at their Cartagena office and be dropped off at their Santa Marta office. Prices have been raised to COP70,000 pp.

 

Climate

  • Cartagena has a tropical climate and there is a high humidity of around 80%
  • It is warm all year in Cartagena; the average temperature is a minimum of 25 and a maximum of 32 degrees
  • A room with air conditioning is not a luxury!
  • Because of the heat, it is convenient to plan your active things in the morning or late afternoon. At the hottest part of the day, you can then seek air conditioning in a coffee shop or restaurant, museum or mall
  • May-September is the warmest period; the “coldest” months are January and February
  • December through April is the dry season, October is the wettest month

Best time to go

Cartagena can be visited all year round
Even in the rainy season, you can just go out and it doesn’t rain every day.

Busiest and most expensive periods
 December, January and Semana Santa (Easter week). Many Colombians then take their own vacations. Colombians also like to travel during the long weekends around the holidays (Puentes). September-November is quieter and there are often good deals to be had.

Events:

El Día de la Independencia de Cartagena
Cartagena’s Independence Day. Celebrations begin in October, last for 3 weeks and end on Nov. 11.

Hay Festival
January/February: literature and arts festival with international guests

Cartagena International Film Festival (CIFF)
February/March

Music Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales|
October, in San Basilio de Palenque, 55 km from Cartagena.

How long to stay?

There is a lot to see in and around Cartagena, but where do you start? Here is some inspiration for a trip of 2 days and 3 days or more.

2 days

In 2 days you will have enough time to see the most famous sights, grab a museum and terrace and do a tour or workshop.

Do you do on day 1 a city tour, you will immediately have a handy introduction to the city. On day 2 you can then visit Castillo de San Felipe, stroll through the trendy Getsemaní district, or sign up for a chocolate or coffee workshop, for example.

Check here for top 12 tips Cartagena

3 days or more

With a day or more added, you can take it completely easy and soak up the city. You can also take a cab to Bocagrande, to stroll along the modern boulevard, shop and see the contrast of “little Miami” with the old town.

With 3 days or more, you can do a trip to PNN Islas del Rosario y de San Bernardo or take the bus to the colonial town of Mompox inland.

Look here for day trips in Cartagena

Getsemani

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More hotels in Getsemani - Cartagena

Bocagrande

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More hotels in Bocagrande - Cartagena

Important info A-Z

Money Matters
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants
  • Paying with pesos (COP) is generally cheaper than paying with US$
  • You can safely use debit cards in malls and the larger supermarkets and drug stores
  • Look here for more info on money matters in Colombia
Locals & language
  • Because Cartagena is one of the most touristy cities in Colombia, you will encounter more people who speak English there than in the rest of Colombia, especially at hotels and tour operators
  • The “Costeños” (residents of the coastal region) are warm and welcoming. Don’t be surprised if you ask for directions and someone walks all the way with you. This is (usually) not meant to be intrusive, but polite. They feel responsible for your safety.
Medical

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for Cartagena. Only if you are entering Colombia from Brazil is a yellow fever vaccination required.

Doctor
Click here for more information:
Facebook Clínica Medihelp Services Cartagena
(also home visits)

MedicApp
An App service, where you can request a doctor’s consultation “at home” 24 hours a day.
Look here for more information and to download the App:
Website MedicApp

Hospital
Look here for more information:
Website Clinica Bocagrande

Dentist
Click here for more information:
Website Cartagena English speaking Dentist

Dutch consulate

Dutch consulate Cartagena

Consul: Mauricio Villegas Gerdts
Callejon Santa Clara Calle 24A #19-64, Manga, Cartagena de Indias
Phone: +5756605610
E-mail: [email protected]
Opening hours: Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Packing List
  • Airy clothes and shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Anti mosquito spray
  • Cap/hat
  • Rain jacket in rainy season
  • Thermos for water
  • Medicine if you want a particular brand
  • Read: Love in times of cholera, by Gabriel Garcia Márquez. The book is largely set in Cartagena
Supermarkets and drugstores

Opening hours
Supermarkets are generally open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some drugstores are open 24/7.

Well-known supermarkets in Cartagena

  • Éxito; medicines are also sold here
  • Olímpica; medicines are also sold here in the Drogerias Olímpica 24/7
  • Carrefour, Carulla, Falabella and Jumbo. Carulla is a more expensive supermarket that sells many imported products.
Safety

As in all tourist destinations, Cartagena has a police presence to ensure the safety of tourists. Therefore, you need not be afraid when walking the streets in downtown Cartagena. Nevertheless, do not walk around with your phone and other valuables and think logically during your stay in Cartagena.

Do not go into the suburbs
There is a lot of poverty in the “suburbs” and it is not safe for tourists. After sunset, avoid the neighborhoods outside the tourist center (Centro Histórico) of the city, Bocagrande and Manga.

Get advice from locals
If you want to go out at night, ask your hotel if it’s safe to walk. Otherwise, have them call a cab for you, or order one yourself through the App.
Go inside to withdraw money
Use ATMs in malls and supermarkets where you can safely withdraw money.
Be prepared for street vendors
In El Centro, near the tourist attractions and on the beaches, there are many street vendors. If you don’t fancy yet another vendor offering their wares, “No gracias” will suffice and you just walk on. That is usually enough for the street vendors not to bother you.
What to consider during a day at the beach
On the beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande beach, the vendors can be very persistent. Keep a close eye on your belongings because sometimes the vendors tip off thieves. If you’re going to eat something at a beach shack, check the bill so they don’t have a chance to possibly rip you off.

Wifi

Most hotels and hostels have wifi, at least in the common areas. There are also buses and minivans with wifi.

← Cartagena
Tours and activities →

Providencia Colombia: What to do and tips

Travel Guide Providencia

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About Providencia

Providencia is a Caribbean island located some 800 km north of Colombia and 150 km east of Nicaragua. Where neighboring island San Andrés is a popular vacation island among Colombian tourists, Providencia is a lot quieter. The island, which has 5,000 inhabitants in an area of 17 km2, is mostly visited by travelers who come to dive, snorkel and relax at one of its beautiful beaches. Most locals live in the capital Santa Isabel in the north of the island. In Providencia, you can listen to reggae at one of the beach bars while enjoying a tropical cocktail and a freshly caught fish. In short; all the ingredients for a true island feeling are present on Providencia.

Afro-Caribbean culture
With a past as English colonies, Providencia and San Andrés are an “odd duck”. One of the population groups on the islands is the Afro-Caribbean “Raizal,” who speak an English-Creole language. The English influence is still very noticeable: the names of villages and beaches are mentioned in English, and Creole English is spoken alongside Spanish. Many locals feel more Caribbean than Colombian, and there are many Rastafari on the island.

The sea of 7 colors
The sea around the islands is called the “Mar de los 7 colores,” because of the colors in all variations, from aqua to green. The coral reefs around Providencia are part of the 3rd longest coral reef in the world, part of which belongs to the Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park. Turtles, sharks and rays, among others, are found here.

In this travel guide we share information and tips for fun things to do in Providencia, the most beautiful beaches + the nicest hotels to stay in. You will also find practical information and useful tips for your stay on the still relatively unknown Caribbean island of Providencia. If you want to know more about other destinations on the Caribbean coast, read on here.

Our tips

What to do in Providencia?

What to do in Providencia? From snorkeling, to climbing the island’s highest peak, here are our tips.

1. Snorkel at the small island of Crab Cay

Crab Cay/Cayo Cangrejo is part of McBean Lagoon National Park, a 10km2 nature reserve. At this coral reef with its clear water, you can spot turtles, among other things. The island itself is 500m2 in size and from the highest point at 30 meters, you have a beautiful view. There is no beach, but you can buy a cold drink. Entrance fee is COP21,500 / €5 (2023) You can kayak to the park, catch the boat in Maracaibo bay or book a tour at Pelagic tours. Check their Instagram for more info. Tip: It can get very crowded, so go as early as possible.

2.Hike to the highest point of Providencia

At 360 meters, The Peak/ El Pico is the highest point in Providencia. You walk through the rainforest until you reach the spot with the best view of the island. The trail starts in Bottom house (Casabaja) and takes about 2-3 hours in total (there and back). It is a steep climb, best done early in the morning because of the heat. A guide is mandatory and costs COP70,000 per person. Depending on your pace, the hike takes 3-4 hours. Bring plenty of water and a snack.

3. Walk across the "lovers bridge" to Santa Catalina island

The bridge runs from Santa Isabel to Santa Catalina island. According to legend, walking with your lover across the “Puente de los Enamorados” guarantees eternal love! On Santa Catalina island you can rent a kayak, explore deserted coves and kayak to the popular snorkeling spot Morgan’s head. This is a rock in the shape of a face, named after English pirate Henry Morgan. You can also hike to Morgan’s head. The hike takes about half an hour and on the way you will pass Fort Bay Beach, a quiet beach and cool place to snorkel.

4. Enjoy a tropical cocktail on the beach

Two popular bars are Roland Roots bar (Manicheel Bay) and La Sirenita Sunset (South west bay). At Roland’s, the reggae music creates a nice Caribbean atmosphere. The popular Coco loco is served in a coconut. Each bartender makes their own version of the cocktail, but at least it contains: rum, lime juice, coconut milk and coconut water, possibly topped with tequila and vodka. La Sirenita’s specialty is the Mojito.

5. Take an introductory dive

With warm water, little current and clear water, Providencia is a fine place to do your first dive. Even if you want to do the PADI Open Water Diver course, there are several diving schools that can certify you, such as the well-regarded Felipe Diving Center and Sirius Dive shop. Even if you have dived before, diving on Providencia is worthwhile. The coral reef is part of the third largest coral reef in the world and has been designated a Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. There is a great diversity of fish and other marine animals, such as sea turtles and stingrays. For an extra touch of adventure, you can dive to one of the shipwrecks. The price for an introductory dive, is around COP200,000/54€ For an PADI Open water certification you pay around COP1,000,000/€270. This is a 4-day course.

These are some of Providencia’s best dive sites:

Manta’s place
This dive site includes stingrays and sea snakes

Felipe’s Place.
Here you will find beautiful corals and many species of marine animals

The Spiral
Dive site with the greatest biodiversity in Providencia

Santa Catalina Slope
Santa Catalina island is known for shark spotting

How to plan your trip to Providencia

How to get there?

How to get to Providencia?
Providencia is much more isolated than San Andrés, 90km away, because there are no direct flights from mainland Colombia. Currently (July 2024), Satena is the only airline flying from San Andres to El Embrujo airport in Providencia. The flight takes about 20-30 minutes and is operated by small planes. Due to the limited number of seats, the flights fill up quickly and early reservations are necessary. You can buy a ticket from about 125 euros. (Satena) Note: You are only allowed 10 kg of luggage for free and 5 kg of hand luggage. airport tax is COP35,000 (2024). Flights to San Andres depart from Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla and Cali, among others. Flights to Andres can be booked from 90€ for a return ticket from Cartagena with low-cost airline Wingo.

Cab from the airport
A ride from the airport costs between COP25000/€6 and COP40,000/€10 depending on your destination

Tourist map
For San Andrés / Providencia, you need a tourist card, which you can buy at the airport gate where you board your flight to San Andrés. It costs COP124,000 / €31 (2024) and is valid for 3 months for both San Andrés and Providencia. You’ll also need the tourist card again when you leave the islands! Be sure to have this money cash on hand, as you can’t always pay by credit card

Catamaran
There is a catamaran crossing from San Andres 6 times a week. The trip takes about 3.5 hours and can be very rough. Check the Conocemos Navigndo website for more information. The price is between COP 300,000-COP400,000 / €75-€100 (return) Update 2024: the catamaran service is currently unavailable due to maintenance

Transportation in Providencia
There is only 1 major road on the island and a convenient way to explore the island is by scooter. Scooters and baby carriages can be rented at several hotels for about €20. In about 45 minutes you can drive around the entire island. You can also rent a baby carriage from about €35, or a bicycle. Here you have to take into account the heat and cycling uphill. If you don’t plan to arrange your own transportation, you can use moto-taxis. A ride costs between COP5000 and COP12000 / €1.35-€3.The hotels can help you arrange moto-taxis.

Climate and best time to go

Climate
The island has a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25 and 30 degrees. There is high humidity. The best time to visit Providencia is from mid-January to April, the dry season. The period from May to October is the hottest and most humid. October and November see the most rainfall. The island is located in the southern part of the hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but hurricanes are most common beginning in August. Check the current weather forecast for Providencia at Windfinder Providencia.

*Hurricane Iota, update 2023:
On Nov. 17, 2020, Hurricane Iota destroyed 98% of Providencia’s infrastructure. It was one of the worst hurricanes Colombia has ever experienced. A lot has since been rebuilt and the roads are in good condition. If you drive across the island, you will probably still see places where construction is still going on, but you can travel to Providencia just fine. Besides, the locals live off tourism and you as a visitor are more than welcome!

High season
Semana Santa (Easter week), August and the Christmas period are favorite periods to travel for Colombian tourists. If you can, avoid this period as prices are higher. If you do travel during this period, book your hotel and flight well in advance.

Special Events
April-July:
Migration of the crabs
If you are in Providencia between April and July, you have a chance to see the migration of the crabs. During a two-week period, the adult black crabs migrate to the beach to lay their eggs. After this, they migrate back into the mountains. A few weeks after, the young crabs follow in their footsteps. During this period, roads are partially closed to traffic to protect the crabs.
June:
Cultural Festival
During the last week of June, Providencia’s most important cultural event takes place. It is a festival with music and dance, a beauty pageant and a parade of motorcycles.

How many days to stay in Providencia?

If you come to snorkel and enjoy the beautiful beaches, about 3-4 days is fine for Providencia. If you want to do a diving course, then you need a week.

The beaches of Providencia

Providencia’s most popular beaches are on the south coast of the island.

Southwest Bay is an elongated beach on the southwest side and one of Providencia’s most popular beaches. Horse races are held here on Saturday afternoons. You will find a number of restaurants serving delicious seafood and bars including El Divino Niño restaurant and la Sirenita cocktail bar.

Freshwater Bay is located not far from Southwest Bay. Here you will find a number of popular restaurants such as Caribbean Place Donde Martin and Restaurante Miss Elma.

Almond Bay is a relaxed beach with calm and clear waters, which is located in the northwest. Because the beach is a 5-minute walk from the main road, there are not very many visitors. There is little shade on the beach. There are a few simple stalls selling drinks, such as the Coco loco.

Manicheel Bay is a somewhat rougher beach, with strong currents, on the south coast. The beach has become best known for Rolands Roots bar, where you can enjoy reggae music and Coco loco cocktails.

Where to stay in Providencia?

Where to stay in Providencia?
Don’t expect super-deluxe accommodations in Providencia. Many hotels are simple but comfortable posadas run by local families.

You can choose to stay in the quiet northern part of the island, near Mc Bean hill, Maracaibo Bay and the car-free Santa Catalina island. A wooden boardwalk takes you from the capital Santa Isabel, to the island.

Most hotels are located in the south of the island on the main road along the coast, near the beaches of Southwest Bay and Freshwater Bay. This is also where most of the restaurants and bars are.

Much of the interior is undeveloped and is mostly nature reserve. There is 1 main road across the island and with a scooter or baby carriage you can drive around the whole island in about 45 minutes. So no matter where you stay, you are never really far away from the beach.

Read on here for our hotel tips in Southwest Bay, Freshwater Bay, Manicheel Bay, the north and Santa Catalina Island.

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Southwest Bay, Freshwater Bay, Manicheel Bay

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    North, northeast and Catalina island

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    More hotels in Providencia

    Practical info A-Z

    Is Providencia safe? What should I bring with me? What about withdrawing money in Providencia? How exactly does the tourist card work? Is Providencia expensive? Check here for practical information and useful tips for your trip to Providencia.

    Food

    It’s fish and seafood what counts in Providencia. A specialty of the islands is Rondón, “a coconut-based seafood stew. This is also the national dish of Providencia. For a quick snack, there is “pan de coco,” coconut bread; airy buns with shaved coconut. At Big Mama’s Sweet taste, on Santa Catalina island, eat breakfast and lunch on her porch. The favorite with locals is Steve’s Jerk Chicken, with chicken, spare ribs and potatoes from the BBQ.

    Budget

    Providencia is not a low-budget destination. You will spend more for hostels and hotels than on mainland Colombia, and because most items have to be imported, groceries and eating out are more expensive. Added to this is the extra flight or boat trip from San Andrés, which will cost you extra. A lunch of fish will cost you around €8. If you want to save money on groceries, you can bring some perishable items from the mainland.

    Drinking water

    The water from the tap is not drinkable

    Cash withdrawals

    You can use debit cards in Santa Isabel, but to be safe, bring cash as well

    Medical

    The Hospital local de Providencia is located in Santa Isabel.

    Packing List
    • Anti-mosquito spray
    • Sunscreen
    • Airy clothing
    • Swimwear
    • Sandals/ flip flops and hiking boots
    • Snorkeling gear (also available for rent on the island)
    Language and locals

    Afro-Caribbean culture
    With a past as English colonies, Providencia and San Andrés are an “odd duck”. One of the population groups on the islands is the Afro-Caribbean “Raizal,” who speak an English-Creole language. The English influence is still very noticeable: the names of villages and beaches are mentioned in English, and Creole English is spoken alongside Spanish. Many locals feel more Caribbean than Colombian, and there are many Rastafari on the island.

    Tourist map

    For San Andrés / Providencia, you need a tourist card, which you can buy at the airport gate where you board your flight to San Andrés. It costs COP124,000 / €31 (2024) and is valid for 3 months for both San Andrés and Providencia. You’ll also need the tourist card again when you leave the islands. Without a tourist card you won’t get into the islands! Be sure to have this money cash on hand, as you can’t always pay by credit card

    Vaccinations

    Yellow fever vaccination is not required for Providencia

    Safety

    Providencia is one of the safest destinations in Colombia.

    Transportation

    There is only 1 major road on the island and a convenient way to explore the island is by scooter. Scooters and baby carriages can be rented at several hotels for about €20. In about 45 minutes you can drive around the entire island. You can also rent a baby carriage from about €35, or a bicycle. Here you have to take into account the heat and cycling uphill. If you don’t plan to arrange your own transportation, you can use moto cabs. A ride costs between COP5000 and COP10000 / €1.35-€2.70. The hotels can help you arrange moto cabs.

    Wifi and telephone

    Most hotels have free wifi for their guests, but don’t expect high-speed Internet. For around 30,000COP you can buy a SIM card with data.

    Colombian safari in Casanare

    Travel Guide Los Llanos Orientales

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    Nature reserves and llanero culture

    The department of Casanare is known for the great diversity of birds and wildlife and the typical Llanero culture. On various hato’s (ranches) in the private nature reserves, you can experience the life of the Llaneros, the colombian cowboys. You can spot wildlife, do birdwatching and go horseback riding. Some animals that you you can spot include capybaras (the largest rodents in the world), anteaters, armadillos, caimans and howler monkeys.

    How to get there
    Starting point for a trip to any of the ranches, is capital city Yopal, accessible by plane from Bogotá and Medellín and by bus from Bogotá (approx. 6-8 hours). The hato’s that are within a few hours’ drive of Yopal are usually easily accessible by car. If you want to go to one of the ranches deep inland, a private transfer from the airport  is your best and safest option. Public transportation is limited in these remote areas and you can often only get there by all-terrain vehicle (or motorcycle cab).

    Best time to travel to Casanare?
    You can visit Casanare all year round. Each season has its advantages: December through February is the driest period. The animals then gather at the water holes, making them easy to spot. This is also the busiest and hottest period. Bird watchers will also find the rainy season a great time  to visit, as this is when the many waterfowls can be seen. Some roads inland are not accessible in the rainy season.

    Is Casanare safe?
    Casanare is safe to travel, with the exception of the north / border area with Venezuela, but you don’t normally go there if you go to the hato’s. It’s important to check the current situation with a local touroperator or your hotel.

    #ColombiaMyWay tips

    Tip # 1
    Make an off the beaten track trip to Hato la Aurora
    Do you have the time and do you like an off the beaten track adventure? Then book a trip to Hato La Aurora Reserva Natural. Hato la Aurora is located deep in the countryside of Casanare, about a 5-hour drive from Yopal. Curious? We made this trip ourselves and wrote a travel story about our adventure. Read about our own journey here.

    Tip # 2
    Stay at a ranch near Yopal
    Limit your travel time and book a trip at for example El Encanto de Guanapalo, which consists of 3 hato’s in San Luis de Palenque. Travel time from Yopal is about 90 minutes.
    Book the nicest accommodations in Yopal here

    Tip # 3
    Book through a tour operator if you don’t speak Spanish
    English is not spoken at most accommodations, so booking accommodation and transportation can be tricky. Tour operator Wild Llanos in Yopal, is a specialist in travel in Casanare and can communicate with you in English. They will create a “customized trip” for you and can arrange an English-speaking guide for the excursions.

     

    Villa de Leyva

    Travel Guide Bogotá

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    Colonial city high in the Andes

    Villa de Leyva is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Colombia. In 1954, the city was declared a national monument. Villa de Leyva is located at an altitude of 2140 meters in the Boyacá region and has about 17,500 inhabitants. From Bogotá you can get there in 3-4 hours by bus.

    Mega Plaza
    The central plaza is the big eye-catcher. With a circumference of 120 by 120 meters, Plaza Mayor is one of the largest plazas in Latin America. During the week, the square can often be deserted, but on weekends it teems with activity, with day-trippers from Bogotá.

    Striking architecture
    The most striking building just outside the city is Casa Terracotta, a house made entirely of clay. It is the life’s work of Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza Morales. You can also see Casa Terracotta inside.

    Here you will find tips and the best things to do.

    #ColombiaMyWay tips

    Tip #1
    Grab a bike
    The area lends itself perfectly to a fun bike ride. If you want to bike -but differently-, check out Aventurapark Villa de Leyva. Here you can buy a ticket for aereal bikes for COP35,000 / $9 and zipline tickets (canopy) cost between COP30.000 and COP40.000. Aventura park is located 14 km from the city, opposite Parque la Periquera. Check Aventura park’s facebook and website for photos and more info.

    Tip #2
    Drink a glass of wine from Colombian soil
    A winery in Colombia? Yes you heard it right! In Villa de Leyva you can indulge in a glass of wine from the Viñedo Ain Karim vineyard, 10 km from Villa de Leyva. You can book a tour including various tastings.

    Tip #3
    Go to the market on Saturdays
    Stroll around Plaza Mercado and soak up the authentic ambiente

    Tip #4
    Visit the village of Ráquira, the “capital of ceramics.”
    The souvenir shops are open every day, but there is a market on Sundays, so that’s when the ambiance is at its liveliest.

    Tip #5
    Go hiking in Iguaque National Park.
    Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque is located 13 km outside the city. Here you can hike in the paramó landscape with its unique flora and fauna. Entrance to the park is COP76,000/$19 (2025) but rates are adjusted every year.


    Enthusiastic about Villa de Leyva?
    Then check this link for the best places to stay in Villa de Leyva 

     

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