Villa de Leyva
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.
#ToColombia 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 zipline biking for about COP30,000 / €7.50! 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
Indulge in a glass of wine from the Viñedo Ain Karim vineyard, 10 km from Villa de Leyva. You can book a tour there with 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 it’s 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 COP48,000/€12, but rates are adjusted every year.
Enthusiastic?
Then book the best places to stay in Villa de Leyva here
