In brief
When we think of Colombia, our imaginations are filled with bright colors, salsa dancing and bustling cities. But there are corners of this South American country that contrast with this dynamic image: its countryside, such as Villa de Leyva. This village, just a few hours from Bogotá, is one of Colombia’s 17 heritage villages. It is a veritable historical and cultural treasure trove, where time seems to have stood still. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history, architecture and unique atmosphere of Villa de Leyva, giving you a complete overview of what you need to know to make the most of it. Let’s go and visit Villa de Leyva!
Villa de Leyva
- Department : Boyacá
- Foundation: year 1572
- Altitude: 2,149 m
- Population: 17,466 (2023)
- Safety: very safe
- Length of stay: 2-4 nights
- Direct access: Bogotá and Tunja
Our opinion: A must-see! ★★★
We love Villa de Leyva, and go there regularly. It’s neither too hot nor too cold, and the view over this part of the Andes is beautiful, even dramatic during thunderstorms. Its colonial architecture is very well preserved. We love these houses with their patios. Although the village is touristy, the atmosphere remains peaceful and pleasant (outside tourist peaks like Semana Santa and weekends). There’s plenty to do in and around Villa de Leyva. The locals are also very kind and helpful.
When to visit Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is an ideal year-round destination.
Villa de Leyva tourist traffic: if you’re looking for peace and quiet, choose weekdays (note that some museums are closed on Mondays). You should also avoid the busy end-of-year period, Holy Week, weekends and public holidays.
Climate in Villa de Leyva: Villa de Leyva’s climate is mild and temperate. According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, it is classified as Cfb. Daytime temperatures are generally 23-25°c, and at night 8-10°c, with average annual rainfall of 1,767 mm. Due to its proximity to the equator, the region’s summer seasons can be complex to define.
Major events in Villa de Leyva :
– End of June: International Jazz Festival.
– July 12 to 16: Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen.
– Mid-August: Festival del Viento y las Cometas (kites).
-December 7 to 8: Festival of Lights.
Legend: Blue: transport terminal – Yellow: activities & visits – Green: accommodation – Orange: restaurants
History of Villa de Leyva
Located in the department of Boyacá, in the heart of the Colombian Andes, some 150 kilometers north of Bogotá, lies a charming little town that seems frozen in time: Villa de Leyva. This picturesque town, with its cobbled streets, white houses with red-tiled roofs and huge main square, is one of Colombia’s historic jewels. As we delve into the history of Villa de Leyva, we discover a fascinating tale that stretches back centuries and bears witness to the cultural and architectural richness of this enchanting place.
Pre-Columbian origins
The history of Villa de Leyva begins long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. This region was once inhabited by the Muiscas, an advanced indigenous civilization. The Muiscas were known for their sophisticated agriculture, well-organized political system and rich culture. The territory of Villa de Leyva was particularly important to the Muiscas because of its fertile geography and strategic location.
Archaeological remains from this pre-Columbian period can still be seen in the region, including the El Infiernito archaeological park, which features imposing standing stones used by the Muiscas for astronomical and ritual observations. These testimonies to Muisca civilization are living reminders of the region’s rich past.
The Villa de Leyva Foundation
Villa de Leyva’s modern history began in 1572, when Captain Hernán Suárez de Villalobos founded the town under the patronage of the Spanish crown. It was named in honor of Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva, the first president of the Real Audiencia of New Granada. At the time, Villa de Leyva was an important colonial center, with an economy based on agriculture, livestock and crafts.
During the colonial period, the town prospered thanks to its favorable geographical location. It was located on an important trade route, making it a key transit point for agricultural produce, wool, leather and other goods. Villa de Leyva’s wealth was evident in its architecture, with the construction of numerous churches, convents and colonial houses, some of which are still standing today.
Key events in the 19th century
The 19th century was a tumultuous period in Colombian history, and Villa de Leyva was no exception to these crucial events. The city was the scene of major battles and political movements, notably during the Colombian War of Independence in the early 19th century. The people of Villa de Leyva were active participants in these events, and the town played an essential role in the struggle for independence.
The 19th century also saw the birth of notable personalities from Villa de Leyva who had a significant impact on Colombian history. Among them was Antonio Nariño, a patriot and writer who contributed to the struggle for independence.
The evolution of Villa de Leyva in the 20th century
Over the course of the 20th century, Villa de Leyva underwent a gradual transformation in terms of infrastructure and modernization. Electricity, running water and other modern conveniences were introduced, improving residents’ quality of life. However, the town has managed to preserve its architectural heritage, ensuring that historic buildings are carefully preserved and restored.
Over the decades, Villa de Leyva has become a popular destination for Colombians and international tourists seeking an authentic experience of Colombian history. The city has retained its colonial charm while adapting to the needs of modern tourism.
What to see and do in Villa de Leyva
In Villa de Leyva
There are several interesting spots right in the village of villa de Leyva, and we’ve put together a list of the main ones to visit.
Plaza Mayor
This central square is one of the largest in South America, lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. It’s perfect for strolling around, taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere.
Free
Open 24 hours a day
Parroquia Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Located on the outskirts of the Plaza Mayor, this parish church is an impressive example of colonial architecture. Step inside to admire its sober, elegant interior.
Free
Mon. to Fri. 8am-12pm and 2pm-6pm / Sat. 8am-12pm and 2pm-4pm
Casa Terracota(more)
Casa Terracota in Villa de Leyva is a unique terracotta architectural structure, considered the largest in the world, offering an exceptional artistic and architectural experience.
35,000-50,000 COP / adult and 26,000-30,000 COP / child
Thursday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.
Antonio Nariño Museum
A place dedicated to Antonio Nariño, a key figure in Colombian independence, with exhibitions on the country’s political history, and the first Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in Spanish.
Free
Every day except Wednesday (closed) 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm
Palaeontological museum
The Paleontological Museum of the National University of Colombia in Villa de Leyva promotes the inventory, identification, conservation and sustainable use of fossil remains.
5,000 COP / adult
Tuesday to Saturday 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm / Sunday 9am-3pm
Mirador El Santo Sagrado Corazon de Jesus
Located directly on the outskirts of Villa de Leyva, the mirador offers a beautiful view of the town and surrounding area, as well as an emblematic statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The round trip takes around 2h-2h30. Be careful, it’s uphill!
Free
Always open
Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña
At the heart of Villa de Leyva lies the house-museum of Luis Alberto Acuña. Inside, visitors will find an important collection of paintings, murals, sculptures, terracottas and antiques.
4,000 COP / person
Daily 10am-1pm and 2pm-7pm
Around Villa de Leyva
There are also other interesting places to visit around Villa de leyva, which are listed below.
El Fósil Museum(official website)
The museum features a collection of Mesozoic and Cretaceous fossils, including the world’s most complete Kronosaurus fossil, a 5m-long predator 110 million years old.
20,000 COP / adult and 10,000 COP / child
Every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Pozos Azules(official website)
The Pozos Azules “desert” is a desert landscape of unique rock formations, punctuated by artificial pools of blue water. A good option for an easy hike of 1 or 2 hours.
15,000 COP / person
Every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Village of Raquira
Raquira is a charming village, famous for its colorful handmade pottery. It offers a rich cultural experience, with craft markets, pottery workshops and a warm atmosphere.
Bus from Villa de Leyva terminal at 6am – 8.30am – 2pm – 4pm – 5pm for 6,000 COP / person. 45-minute journey
Iguaque is a nature reserve offering picturesque (and challenging) hiking trails to a lagoon. Elevation gain of 700-800m, from 2,840 m to 3,650 m, for a round-trip walk of around 7 hours!
59,500 COP / person
Departure from the park entrance every day between 8 and 10 a.m.
Santo Ecco Homo Convent
The Ecco Homo Convent, 13km from Villa de Leyva, is a historic 17th-century site famous for its colonial architecture and well-preserved religious frescoes, offering an immersion in the region’s religious history.
10,000 COP / person
Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gondava dinosaur park(official website)
Gondava Park, 7km from Villa de Leyva, is a theme park dedicated to dinosaurs. It features life-size replicas, educational exhibits and interactive activities for families and paleontology enthusiasts.
17,000-19,000 COP / adult and 15,000-17,500 COP / child
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Ruins Muisca El Infiernito
The El Infiernito Muisca Ruins are a fascinating, yet unimpressive, pre-Columbian archaeological site. It includes monoliths, solar observatories and structures used by the Muisca civilization.
7,500 COP / person
Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm
Cascada La Honda
The Cascadas La Honda are a series of magnificent waterfalls located near Villa de Leyva, offering a peaceful natural setting for swimming (cool glagla water), hiking without great difficulty and relaxing in the heart of nature.
10,000 COP / adult
First to the nearby village of Gachantiva
Aventura Park(official website)
Aventura Park near Villa de Leyva is an adventure park offering activities such as rock climbing and zip lines, providing an exciting outdoor experience.
30,000-200,000 COP / person
Every day except Wednesday (closed) 9am-5pm
How do I get to Villa de Leyva?
Villa de Leyva can be reached directly by bus from just 2 cities: Tunja, 38 km away, and Bogotá, 170 km. Any other bus journey will inevitably pass through one of these two cities. For example, there are no direct routes from Cartagena, Cali, Medellín or Santa Marta.
The nearest airport is Bogotá’s El Dorado airport.
Tunja also has an airport (Gustavo Rojas Pinilla de Tunja airport), but with little service and often a compulsory stopover in Bogotá, so no time savings.
Getting to Villa de Leyva from Bogotá by bus
| Bus companies | Flota Valle De Tenza – Coflonorte |
| Departure | Bogotá, Terminal Central Salitre (also stops at Terminal del Norte) |
| Departure times (from Salitre) | 05h – 06h15 – 08h45 – 11h30 – 14h15 – 14h40 – 15h45 |
| Arrival | Villa de Leyva, bus terminal |
| Duration | Approx. 3h30 |
| Route type | Direct via Samacá |
| Price (one-way) | Approx. 35,000 COP / person |
Getting to Villa de Leyva from Tunja by bus
| Bus companies | Transportes Los Muiscas – Transporte La Reina – La Verde – Flota Sugamuxi – Cootrachica – Coomultransvilla – Autoboy |
| Departure | Tunja, Terminal de transporte Terrestre Juana Velasco de Gallo |
| Departure times | Frequent departures from 05h to 20h |
| Arrival | Villa de leyva, bus terminal |
| Duration | Approx. 1 hour |
| Route type | Direct |
| Price (one-way) | 8,000 to 12,000 COP / person |
Where to stay in Villa de Leyva?
If you plan to visit Villa de Leyva, you’ll be enchanted by its cobbled streets, colonial architecture and picturesque atmosphere. When it comes to choosing a place to stay, it’s essential to find the accommodation that best suits your needs and travel style. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway, a stylish boutique hotel, or an authentic experience in a charming inn, this article will guide you through the best accommodation options in Villa de Leyva with our selection. Discover unique places that will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
OFF Hostel
Great stay at OFF Hostel: friendly atmosphere, comfortable rooms, attentive staff and perfect location for exploring the city and surrounding area.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Nibiru Hostel
Travelers praise the friendly atmosphere, cleanliness, attentive staff, comfortable beds, pleasant common areas and excellent value for money.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Villa del Angel
Featuring a colonial style and 300 meters from the main square, this hotel offers traditional accommodation. Free private parking is available on site.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Cemandy by MA
Located 800 meters from the main square, Hotel Cemandy by MA offers a shared lounge, free private parking and a bar. Rooms are simple and typical.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
La Casa Del Arbol
This elegant establishment is housed in a restored 18th-century colonial building. It offers luxurious, modern rooms. The interior garden is adorned with exotic plants.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Boutique El Carmel
Hotel Boutique El Carmel offers a charming stay with elegant rooms, a peaceful interior garden, and a central location for exploring the city’s attractions.
Where to eat in Villa de Leyva
To visit Villa de Leyva is to immerse yourself in Colombian history while indulging your taste buds. This picturesque town is much more than an architectural nugget; it’s also a gastronomic paradise. In this section, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Villa de Leyva. From local restaurants serving traditional Colombian dishes to international establishments offering creative fusion cuisine, there’s something for every taste and budget.
