Things to do in Villa de Leyva

Declared a National Monument in 1954, this magical town located 3 hours from Bogotá is a jewel of colonial Spanish architecture built in 1572. This Tour is a journey through time, an encounter with history, science, ceramics, archeology, art, and culture. We will pick you up at your Hotel / Hostel and make a stop on the way to have breakfast near the "Puente de Boyacá" (Bridge of Boyacá) where the final battle of Colombian independence took place. Once we arrive at Villa de Leyva, we will go down to the Plaza Mayor) where you will have time to have lunch. This town also known as "the artisanal capital of Colombia", a very picturesque village with decorations on its houses.

The tour begins with a morning departure from Bogota, enjoying the scenery on the way to the Boyaca Bridge. Here, you will immerse yourself in Colombia's history, visiting the site of a key battle for the country's independence. Next, we'll head to Ráquira, known for its vibrant ceramic handicrafts. Explore the colorful pottery stores, discover the artisan tradition and take unique handmade pieces with you. We continue our journey to Villa de Leyva, a picturesque colonial town with one of the largest squares in Latin America. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, and visit the Parish Church and the Museo del Carmen to learn more about the local history. Enjoy the well-preserved architecture and cozy atmosphere of the town. Next, explore the Casa Terracotta, a masterpiece built entirely of terracotta. Admire the innovative design and artistic details of this unique house, which combines functionality and art in an exceptional way. Finally, we head to the Blue Wells, a series of lagoons with deep blue waters. Enjoy a stroll through the surroundings and contemplate the surreal landscape offered by these natural formations. At the end of the day, we return to Bogotá, taking with us an enriching experience of history, culture and nature.

Start your adventure from Bogota to Villa de Leyva, where you will marvel at its Plaza Mayor, one of the largest in Latin America, surrounded by well-preserved colonial architecture. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and visit fascinating museums such as the Fossil Museum and the Paleontological Museum, which will transport you to remote times (guided tour and free time). Then, head to the Pozos Azules, a set of artificial lagoons of an intense blue color that contrasts with the surrounding arid landscape. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk and take impressive pictures of this natural spectacle (group or individual activity with specialized drivers). Your next stop will be Ráquira, known as the town of the pots. In this colorful place, you will be amazed by the vibrant local handicrafts. Stroll through its streets full of stores where artisans display their pottery, weavings and other handmade works, ideal for souvenirs (guided tour and free time). Finally, you will visit the Boyacá Bridge, a historic site where the battle that secured Colombia's independence was fought. Walk through the park, see the monuments and learn about the importance of this place in the history of the country. (historical visit) This tour offers you a complete immersion in the culture, history and nature of the region, giving you memorable experiences at each stop. Finally, after a day full of experiences and memorable visits it is time to return to the starting time in the city of Bogota or another place of your choice.

Besides its architecture and historical importance, Villa de Leyva is also known for its diversity of landscapes, as you can go from desertic areas to fog forests in some minutes. One of those places for nature lovers that you cannot miss while in Villa de Leyva is La Periquera Park. A beautiful path across 3 different waterfalls and imposing landscapes of Boyaca. If you really want to explore Villa de Leyva, give yourself one more day to have a short getaway to a natural jewel. This tour is perfect if you want to see a different side of Villa de Leyva’s surroundings, right before starting your trip around, or just after you explore the historic center. La Periquera Hiking Tour will be a smooth hike with low level of difficulty but high level of joy of connecting with nature. You will hike and even get the chance to swim in the refreshing waters of the river and creeks. The hills surrounding Boyaca and Villa de Leyva are full of adventures, ready for you to jump in. So why not come with us to this amazing waterfall park? It’s just a short drive away! Upon arrival, you will enter a trail full of curious endemic plants. After some time, you will arrive to the Cebada riverbed, which crosses the park forming different waterfalls. You will have the opportunity to see three of these waterfalls, one of them 15 meters high called La Periquera. And you will be able to take a refreshing bath and enjoy the clear water of the river. After a fantastic day of connecting with nature, you and our team will take your way back to the hotel in Villa de Leyva. We are sure it will be an experience to remember.

Your adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your Bogotá accommodation and a scenic drive to Villa de Leyva, a picturesque colonial town approximately 4 hours away. Upon arrival, you'll be enchanted by the cobblestone streets, adorned with historic buildings that tell tales of Colombia's past. Your first stop is the iconic Plaza Mayor, the heart of Villa de Leyva and the largest cobblestone square in South America. Here, you'll soak in the colonial charm while admiring the surrounding architecture and lively atmosphere. Next, indulge your senses at the Chocolate Museum, where you'll learn about the history of chocolate in Colombia and sample some mouthwatering treats. It's a sweet experience you won't soon forget! Then, get ready for outdoor adventure as you choose between exploring the vibrant Pozos de Colores, embarking on a scenic hike around Villa de Leyva, or tackling the thrilling 12 Desafíos adventure course. From hanging bridges to canopy tours, there's plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun to be had. After working up an appetite, enjoy a delicious lunch in Ráquira, a nearby artisan village known for its colorful pottery and crafts. Take in the sights and sounds of this charming town as you savor traditional Colombian cuisine. Before heading back to Bogotá, don't miss the chance to visit the Mano del Artesano viewpoint in Ráquira. From here, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, providing the perfect backdrop for some memorable photos. As the day comes to a close, reflect on the unforgettable experiences and new memories made during your adventure in Villa de Leyva and Ráquira. With its blend of history, culture, and outdoor excitement, this day trip promises to be a highlight of your Colombian journey.

Discover Villa de Leyva on a full-day guided tour. See some of the most well-preserved colonial structures in Colombia, and admire the town's vibrant culture, historical sights, and striking natural beauty. Start your adventure at the breathtaking Sisga Dam. Then, head north to Raquira, a small town known for its traditional pottery. Next, take a short drive to Villa de Leyva’s Square: the largest entirely cobbled square in South America. Visit the Paleontological Museum and marvel at the fossils taken from the valley where Villa de Leyva is located. Learn their fascinating history dating back to the Cretaceous era. Stop for a quick break at a traditional restaurant and enjoy a local breakfast. Once ready, continue towards the hills to the Pozos Azules. Admire the blue-green reflection of the sky in these mineral-rich pools. Next stop: the Terracotta House. See the house made entirely out of clay and famously called "the largest piece of pottery in the world." Take some time to explore the quaint streets at your own pace before stopping once more for a delicious lunch.

Begin your tour with hotel pick-up in the morning and a scenic drive out to Villa de Leyva. On the way, enjoy the delicious staple of arepas, corn cakes that are often grilled or fried. Upon arrival in Villa de Leyva, step out and walk through the ancient streets lined with colonial-style houses that have remained mostly untouched since their construction. Founded in 1572, Villa de Leyva is famous for its cobblestone square Plaza Mayor, which at 150,695 square feet is the largest in Colombia. Learn about the history of the charming town from your guide before moving on. Head next to Zipaquira, where you will wander below ground into an enormous salt mine. Your guide will teach you about the history of salt and salt mining as you explore the beautifully lit cavern, eventually reaching the salt cathedral. The church was originally built in 1932 as a place for miners to offer daily prayers and was inaugurated in 1954. Today it is a fully functional church with a weekly service held on Sundays. Spend time in the unique cathedral before returning to the surface and heading back to Bogota.

If you are a wine lover or a caterer of unique experiences, come with us to this vineyard tour. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil and picturesque beauty of Villa de Leyva. Learn about the whole process it takes for the wine to become what it is. Taste and identify what are the unique features of the wine that is produced in this specific region of Colombia. Our tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the flourishing wine scene of this enchanting region. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and colonial architecture, Villa de Leyva's vineyards boast a rich history and a commitment to producing exquisite wines. You will not only savor the flavors of locally crafted wines but also gain insight into the winemaking process, from grape to glass. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a delightful getaway, this tour promises an enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories of Colombia's cultural and culinary heritage. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of a local vineyard, where you'll learn about the winemaking process from expert vintners. Wander through lush vineyards, admire the stunning landscape, and discover the secrets behind Colombia's wine industry. Visit the wine cellar and be part of the process yourself. Indulge your senses with a curated wine tasting session, sampling a selection of premium wines produced onsite. And learn more by pairing wines with different types of food.

Travel with a friendly and knowledge driver on an excursion from Bogotá to the colonial village of Villa de Leyva. Before you arrive at the village, you'll have the option of visiting two nearby sights – choosing from Lagunas Azules, Casa de Barro, El Fossil, and El Infiernito. Afterwards, you’ll be driven to the Plaza Mayor in Villa de Leyva, and the driver will wait while you enjoy lunch and spend some time exploring the village on your own. Then you’re free to decide which additional sights you would like to visit. Late in the afternoon you’ll head back to Bogotá, where you’ll be dropped off.

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation in Bogotá and drive to the historic town of Villa de Leyva, approximately 4 hours from the city center. Explore the colonial buildings on foot on arrival. Go to the main square (Plaza Mayor), thought to be the largest cobbled square in South America. we will visit the emblematic and traditional chocolate museum where you can taste a delicious chocolate. You will have a tour of a wonderful vineyard called ain karim ending with a wine tasting. Then we will go to have lunch in a nearby artisan village called raquira where you can see all kinds of typical handicrafts of the region.