Villa de Leyva is considered one of Colombia’s most beautiful villages. It’s located in the Boyacá department, about a three-hour drive north of Bogotá.
Angélica used to go there often when she was little, and it was one of the first places we visited together in Colombia.
The atmosphere of this town has always drawn us in, and over the years we’ve discovered some wonderful initiatives that proved one thing: no, there’s more to Villa de Leyva than just the Casa Terracota and the Pozos Azules!
So, hit the roads of Boyacá and let us inspire you to explore this heritage village for yourself.
Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
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Visit Villa de Leyva
One of the most beautiful village in Colombia
We can’t tell you about Villa de Leyva as if we’re discovering it for the first time. We’ve spent too much time in this village to reduce it to a single experience. Instead, we’re going to share with you why we love it.
We never tire of wandering the cobblestone lanes around the main square. Despite the many artisan shops, those paved streets give off a peaceful, soothing vibe.
The vast central plaza is one of Colombia’s crown jewels. Colombians like to say it’s the largest plaza in Latin America, and at about 14.000 square meters it certainly lives up to the claim. The buildings that surround it are just as striking.
Colonial-style homes, whitewashed walls, and, as evening falls, the glow of lights invite you to sit on a bench with an agua aromática and watch the local paseo. Schoolchildren heading home, a nun accompanying a few faithful, residents out for a stroll or a chat.
Just being there.
That’s what we love to do. It really is the best thing to do in Villa de Leyva. In the evening, if you’re lucky, a spectacular sunset will set the gentle Boyacá sky ablaze.
We love soaking up the atmosphere at a leisurely pace—wandering, browsing the shops, and supporting the local artisans who keep their craft alive.
Despite the growing number of stores selling anything and everything, you can still find workshops making wool products. Watching these passionate craftsmen at their antique looms is like time standing still—the clock hands pause.
To us, artisans are an essential part of Colombia’s heritage, and they deserve to be admired and supported.
Other workshops open to the public include ceramics, screen printing, painting, and more. Villa de Leyva is home to countless artist studios. You’ll also notice the recent opening of a cultural space called Origen (Carrera 8 #14‑61), which hosts a program of concerts.
As you’ve probably guessed, Villa de Leyva feels very calm and peaceful during the week. But when the weekend arrives (and even more so on long holiday weekends), the village transforms and becomes effervescent!
Villa de Leyva is a favorite getaway for people from Bogotá and the surrounding region. First, there’s the Saturday market, which is worth a detour if you’re in the area—every color of Colombia comes together there.
Don’t miss the mercado campesino, located opposite the main open-air market, which offers only locally grown organic products. Villa de Leyva also routinely hosts events that draw thousands of visitors: the Festival of Kites, Festival of Lights, film festivals, jazz festivals, astronomy gatherings, literature events, and more. Not to mention the Fiestas del Carmen, which retain their beloved popular flair.
So, if you’re lucky (or if you prefer things quiet), you might catch one of these events in Villa de Leyva and feel the slightly frenetic energy that pulses through the town at those moments.
Best things to do in Villa de Leyva
Colombia’s heritage village
We’re lucky to have a car, so we can explore every corner around Villa de Leyva. And just when we think we’ve seen it all, we realize there’s always more to discover.
Good to know
Pozos Azules
Many guides will tell you about the Pozos Azules, but in our opinion it’s not a must‑see around Villa de Leyva. There’s nothing much to do—no real trail, no swimming; the main draw is simply the color. Don’t set your expectations too high; it’s only worth a stop if you have extra time.
Wool Route
The Wool Route is probably our favorite experience around Villa de Leyva!
Wool weaving is an ancient craft in the Boyacá department—and in Villa de Leyva in particular. Sadly, it’s a dying art, which we find unfortunate. Thankfully, dedicated souls keep this tradition alive in Villa de Leyva—and they deserve our support!
There you’ll meet incredible peasant women, learn how to shear a sheep by hand, spin wool with a spindle, and use a traditional loom… it’s proof that around such a touristy village as Villa de Leyva, rural life still thrives and resists the modern world, cotton imports, and cheap Chinese goods.
- Reservation required at least one week in advance
- Alieth: WhatsApp +57 311 869 4100
- Price: 80,000 COP per person, about a 4‑hour experience
- Alieth can also help you arrange transport to the finca where the activity takes place.
El Fossil Museum
This small community museum lives up to its reputation. Recently restored, the El Fossil Museum preserves the remains of a 12‑meter‐long marine reptile! Known as Kronosaurus boyacensis, it’s an astonishing paleontological treasure of the region (and the country).
The little museum also displays a collection of about 1,000 fossil specimens found nearby. Admission includes a guided introduction by a local community mediator, which makes the visit even more engaging.
We loved it !
- Price: $25.000 COP
- Hours: daily from 8 AM to 6 PM
- Address: Vereda Monquirá, 5 km from Villa de Leyva toward Santa Sofía
- Access: by bus from Villa de Leyva terminal ($4.000 COP) or by taxi ($20.000 COP)
El Infiernito
It may not be ultra‑dramatic at first glance, but here you’re standing before a civilization that gazed at the skies with millennia of knowledge! This site was a Muisca astronomical observatory—a giant stone calendar they used to track the year and seasons.
Another curiosity: 4.5‑meter‑tall phallic stones symbolizing fertility for the Muiscas! Unfortunately, very little interpretation is provided on site. Best to go with a local guide !
- Price: $15.000 COP
- Hours: Tue–Sat, 9 AM–12 PM and 2 PM–5 PM
- Admission includes a very brief guided tour in Spanish.
Rogitama Nature Reserve
Whether you’re a bird‐lover or not, the Rogitama Nature Reserve in Arcabuco (about a 1‑hour drive from Villa de Leyva) is worth your attention.
This ambitious reforestation project started in the 1980s, and today you can hardly believe this forest was once just pasture land a few decades ago. With luck, you might spot the region’s endemic hummingbird—the aptly named “Little Prince of Arcabuco.” among a lot’s of other species of birds.
- Price: $100.000 COP (4‑hour guided birding and walk)
- Hours: reservation required in advance
- On‑site lodging available (so you can start your birdwatching early)
Ecce Homo Convent
For lovers of churches and religious history, the Ecce Homo Convent is a great option. This Dominican convent, built in 1620, sits about 15 km from the village on the road to Ráquira.
Often called the “National Monument of Silence,” it features a few rooms with displays of religious artifacts.
- Price: free
Casa Terracota
We went a bit reluctantly…but ended up pleasantly surprised by Casa Terracota!
Easily reachable from Villa de Leyva’s center, you’ll discover the work of an eccentric architect obsessed with earthenware. It’s a fun visit, though the admission fee feels a bit steep.
- Price: $33.000 COP (low season) / $40.000 COP (high season)—discounts for children, seniors, students, etc.
Waterfalls
Not all waterfalls around Villa de Leyva are created equal.
- La Periquera Waterfall
If we could recommend just one, it would be La Periquera. A gentle trail on private land leads to a series of three cascades. You’ll walk through lovely forest, and on hot days you can cool off in the third pool. Located 15 km from town on the road to Gachantivá, it’s a perfect easy nature outing. - El Hayal
A massive 150‑meter‑high cave with a side waterfall—most impressive in the rainy season! It’s 25 km from Villa de Leyva on the Santa Sofía–Gachantivá road, so you’ll need a car or arranged transport. You can combine this with a visit to the El Paso del Ángel adventure park, just 7 km away.
Note: If you hear about La Honda Waterfall and the Laguna Colorada, know that they are of very little interest.
- Price La Periquira: $35.000 COP
- Price El Hayal: $25.000 COP
Sports & Adventure Parks
Several adventure parks have opened around Villa de Leyva for thrill‑seekers.
- El Paso del Ángel
Near Santa Sofía, El Paso del Ángel offers activities above a canyon: cycling over the void, hammock swings, rappelling, zip lines, pendulums, and more. You can combine it with the El Hayal waterfall, just 7 km away. - Aventura Park
High‑ropes courses, aerial biking, ziplines, climbing walls, pendulums, Tibetan bridges, and more—just minutes from La Periquera waterfall.
- Price: varies by activity; they offer packages.
Ráquira
We cover this more in our Ráquira post, but if you’re in Villa de Leyva, don’t miss this hub of Boyacá’s traditional crafts. You’ll find countless ceramic workshops—the region’s signature art form.
Read more
- Bus from Villa de Leyva: about 40 minutes
- Price: $14.000 COP
- Be sure to check return schedules so you don’t miss the last bus.
Iguaque Natural Park
A challenging hike of a few hours takes you to a once‑sacred Muisca lagoon just outside Villa de Leyva.
A licensed park guide is mandatory. Book at least five days in advance via email: reservas.iguaque@parquesnacionales.gov.co.
The park will send you a list of authorized guides and next steps
- Departures: between 8 AM and 10 AM from the administrative center.
- Elevation gain: 750 m (from 2800 m to 3650 m at the lagoon).
- Trail: 4.1 km round‑trip, about 6–7 hours of hiking.
- Entry fee for foreigners: $72.000 COP
Contact a local guide
Visit Villa de Leyva
Where to stay in Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva
Hostal
Nibiru Hostal
A well-decorated hostel with great facilities at a great price. The house is modern, clean, the breakfast is top-notch and the owners are very friendly!
Villa de Leyva
Hostal
Hostal Casa Beija Flor
Communal areas that make you want to chill out, clean rooms and bathrooms, a friendly welcome… that’s what you’d expect from a good hostal!
Villa de Leyva
Hotel
Hotel Casa Cantabria
A hotel recommended by our readers, located two blocks from Villa de Leiva’s main square, this beautiful colonial house offers excellent value for money. Special mention for the small roof terrace!
Villa de Leyva
Hotel
Hospederia Villa de los Saenz
This address was recommended to us by Angélica’s uncle, who recently tried it out. The hotel is very close to the main square, which is good, it’s clean, traditionally decorated and reasonably priced.
Villa de Leyva
Hotel
Hotel Arco Iris
This is where we stayed during our stay at Villa de Leiva. A beautiful, romantic hotel high above the village, with large bay windows overlooking the surrounding mountains, terrace and fireplace if required… we loved it. The hotel is off the beaten track, so you’ll need to take a cab to get to the village.
How to get to Villa de Leyva
The nearest major city to Villa de Leiva is Bogotá, but it can also be reached from Bucaramanga. From Medellin, it’s even quicker and easier to first reach Bogotá, then follow the road to Villa de Leiva.
Getting to Villa de Leiva from Bogota
BUS | Bogota <> Villa de Leiva (3h)
- Price: approx. $36.000 COP
- Departures: regular from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m
- Terminal Salitre: Diagonal 23 No. 69-11
- Terminal del norte: Calle 192 No. 19 – 43
Getting to Villa de Leiva from Bucaramanga
BUS | Bucaramanga <> Tunja (7h)
- Fare: $70.000 COP
- Companies: Copetran, Concorde
- Departures: frequent all day
BUS | Tunja <> Villa de Leyva (1h)
- Fare: approx. $7.000 COP
- Departures: frequent all day
- Companies: local busetas
