Villa de Leyva

Explore the historic charm of Villa de Leyva's main plaza, featuring colonial architecture and a central stone fountain.
Juan Segmentado 🇨🇴, Pexels

Villa de Leyva is a historic colonial town in Colombia, renowned for its remarkably preserved 16th-century architecture and expansive cobblestone Plaza Mayor. Beyond its historical charm, the area is rich in prehistoric marine fossils and offers diverse outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

The large Plaza Mayor serves as the central hub for socializing, bordered by numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs where visitors and locals gather. Beyond the main square, the town features craft shops and markets that offer opportunities for interaction.

Top 7 Things to do in Villa de Leyva

Activities in Villa de Leyva span exploring historical sites, uncovering paleontological wonders, experiencing unique natural landscapes, and discovering local artisan crafts.

1. Wander the Plaza Mayor and Colonial Streets

Experience the preserved 16th-century colonial architecture by strolling through the expansive cobblestone Plaza Mayor, one of South America's largest. The surrounding streets invite exploration, revealing charming white-washed buildings, craft shops, and cafes. Taking time to simply walk around offers a direct connection to the town's historical essence. Many historical buildings, including the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, line the square and its adjacent paths.

Cost: Free to wander. Costs apply for shopping or dining.

Transport: The Plaza Mayor is the central point of Villa de Leyva and is easily explored on foot from any accommodation within the town.

2. Visit Casa Terracota

Discover Casa Terracota, often referred to as the 'largest piece of pottery in the world'. This unique house is entirely constructed from clay, strengthened by internal fires during its creation. Exploring its various rooms, artistic details, and unconventional forms provides a fascinating insight into innovative architecture and design that blends with the natural elements.

Cost: Entrance fees range from approximately 23,000 to 50,000 COP per person, varying by season, day of the week, and visitor age. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

Transport: Casa Terracota is located about 1.9 to 2.5 kilometers from the town center. One can reach it by a walk of approximately 22-30 minutes, or a 10-minute taxi ride from the Plaza Mayor.

3. Explore Fossil Museums (El Fósil and Paleontological Research Center)

Delve into Villa de Leyva's rich prehistoric past by visiting its fossil museums. Museo El Fósil houses a remarkably well-preserved 110-million-year-old Kronosaurus skeleton, which was found in the area. The Paleontological Research Center offers a comprehensive collection of Mesozoic and Cretaceous fossils, including Ichthyosaurus and Plesiosaurus. These museums provide an educational journey into a time when the region was covered by ocean.

Cost: Entrance fees for Museo El Fósil are approximately 10,000 COP for adults and 5,000 COP for children.

Transport: These museums are located a few kilometers outside the town. A taxi ride from Villa de Leyva to El Fósil takes about 5 minutes and costs approximately 8,000-12,000 COP (around $2-3 USD). A longer walk of about 43 minutes is also an option. Buses to Santa Sofía also pass by the museums and cost around 5,000 COP.

4. Hike to Mirador El Santo

Undertake a hike to Mirador El Santo for panoramic views of Villa de Leyva and the surrounding Andean mountains. This easy hike leads to a viewpoint featuring an emblematic statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The journey offers a chance to appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the town's colonial charm to the broader natural beauty of the region.

Cost: Free.

Transport: The trailhead is accessible from the end of Calle 12 within Villa de Leyva, making it walkable from the town center. The round trip takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

5. Visit Pozos Azules (Blue Wells)

Experience the unique geological formations of Pozos Azules, a series of artificial lagoons with distinct blue-green and reddish-orange hues. The colors are a result of minerals like selenium and sulfur in the water, which change with the clarity of the sky. This desert landscape offers a tranquil setting for a walk or horseback ride, connecting visitors with a different facet of the region's natural environment. It is recommended to visit on a clear day to fully appreciate the colors.

Cost: Entrance fees typically range from 5,000 to 12,000 COP per person.

Transport: Pozos Azules is located about 2.5 kilometers from Villa de Leyva. One can walk (approximately 30-45 minutes), take a bicycle, or a short taxi ride (around 7 minutes). Public buses going towards Santa Sofía can drop you at the entrance for approximately 4,000 COP. Horseback riding tours are also available.

6. Day Trip to Ráquira

Take a short trip to Ráquira, a vibrant village renowned as Colombia's handicraft capital. The town is famous for its colorful handmade pottery and ceramics, offering an opportunity to observe local artisans at work and purchase authentic souvenirs. Exploring Ráquira provides a deeper insight into regional culture and traditional crafts.

Cost: Costs primarily involve transport and any purchases. Craft prices vary.

Transport: Ráquira is approximately 23 kilometers (30-40 minutes) from Villa de Leyva. Direct buses are available from Villa de Leyva for around 8,000 COP. A taxi ride costs approximately 32,000-40,000 COP (around $8-10 USD).

7. Discover Gondava, The Great Dinosaur Valley

For those interested in prehistoric life, Gondava offers an engaging experience with scale models of various dinosaurs, including a 14-meter-high Brachiosaurus, a Tyrannosaurus rex, and a Velociraptor. The park combines education with nature trails, set within a landscape that enhances the feeling of stepping back in time. It is particularly appealing for families and enthusiasts of ancient creatures.

Cost: Entrance fees are generally under 20,000 COP, with adult tickets starting from 18,000 COP and children's tickets from 16,000 COP. Prices may vary by day.

Transport: Gondava is located about 7 kilometers from Villa de Leyva in the town of Sachica. Transportation typically involves a short car or taxi ride.

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