Villa de Leyva, nestled in the Andes of Boyacá, is a marvelously preserved colonial town, evoking memories of Peru’s Cusco. While the historical center draws most of the attention in Villa de Leyva, you’ll be amazed by the diverse surroundings. From arid deserts to lush green mountains, the contrast here is truly remarkable. Moreover, the countryside around Villa de Leyva is marked by its prehistoric and indigenous past, and is considered a mystical place by many Colombians, conjuring a sense of transcendence and spiritual connection.
Photo by Travelhapp, Plaza Mayor Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva and its surroundings present endless opportunities for exploration. Here is a curated list of 12 things to do in and around this enchanting town, which includes both well-known attractions and local secrets.
Wander through the narrow colonial streets, explore the charming patios, visit a museum, and enjoy delicious pastries. Take a moment to unwind and inhale the sense of freedom at the gigantic cobblestone-paved Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in all of South America.
Photo by Travelhapp, street in Villa de Leyva
This beautiful colonial-style monastery with its fragrant garden is the perfect place for serene and tranquil moments.
Photo by janethgc, Ecce Homo Monastery, Villa de Leyva, Canva Pro license
Just a little outside of Villa de Leyva, you’ll encounter the Monquirá archeological park, also called “El Infiernito” (Little Hell). Amidst fascinating semi-desert vegetation you can admire the remains of an ancient astronomical observatory built by the indigenous Muisca people long before the Spanish arrived.
Villa de Leyva is one of the very few wine producing regions in Colombia and supposedly the best. There are several vineyards around the city where you can taste local wine while admiring the natural beauty that surrounds you. Try, for example, Viñedo Abarán (Google Maps), Viñedo Ain Karim (Google Maps), or Viñedo Umaña Dajud (Google Maps).
Photo by Egon69, wine tasting (mod.)
Moving from Villa de Leyva towards Santa Sofía, you will encounter lush green hills, perfect for scenic hikes, bike tours and horseback riding. There is a special magic and energy in this land, which you may feel even if you are normally not a particularly spiritual person.
Photo by Travelhapp, Valle del Viento (Valley of the Wind)
Many million years ago the area around Villa de Leyva was covered by a shallow sea. It’s still easy to find marine fossils when you hike in the countryside. (Please don’t take the fossils as souvenirs, though. See our guidelines on sustainable and responsible travel in Colombia.)
There is also a Paleontological Research Center and a museum (El Fósil) where you can learn about the region’s prehistoric past. The museum showcases a complete Kronosaurus dinosaur skeleton. This marine reptile lived in the area more than 120 million years ago.
Photo by Travelhapp, Fossils near Villa de Leyva
A mere 3 km from Villa de Leyva, you’ll find breathtaking turquoise-colored pools in the middle of the desert, the Pozos Azules. The striking contrast between the turquoise water and the surrounding red landscape is truly mesmerizing.
Photo by Chandra Dhas, Pozos Azules
Villa de Leyva is a cultural city with a lot of interesting music, theater and art related events throughout the year. The town is home to several interesting art galleries and hosts Jazz, Poetry and Film festivals.
Casa Terracota is a peculiar house made entirely from red clay. The organic construction was designed by Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza. Not only the outside of the building but also a part of its furnishings are crafted from clay. Kitsch or art?
Photo by Juan Felipe Ramírez, Casa de Terracota, Villa de Leyva
The Iguaque Lagoon was a sacred place for the indigenous Muisca people, a spiritual site whose special aura lingers to this day. Embarking on the trek to Iguaque Natural Park will reward you with breathtaking páramo views and leave you in awe.
Photo by Juan Posada Silva, CC BY-SA 4.0, Iguaque Lagoon (mod.)
The Ecological Park La Periquera can be reached in 30 minutes from Villa de Leyva. Hike through lush vegetation and unique rock formations to reach the seven La Periquera waterfalls, a perfect place to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of our planet. To get to La Periquera from Villa de Leyva take the bus towards Gachancipa and tell the driver to let you off near the entrance to the waterfalls (Cascadas La Periquera). Alternatively you may agree on a fix day trip price with a taxi driver.
Photo by Ostill, La Periquera Waterfalls, Canva Pro license
Villa de Leyva is undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in the department of Boyacá, but the region is actually full of hidden treasures – from colonial towns forgotten in time to unique natural landscapes. Discover the charms of Boyacá and get some additional travel inspiration for sights to visit off-the-beaten-path.
For a solo traveler, it’s easy to get to Villa de Leyva by bus due to frequent and good public transport connections. The town and its surroundings emit a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, but, as always when traveling, you should apply some precautions. Please have a look at our Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Colombia and Solo Travel Guide.
When it comes to hikes and treks, in Colombia it’s mostly better to go in a group. Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group. to look for nearby solo travelers to team up with.
The best time to visit Villa de Leyva, depends on your personal preferences. Since Villa de Leyva is a popular travel destination, we would recommend to avoid holidays and weekends as much as possible. It can get really crowded during Christmas and Easter season and over bank holidays.
With an altitude of approximately 2150 m (7053 feet), Villa de Leyva features daytime temperatures around 19°C (66°F) and nighttime temperatures around 9°C (48°F). The month with most rain tends to be April.
Villa de Leyva is strategically located between Bogotá and Bucaramanga, with lots of things to see on the way in either direction.
Bogotá: Colombia’s fascinating capital can be reached in 4 hours by bus from Villa de Leyva going south-west. Have a look at the things you can do in and near Bogotá.
Guadalupe: Up north, Guadalupe in the neighboring Santander department is a fascinating outdoor paradise with a mesmerizing multi-colored river filled with natural jacuzzis called “Gachas de Guadalupe”. It’s an ideal stop on your way to Bucaramanga.
Bucaramanga:The “city of parks” enchants not only with its beautiful neighborhoods and neighbor-towns but also with its absolutely stunning natural setting and immense offer of outdoor and adventure activities. Here are some suggestions on things to do in and near Bucaramanga.
Last Update: November 19, 2024
Read more:
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Colombia Travel Tips: General Information and Travel Advice for Solo Travelers
Colombia Slow Travel Itineraries: Discover Colombia by bus and overland
Best Places to Visit in Colombia: Ideal Bases for Solo Travelers