Marjolein Dilven
Looking for a day tour or a weekend away from Colombia’s bustling cities? Follow the locals’ recommendations and head to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva. You won’t run out of awesome sights to see and fun things to do in Villa de Leyva Colombia.
Villa de Leyva is a small but beautiful town located almost 4 hours north of Bogota. The well-preserved town is home to mesmerizing colonial architecture. The peace and tranquility you will find here make it quite different from the fast-paced bigger cities in Colombia, whether you go on a half-day or 2-day overnight excursion.
The old-world charm of this town transports you to a time in the past as you walk on the cobbled streets gazing at the whitewashed buildings around the town square. There are so many lovely experiences to be etched in your memory, and this article rounds up all the best activities for you in Villa de Leyva.
15 Best Things To Do in Villa de Leyva Colombia
1. Explore the Vibrant Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is the main and iconic square in the town of Villa de Leyva and the largest in South America.
The plaza features a wonderfully exciting ambiance and has various bars and restaurants. You may find the prices on the higher side, but you will enjoy spending time in the square’s buzzing and lively atmosphere.
The town is the busiest on the weekends when locals sit around on the cobbled streets and enjoy drinking beer with friends and peers.
2. Check Out the Saturday Market at the Plaza Mercado
The Plaza Mercado features a traditional marketplace every Saturday. The place is just 3 blocks from the Plaza Mayor, so you should have no trouble finding it. The small market features local farmers’ stalls, mostly selling fresh produce, groceries, and clothes.
Locals like to come here to shop, have lunch, and socialize. If you are interested in shopping for local stuff, do not miss this market.
3. Journey Back in Time in the Town’s Historical Buildings
You will find many historical buildings around the town square. One of these is Our Lady of Rosary, the town’s church, established in 1604. There is also an art museum, the Luis Alberto Acuna House, which was previously a house that belonged to Acuna, a famous Colombian artist.
If you are interested in exploring old architecture, the exploration around the square can be a good idea.
4. Shop at the Casa Quintero
Another famous spot you must visit is Casa Quintero. The shopping center was once a colonial mansion that features some nice restaurants and shops. If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place you should visit.
Similar shopping centers, like the Casa Juan de Castellanos and Casa La Guaca, were once mansions too.
5. Enjoy Wine Tasting at the Ain Karim Vineyard
Wine tasting is a popular tourist attraction in the town. If it is something that interests you, check out the Ain Karim Vineyard, located just outside of the town. The entrance fee to the vineyard is 30,000 Colombian Pesos (6.52 US dollars) per person and includes a few glasses of wine in the bargain.
You also have the option to go on the wineries tour and enjoy a picnic and wine tasting. With its beautiful surroundings, cycling through the vineyards’ picturesque trail is a good idea, provided the weather is pleasant.
6. Go Cycling at Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva has many sightseeing attractions in its surroundings. If the weather is pleasant, you can rent a bike and cycle around to explore. Bikes are easily available for rent, and you can get one for around 7,000 COP ($1.52) per hour.
Check the bike to ensure its brakes, gears, and tires are in good condition. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat and keep a water bottle with you.
7. Hiking to the Mirador El Santo
The Mirador El Santo Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, a viewpoint with a white statue of Jesus Christ as a landmark, overlooks the serene town and the breathtaking countryside surrounding it.
After a 20 to 30-minute uphill hike, you can reach this 820 feet (250 meters) lookout point and marvel at the gorgeous landscape.
8. Explore the Amazing Architecture of the Terracotta House
Villa de Leyva is home to the Terracotta House, the largest pottery piece in the world. The amazing building has a curvy structure and is completely made out of clay and was designed by Octavio Mendoza, a famous architect.
The house is 30 minutes walk away from the town center. The entrance fee to the house is 10,000 COP ($2.17).
9. Venture Into the Deserts of Villa de Leyva
If you are up for some adventure, you can have a very enjoyable trip to the desert landscapes in the surroundings of Villa de Leyva. A ride on a quad bike through the desert can be an exciting day trip.
10. Visit the Museo Paleontologico For Historical Artifacts
If you are a history buff, check out the Museo Paleontologico. The Universidad Nacional manages the Museum of Paleontology. You will find various fossils found in the area, with some dating back to 120 to 130 million years.
In the museum, you will see various prehistoric animals, different plants, and ammonites. It is a 15-minute walk away from the Plaza Mayor.
11. Visit the Laguna de Iguaque Sanctuary
The Laguna de Iguaque Sanctuary is a park spread across 17,107 acres (69.23 sq km). It is only 6.2 miles (10 km) away from Villa de Leyva. The sanctuary termed the “cradle of humanity” by the Muisca is home to hundreds of different species of animals and plants.
The hike through the sanctuary begins at Casa Piedra, and you can catch a bus from Villa de Leyva. You can hike for 1.7 mi (2.7 km) to reach the park entrance. The trip can take around 7 hours, so keep the bus timings in mind.
Be sure to take water along and wear comfortable hiking clothes. You may also need trekking poles if you visit the sanctuary during the rainy season.
12. Visit the Pools of Pozos Azules
The bluish-green waters of Pozos Azules are artificial pools. Over time, they developed color due to minerals and natural salts in the soil. The striking colors of the pool that change shades in the sun are a treat for the eyes.
Pozos Azules is a 40 minute-walk away from Plaza Mayor. You can walk, cycle or ride on horseback to the site.
13. Visit the Infiernito Archaeological Site
The Infiernito Archaeological Site is a spiritual site of the Muisca community. The site features burial mounds, numerous monoliths, and menhirs. The monoliths are believed to be a part of fertility rituals carried out by the indigenous tribe.
The archaeological park was once a solar observatory where the Muisca used to predict the best season for plantations. You can opt for a guided tour of the site.
14. Visit the El Fosil Museum
Another museum we recommend you visit is the El Fosil Museum, located almost 15 minutes from the Plaza Mayor. The museum is largely known for displaying the 23 ft or 7-meter-long Kronosaurus skeleton, which is 120 million years old.
You only need a little time to visit the museum as it is only the size of a room. The museum is a 15-minute drive from Plaza Mayor, and you can go by bus or car.
The bus will take you to Santa Sofia and drop you off 262 feet (80 m) from El Fosil.
15. Visit the Convento Del Santo Ecce Homo
The Convento Del Santo Ecce Homo is a Dominican monastery established in 1620. The monastery has remarkable architecture, featuring wooden ceilings with striking images, floors paved with stones, and a crucifix with Christ with open eyes in the Capitulary Hall.
The convent is around 8 mi (13 km) from Villa de Leyva. You can go by bike or bus, which will take you to Santa Sofia and drop you at the access point. From there, it is a 15 minutes walk to the convent.
Villa de Leyva by Night
While most tourists do not associate Villa de Leyva with parties or exciting nightlife, you will be surprised to see numerous bars and restaurants. Most of these are located around the town square. One of the most prominent bars is La Cava de Don Fernando, where you can enjoy Spanish and English music while sipping a refreshing cocktail.
Another recommended place is O Burro Dorfkneipe, located 5 minutes from the main square. It is a good place to visit if you want to enjoy a drink and groove to rock music, blues, or salsa.
How to Enjoy Your Villa de Leyva Visit
The small town of Villa de Leyva is the perfect depiction of old colonial architecture, and a part of its charm can be attributed to the fact that not much has changed in the past 400 years.
You will enjoy touring through the town’s rural landscape, and if you love natural beauty and like being active, you will find the trip to Villa de Leyva very enjoyable.
If you want to make the most of your trip, the best time to visit is between December and March. These months are usually dry. Besides that, July and August can also be considered good times to visit Villa de Leyva.
Similarly, if you do not want to avoid visiting when the town is crowded, check if any holiday or festival is happening. The place is usually overly crowded, busy, and loud if there’s an event.
You will walk around often, so remember to bring good walking shoes. Also, pack an umbrella or raincoat, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season. Sometimes the evenings can get chilly, so take a jacket.
Most activities are outside Villa de Leyva, so carry a small bag where you can pack all the things essential for a day trip. Keep a water bottle with you to stay well-hydrated as well.
How To Stay Safe In Villa de Leyva Colombia
When visiting Villa de Leyva, Colombia, prioritize your safety with these key tips. Stick to well-lit areas, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables openly to deter potential theft. Additionally, stay informed about local customs and be respectful of the culture to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in this historic town.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions – Things to Do in Villa de Leyva Colombia
Is It Safe To Travel to Villa de Leyva?
The small town of Villa de Leyva is completely safe to travel to. Tourists have no trouble exploring the town even after dark; just watch your belongings like you would in any other place.
What Is Villa de Leyva Best Known For?
Villa de Leyva is one of the few towns that have preserved its colonial architecture. The town features Plaza Mayor, the largest town square in South America.
Is Villa de Leyva Expensive?
You may find Villa de Leyva a little more expensive than other tourist destinations in Colombia. The town is popular among Europeans who like to visit for its old-world charm and beautiful scenery.
You may find cheaper accommodation, but you will have to plan to book room options.
How Long Should I Stay in Villa de Leyva, Colombia?
You should spend at least 2 to 3 days enjoying the town and experiencing the main tourist activities and attractions.
Conclusion – Things to Do in Villa de Leyva Colombia
Travel back in time through its 16th-century architecture, immerse yourself in nature with mountain hikes, or marvel at the ancient marine fossils you can find all over town – there’s something for everyone at Villa de Leyva.
This quaint colonial town may not be on the list of more popular tourist destinations, but you will not regret including it in your Colombian itinerary. Happy exploring!
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.