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Visit Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Villa de Leyva a few hours from the fine capital of Bogota is a must for all visitors going to this dramatic country and is sure to leave an impression on you. The whole town was declared a national monument in 1954 and has remained perfectly preserved.
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Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Villa de Leyva a few hours from the fine capital of Bogota is a must for all visitors going to this dramatic country and is sure to leave an impression on you.
The whole town was declared a national monument in 1954 and has remained perfectly preserved with no modern architecture and beautifully whitewashed buildings, as well as lovely plazas to sit in and enjoy the sunshine or you could go horse-riding to the close by indigenous Muisa ruins or visit the waterfalls.
The town was founded in 1572 by Hernán Suáurez de Villalobos and is just 177 kms from Bogotá but could not be further removed from the modern streets of the capital.
Highlights
The main square is unforgettable, and at 120m by 120m, it is reputedly the largest of its kind in the country. The cobbled expanse is interrupted by only one small fountain in the middle which was the water source for the village some four centuries ago.
The little settlement boasts four churches all dating back to the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, the Iglesia Parroquial on the main square houses a most marvellous baroque ecclesiastical retable, additionally, it is located in a high altitude valley at 2,144 m altitude where fossils from the Mesozoic and the Cretaceous abound.
Accommodation
Villa de Leyva is a unique place in a stunning setting and Audley has found some great places to stay for your time there where you can enjoy the amazing Colombian hospitality.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Villa de Leyva by calling one of our Colombia specialists on 01993 838 683
Suggested Villa de Leyva itinerary
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Villa de Leyva, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Classic Colombia tour
A comprehensive tour of Colombia taking in the historical centre of the capital Bogota. Moving north you can experience the perfect colonial town of Villa de Leyva which seems a million miles away from the capital before heading out to the vast coffee growing regions and staying in a traditional finca. In the northwest of the country is the impressive fortified city of Cartagena and the tropical Rosario Islands.
Map of Villa de Leyva
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Villa de Leyva
- Bogota 81 miles away
- Los Llanos 81 miles away
- Medellín 147 miles away
- Zona Cafetera 156 miles away
- The Pacific Coast 270 miles away
Photos of Villa de Leyva
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![Local in Villa De Leyva, Colombia]()
Local in Villa De Leyva, Colombia -
![Villa de Leyva, Colombia]()
Villa de Leyva, Colombia -
![Countryside around Villa de Leyva]()
Countryside around Villa de Leyva -
![Villa de Leyva, Colombia]()
Villa de Leyva, Colombia -
![Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva]()
Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva -
![Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva]()
Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva -
![Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva]()
Villa de Leyva, Villa de Leyva -
![Views around Villa de Leyva, Colombia]()
Views around Villa de Leyva, Colombia
Accommodation choices for Villa de Leyva
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Villa de Leyva. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Casa Terra
A boutique hotel in the nucleus of Villa de Leyva (only a couple of minutes’ walk from the Plaza Mayor), this Spanish colonial property feels like a country estate. Its garden courtyard is a particular highlight.
Hotel Getsemani
Four blocks from the main Plaza on one of the busier streets in Villa de Leyva, this hotel and Spa has combined the colonial architecture of the old town with a Mediterranean décor.
Ideas for experiencing Villa de Leyva
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Villa de Leyva, and which use the best local guides.
Tour on Horse Back
After walking to the centre of town you are escorted to the horses to have an afternoon out to see the archaeological ruins at the Muisca observatory (Muiscas were an indigenous Indian tribe that the Spanish wiped-out). It was partially destroyed by the Spanish but enough remains intact for your visit.
El Infiernito and El Fosil Museum
You will be met by your guide and drive out to see the archaeological ruins at the Muisca observatory (Muiscas were an indigenous Indian tribe that the Spanish wiped-out).